Best Travel Insurance NZ 2026 — Provider Comparison for Kiwi Travellers

New Zealand has a strong travel insurance market with several well-established providers. The best policy for you depends on your destination, health status, trip duration, and budget. Here’s how the main NZ travel insurers compare in 2026.

Main NZ Travel Insurance Providers

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Overview: One of NZ’s most trusted travel insurers — the travel insurance arm of Southern Cross, the well-known health insurer. Strong NZ brand recognition and customer service reputation.

Medical cover: Up to unlimited medical evacuation, with high medical treatment limits.

Cancellation cover: Broad — covers illness, injury, death of close relative, natural disaster.

Pre-existing conditions: Can apply for cover of pre-existing conditions through an assessment process — not all conditions are excluded by default.

Excess: Variable — policies with nil excess available at higher premium.

Claims reputation: Excellent. Southern Cross is consistently rated highly for claims handling.

Best for: Travellers who prioritise service and claims reliability, those with health conditions to declare, senior travellers.

Cover-More

Overview: Cover-More is one of Australasia’s largest travel insurers, with significant scale. It operates in NZ through direct sales and through travel agent partners.

Medical cover: Strong — high limits on medical and evacuation.

Cancellation cover: Comprehensive on standard products; tiered across different policy levels.

Pre-existing conditions: Online declaration process; conditions can be accepted, excluded, or subject to higher excess.

Excess: Standard excess applies; nil excess options available.

Claims: Generally positive; large operation means good infrastructure for emergency assistance.

Best for: Travellers who want a large, internationally backed provider with comprehensive cover across all regions.

1Cover

Overview: Online-focused Australian provider with competitive pricing for standard-risk, healthy travellers.

Medical cover: Strong limits — competitive with Southern Cross and Cover-More.

Price: 1Cover is often among the more competitive on price for straightforward (no pre-existing conditions, standard destinations) policies.

Pre-existing conditions: Online process; less flexible than Southern Cross for complex conditions.

Claims: Adequate for standard claims; more complex situations may require more engagement.

Best for: Younger, healthy travellers looking for competitive pricing on a comprehensive policy.

Trade Me Insurance

Overview: Trade Me Insurance offers travel insurance as part of their broader personal lines offering. Competitive entry-level pricing.

Best for: Budget travellers or those doing short trips to lower-risk destinations (Australia, Pacific Islands). Less suited to complex needs or high-value trips.

How to Compare Travel Insurance

When comparing NZ travel insurance providers, focus on:

1. Medical limit — is it high enough for your destination? USA requires very high limits.
2. Evacuation cover — unlimited evacuation is the gold standard
3. Cancellation limit — does it cover your full non-refundable trip cost?
4. Pre-existing condition assessment — can your conditions be covered?
5. Excess — per claim or per section?
6. Activities cover — are the sports and activities you’ll do covered?
7. Premium — once you’ve confirmed cover is adequate, compare price

Price Comparison — Indicative Premiums

For a healthy 35-year-old, 2-week trip to Europe, comprehensive policy, NZD:

Premiums increase significantly with age, pre-existing conditions, and higher-risk destinations.

Related guides:

• Travel Insurance NZ — Complete Guide
• Travel Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions NZ
• Travel Insurance for Seniors NZ
• Credit Card Travel Insurance NZ — Is It Enough?