While the last thing we want you to do is worry about COVID-19 when going on a trip abroad, it is important that you’re aware of the ever-changing travel restrictions and guidelines for your intended destination, especially around quarantine and vaccine mandates and costs.
As part of our Coronavirus Travel Costs cover (Explorer Plan only), your covered if you or a member of your travelling party are confined to compulsory quarantine because of your or their diagnosis of or confirmed close contact with a case of Coronavirus. We will pay for your reasonable additional travel, meals, and accommodation, including in-room entertainment.
You must also provide written confirmation from the attending medical practitioner or local health authority that your quarantine is necessary due to you or your travelling party’s diagnosis or confirmed close contact.
Regarding COVID-19 vaccinations while overseas, we don’t cover any costs related to COVID-19 vaccinations as travel insurance only provides medical cover for emergency medical events that occur overseas and that are sudden and unforeseen. As the COVID pandemic and mandatory vaccinations are a well-known event this would not be a reason for coverage.
If you test positive to COVID-19 or are a close contact, be prepared to stay longer than required at some destinations as you will need to have a negative test before being allowed to leave quarantine.
If you're experiencing a medical emergency and need medical help, contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team who can guide you to the nearest hospital, answer any questions, arrange medical transport, set up direct payments to the medical facility, give support to your family, and help you navigate local customs.
To find out about our cover for Coronavirus-related events and what the terms, conditions, limitations & exclusions may apply to your specific plan, read our Coronavirus cover article.
Traveller tip: Do your research on each country you intend to visit as you may be required to undertake a period of quarantine at designated facilities and be required to stay in your location for much longer than you had planned. You may also need to pay for any COVID-related tests such as a negative PCR test, and in some cases, mandatory travel and/or health insurance to enter certain destinations.
While we try and offer cover for as many events as possible, there are some things that we simply don’t cover, these include, but are not limited to:
For additional answers to questions about travel and COVID-19 check out the following articles:
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Read your policy carefully and make sure you know what’s covered and what’s not before you buy. Terms, conditions, limitations & exclusions apply. If you’re not sure if something is covered or how to claim, contact us.
We’re here to help if you have a question about travel insurance. We’re available:
Within New Zealand:
0800 666 237
From anywhere in the world:
+61 2 8256 1542
Within Australia:
1300 787 375
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.