For information relating to policies purchased prior to 18 May 2022, please check the Policy Document provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased on or from 18 May 2022 please see below.
Yes, there are waiting periods!
What’s a waiting period?
It’s the amount of time you have to wait before cover is activated and/or before a benefit becomes payable.
But why do I have to wait for cover?
To put it bluntly, it reduces the likelihood of travellers making claims as soon as they purchase insurance. It also helps to keep the price lower for everyone.
When is the waiting period applied to the policy?
Buying your policy after you have left New Zealand?
If you’re already travelling, you’ll need to wait 72 hours from the moment you buy the policy (ie 3 days) before cover is provided under any of the policy benefits.
A little exception to the rule:
Because we know all too well that the unexpected can happen, especially overseas, there’s cover for emergency overseas medical expenses and emergency transport expenses immediately (no need to wait until the 72 hours is up to be covered in other words) if you become seriously injured as a result of an accident that happens after you buy your policy.
Buying your policy in New Zealand before heading off on your overseas adventure?
No waiting period applied! You’ll have cover provided from your departure date!
Policy benefits and waiting periods.
There are only two policy benefits where a waiting period is in place once you have your policy:
- Baggage Delay – you have to wait 12 hours from the scheduled arrival time before you can claim for essential items.
- Out of pocket expenses in hospital (Explorer Plan only) - if you’re admitted to hospital with a covered serious illness or injury, you’ll have to wait 48 consecutive hours before you can claim out-of-pocket expenses of up to NZ$50 per day (for things like telephone calls, internet or TV access and food etc).
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Document in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.
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Contact usOur contact details
We’re here to help if you have a question about travel insurance. We’re available:
- Monday to Friday 11:00am - 8:00pm (NZST/NZDT)
- Saturday to Sunday closed (NZST/NZDT)
Contact us
Within New Zealand:
0800 666 237
From anywhere in the world:
+61 2 8256 1542
Within Australia:
1300 787 375
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.