Travel Insurance: What is my country of residence?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to impact many travellers around the world. Before you buy, read the travel alerts and check travel advice and restrictions for your destination(s) as these may impact cover, or your ability to travel.

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.

Your country of permanent residence is the country you would want to be repatriated to in the event of a medical emergency, and where you are entitled to long term health care if required.

To qualify as a New Zealand resident, you must be a citizen, a holder of a current and valid New Zealand residence class visa or an Australian passport holder permanently residing in New Zealand who has:

  • Unlimited and unconditional right of entry;
  • Access to long-term medical care (e.g. national health cover or private health cover. However, reciprocal health agreements are not adequate) if you’re unable to continue your trip and you require repatriation and ongoing medical care at home; and
  • A permanent residential address in New Zealand

You can buy insurance even if you’re already travelling and not at home in your country of permanent residency.

Who is covered by my travel insurance policy?

You're not eligible for cover if you:

  • Are living overseas at a permanent residential address for more than two years at the time you apply for cover;
  • Will be 70 years old or older on your chosen Departure Date or at the time you extend your trip and buy more cover;
  • Intend to use this policy in place of private health insurance for on-going medical care; or
  • Don't wish to return to your nominated country of residence (for example, in the event of a medical repatriation from overseas).

Please be aware that your policy can’t cover any expenses incurred within your country permanent residence.

Each policy has specific conditions or definitions of residence, so do read the Policy Document carefully to see if you’re eligible to buy it.

Also, if you are travelling with people from different countries of residence, they will have to buy separate policies to cover their country of residence, which may have different terms and conditions of cover.

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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Tell us your travel details
1. What are your travel plans?
e.g. Thailand, Vietnam

Travelling already?

If you've already started travelling when you buy your policy, waiting periods apply in most cases before cover begins.

2. Who is traveling?
United States (USA)
3. Get a quote

Can't find the answer you are looking for?

Contact us

Our 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

Phone

Within New Zealand:
0800 666 237

From anywhere in the world:
+61 2 8256 1542

Within Australia:
1300 787 375