Whether it's Bali's warm breeze or New York's fast-paced energy, there's nothing like stepping off a plane and feeling that holiday excitement. But even the best-planned trips can take an unexpected turn. While most surprises overseas are fun, the medical ones aren't.

Healthcare costs in some destinations can be eye-watering. A single night in a US hospital can cost more than a week at a luxury resort. Even minor mishaps like food poisoning can lead to thousands in upfront costs. That's why travel insurance with medical cover isn't just a 'nice-to-have', it's essential for the unexpected.

With our Comprehensive plan we'll take care of covered medical and surgical costs overseas - from minor mishaps to critical care. That means less stress and more time for making memories.

What does medical cover include?

Travel insurance generally covers unexpected medical expenses while you're overseas, from emergency hospital stays to urgent dental care. Every policy is different, so it pays to check your policy wording. Here are some of the benefits our Tower Comprehensive plan offers:

  • cover for surgical costs and repatriation expenses for an unexpected illness, injury or disease that happens on your journey,
  • medically required repatriation,
  • emergency dental treatment following sudden and acute dental pain to your natural teeth, first happening on your trip:
    • up to $1,000 for pain relief; and
    • up to $3,000 for dental injury,
  • cover for the travel expenses of an accompanying person up to $15,000, when recommended by your doctor,
  • up to $20,000 for search and rescue if you're declared missing following a natural disaster.

Pre-existing conditions

It's important to understand how pre-existing conditions can affect your travel insurance. A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury you had before buying your policy, from diabetes and asthma to heart conditions.

When you buy Tower travel insurance, you'll have the chance to complete a medical assessment. It's important you are honest about your medical history.

Based on your answers:

  • you may get automatic cover for some conditions,
  • we may offer cover for an extra premium,
  • or, if it's too high risk for you to travel, we may need to decline cover.

Unsure if yours is covered? Call us on 0800 606 688, and we'll guide you through the process.

What's not covered?

  • Elective or cosmetic surgery.
  • Planned surgeries or treatment.
  • Pre-existing medical conditions, unless we have agreed in writing to cover.

If you're overseas and unsure if it's covered, just call the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team who will be able to help you.

What can medical care cost overseas?

Costs vary by destination, and some can be surprisingly high. For example:

  • USA: Medical costs in the United States are high, and the NZ Government won't be able to help with medical expenses.1
  • Australia and UK: Some reciprocal agreements cover basic public hospital care, but not ambulance fees, private hospitals, prescriptions, or getting you home.

Even in countries with agreements, extra costs can add up fast. That's why understanding what medical care can cost overseas is important when planning your trip.

Long trips, pregnancy and more

Heading off on an OE or taking your kids on the adventure of a lifetime? We offer cover for long trips with options to extend your policy for up to a year. If you need more time, you can buy extra cover as long as you contact us before the original policy ends.

Pregnancy is treated as a pre-existing condition. We cover unforeseen complications or emergencies within the first 20 weeks (140 days), but not routine check-ups or planned overseas births. Babies born overseas aren't automatically covered and you'll need to apply for their cover after birth.

Emergency medical treatment - what to do

If you face a medical emergency overseas:

We'll liaise with hospitals, arrange evacuation, and coordinate care so you don't have to navigate a foreign system alone.

Before heading off on your international getaway, take a look at our travel insurance tips to see how you can be prepared for your big trip. Get a quote for Tower travel insurance today and travel with confidence knowing you're covered for the unexpected.

This is a summary only. Please read the policy wording to understand the terms, conditions, excesses, limits, sub-limits and exclusions that may apply. Cover is subject to the current underwriting criteria.

Tower Travel insurance is issued and managed by AWP Services New Zealand Limited trading as Allianz Partners and underwritten by Tower Limited. You should read the policy wording before making any decisions about your insurance policy.

Looking for travel insurance?

Be in to win a $15,000 travel gift card when you buy a new international or domestic travel insurance policy.*

*Ends 27 Feb 2026. Ts&Cs apply. Cover subject to current underwriting criteria.

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