Travel Insurance and Safety Tips for Visitors to New Zealand
New Zealand is consistently voted the best country in the world to visit on holiday by The Telegraph. It is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.
The country is renowned for its spectacular natural beauty, diverse outdoor adventures, and numerous wine and food destinations. No wonder so many people love it.
If you’re among the millions who would love to travel to New Zealand, this is what you need to know about health, safety, and insurance coverage during your trip.
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Accessing Health and Emergency Care in New Zealand
New Zealand has around 40 public hospitals spread across the country, as well as hundreds of doctors’ offices and medical clinics. For all urgent care, visitors can go to any hospital emergency department.
For non-urgent care, they can make an appointment at a doctor’s office or visit a walk-in clinic. Hotel staff, tourism board staff, and pharmacists can all provide visitors with guidance on where to go.
Pharmacies are plentiful in New Zealand’s urban and rural areas. However, 24-hour pharmacies are rare except for major urban centers.
While most prescriptions are widely available, those traveling through New Zealand for an extended period should make arrangements to bring ample medication with them, in case the same brands aren’t available.
New Zealand has a comprehensive emergency ambulance care program. Emergency medical services are operated by St John’s Ambulance and Wellington Free Ambulance. Furthermore, both organizations operate air ambulance services to support rural areas.
New Zealand’s Emergency Numbers
- 111 is the emergency number for fire, ambulance, and police services in New Zealand.
- 105 is the non-emergency number for contacting the police.
- Minor traffic incidents can be reported by calling *555 from your mobile phone.
- For non-urgent healthcare advice, visitors to New Zealand can call Healthline at 0800 611 116.
Vaccines Required for Travel to New Zealand
As with all destinations, it is essential to be up to date on all routine vaccinations before visiting New Zealand. These vaccines include the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, the polio vaccine, and a yearly flu shot.
The MMR vaccine is essential due to a measles outbreak in nearby Samoa.
Travel Insurance for Visitors to New Zealand
Everyone in New Zealand, including visitors and tourists, is entitled to free medical care for injuries resulting from accidents. This is known as the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) program. Whether you get hurt skiing, hiking, or in an automobile accident, you are covered even if you caused the accident.
When you visit the doctor or hospital, you’ll be asked to fill out a form so the ACC program will pay for your treatment. However, there may still be some incidental costs for you. Visitors also have to pay the full cost of healthcare for illnesses. As such, carrying travel medical insurance is highly recommended.
If you require specialist care in rural New Zealand, it may be delivered via telehealth. Since 2018, the Northern Region district health boards have developed a telehealth system designed to better serve people living in more remote areas.
Best Trip Cancellation Insurance for US Citizens
iTravelInsured Trip Cancellation Insurance
- Three tiers of trip protection for U.S. citizens and residents traveling overseas
- Includes $500,000 Emergency Medical and $1,000,000 Medical Evacuation coverage
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade available
Pathway Premier
- Comprehensive Travel Protection and Travel Medical Insurance
- Available to U.S. residents traveling for up to 90 days within the U.S. and internationally
- Optional CFAR, IFAR, Rental Car Damage, and Adventure Sports coverage
Travel Medical Insurance for Visitors to New Zealand
Although accidents may be covered during your visit to New Zealand, there are times when you may want to buy comprehensive travel medical insurance. For example, if you end up needing surgery or have other non-accidental illnesses,
Best Travel Medical Plan for International Visitors to New Zealand
Patriot Platinum Travel Insurance
- Maximum limits up to $8,000,000
- IMG pays 100% of medical expenses in-network
- Evacuation due to Natural Disasters & Political Unrest
Best Travel Medical Plan for US Citizens Traveling to New Zealand
Single Trip Platinum Travel Insurance
- For U.S. citizens and residents up to age 95
- Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
- 24/7/365 service and assistance
Travel and Safety Advice for Visitors in New Zealand
New Zealand is famous for its friendly residents. Locals will be happy to help with advice or directions. It’s also an exceedingly safe travel destination. That said, it’s still important to take common-sense precautions.
In particular, never leave any valuables in your car, even in rural areas. Break-ins are a frequent occurrence. They have been reported even in remote areas, like the parking lots beside trailheads.
Speaking of hiking: as with hiking and trekking anywhere, let someone know where you are going and when you intend to return. New Zealand is revered as a superb hiking destination, but it also has some dangerous trails among its easy ones. As well, hypothermia is a serious risk, especially in high-altitude areas.
In terms of the natural world, compared to neighboring Australia, New Zealand has relatively few deadly animals. It does have sharks, though attacks are rare. Far more dangerous are the currents and riptides; visitors should heed lifeguards’ warnings and instructions.
Food and Water Safety
Food and water standards in New Zealand are similar to those in the United States. Most travelers do not need to take exceptional food or water precautions. However, travelers trekking and hiking should take precautions when drinking water.
Water from streams and lakes should be consumed only after purification.
Eco Adventures and Extreme Sports in New Zealand
Believe it or not, intense hiking and swimming in possible shark-infested waters are some of the more tame activities you can do in New Zealand.
This is the world’s extreme sports capital, a place where bungee jumping, zip-lining, and hang gliding are considered routine, even a tad boring. Any heart-pounding activity you can think of, New Zealand has it.
Before you indulge your inner daredevil, make sure you have adequate insurance to cover extreme sporting activities. Select an established activity provider with a proven safety record and a proven track record of working with beginners. And have fun! If there was ever a place to test your limits, this is it.
Find the Best International Travel Insurance
- Compare top-rated travel insurance providers
- Get quotes for Travel Medical, Trip Cancellation, and more
- Choose the best plan for your trip and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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