New Zealand is one of the newest areas of the world and is on the whole a very clean and exceedingly peaceful place. The people are very open, accepting and friendly and many choose to take a hitchhiking holiday across the land because it is considered to be such a safe bet. Yet getting traveler's insurance if taking a trip to or across New Zealand is crucial. After all it really is better to be safe than sorry. No one can tell what may happen or what kind of people you may come across as the world is filled with all sorts.



It is a bit tricky gaining permission to enter New Zealand even with the country's open immigration policies and welcoming attitude towards visitors, people on working holidays, prospective residents etc. Very recently a resident of the United Kingdom was denied a visa to kiwi land due to her obesity. The government claimed it would 'put a strain on their resources'.

Making sure all your documents are in order is the first step, making copies of them all and keeping them safe is the second. Ensuring that you have complied with all the conditions set by the country to gain access to it is the next step. Once all these matters are taken care of you must decide not whether but from where to buy your insurance.

Travel insurance is a slippery business with many rules and loopholes. You must do your research thoroughly before buying any kind of insurance. Always read extensively on what you propose to buy and never skip the fine print. Most insurers in the UK require you to have stayed in the UK for six months before they insure your travel anywhere else. In some cases you might get very lucky and be insured for free. Residents in possession of BNZ Gold Visa cards receive free travel insurance.

Companies such as Trail finders do not require you to list a country of residence or place of departure while World Nomads is a very good option even though they do require this information (country of residence) in the eventuality that you have to be repatriated (the cost of which your insurance ought to cover). World Nomads also requires specific information about items such as MP3 players, cameras and other electronic goods you might be carrying which will increase the cost of insurance but ensure that such possessions are covered.

Good travel insurance should include emergency assistance to travelers and cover important basics such as medical expenses, legal aid, replacement of necessities in case of loss or theft, delayed or cancelled flights/trains/accommodation, rental excess, funds in case of theft, assistance in case of stolen or misplaced documents etc.

People traveling to New Zealand and looking to participate in the adventure sports the country is famous for would be better off purchasing insurance to cover their specific intention of participating in high risk sports.

Most insurers do not insure pre-existing medical conditions, the eventualities of any acts of terrorism, pregnancy related complications and any consequences of drug and/or alcohol use or abuse.

Keeping all these rules and clauses in mind choosing the right insurance to cover your travel needs and any eventualities that may arise ought to be a little bit simpler.