More than 140,000 New Zealand residents will have travelled overseas in 2023.¹ And while travel is an exhilarating experience, it can come with risks.
Cover-More international travel insurance is a popular option for travellers around the globe.² Learn more about how it works and whether it can be a good choice for your next trip.
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Cover-More offers international travel insurance to help protect you and your trip if things go wrong. Travel insurance needs to be purchased before a trip, and the policy can be used for any of the following:
In almost all cases, you must pay for the costs upfront, and Cover-More will reimburse you once you submit a claim.
Cover-More considers Australia as international travel, so insurance is offered even for trips to our neighbour.³
Cover-More offers a variety of travel insurance packages to choose from:
The Cover-More website lets you compare different plans to find one that provides the coverage you need and fits your budget. ⁴
Your travel insurance policy is administered by Cover-More and is underwritten by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ZAIL), trading as Zurich New Zealand.⁵
The main advantages of travel insurance with Cover-More include:
Cover-More also has unique options for coverage so you can get a relevant plan for your type of trip.
One of the downsides of travel insurance, however, is that you don’t get your money back if you don’t use your policy.
If you are taking multiple trips, you can consider Cover-More’s multiple-trip policy for coverage for more than one trip. ⁶
Cover-More offers plans depending on your needs and budget. Some plans are available only through the Cover-More website, while others you can purchase over the phone. ⁷
| Type of plan | Suitability | Coverage | How to purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive plan. | International travel and single or multi-trip policies. | The most comprehensive travel insurance plan. | Online. |
| Essentials plan. | International plan that is popular with students and those on a budget. | Essential coverage but without extra coverage like snow sports or for COVID-19. | Online. |
| YourCover plan | International policy with wide-ranging coverage. | Comprehensive coverage with optional add-ons for adventure sports and motorcycle riding. | By phone. |
| Essentials plan (over the phone) | Popular with students and backpackers. | Essential coverage with an option for snow sports and cruise coverage. | By phone. |
| Business plan. | For individual business travellers up to 74 years old who travel frequently. | Coverage for an unlimited amount of trips and includes six weeks for holidays. | By phone. |
As seen on 31 October 2023
To purchase a Cover-More travel insurance policy, you will have to pay a policy fee. This is the cost of a policy, and it will vary based on whether you want more comprehensive coverage or just essentials.
The policy fee will also depend on where you are going, how many people need coverage, and the age of each person. You can get a quote on the Cover-More website.
Keep in mind the ‘excess’ fee. This is an amount that you have to pay out-of-pocket before your policy kicks in. Generally, the higher the excess fee, the lower the cost of your insurance.⁸
Here are a few items that are not covered by Cover-More international travel insurance:
Anything not explicitly listed in your plan coverage will not be covered. For example, if you have a skiing accident but haven’t opted for ski coverage, you will not be provided coverage. Make sure you read your policy documents carefully. ⁹
To be eligible for Cover-More international travel insurance, you must be a New Zealand resident or living in the country with access to the publicly funded healthcare system. Children are allowed coverage.
COVID-19-specific and existing medical conditions coverage will depend on the destination and the policy you choose.¹⁰
Depending on your chosen policy, you can apply online or call (0800) 500 225. Specific policies are only available by speaking to a Cover-More agent or through the website.
Once you’ve made the payment, Cover-More will send you the policy documents.¹¹
There are two ways to make a claim:
Cover-More offers a step-by-step guide on how to make a claim to help with the process. You can expect a response in 10 working days.¹²
Remember to keep all your records and receipts from the incident to provide to Cover-More as proof.
Cover-More offers limited COVID-19 coverage through its comprehensive and premium international travel insurance plans. Essential plans do not have COVID-19 coverage.
Coverage includes:
It does not include costs related to travel bans, government-directed border closures, mandated COVID-19 tests or expenses from being in close contact with someone who has it. You can not get coverage from Cover-More if you travel to a country where the New Zealand government has given a “do not travel” warning.¹³
Follow Safe Travel guidelines and register on the website when travelling abroad. Cover-More can generally provide and restrict coverage depending on the government’s Safe Travel list.¹⁴
It is easy to contact Cover-More for help. Here are the ways to do so:¹⁵
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| Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information. |
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Sources:
Sources checked on: 31 October 2023
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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