Travel can be many things to many people. Perhaps you’re a first time flyer preparing for that white-knuckled journey; you may be a well seasoned adventurer looking to conquer unfamilar terrain; or perhaps you've got your sights set on discovering your home country. No matter what your holiday plans are, chances are that you'll embark on exciting new experiences that you’ll remember for years to come.
There’s no doubt that leaving your comfort zone can bring you all manner of experiences; however regret shouldn’t be one of them. For every kind of traveller there’s a travel insurance policy that will suit your journey.
Whether you’re planning a round-the-world adventure, a European sojourn, a rough and tumble backpacking quest or even a humanitarian aid role, it’s impossible to predict every element of your trip. No one plans to have an accident on holiday, but unfortunately accidents take place all over the world.
Travel should be encouraged and celebrated, but the truth is that even the best laid plans can go awry. With all adventures come risks, and whether it’s a poolside slip or a mountain climbing fiasco, your trip could turn from sweet to sour in an instant.
Regardless of whether you travel regularly or are a first time flier, no one is immune from the unpredictable. Your holidays are too precious to be spent dealing with damage control so invest in travel insurance to safeguard your trip.
So what does travel insurance protect you from? We have the answers…
Falling ill or being injured while travelling can be a nightmare experience and a huge financial drain to boot. For instance hospital fees in the United States can reach up to $10,000 a day whilst emergency transport home can cost anywhere up to $300,000. Travel insurance would cover the cost of medical treatment if you become ill or have an accident abroad.
From time to time people are unlucky enough to have to cancel their trip or return home due to illness, an accident or the death of a close relative. The last thing you need in this instance is the anxiety and financial burden of securing a last minute flight and recovering any lost deposits.
Too often travellers can have their trip soured by a case of lost or delayed luggage or damaged or stolen personal items on their holidays. Insuring your treasured possessions is always the smart approach, when it comes to covering your high value belongings when you travel.
Although this would not cover you for car accidents, personal liability assists you if you accidentally cause damage to a third person’s property and were held accountable for it. Phew that’s a relief!
There’s a range of factors you will need to consider before you buy travel insurance. Conversely there may be some benefits you could happily do without. For instance if you’re not taking any valuables and packing minimal luggage you may not require too much cover for your belongings. Alternately if medical care is your main concern you may wish to purchase a policy with unlimited medical cover. It’s time to have a think about which ones are highest priority on your checklist.
Destinations
Medical
Valuables
Activities
Still with us? Great! It’s fair to say that while it can definitely be a lifesaver, travel insurance doesn’t cover for every eventuality on holiday. Whilst no one wants to encounter a rumble in the jungle, travel insurance exists to protect you from circumstances that are unforeseen or out of your control, not for situations which could easily have been avoided. Because of this, there are certain limits and exclusions that apply to all insurance polices, not just ours.. And it really pays to know these before you decide to buy, or depart off on your trip.
Travel insurance covers unforeseen accidents and illnesses that could not have been predicted on your trip, not illnesses you are aware of; or have sought professional advice for or that you take prescribed medication or surgery for. At TINZ, we automatically cover 35 medical conditions, whether you tell us about them or not. However, if your condition is not in this list, a medical assessment may be required
Just because you’re feeling fantastic, fanciful, and free-spirited on holiday, doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind! It’s highly unlikely your car insurance would cover you if you had a crash drag racing your best mate along the M1. Similarly we wouldn’t cover you for any precarious pursuits you take part in on your action-packed adventure. If you wouldn’t partake in a risky activity back home, don’t do so overseas. Use common sense or risk your cover. You have been warned!
Who doesn’t love a Pisco Sour in Peru or a Margarita in Mexico! Just note that if you’ve had one too many and injure yourself whilst very intoxicated we might not be able to reimburse you for the medical treatment costs you incur at this time. Remember, think before you sink!
Airlines delays and cancellations are all too common in the world of air travel. If you missed a connecting flight due to delays caused by your airline, then it’s the responsibility of the airline to get you on the next flight, not your travel insurance. However, if you missed your flight due to circumstances outside of your control then of course we are here for you!
Leaving your items exposed or unprotected (so that they could easily be taken without your knowledge) is not covered by travel insurance. Similarly, leaving your belongings with someone you just met, or leaving your stuff behind on a plane, train, taxi or hotel room would not be covered. Even leaving bags on display in a locked car would be considered ‘unattended.’
Travel warnings are a tricky one to get your head around. Generally speaking most travel insurance policies don’t cover for pandemics, acts of war, civil riots, or natural disasters after official travel warnings on safe.govt.nz have been released. So what does this mean? If you do not follow the advice from the mass media or any government or official body’s warning against travel to a particular country or parts of a country, you could invalidate your cover
An excess is an amount that you pay upfront if you make a travel insurance claim. Remember that excess applies once per claimed event, not once per claim. So for example, if you are claiming for lost luggage and delay expenses you will have to pay the excess twice, once for each covered event.
Yes! Many people don’t realise is that even if you’re on a cruise in New Zealand waters you need cruise cover as you’re not covered by your normal health insurance out at sea…no matter how far off shore you are.
If you travel often, frequent travel insurance may save you time and money- you’re covered you for all the little trips you make domestically and internationally per year. Max trip durations apply per trip.
Accidents happen very quickly and can be traumatic. It can be difficult to immediately determine what happened. Avoid discussing who was to blame. There is a process for determining fault and its best left to the experts to figure out.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition then you must tell us. A pre-existing medical condition is any medical or dental health condition that you are aware of; or have sought professional advice for in the past whether ongoing or not. It is any condition that you take prescribed medication for, have had surgery for, or see a medical specialist for.
Yes they sure are! At TINZ your ‘dependant’ grandchildren are insured for no additional cost as long as they are under 19 and not in full time employment.
Have some more questions? No worries, just give us shout and we will answer them for you in no time!
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