If I am diagnosed with COVID-19 during my overseas trip, will my overseas medical expenses be covered?

Yes, if you are first diagnosed with an illness (including COVID-19) while on your overseas trip and require immediate medical treatment, cover is provided for the cost of medical treatment incurred overseas.

If I’m positive with COVID-19 when my trip begins, will I be covered for COVID-19 related medical expenses during my trip?

No, you’re not covered for medical expenses incurred during your trip if you were diagnosed with that illness (including COVID-19) before your departure.

If I become ill with COVID-19 before or during my Trip, will I be able to claim for costs I incur for the Cancellation or Curtailment of my Trip?

Yes, cover is provided for costs arising from a necessary and unavoidable trip cancellation or curtailment as a result of an unforeseen illness (including COVID-19) where:

• you first contract and are diagnosed with COVID-19 after the policy is issued;
• a doctor confirms the illness; and
• the illness is not a pre-existing medical condition.

I no longer want to travel because I am worried about the spread of COVID-19. Are my trip cancellation, curtailment or change costs covered?

No, cover is not available in this scenario. Simply no longer wishing to travel is not covered under the Policy.

If I need to cancel, curtail or change my trip due to a COVID-19 border closure as announced by any departure or destination government, am I covered?

No, cancellation due to COVID-19 government related travel advisories and/or border closures is not covered.

Are Pre-Existing Medical Conditions covered?

This policy does not cover any pre-existing medical conditions. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, this cover may not be right for you. Before you purchase a policy, you should consider whether a medical condition is considered pre-existing based on the definition of ‘Pre-Existing Medical Condition’ which is found in the American Express Travel Insurance Policy Wording.

What is a "Pre-Existing Medical Condition"?

A Pre-Existing Medical Condition generally means any medical or dental condition, illness, injury or disease that you previously required or continue to require treatment for, or that is under investigation at the time the policy is issued. It’s important to check the full definition of “Pre-Existing Medical Condition” in the American Express Travel Insurance Policy Wording before making your purchase, as variable limits and time restrictions apply to specified conditions.

If I need medical treatment during my overseas trip, will my overseas medical expenses be covered?

Yes, if you suffer an unforeseen illness or injury on an overseas trip which requires immediate medical treatment, cover is provided for your medical expenses incurred overseas. It’s important to always check the American Express Travel Insurance Policy Wording, which excludes claims arising from pre-existing medical conditions and participation in certain sports.

Is cover provided for trip cancellation, curtailment or change due to a natural disaster at my intended travel destination?

Yes, provided there had been no official publication (prior to the purchase of the policy) warning that the natural disaster had occurred or was likely to occur. Please note that natural disasters do not include epidemics or pandemics (which are excluded under the policy).

I am unable to obtain my passport, entry visa or other required documentation in time and need to cancel my trip. Is this covered?

No, failure to hold or obtain all required documentation for your trip is not covered.

If I need to cancel my trip due to an illness or injury before my departure, am I covered?

Yes, cover is provided for trip cancellation which is necessary and unavoidable as a result of an unforeseen illness or injury as confirmed by a doctor in writing. The illness or injury must first be contracted or occur after the policy is issued. It’s important to check American Express Travel Insurance Policy Wording for details on pre-existing medical conditions which are not covered.

Is a video camera (or any other item) on loan or hire for the trip covered?

No, any items loaned, hired or entrusted to you are not covered

What happens if my luggage is delayed by the airline when I’m on my trip?

We will reimburse essential emergency clothing and toiletry expenses incurred (as required for a 24-hour period, up to the benefit amount under ‘Delay of Personal Baggage’ applicable to your chosen plan) if your luggage is delayed for 12 hours or more. If your luggage is delayed for more than 36 hours, the limit is increased up to the benefit amount under ‘Extended Delay of Personal Baggage’ applicable to your chosen plan.

Who is eligible for cover under the policy?

All people covered under the policy must be New Zealand residents and 79 years of age or younger. The policy must be purchased before your trip commences, and the trip must start and end in New Zealand.

When can I purchase my American Express Travel Insurance policy?

You can purchase the policy up to 12 months before your trip commences.

Will my policy be valid if I start or end my trip outside of New Zealand?

No. Your trip must begin and end in New Zealand for your policy to be valid.

Is there a maximum age on the policy?

Yes. Covered persons must be 79 years of age or younger at the date your policy is issued.

Do I need to undergo a medical examination to apply for the policy?

No. However, please note that pre-existing medical conditions are not covered.

Will I be covered if I purchased the policy after the commencement of my trip?

No. Cover is only applicable if your travel insurance is purchased before you start your trip.

Is there a maximum travel period on the policy?

Yes. The maximum trip duration is 180 consecutive days.

Is pregnancy covered under the policy?

The policy provides limited pregnancy cover. Pregnancy related claims are covered under the following sections of the policy:

1. Overseas medical expenses cover - If you have a pregnancy related Medical Emergency which occurs before the end of the 23rd week of your pregnancy
2. Trip cancellation and amendment cover - If you have an injury or unforeseen illness arising from or relating to your pregnancy that a doctor confirms will prevent you from commencing or continuing the trip.

There is no cover for costs associated with childbirth or the health of a newborn child, or for claims arising from any pre-existing medical condition (including any medical condition related to a previous pregnancy or if you have experienced pregnancy complications prior to purchasing the policy).

If my flight is delayed, am I covered?

Yes. We will reimburse additional accommodation expenses (up to the benefit amount under ‘Delayed, cancelled, overbooked or missing onward flight’ applicable to your chosen plan) if your flight is delayed for 6 hours or more. If your flight is delayed for more than 30 hours, the limit is increased up to the benefit amount under ’Extended Delayed, cancelled, overbooked or missed onward flight’ applicable to your chosen plan.

Is there a cooling off period?

Yes. You may cancel your policy for any reason within 14 days of issue (cooling-off period). You will receive a full refund of the premium you paid, provided:

1. you haven’t started your trip; or
2. you haven’t made a claim; or
3. you don’t want to make a claim or exercise any other right under the policy.

What is Chubb Assistance? How does it work?

Chubb Assistance is an emergency assistance service. Support is available for emergency advice and assistance services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for medical or other emergencies while on your overseas trip and which are covered by the policy.
In the event of a medical or similar emergency, simply call our emergency response team on +64 9 374 1774 to get immediate assistance and help accessing vital services in your local area where covered by the policy.

Further Questions?

Please contact Chubb on 0800 422 346 or Contact Us for any questions you may have.