Updated April 2026
The fiords of Milford Sound, the mountains of Aoraki National Park, Queenstown — world capital of extreme sports. New Zealand has an accident-compensation system unique in the world — but it does not cover tourists the way you imagine.
Is Travel Insurance Mandatory in New Zealand?
For most visitors: Not required by law. Most visitors obtain an electronic authorization (NZeTA) before boarding.
The critical point: New Zealand has the ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) — a national scheme that covers accidents for anyone on its territory, including tourists. But it does NOT cover:
- Illness (accidents only)
- Evacuation home
- Treatment of pre-existing conditions
- Funeral repatriation
NZeTA: The Electronic Travel Authority
- Apply via the official NZeTA app (iOS/Android) or nzeta.immigration.govt.nz
- Cost: NZD 23 (app) or NZD 35 (web)
- Nature conservation levy: NZD 35 extra
- Approval: usually minutes to 72 hours
- Valid for 2 years, multiple entries, up to 90 days per visit
What the ACC Covers (and What It Does Not)
| Situation | ACC cobre? | Seguro necessário? |
|---|---|---|
| Acidente de carro | ✅ Yes | For repatriation |
| Extreme-sport injury | ✅ Yes | For repatriation |
| Illness (dengue, pneumonia, cardiac) | ❌ No | Yes, essential |
| Medical evacuation home | ❌ No | Yes, essential |
| Funeral repatriation | ❌ No | Yes, essential |
| Trip cancellation | ❌ No | Optional |
Medical Costs in New Zealand
| Procedure | Estimated Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Private medical consultation | $80–$200 |
| ER visit (not ACC-covered) | $300–$800 |
| Hospitalization for illness (per day) | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Repatriation home | $80,000–$200,000 |
Note: New Zealand sits 14-17 flight hours from the Americas — one of the longest hauls there is. Repatriation is proportionally expensive.
Esportes Radicais em Queenstown
Queenstown is called the "world capital of extreme sports":
- Bungee jumping (AJ Hackett — inventado aqui)
- Skydiving sobre Remarkables
- Jetboating nos Canyons Shotover
- Rafting white water classe V
- Heli-skiing
The ACC covers injuries from those activities. But medical repatriation home is still not covered. Neither is illness contracted during the trip.
Trekking and Trails (Great Walks)
New Zealand has 9 "Great Walks" — multi-day trails among the most beautiful in the world:
- Milford Track, Routeburn, Tongariro, Abel Tasman...
- Remote access, unstable weather, helicopter rescue in emergencies
Helicopter rescue: NZD 5,000–25,000 depending on location. The ACC may cover rescue after an accidental injury, but not in every circumstance.
Recommended Coverage
| Coverage | Mínimo | Asteroid Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Medical expenses (illness) | USD 50,000 | USD 150,000 |
| Medical evacuation | USD 100,000 | USD 150,000 |
| Funeral repatriation | Included | Included |
| Esportes radicais | Verificar | Incluídos |
| Bagagem | USD 2,000 | USD 2,000 |
The USD 150,000 evacuation recommendation reflects the sheer distance involved in getting home from New Zealand.
Cenário Real
Patricia, 33, developed severe pneumonia in Christchurch during the southern winter. The ACC does not cover illness — a 7-day hospitalization plus repatriation:
- Hospitalization, 7 days: NZD 21,000 (~USD 12,500)
- Repatriation on a commercial flight with a medical escort: NZD 120,000 (~USD 71,000)
- Total: NZD 141,000 (~USD 83,500) — sem seguro
FAQ
1. Do you need a visa for a New Zealand?
You need an NZeTA (electronic authorization), not a traditional visa. Cost: NZD 23-35 plus the NZD 35 nature levy.
2. O ACC elimina a necessidade de seguro?
No. The ACC covers accidents only — not illness, evacuation or repatriation. Insurance is essential to fill the gaps.
3. Are extreme sports covered by Asteroid?
Bungee jumping, skydiving recreativo, jetboat e rafting recreativo: incluídos. For sports with a professional technical component, check first.
4. Qual a melhor época para visitar?
Southern summer (December-February): warmer, ideal for trekking and beaches. Winter (June-August): mountain skiing, fewer tourists.
5. As Great Walks precisam de reserva antecipada?
Yes — especially the Milford Track, which has limited spots and usually sells out months ahead of high season.
Why Choose Asteroid?
- USD 150,000 in evacuation — necessary given the distance from New Zealand
- Illness covered (the ACC does not cover it)
- Esportes radicais incluídos
- 24/7 multilingual assistance
Cotar seguro for New Zealand →
Asteroid Assistance — coverage issued by regulated insurers