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New research from AA Travel Insurance suggests many New Zealanders are travelling overseas without travel insurance, despite growing international travel demand and rising overseas medical costs.
A survey of more than 1,200 adults found fewer than half of Kiwi travellers purchase travel insurance every time they travel overseas, while 21 per cent say they rarely or never take out cover.
Travel confidence outweighing preparation
The research found nearly two-thirds of respondents believed it was unlikely they would require medical treatment while travelling internationally. However, one in five admitted they would not know how they would pay for overseas medical care if needed.
AA head of financial services Ben Rose says the findings reflect a strong “she’ll be right” attitude among travellers.
“Kiwis are naturally optimistic and there’s often a sense that things will work out, or that serious issues won’t happen to us,” Ben says.
Overseas travel rebounds
The findings come as outbound international travel continues to recover strongly, with more than half of New Zealanders travelling overseas in the past 12 months prior to the recent Middle East conflict.
Australia remained the most popular destination for Kiwi travellers, followed by Asia, the UK and Europe, the Pacific Islands, and North America.
The report notes healthcare systems and treatment costs overseas can differ significantly from New Zealand, particularly in destinations such as the United States, where a single emergency room visit can cost between NZ$2,500 and NZ$5,000 before additional treatment costs are added.
Savings and family support relied upon
The research found 45 per cent of respondents would rely on savings to cover overseas medical costs, while others said they would turn to friends or family for support.
A further five per cent said they would fundraise to cover costs, while seven per cent admitted they would have no way to pay at all.
Ben says the financial impact of overseas medical treatment can escalate quickly.
“We’ve seen how quickly communities rally around someone in need, but goodwill isn’t a financial plan,” he says.
The report also notes that medical and dental claims were among the most common travel insurance claims lodged in the year to February 2026.
