How far in advance can I buy travel insurance?
If you’re a Kiwi traveller planning ahead for that big overseas holiday and want to buy a policy with World Nomads then you can buy travel insurance up to 12 months in advance of your departure date.
Please note that the maximum duration available for any policy, including extensions, is 12 months from the start date. You can buy a policy if you’re a New Zealand citizen or resident, and you must be 69 years old or younger at the time your policy is purchased.
Remember: You have up to 21 days from the time you’re issued your Certificate of Insurance and policy wording to decide if the policy is right for you and cancel your policy for a full refund.
Will I be covered if I buy travel insurance in advance and then can’t travel?
Coverage will depend on the plan you’ve selected - Standard vs Explorer - each plan has different levels of coverage. You may want to consider buying World Nomads Travel Insurance as soon as you’ve booked and paid for your trip as you may be covered for certain Insured events before you depart. For example, for some Coronavirus related events, unexpected cancellations and trip interruptions, a relative gets sick or is injured, tour operators going bankrupt, a natural disaster strikes, or an airline strike occurs.
I want to be organised and covered if something happens to me before I travel. Will I be covered if I need to change my plans?
We understand that things happen that may result in your travel plans being thrown into disarray, that’s why we have tailored our plans to offer cover for 14 insured events if you need to cancel or reschedule your trip. Please note the events must be unexpected and unforeseen and out of your control. These include, but are not limited, to the following:
- The sudden death, sudden illness or serious injury of you; or your close relative requiring hospitalisation.
- The New Zealand Government or other official authority has issued a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning to a specific region or country and that warning was first given after you purchased the policy and after you booked the arrangements.
- A natural disaster or fire striking your home (or your owned business premises) in New Zealand and it’s severely damaged.
- Pre-booked activities and stays: Cancellation of a pre-paid, overseas tour, conference, music concert, international sporting event, funeral or wedding, or you being forced to use alternative public transport to arrive on time to attend this event.
- Cancellation or rearrangement due to an unavoidable riot, strike, civil commotion, insurrection, political unrest or martial law affecting the specific region you’ve booked to travel to or are already staying in.
- And many more.
For a full breakdown of what you may or may not be covered for if you need to cancel or reschedule your trip, you can read our Cancellation and trip interruption cover FAQ guide.
Will I be covered for existing medical conditions when buying a policy?
Please be aware that if you have an existing medical condition and you purchase a policy then you won’t be covered under our policies for any complications arising from any existing medical condition between the time that you’ve purchased a policy and the start date of your policy. There are some automatically covered existing medical conditions you’ll have cover for under this policy when specific requirements are met. For more information on cover for existing medical conditions read our FAQ article.
What if my health changes before I start my trip?
If before you start your trip (and between the date your policy is issued and the start date of your trip) you or a close relative, or a member of your travelling party/business partner receives medical advice or treatment for a serious illness or injury (which is not an existing medical condition), cover is available if you have no option but to cancel your trip. Always check your Policy Document to make sure you understand what’s included and what’s not, as well as the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. If you have any questions or if you’re not sure if something is covered, get in touch.
Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
- Review your policy: carefully review your travel insurance policy to understand what types of pre-trip incidents are covered.
- Purchase early: Buying travel insurance well in advance of your trip can help protect you against unexpected cancellations or travel disruptions.
- Document everything: Keep any receipts, records and copies of any pre-paid expenses, such as flights, tours, events or accommodation, in case you need to make a claim.
- Communicate with us: In the event of a pre-trip mishap, notify us as soon as possible so that we can help guide you and if you need to make a claim.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Document in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
The information provided is of a general nature and is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice in any form and should not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining professional advice that is specific to your circumstances. You should seek advice from a financial advice provider if you would like further information about whether a particular product is appropriate for you and your circumstances.
Related Articles
View more
Can't find the answer you are looking for?
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.