New Zealand

Travel Alerts​​

Stay up to date with the latest travel insurance alerts

This is not a summary of all travel events globally – check the New Zealand governments’ latest travel advice at www.safetravel.govt.nz before and while you’re travelling to remain up to date

Travel Alerts

A 5.2 magnitude tremor Earthquake was first detected in the Greek Island of Santorini on 5th of February, causing widespread damage with people forced to evacuate.  

 If you have been directly impacted by this event, we strongly advise you to please call our 24-hour emergency assistance team immediately on +64 9 872 5023. We further urge you to follow the guidance and instructions provided by local authorities and emergency services, the Safe Travel website  

  • Policies purchased after the event started with us, or via one of our partners or Direct brands Insure&Go and Tick, may not offer cover for this known event. 
  • Policies purchased before the event started with us, or via one of our partners or Direct brands Insure&Go and Tick, may be able to offer cover for this event. 

Please read carefully the full terms and conditions of any travel insurance policy before purchasing. 

 

As of 7th January 2025, several wildfires have been widely reported in the Los Angeles area of California in the USA driven by the Santa Ana winds.

The media are reporting 16 deaths and note it has forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. Extensive damage to housing and infrastructure has also been reported in the affected areas with residents being instructed to boil water for safe drinking.

At the time of issuing this alert, there are no reports of travel being significantly impacted and LAX airport reports they are operating normally.

If you have been directly affected by this event and need medical assistance, please call our 24-hour emergency assistance team immediately on +64 9 872 5019 We further urge you to pay close attention to the local media and emergency services, including the DFAT Smart Traveller website.

  • If you have purchased a policy; with us please check your Policy wording that was sent to you for how this may affect your cover.
  • If you have not yet purchased a policy; this may affect cover available for travel to or at this destination, or for this event.

Please read carefully the full terms and conditions of any travel insurance policy before purchasing.

 

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake occurred in Port Vila – Vanuatu on 17th December 2024, causing widespread infrastructure damage to roads and buildings. Some essential services have been impacted including flights.

If you have been directly affected by this event and need medical assistance, please call our 24-hour emergency assistance team immediately on +64 9 872 5019 We further urge you to pay close attention to the local media and emergency services, including the DFAT Smart Traveller website.

  • If you have purchased a policy; please check your Policy wording that was sent to you for how this may affect your cover.
  • If you have not yet purchased a policy; this may affect cover available for travel to or at this destination, or for this event.

Please read carefully the full terms and conditions of any travel insurance policy before purchasing.

Air Vanuatu has entered liquidation, resulting in the immediate grounding of all flights. This follows financial difficulties faced by the airline, leaving many travellers stranded and seeking alternative arrangements. Are you currently affected by this event? If so, read the below to learn more about how this natural disaster can affect your travels and coverage. 

Air Vanuatu has entered liquidation, resulting in the immediate grounding of all flights. This follows financial difficulties faced by the airline, leaving many travellers stranded and seeking alternative arrangements.

Customers

  • Do Not Travel to the Airport: If you are due to fly with Air Vanuatu, please DO NOT TRAVEL TO THE AIRPORT unless you have arranged an alternative flight with another airline. Air Vanuatu is unfortunately not able to arrange alternative flights for passengers at this stage.
  • Alternative Arrangements: If you have a booking sold by another airline that includes travel on an Air Vanuatu flight, please contact the relevant airline or travel agent to confirm if there is any impact on your travel plans.
  • Further Information: Customers are advised to monitor the Civil Aviation Authority Vanuatu website for further information: https://caav.vu/. For additional assistance, please contact the Liquidators by email at AirVanuatu@au.ey.com.

If you have been directly affected by this event and need medical assistance, please call our 24-hour emergency assistance team immediately on +64 9872 5019. We further urge you to pay close attention to the local media and emergency services, including the NZ Safe Travel website.

  • New Caledonia has imposed a curfew and banned public gatherings in the capital, Noumea, after a day of protests around the French territory against planned changes to the constitution turned violent, with reports of widespread looting and businesses set on fire. The international airport in Noumea shut down and cancelled all commercial flights on Tuesday 14th May 2024, and some consulates in the city shut their doors.

    If you have been directly affected by this event and need medical assistance, please call our 24-hour emergency assistance team immediately on +64 9872 5019 We further urge you to pay close attention to the local media and emergency services, including the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Safe Travel website.

    • If you have purchased a policy with us, please check your Policy Wording that was sent to you for how this may affect your cover.
    • If you have not yet purchased a policy, this may affect cover available with Europ Assistance partner brands, for travel to or at this destination, or for this event.

    Please read carefully the full terms and conditions of any travel insurance policy before purchasing.

October 2024: Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has erupted again, spewing ash clouds above its peak as authorities raised the volcano’s alert status to the highest level. 

If you have been directly affected by this event and need medical assistance, please call our 24-hour emergency assistance team immediately on +64 9872 5019. We further urge you to pay close attention to the local media and emergency services, including the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Safe Travel website.

  • If you have purchased a policy with us, please check your Policy Wording that was sent to you for how this may affect your cover.
  • If you have not yet purchased a policy, this may affect cover available with Europ Assistance partner brands, for travel to or at this destination, or for this event.

Please read carefully the full terms and conditions of any travel insurance policy before purchasing.

Europ Assistance is closely monitoring the escalating conflict in Israel and is aware of suspended routes to this region by a number of airlines.

If You Are Currently Travelling:

Please consider your safety first, follow advice from local authorities and the advice issued by the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade via its website.

We encourage you to contact us for any required medical assistance.  While changes to your travel or situation may not be eligible for coverage, we are available to assist you or direct you to appropriate resources.  Similarly, if you have any questions or concerns about your policy, please do not hesitate to contact us.  We can be reached 24/7 at +64 9 872 5019.

  • If you have purchased a policy with us, or via one of our partners please check your Policy Wording that was sent to you for how this may affect your cover.
  • If you have not yet purchased a policy, this may affect cover available with Europ Assistance partner brands, for travel to or at this destination, or for this event.
Sanctioned Countries​

Our policies will not cover any loss, injury or illness, dental, damage or legal liability arising directly or indirectly from travel in, to or through any country for which there is:

  • An active Do not travel warning on the New Zealand government’s Safe Travel website; or,
  • Is sanctioned by the European UnionOFACUnited Nations or New Zealand, from time to time. Please check these links for the latest information – sanctioned countries include, but are not limited to:
  • Cuba
  • North Korea
  • Iran
  • Syria
  • Russia
  • Venezuela
  • Belarus
  • Crimea
  • Ukraine