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  1. World Nomads
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  5. Stolen Passports

Travel Insurance for Lost or Stolen Passports

Learn what to do if your passport is stolen while travelling, and how our travel insurance coverage could help.

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Four simple steps to take if your passport is stolen

If your passport is stolen while you’re on your trip, follow this guide on what to do next:

  1. Report the incident to local authorities

File a police report as soon as possible and obtain a written document confirming the theft. This will be required for both the embassy and travel insurance claims. Relevant authorities may include:

  • The local police.
  • The nearest New Zealand embassy, High Commission or consulate (the New Zealand Government may also accept online notifications).
  • For visas and passports from other countries – contact the relevant embassy.
  • Any other relevant parties, such as the airline, hotel or tour operator.

Important: For some countries, it may be an offence not to report the loss or theft or your passport as soon as you learn of the loss. It may also affect your travel insurance cover if you don't report it immediately. Contact us if you need help.

  1. Obtain a replacement passport

Reach out to the nearest New Zealand embassy or diplomatic mission to begin the process of obtaining an emergency passport or a replacement. To organise a replacement, you may need:

  • A passport photo,
  • ID (driver's license or expired passport),
  • Evidence of citizenship (photo of your missing passport),
  • Your e-tickets or itinerary,
  • You may also need a police report.

If you need to travel to a different location to apply in person or collect your emergency passport, you should arrange to do this.

  1. Rearrange or cancel any travel plans and keep documents handy

Contact any accommodation, tour, transport and other providers to rearrange or cancel any plans you may have. Make sure you get confirmation from them in writing of the changes or cancellation and keep receipts and details of any refunds or extra fees paid. Always keep a record of the police report, embassy correspondence, and any receipts for related expenses.

  1. Notify your travel insurance provider

 If you have a policy with us, tell us. Contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team to guide you through the process.

Travel insurance coverage for stolen passports

Having travel insurance can help mitigate the financial and logistical challenges of replacing a stolen passport. Key areas of coverage include:

  • Emergency passport expenses: Some policies may cover the cost of obtaining an emergency passport.
  • Additional travel expenses: If the theft results in delays or itinerary changes, certain policies may help cover costs.
  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance: We can assist in locating the nearest embassy, translating documents, and guiding you through the claim process.

Note: an NZD $100 excess is payable per event.

What do I need to make a claim? 

  • Reports from local police, common carriers, service providers and any other relevant parties.
  • Receipts for passport processing fees. 
  • Copies of all documentation provided by the New Zealand Government. 
  • Receipts for pre-paid, non-refundable accommodations and any additional expenses incurred, should it apply to your case. 

By taking proactive steps and understanding your insurance coverage, you can handle passport theft more efficiently and reduce its impact on your travels.

To find out more about how to make a claim click here.

Important exclusions and limitations

Understanding the limitations of travel insurance can help prevent claim issues. Common exclusions include:

  • Negligence – Claims may be denied if the passport was left unattended or not properly safeguarded.
  • Lack of documentation – A valid police report is typically required for a successful claim.
  • Confiscation by authorities – If a government official takes your passport, insurance usually does not cover this.
  • Full replacement cost – Most policies only cover emergency passport fees, not the full cost of a new passport.

Preventative measures to protect your passport

  • Before travelling – Make photocopies and store digital backups in a secure, accessible location.
  • During travel – Keep your passport in a safe or secure bag and avoid carrying it unnecessarily in crowded places. Travel with some spare passport-sized photos just in case. Emergency passports do not permanently replace your passport. They can be issued quickly with limited validity so you can return home or continue with your trip.

Need to know more?

When you get a travel insurance quote, you’ll be able to compare the coverage of each plan so you may determine the best travel insurance plan for your needs. If you’re unclear about anything at all, get in touch with us.  

Passport stolen during dinner with friends.

My handbag was stolen when I was having dinner with friends. In my bag was my passport, and as I had to apply for an emergency passport, and then another visa, in order to leave China. I had to cancel the flight I had booked.
Nomad in China
Claim Paid: $1112.22

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Have you died?
  • Has one of your relos died?
  • Has a bushfire damaged your home?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Overseas

Take the pain out of medical costs.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need medicine?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transport

We'll get you to hospital in a flash

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up overseas?
  • Medivac needed home?
  • You died overseas?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Standard Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
  • Damaged docs?
  • Passport pilfered?
  • Tech trashed?

Help starts here.

  • Overseas Medical Expenses
  • Emergency dental treatment
  • 24 hour assistance
  • Emergency medical transport & repatriation
  • Cancellation costs
  • Trip interruption costs
  • Compassionate emergency visit home
  • Resumption of trip
  • Theft or accidental damage to baggage and personal items
  • Baggage delay over 12 hours
  • Funeral expenses overseas or repatriation of remains
  • Personal liability
This is a general summary for New Zealand residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the policy documents for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

From New Zealand & Overseas:
+61 2 8263 0470 or
+61 2 8292 1470
(reverse charges via an operator from anywhere in the world)

Within Australia (Free call): 1800 611 210

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team. 

  • Will my travel insurance cover the cost of replacing my New Zealand passport?
    Our policies may cover you for the official processing fees to replace your passport if it got lost stolen or was accidentally damaged. If your trip is interrupted as a result of your passport being stolen, if it got lost, or was accidentally damaged, we may cover you for reasonable and necessary additional travel and accommodation expenses incurred to replace these items. You can find more information in the Policy Document.
This is a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the plans described. Please carefully read your Policy Document for a full description of coverage. If you have any questions, please get in touch.