Cover-More travel insurance. What’s on offer and how does it work?

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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What is travel insurance with Cover-More?

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:

• Coverage for medical assistance overseas, including finding an English-speaking doctor or medical evacuation.
• COVID-19 coverage.
• 24/7 emergency assistance.
• Lost or damaged luggage
• Travel delays or cancellations.
• Loss of travel documents.
• Certain activities with risks, like bungee jumping or jet skiing.

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 travel insurance package(s)

Cover-More offers a variety of travel insurance packages to choose from:

• International
• Cruise
• Annual multi-trip policy
• Adventure sports
• Cheap
• For Seniors
• Ski & Winter Sports
• Existing Medical Conditions

The Cover-More website lets you compare different plans to find one that provides the coverage you need and fits your budget. ⁴

Who administers travel insurance on behalf of Cover-More

Your travel insurance policy is administered by Cover-More and is underwritten by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ZAIL), trading as Zurich New Zealand.⁵

What are the main benefits of travel insurance with Cover-More

The main advantages of travel insurance with Cover-More include:

• If you get sick or injured while travelling overseas, Cover-More can help pay for your medical expenses so you avoid paying expensive hospital bills.
• If your luggage is lost or damaged, Cover-More can help you get reimbursed for the cost of your belongings.
• If your flight is delayed or cancelled, Cover-More can help you with the additional costs of accommodation and transportation.
• If you need to cancel your trip for an unforeseen reason, Cover-More can help you get reimbursed for your prepaid expenses.
• If you have an emergency while travelling, Cover-More can provide you with assistance, such as helping you find a doctor or arranging for medical repatriation.

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

Types of coverage offered by Cover-More travel insurance

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

Cover-More travel insurance main fees

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

What’s not covered under this travel insurance

Here are a few items that are not covered by Cover-More international travel insurance:

• Issues stemming from drug or alcohol use or dependency.
• Travel or activities that a medical practitioner has recommended you against.
• Cosmetic or dental surgery that is done during the trip.
• If you are pregnant, there is no coverage after 24 weeks or for childbirth.

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

Eligibility for Cover-More travel insurance

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

How to get travel insurance with Cover-More

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

Making a claim with Cover-More travel insurance

There are two ways to make a claim:

• Submitting a claim online.
• Download, complete and mail the claim Form.

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.

A word on Cover-More travel insurance and COVID-19

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:

• Medical expenses if contracted COVID-19 while travelling.
• Trip changes or cancellation costs.
• Additional expenses related to COVID-19.

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

Additional things to keep in mind

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

Contacting Cover-More

It is easy to contact Cover-More for help. Here are the ways to do so:¹⁵

• Customer service: 0800 500 225
• Customer service (from overseas): +64 (0) 9 308 2120
• Claims by phone: 0800 500 225
• 24/7 emergency assistance: emergency contact list by country

Travel with Wise

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To make everyday spending easier you can order a Wise Debit card for your Wise Account and generate virtual cards as needed. If you have the local currency in your Wise Account the Wise card will use it for local payments. If you don’t, it uses smart technology to auto-convert your money at the mid-market rate, for a conversion fee.

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Sources:

1. International travel (provisional) |Stats NZ.
2. About | Cover-More NZ
3. International Travel Insurance | Cover-More NZ
4. Cover-More Travel Insurance
5. Cover-More NZ
6. Compare Travel Insurance | Cover-More NZ
7. Cover-More Policy Wording Documents
8. Covermore plan options
9. Travel Insurance FAQs | Cover-More NZ
10. Covermore plan options
11. Travel Insurance
12. Travel Insurance FAQs | Cover-More NZ
13. Coronavirus Travel Insurance Benefits | Cover-More NZ
14. Travel Insurance FAQs | Cover-More NZ
15. Contact Us | Cover-More NZ

Sources checked on: 31 October 2023