Travel Alert: Latest coronavirus (COVID-19) update
(Advice as at 18 May 2022; update to advice posted 4 March 2020)
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to impact travellers’ plans globally. As vaccination rates increase, many governments worldwide have begun to relax some restrictions, however requirements and travel advice still vary by region.
Travellers are advised to closely monitor travel warnings and restrictions as these can change with little or no warning. Please read the latest government and health advice to see if your planned travel is affected.
Whether or not your policy can cover you for events relating to COVID-19 will depend on:
- The policy and plan you have purchased;
- When you purchased it; and
- If there is a travel warning in place for the country or region.
While a country or region has a 'Do Not Travel' warning in place for an event, our travel insurance won't cover you for loss that arises from that event if you: plan to travel to; travel to; or remain in that country or region.
This includes claims relating to COVID-19 for travel in a country or region where there is a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning in place due to COVID-19, regardless of the date your policy is purchased.
Can COVID-19 be covered under my policy?
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For policies purchased before 23 Jan 2020: |
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Check your Policy Document as exclusions may apply, including but not limited to exclusions for contagious disease, epidemics, or pandemics. |
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For policies purchased between 23 Jan 2020 - 30 Jan 2020: |
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Cover is not available for any event relating to COVID-19 for travel to and/or from China. For other destinations, check your Policy Document as exclusions may apply, including but not limited to exclusions for contagious disease, epidemics, or pandemics. |
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For policies purchased between 30 Jan 2021 – 17 May 2022: |
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Cover is not available for any event relating to COVID-19 for all destinations. |
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For policies purchased from 18 May 2022: |
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Following the release of a new World Nomads product, we can offer cover for some Coronavirus related events. Refer to the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of your Policy Document for further information. Note: Our travel insurance will not cover you for losses arising from COVID-19 if you plan to travel to, travel to, or remain in a country or region for which the New Zealand Government has issued a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning in relation to COVID-19. |
You can find previous travel alerts at our website. Visit safetravel.govt.nz and health.govt.nz to stay up to date with the latest travel advice.
Note: Cover offered by travel insurance policies issued and managed by nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd varies, and policies purchased may contain exclusions relating to a contagious disease, epidemic or pandemic, to a government prohibition or regulation, or to government advice against travel to a destination. Please read your Policy Document for the full policy terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions.
If your travel plans are affected:
- Contact your airline, cruise or tour operator to check if tourist services are affected.
- If you need to change your travel arrangements, contact your airline, cruise company or travel agent for assistance in the first instance. Refer to your Policy Document for more details, or contact our Customer Service Centre to discuss your plans before making any changes.
- Injured or ill? Contact the Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible. Their details are listed on your Certificate of Insurance.
- In the event of a claim covered by your policy, you must do everything reasonable you can to minimise and reduce the cost of the claim, and provide all supporting documentation of the event and expenses incurred. If you intend to submit a claim, please complete the claim form, and if you need help doing this, contact us.
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