New Zealand lies roughly 18,000 km from France: a medical repatriation from Auckland or Queenstown carries a considerable price tag. On the ground, the public health system only reimburses foreign visitors for accident-related injuries, never for illness. Travelling without insurance means exposing yourself to costs that few budgets can absorb alone.
Get my quoteIs travel insurance mandatory in New Zealand?
Travel insurance is not required on entry to New Zealand. It is, however, essential: the ACC, the public accident compensation body, covers accident-related injuries for all visitors, but does not meet any costs linked to illness. All medical care following an infection, an internal emergency or a chronic condition remains entirely at your own expense.
Why take out New Zealand travel insurance?
- Medical costs for illness are entirely yours to bear: The ACC covers accidents, not illness. A hospital admission for a medical condition can run to several thousand euros without insurance. Yupwego pays the hospital directly: you pay nothing upfront.
- Repatriation from the other side of the world: An organised medical return from New Zealand is one of the most expensive there is. Without cover, repatriation costs fall entirely on you, on top of treatment on the ground.
- Rescue in remote terrain: Hiking in the mountains, trekking through Fiordland, sea kayaking: an accident in a remote area often requires a helicopter rescue or mountain rescue services, whose costs are not automatically covered without insurance.
- A long-haul trip worth protecting from the moment you book: A Paris-Auckland flight is a significant outlay. Cancellation insurance reimburses prepaid costs if you are forced to cancel before departure for a covered reason, such as illness or an accident.
- Theft and lost luggage: Sports equipment, camera gear, baggage: personal effects cover compensates for theft or loss during air connections.
What your New Zealand travel insurance covers with Yupwego
For a trip to New Zealand, Yupwego recommends a minimum medical cover of 500,000 €: repatriation alone can account for a significant share of that limit.
- Medical costs and hospitalisation: Yupwego pays the healthcare provider directly: you pay nothing upfront, even when facing a substantial bill for an illness not covered by the ACC.
- Medical repatriation: In the event of a serious emergency, the assistance team organises and funds your return to France with full medical support, from any point in the country.
- Third-party liability: If you accidentally cause harm to a third party during your trip, your insurance covers the costs brought against you, subject to the terms of your policy.
- Cancellation and delay: An unexpected event before departure? The insurance reimburses prepaid flights and accommodation if the reason for cancellation is covered by your policy.
- Luggage and personal effects: Theft, loss or damage during your trip: your belongings are compensated up to the limits set out in your plan.
Health and medical care in New Zealand
In New Zealand, public hospitals are of a good standard, but illness-related costs are entirely borne by foreign visitors: only accidental injuries are covered by the ACC. Without insurance, a hospital admission for illness can generate significant expenses. No vaccinations are required for travellers arriving from France: the Institut Pasteur nevertheless recommends updating hepatitis A and routine vaccinations (DTP). There is no risk of malaria in New Zealand.
Entry requirements for New Zealand
French nationals do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days, but must obtain an NZeTA (electronic travel authorisation) before departure from the official Immigration New Zealand website. This process includes a tourist levy (IVL) raised to 100 New Zealand dollars since October 2024. For a longer stay or an expatriation, a long-stay travel insurance policy is well suited to your needs. If you are travelling on a Working Holiday Programme (open to 18-30 year-olds for 12 months), a youth, student and working holiday travel insurance covers this type of stay specifically.
Car hire and road accidents in New Zealand
New Zealand drives on the left, and hiring a vehicle is one of the best ways to explore the country. Always take the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) offered by the rental company when you pick up the vehicle: travel insurance does not cover material damage to the hire vehicle, which remains the rental company’s responsibility. However, if you are injured in an accident, your travel insurance covers your medical costs, hospitalisation and repatriation (personal injury), subject to the terms of your policy. Also check road conditions on mountain routes, particularly on the South Island.
