What Happens If I Get COVID-19 While Travelling?
What to do if you fall ill overseas, and what to check in a travel insurance policy
The short answer
You follow the rules of the country you are in, get medical help if you need it, and contact your travel insurer. Whether the insurer pays for treatment, extra nights or changed flights depends entirely on your policy wording — COVID-19 terms differ between insurers, so read them before you buy.
What will not pay: SafeTravel says the New Zealand Government will not pay overseas medical costs, and that ACC does not cover treatment overseas.
Source: SafeTravel (MFAT), "Travel insurance" (accessed 30 September 2026)
Source: SafeTravel (MFAT), "Health advice" (accessed 30 September 2026)
If you test positive or fall ill overseas
Follow local rules
Isolation requirements and testing rules are set by each country and change over time. Check the local health authority’s current guidance and SafeTravel’s advice for your destination rather than relying on rules you have heard before.
Get medical help if you need it
SafeTravel advises always seeking health advice if your symptoms are severe or last a long time. In an emergency, contact local emergency services first.
Contact your insurer
Call your insurer’s emergency assistance line, especially before hospital treatment or changing your travel. Ask what the policy covers and what evidence it needs.
Keep records
Keep test results, medical reports, receipts for treatment and medication, and receipts for any extra accommodation, meals or transport, plus letters or emails from airlines about changed flights.
Rearrange your travel
Talk to your airline and accommodation about changes. Keep a record of any refunds or credits they offer, because an insurer may ask about them.
Source: SafeTravel (MFAT), "Health advice" (accessed 30 September 2026)
Our travel insurance claims guide lists the documents insurers commonly ask for.
Questions to check in the policy wording
COVID-19 cover is not standard across the market. Before you buy, look for the answers to these questions in each policy wording — usually in the medical, cancellation, additional expenses and general exclusions sections:
- Is COVID-19 treated like any other sickness for overseas medical costs, or does it have its own limit?
- Does cancellation cover apply if you, a travelling companion or a relative tests positive before departure?
- Are extra accommodation and transport costs covered if you cannot travel home as planned because you are unwell?
- Are there exclusions linked to government travel advice, border closures or public health orders?
- Does the policy require a positive test result or a doctor’s certificate to support a claim?
- Do the same terms apply to any pre-existing conditions you have declared?
SafeTravel also notes that insurers may use its travel advice to decide whether to provide or pay out insurance, and that many policies will not cover travel to countries or regions it advises against visiting.
Source: SafeTravel (MFAT), "Travel insurance" (accessed 30 September 2026)
Before you travel
Insurance
- • Read the COVID-19 and pandemic terms in the policy wording
- • Declare pre-existing medical conditions
- • Save your insurer’s 24-hour emergency number
- • Keep a digital copy of your policy certificate
Health
- • Talk to your doctor about your health and vaccinations before you go
- • Pack essential medication in your hand luggage
- • Consider wearing a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor spaces
- • Wash your hands often, or carry hand sanitiser
Source: SafeTravel (MFAT), "Health advice" (accessed 30 September 2026)
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I get COVID-19 while travelling?
Follow the local health authority’s rules and seek medical care if your symptoms are severe or last a long time. Contact your travel insurer as soon as you can, especially before any significant treatment, and keep every receipt and medical document. If you cannot travel as planned, talk to your airline and accommodation about changes.
Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?
It depends on the policy. Insurers set their own terms for COVID-19 — some treat it like other illnesses for medical and cancellation cover, others apply specific limits, conditions or exclusions. Read the COVID-19 or pandemic sections of the policy wording before you buy, and check the medical, cancellation and additional-expenses sections.
Will the New Zealand Government or ACC pay for treatment overseas?
No. SafeTravel says the New Zealand Government will not pay overseas medical costs, and that ACC does not cover treatment overseas. Without insurance you will have to pay for your medical care.
Source: SafeTravel (MFAT), "Travel insurance" (accessed 30 September 2026)
Source: SafeTravel (MFAT), "Health advice" (accessed 30 September 2026)
Emergency contacts
- Your travel insurer: the emergency assistance number on your policy
- Local emergency services: the local emergency number where you are
- SafeTravel 24/7 consular assistance: 0800 30 10 30 or +64 99 20 20 20
Have ready
- • Travel insurance policy number
- • Passport and identification
- • Emergency contact details
- • A summary of your medical history and medications
Comparing policies?
Check each policy’s COVID-19 terms against the questions above.
General information only, not financial advice or medical advice. SafeTravel guidance checked 30 September 2026.