One In Three Kiwis Travel Without Insurance – New Guide Compares 500+ Quotes Across 10+ Insurers To Help Travellers

One in three New Zealanders fly overseas without travel insurance, yet a single medical emergency abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars – and the difference between the cheapest and most comprehensive policy is often less than $20, according to an updated guide published by personal finance research website MoneyHub.

The guide, based on over 500 sample quotes from more than 10 insurers, compares policies across 20 international destinations for individuals, couples, families and older travellers, and explains what every policy term means in plain language.

Key findings from the guide include:

• Price doesn't mean better cover: The cheapest policies often have the lowest luggage limits, capped medical cover and restrictive cancellation terms – small savings upfront can mean thousands of dollars in shortfall at claim time
• Luggage cover varies enormously: The best policies offer $25,000 in luggage protection; many offer just $10,000 – a gap that matters when cameras, laptops and other electronics are involved
• Medical cover ranges from capped to unlimited: Some policies cap medical expenses at $10–20 million, while others offer unlimited cover – a critical difference for destinations like the USA where a broken leg can cost $100,000+
• Credit card travel insurance has significant limitations: Activation requirements, trip duration caps, pre-existing condition exclusions and limited coverage for travel companions mean free credit card policies often leave gaps
• Age matters more than most travellers realise: Premiums increase significantly for travellers aged 65+, and some insurers refuse cover entirely – comparing widely is essential
• Only four underwriters back every New Zealand travel insurance brand: Regardless of the brand name, one of four companies is responsible for assessing and paying your claim

"Travel insurance isn't about picking the lowest price – it's about understanding what you're actually covered for," said Christopher Walsh, Founder of MoneyHub. "A $30 bargain policy might leave you $15,000 short on stolen luggage or unable to cancel a $20,000 trip. The few extra dollars for proper coverage could save you thousands."

The full guide, including destination-specific comparisons, policy term explanations and a five-step claims process, is available at:

Compare Travel Insurance NZ – 2026 Guide

Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance Compared

Cruise Travel Insurance – The Definitive Guide

Travel Insurance for Unexpected Events

About MoneyHub

MoneyHub is New Zealand's leading independent financial guidance website, offering free research, tools, and guides to help New Zealanders make better money decisions.

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