There is no cover for any part of your trip departing New Zealand on or after 15 September 2026 that includes a multi-night cruise, unless you have completed an Activation Questionnaire and selected cruise cover, and paid any required premium. This applies regardless of whether the cruise is the main purpose of your trip or only one part of it. If a cruise is included anywhere in your itinerary and it has not been declared and paid for, there is no cover for the trip.

In this policy, a cruise is defined as:

Travelling as a passenger for two or more nights, inclusive of port stops and cruise excursions, aboard a commercially registered cruise ship which during your trip:

a) Visits at least one overseas port; and

b) Sails on any of a river, in a harbour, on an ocean or at sea.

If your itinerary includes a cruise that meets the above definition, then the policy change will affect you.

If your trip only includes a ferry, or other types of transport that do not meet the above definition then the change will not affect your trip.

No, if you have already met all the eligibility and activation requirements (including having completed return travel bookings) before 15 September2026, you do not need to pay a premium to cover your cruise. Premiums will apply to cruise trips activated after 15 September 2026. We recommend that you register your trip using the Activation Questionnaire before 15 September 2026 so we can confirm this in writing.

We recommend completing a new activation questionnaire, so we can provide you with an update to your policy documents. If you go online before 15 September 2026, there is no premium for cruise cover but we will send you a certificate confirming that your cruise is covered.

If you have already paid a premium (for other options like pre-existing medical condition cover) and you complete a new questionnaire, just call us and we can refund any duplicate premiums.

We require all travellers to complete their insurance arrangements before leaving New Zealand. If you weren’t able to do so (or if you didn’t know you were going to be taking a cruise) please call Travel Guard 24/7 on +64 4 916 6312. 

In some circumstances, we might be able to add this option for you, but we do not guarantee approval.

Age limits, duration limits and the requirement to use your card to pay for at least part of your trip are all remaining unchanged. The only change is that you need to pay a premium to cover trips that include a cruise. You should always review the policy before every trip, to ensure that you are covered, and that the benefits meet your personal requirements. The best way to be certain your trip is covered is to complete the Activation Questionnaire.

Yes, if you have already confirmed cover online, then your trip will still be covered after 15 September 2026 under Zurich’s policy wording. If your trip includes a cruise though, we recommend you re-submit your trip details on the Activation Questionnaire before 15 September 2026 and arrange a new certificate that includes cruise cover. This means you will have confirmation of your cruise cover in writing which can help if you need to make a claim, or if your cruise line requests proof of cover.

Yes, the following benefit limits are increasing;

·         Benefit A. Medical and evacuation expenses funeral or return of remains to New Zealand limit increases from $20,000 to $30,000

·         Benefit C. Luggage, personal belongings and travel documents. The maximum payable per limit increases from $2,000 to $3,000.

·         Benefit D. Overseas rental vehicle hire. The maximum amount payable increases from $5,000 to $8,000

Yes, you can visit asbtravel.co.nz at any time if you need to customise your policy with options like pre-existing medical condition cover.

The same claims team will be handling your case, regardless of the date, so you don’t need to do anything.

The contact phone number for emergency assistance will not change. If you're overseas and you need emergency or medical assistance, please call +64 4 916 6312.

We do have a new dedicated email address, asbassistance@travelguard.com if you prefer to contact the assistance team by email.

If you need to make a claim, you can obtain a claim form and see some helpful tips for how to submit your claim on the claims page.

You can also call us on 0800 660 141 to have a copy of the claim form sent to you.