Register your overseas travel and/or residential details here.
Even with the best preparation, you may be struck by injury or illness overseas. This section outlines how we can help in such an emergency, and how you can help yourself.
Medical assistance in a foreign country can be extremely expensive, as the case studies show.
If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.
See our health section for information on what to do before you travel, and make sure your insurance covers the activities you plan to undertake, as well as any pre-existing medical condition(s).
If you do not have insurance, you are expected to pay any medical costs yourself. This includes any costs involved in returning to New Zealand, which could involve special flights and a medical escort. Some hospitals may be reluctant to provide treatment if payment is not guaranteed.
The Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) may be able to help you with certain costs for treatment in New Zealand relating to injuries sustained overseas, after you have returned to New Zealand. ACC assistance is not available for the costs of any treatment overseas. You will need to get a full written medical report from the doctor, dentist or hospital that treated you overseas. This report must describe the details of the injury, your present condition, degree of incapacity, the treatment you received and the course your doctor thinks your condition will take. You will also need written details of the qualifications of the doctor who treated you. You will need to complete an ACC 45 claim form [external link] after you have returned to New Zealand.
Adventure activities and extreme sports are becoming increasingly popular with many New Zealanders travelling overseas. These activities include white water rafting, bungee jumping, rock climbing, mountaineering, safaris and tours to remote places. Travellers need to be aware of the increased risks involved and the possible consequences.
There have been instances of death and serious injuries resulting from adventure and extreme sports activities. You should only use reputable guides and operators with proven safety records. You should also be very aware of insurance implications.
Many insurance companies specifically exclude these types of activities from travel insurance policies. Individuals are then personally responsible should an accident or mishap occur. See the Insurance Council of New Zealand website for more details [external link].
Evacuation, hospitalisation and medical costs can be extremely high in many countries and you are expected to cover these costs yourself.
Page last updated: Friday, 18 December 2009, 10:34 NZDT
