Whether you’ve never bought travel insurance before or are confused about what exactly it covers, we’re here to explain it all so you can head off on your next holiday with confidence.
Back to basics – What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance is a type of insurance designed to cover unexpected events when you’re travelling domestically or internationally, providing support and financial protection for issues such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost baggage and travel delays.
Travellers typically buy travel insurance before their departure, pay a one-off premium based on their specific cover needs, and then, if needed, file a claim if something unexpected occurs on their trip. Travel insurance can help cover unexpected costs of damage, loss, injury, or sickness that could easily turn your holiday plans on their head and leave your pockets empty.
It’s like a quiet travelling companion; there to help protect you from unforeseen expenses or losses. Think of it as your Plan B in case something goes wrong.
Sounds fantastic! What am I covered for?
While each insurance provider has its own unique policies, here are some examples of what you could be covered for:
Medical and dental emergencies. We can’t generally predict medical emergencies or a dental disaster, but we can assess risks before we embark on our travels. Medical and dental cover, as part of your travel insurance, means you may be covered for hospital stays, doctor or dentist treatment, and medication costs. In the case of illness or injury, travel insurance may help you cover the costs associated with returning home early.
Remember, it is vital to declare any pre-existing medical conditions to your insurance provider when booking travel insurance; that way they can assess you and your health and offer cover for you according to your needs.
Cancellations. If you must cancel your travel plans, travel insurance may help protect you against non-refundable prepaid travel costs. Whether these circumstances arise before or during your trip, travel insurance may help cover the financial losses a cancellation can bring.
Delays. While we generally hope for smooth, uninterrupted travel, there are instances where travel delays just cannot be helped. Weather conditions, mechanical or maintenance issues, or even air traffic control can put a stop to your plans.
Travel insurance may help cover the costs of alternative transport, additional or cancelled accommodation, missed connecting flights, and even basics like meals. Check exactly what your policy covers as there are differences between plans. Make sure you keep hold of your receipts and tickets in case you need to make a claim.
Baggage and belongings. Travel insurance may also provide financial support relating to your belongings, whether they’re lost, stolen, or damaged, subject to the limits specified in your policy.
If you choose AA Travel Insurance, you can talk to an insurance consultant on the phone or in an AA Centre to ensure you get the cover that suits your needs. It’s also important to read your policy wording to be well informed about what’s included in your cover and what isn’t.
Can I be covered for other things?
Absolutely! Valuables such as cameras, laptops or jewellery may be covered, subject to standard per-item limits specified in your policy wording. If you are travelling with higher value items, you may be able to increase the cover limit for these, for an additional premium.
With AA Travel Insurance, customers can also customise their cover based on the type of activities they plan to enjoy while travelling. This includes cover for cruises, snow sports, and various adventure activities like outdoor rock climbing or skydiving. If you’re planning to ride a more powerful motorcycle or moped, you can also customise your cover to suit your plans, including engines over 250cc.
Amazing! How and when should I get travel insurance?
Obtaining a quote is easy with AA Travel Insurance; you can visit the website, call the NZ-based contact centre, or pop into one of the AA Centres and get a quote in person. AA Travel Insurance is flexible, with a range of coverage options to suit different traveller needs. And did we mention children under 21 can be covered for free?1
As for when, it’s a good idea to consider booking your travel insurance well before you depart. Make booking it one of the first items on your to-do list when planning your next holiday.
AA Travel Insurance cover for amendment or cancellation costs starts as soon as you’ve paid for your policy. So, it’s a good idea to buy travel insurance immediately after making your first non-refundable booking. All other benefits, such as medical or delayed luggage allowance, begin when you start your journey.
With AA Travel Insurance, you can get a quick quote online, via a dedicated call centre, or at one of the AA Centres nationwide. AA members receive a 10% discount.2
Get a quote from AA Travel Insurance on the website or call 0800 808 203.
Consider travel insurance as part of your next holiday plan.
- Children must be under 21, identified on the Certificate of Insurance, travelling with you on the journey and be financially dependent on their usual guardian. They must not be in full-time employment. Cover for children’s existing medical conditions may incur an additional premium.
- Provide a valid AA Membership number at time of purchase. Discount applies to the total premium.
Disclaimer: AA Travel Insurance policies are issued and underwritten by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ABN 13 000 296 640) trading as Zurich New Zealand, distributed, arranged and administered by Cover-More (NZ) Limited (NZBN: 9429038789373: FAP FSP26184), and promoted and distributed by The New Zealand Automobile Association (Incorporated). For further information see Zurich New Zealand’s financial strength rating. Consider the Policy Document before deciding to buy this product. Limits, sub-limits, conditions, and exclusions apply. Standard excess may apply.
12 October, 2026
