Not all overseas journeys involve a round ticket. But if your travel overseas is a one-way trip, you still need to consider purchasing travel insurance. Canstar explores one-way travel insurance in New Zealand and the insurance providers that sell one-way policies.
What is one-way travel insurance?
If you’re migrating overseas, or relocating for an indefinite period, you won’t be able to purchase regular travel insurance, which requires a round trip with a set start and finish date.
However, it’s important to still purchase travel insurance, so you’re covered while you’re on route to your destination.
It’s especially important if your journey is a long one, involving lengthy stopovers on the way.
However, not all insurers offer one-way travel insurance, so you’ll need to do a little more research to find the best deal for your one-way trip.
How does one-way travel insurance work?
Most one-way travel insurance providers require you to take out a policy before you travel, while you’re still in New Zealand. Although you might be able to find a provider willing to provide cover if you’re already overseas.
One-way policies tend to offer more flexible time limits than regular travel insurance, allowing you to extend your cover period if your travel plans change, as long as your policy hasn’t already expired. This can be for periods up to a year.
However, usually, most one-way travel insurance policies are designed to expire 24 hours after you reach your chosen country of destination. Your chosen destination is also the country that you will be sent to if you suffer a medical emergency while travelling, rather than being repatriated to New Zealand.
How much does one-way travel insurance cost?
The cost of one-way travel insurance is in line with regular travel insurance.
The cost of your policy depends on your risk factors, cover levels, destination and the duration of the policy.
Which insurers offer one-way travel insurance?
Not all insurance providers offer one-way travel insurance. And even the ones that do, don’t feature it as part of their on-line quote service, which means you’ll have to phone around for the best deal.
Indeed, of Canstar’s latest five award-winning travel insurance providers, only one offers one-way policies:
- Air New Zealand
What does one-way travel insurance cover?
One-way travel insurance policies usually cover the same benefits as normal comprehensive policies, which includes cover for:
- Loss, damage or theft of luggage and personal possessions
- Medical expenses and associated transportation
- Personal liability
- Trip cancellations, delays and associated expenses
Cover will vary depending on your policy, therefore, it’s always advisable to thoroughly read your travel insurance’s Policy Disclosure Statement (PDS) so you fully understand the cover provided and any exemptions.
What does one-way travel insurance not cover?
Just like other travel insurance policies, one-way cover doesn’t usually include:
- Hazardous or unlawful pursuits
- High-risk countries
- High-value items
- Loss of items left unattended
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Risky behaviour
- Medical costs related to late-term pregnancies or elective surgeries
A one-way policy will also not cover the cost of you returning to New Zealand if something happens during transit and you’re forced to return to NZ, instead of continuing to your destination.
Long-term travel insurance
If you’re travelling overseas to live or work for a period up to two years, and plan to return to New Zealand, purchasing long-term travel insurance could be a better option than a one-way policy and crossing your fingers that you remain fit and healthy during your time abroad.
New Zealand only has reciprocal health agreements with Australia and the United Kingdom, and then benefit levels are limited. Such agreements don’t include flying you back to New Zealand in the event of a medical emergency.
About the author of this page
Bruce Pitchers is Canstar NZ’s Content Manager. An experienced finance reporter, he has three decades’ experience as a journalist and has worked for major media companies in Australia, the UK and NZ, including ACP, Are Media, Bauer Media Group, Fairfax, Pacific Magazines, News Corp and TVNZ. As a freelancer, he has +worked for The Australian Financial Review, the NZ Financial Markets Authority and major banks and investment companies on both sides of the Tasman.
In his role at Canstar, he has been a regular commentator in the NZ media, including on the Driven, Stuff and One Roof websites, the NZ Herald, Radio NZ, and Newstalk ZB.
Away from Canstar, Bruce creates puzzles for magazines and newspapers, including Woman’s Day and New Idea. He is also the co-author of the murder-mystery book 5 Minute Murder.
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