southern cross one way travel insurance

• United States
• United Kingdom

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Our verdict: generous benefit limits, no restrictive age limits and free cover for kids all make scti an attractive option..

In this guide

Get a quote from Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Summary of southern cross's international comprehensive policy, how does southern cross travel insurance cover covid-19, what policies does southern cross offer, here's a breakdown of southern cross travel insurance features, standard features, optional add-on, how to make a southern cross travel insurance claim, here's the bottom line about southern cross travel insurance, frequently asked questions.

Destinations

• Southern Cross Travel Insurance have won the 2023 Finder Award across a few categories.
• SCTI's cover limit of $25,000 for theft or damage to your luggage and personal items is one of the highest we've seen.
• SCTI has an age limit of 118 – a welcome option for senior travellers .
• Its personal liability cover of up to $1,000,000 could meet the needs of most, but competitors such as Fast Cover and Medibank offer 5 times as much.

We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.

Learn how we maintain accuracy on our site.

Table updated December 2023

We have a winner!

Southern Cross Travel Insurance won the 2023 comprehensive award because it goes further than the majority of insurers. It scored highly for COVID benefits, cancellation fees, luggage damage cover and more. It's also taken the top place for the seniors category.

Best Travel Insurance - Value finalist

In addition to being the comprehensive winner, SCTI is also our value runner-up. That's because it's one of the most competitively priced policies on the market. Only 2 policies (Fast Cover and Medibank) came out as cheaper when we gathered quotes for dozens of destinations.

Southern Cross Travel Insurance is one of only a few insurers we've found that offer some cover for COVID-related claims. 3 key benefits are as follows:

• Medical expenses if you are diagnosed while on your journey (overseas policies only).
• Pre-trip cancellation and amendment costs to change your travel arrangements if you or a relevant person are diagnosed prior to your travel.
• On-trip cancellation and amendment costs if you or a relevant person are diagnosed during your trip and it's interrupted or cut short.

There are some scenarios that are not covered and you should review the Southern Cross Travel Insurance product disclosure statement (PDS) before making a decision on whether this cover meets your needs. A major exclusion to be aware of is that you must be fully vaccinated to be covered for COVID-19 expenses.

Other COVID-19 exclusions include:

• Travel to a destination that Smartraveller has rated a "Level 3" or "Level 4".
• Costs related to lockdowns or government restrictions.
• Costs related to any pause to quarantine-free travel.
• Repatriation to Australia.

If Southern Cross's COVID-19 cover isn't quite hitting the mark, we've compared all the providers that offer cover for COVID-19 here .

In total, Southern Cross offers 5 travel insurance policies. These are: Domestic, International Medical Only, International Comprehensive (Single Trip),International Comprehensive (Annual Multi-trip) and Working overseas. Here are some of the main insured events a policy can cover you for:

International Medical Only

International Comprehensive Single Trip

International Comprehensive Annual Multi-trip

Working Overseas

The insurance is issued by Southern Cross Benefits Limited, trading as Southern Cross Travel Insurance.

The cooling-off period is 14 days which means you can change your policy or cancel within this period, and Southern Cross will refund your premium in full. The excess is the amount you usually need to pay when you make a claim, but with Southern Cross, you can choose to remove your excess for a higher premium.

Here are some of the main policy benefits to help you find out if Southern Cross Travel Insurance can provide the right cover for you.

• Baggage and personal items
• Cancelling or changing your journey before you leave
• Cash, bank cards, travel documents and passports
• Changes to your journey once you have left
• Delayed journey to a special event
• Emergency dental treatment
• Medical and evacuation
• Personal accident
• Personal liability
• Rental vehicle excess

For more flexibility, Southern Cross Travel Insurance gives you the option to add extra cover to your policy. This can be done after you select your level of cover.

• Taking any valuables? If the value of any items you're taking exceeds the limits of your policy, you can opt for specified items cover .
• Going skiing or snowboarding? Get additional cover to be protected for gear damage or the medical expenses incurred if you injure yourself on the slopes . You'll need to wear a helmet or you might void your policy.
• Taking a cruise? If you're taking a cruise, select additional cover to protect yourself. You'll need to make sure you've included all the destinations your cruise is visiting on your policy.
• Riding a moped or motorbike? Get additional cover to protect yourself and your bike in case the unexpected happens . SCTI will only cover incidents involving bikes under 200cc.

Like all insurers, there are a few situations you won't be covered for under your travel insurance policy. Southern Cross Travel Insurance will not generally provide any cover in the following situations:

• If your claim arises due to a pre-existing condition that is not covered by your policy
• If your claim arises due to a sexually transmitted infection (excluding covered conditions relating to HIV)
• Pregnancy after the 24th week
• If your claim arises because of being under the influence of alcohol , solvents or any other illegal drug
• If your claim relates to most elective or cosmetic procedures
• If you participate in any professional or contact sport , motorsport, hunting, abseiling or paragliding

Other exclusions which could apply to a COVID-19 claim include:

• Medical evacuation because of COVID-19
• Travel to a destination that Smartraveller has rated a "Level 3" or "Level 4" due to COVID-19
• Costs related to lockdowns or government restrictions owing to COVID-19

Make sure you read Southern Cross Travel Insurance's PDS for a full list of situations that won't be covered.

Making a claim with Southern Cross Travel Insurance is easy and the whole process can be done online. Remember to keep any supporting documents such as receipts, medical notes or police reports to help your claim go through smoothly.

• Head to https://www.scti.com.au/claims/make-a-claim
• Enter your policy number, email, full name and date of birth to log in
• Complete your claim details by answering all sections
• Upload any supporting documents relevant to your claim
• Submit, then your claim should be processed within 10 business days

Southern Cross offers 4 straightforward policies with enough customisation and flexibility to suit most travellers. You'll find generous limits for theft or damage to your belongings, dependent children up to the age of 21 covered for free and the ability to extend your cover if you decide to stay overseas longer. All features that you don't find every day with other insurers.

Where Southern Cross Travel Insurance falls short is with certain exclusions in its policies. There is no cover for cruises that stay in Australian waters or pregnancy after 24 weeks. While Southern Cross does have COVID-19 cover, it comes with more restrictions than other insurers, including the need to be fully vaccinated.

If you're still not sure about Southern Cross, you can compare other travel insurance companies here .

Is there an age limit on its policies?

The age limit for Southern Cross Travel Insurance's policy is 118.

I have a pre-existing medical condition – is it covered by Southern Cross Travel Insurance?

SCTI's PDS does not list automatically included pre-existing conditions. It's best to declare everything at the time of policy purchase and fill out a medical assessment, so SCTI is aware of your medical conditions.

If your condition isn't automatically included, SCTI can use the medical assessment to consider your cover and any applicable premium costs.

Are kids free on this policy?

Yes, Southern Cross Travel Insurance covers kids for free but they must be "dependent children". This means they need to be under 21 years old at the start date of your policy. Children include your direct kids, can be stepchildren, foster children and even grandchildren.

• Southern Cross International Comprehensive - Single Trip information page
• Southern Cross International Comprehensive - Single Trip information PDF
• Southern Cross International Medical Only Travel Insurance information page
• Southern Cross International Medical Only Travel Insurance information PDF
• Southern Cross Domestic Travel Insurance information page
• Southern Cross Domestic Travel Insurance information PDF
• Southern Cross International Comprehensive - Single Trip, International Medical Only and Domestic Travel Insurance TMD

Gary Ross Hunter

Gary Ross Hunter is an editor at Finder, specialising in insurance. He’s been writing about life, travel, home, car, pet and health insurance for over 6 years and regularly appears as an insurance expert in publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian and news.com.au. Gary holds a Kaplan Tier 2 General Advice General Insurance certification which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146).

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37 Responses

You may be covered for trip cancellations if you need to cancel due to sickness, so long as you took out cover before you became sick. It’s likely that you will need to provide evidence that you’re unfit to travel from a doctor.

I’d suggest contacting the insurer directly.

Thanks, Gary

i am considering the medical only international insurance cover but i have not been vaccinated against covid 19. can i still buy this policy

Thanks for your message. While I can’t see anything in Southern Cross’ Eligibility criteria that specifically mentions the need to be vaccinated against COVID, it’s best to reach out to the insurer directly to confirm this.

Yes you should still inform them of your pre-existing condition.

Kind regards, Gary

bought a policy no 13086815 . have recieved no email.

This is a Finder review page about Southern Cross Travel insurance. We are not directly affiliated with Southern Cross, so you’ll need to contact them directly about your policy.

Hope this helps!

Would like to know how much for a cover from 28 March 2023 to 31 March 2023 for a cruise from brisbane to whitsuncays and return.

im 75 and have mild asthma.

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• Travel Insurance
• Southern Cross Domestic Travel Insurance Review

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Southern Cross Domestic Travel Insurance Review: Pros And Cons

Updated: Oct 11, 2023, 11:18am

Southern Cross Travel Insurance is highly regarded by its customers, receiving a 4.7 star rating from nearly 3,000 customer reviews. It is well suited to elderly travellers with its high age limit of 119 years, but unfortunately does not allow for policyholders to add extra cover for winter or adventure sports.

• Very high ranking reviews via ProductReview
• High age limit
• Item limits can be increased
• Snow and adventure activities are not covered
• No option to add cruise cover
• No online discounts

Table of Contents

About southern cross travel insurance, what is and isn’t covered.

Southern Cross Travel Insurance was first established in New Zealand more than 40 years ago, coming across the ditch to Australia in 2009. Its domestic travel insurance policy was launched in 2020, and has received a ranking of 4.9 stars for its domestic travel insurance offering out of a small pool of nine reviews. It is possible that many domestic travellers instead review the main Southern Cross travel insurance entry within Product Review—rather than the specific domestic policy product—as the comprehensive international offering has more than 3,000 reviews and a ranking of 4.7 stars.

Southern Cross has won a range of industry awards over the years, often for its dedication to customer service. A key feature of Southern Cross Travel Insurance is that it underwrites all of its own policies, meaning Australians do not have to rely on a third-party to pay out claims.

In the following review, Forbes Advisor has analysed the Southern Cross Travel Insurance Domestic Policy available to all Australians and highlighted its relevant features. You can read more about this policy via the Southern Cross Domestic Travel Insurance policy document .

Featured Partners

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Covid Cover

Maximum age limit

Lost luggage cover

Up to $15,000

The domestic policy offered by Southern Cross Travel Insurance is available to all Australians up to the age of 119 years old, making it the highest maximum age of any policy that Forbes Advisor reviewed.

The high age limit would make it a desirable policies for intergenerational families travelling together; especially since family emergencies are granted as a cancellation reason under the unlimited cancellation cover as long as the relative is not in an aged care facility or similar.

In addition to the unlimited cancellation cover , there is also cover up to $3,000 for delayed travel if it is in regard to a special event such as a wedding or concert. Meanwhile, accidental death is covered up to $25,000 and personal liability up to $2,500,000.

More details on lost luggage cover and valuables, medical cover and connecting flights are explained in more detail below.

Lost Luggage

Lost luggage is covered up to $15,000, including baggage delay during your journey of $1000 for each paying person.

Different item limits are set for certain belongings, including jewellery up to $2,5000 for all items, and personal electronics up to $10,000 for all items.

To increase item limits, policyholders can specify the items that they are taking on the trip which will allow for higher coverage with Southern Cross providing $5,000 each for most specified items.

Cash is not covered under any circumstances.

The Southern Cross Domestic Travel Insurance policy doesn’t cover medical expenses. Instead, Southern Cross urges its policyholders to contact Medicare or their private health insurance provider to understand how they are covered for medical treatment when travelling domestically. This is standard across domestic policies.

Despite not covering medical expenses, Southern Cross still asks its customers to submit any pre-existing medical conditions upon taking out a domestic policy. By doing so, if a trip needs to be cancelled or delayed due to a pre-existing condition, Southern Cross will cover the cancellation costs under the policy.

Does It Cover Me for Covid?

Despite there being no government-enforced travel restrictions due to Covid-19, nor any quarantine or isolation requirements, Southern Cross still offers some coverage should you contract the virus.

Southern Cross released a Supplementary Product Disclosure Statement (SPDS) effective from 16 March 2023, which explains that a policy will cover costs up to $5,000 if you are diagnosed with Covid-19 before you leave or during your journey and need to cancel, amend, or cut your trip short.

Southern Cross states it is important for policyholders to know that it will not cover all Covid-19 related events, and therefore the SPDS should be read carefully to understand what will and will not be covered in regards to COVID.

Missed Connections

Southern Cross does not specify if any cover is available for missed flight connections, however, there is cover for travel interruption. Travel interruption refers to an unexpected event that interrupts your journey for more than 12 hours, requiring you to rearrange your travel arrangements.

This travel interruption cover is up to the value of $30,000.

Are Sports and Activities Covered?

When it comes to adventure sports and activities, most are not covered nor does Southern Cross allow for its policyholders to add cover for such sports.

Some activities are covered under the policy, such as rock climbing and white water rafting, as long as you are taking part with a licensed instructor and following safety instructions.

Extreme sports, competitive sports where you can win money, professional sports and high-altitude sports are not covered under any circumstances.

There is also no cover for snow sports, nor the choice to add snow cover.

Does Southern Cross Cover Cruises?

Yes, Southern Cross does offer the option to add cruise cover for domestic trips, so long as you are not travelling to any international destinations.

Customer Service

As mentioned earlier, Southern Cross is highly regarded by its customers and has won a slate of industry awards for its customer service capabilities.

At the time of writing, Southern Cross Travel Insurance is operating on reduced hours: its current contact hours are 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday AEST. For general enquiries, customers can contact Southern Cross Travel Insurance via phone or email.

In the event of an emergency, customers can contact the emergency contact team by phone, which is monitored 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do i make a claim with southern cross travel insurance.

You can submit a claim to Southern Cross Travel Insurance by entering your policy details online via the claims portal . You’ll be required to submit any relevant receipts, medical documents, bank account numbers and police reports if necessary.

If you do not wish to submit your claim online, you can also submit a claim via post by following the instructions online.

Who is Southern Cross Travel Insurance underwritten by?

All Southern Cross Travel Insurance policies are underwritten directly by Southern Cross, meaning no third-party is involved.

Does Southern Cross Travel Insurance cover rental car excess?

Yes, the domestic policy offered by Southern Cross Travel Insurance does cover rental car excess. If there is damage to a rental car, or if a rental car is stolen, Southern Cross will provide cover up to $6,000.

Sophie Venz is an experienced editor and features reporter, and has previously worked in the small business and start-up reporting space. Previously the Associate Editor of SmartCompany site, Sophie has worked closely with finance experts and columnists around Australia and internationally. Sophie grew up on the Gold Coast and now lives in Melbourne.

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Home > Travel Insurance > Southern Cross Travel Insurance Review

Southern Cross Travel Insurance Review

Learn more about Southern Cross' travel insurance policies to find out about their coverage and fees and compare them with other insurers today.

Fact checked

Southern Cross is a relatively new player in the travel insurance market, having begun offering products just over a decade ago. Since 2009, the Sydney company has provided cover for more than 50,000 travellers and paid out more than $1.3 million in claims.

If you’re trying to sniff out the best travel insurance deal on the market, it’s important to compare with Savvy. We’ll help you see how Southern Cross’ travel insurance policies measure up against other insurers on the market, taking into account factors such as claim limits and inclusions.

If you’re wanting to learn more about Southern Cross’ travel insurance policies and see how they compare, grab a quote and compare with us today.

*Please note that Savvy does not represent Southern Cross for its insurance products.

More about Southern Cross travel insurance

What travel insurance policies does southern cross offer.

Southern Cross gives you the following options when you’re looking to purchase travel insurance:

• International Comprehensive: this policy provides you with broad coverage ranging from unlimited medical and cancellation protection right through to the replacement or repair of your luggage and the excess on a rental car. This policy can also be tweaked to accommodate your whole family and afford you larger claim limits.
• International Medical-Only: if you’re a backpacker or a student travelling on a budget, or simply don’t need some of the fringe benefits of travel insurance, you can purchase a medical-only policy. Southern Cross’ policy protects you with unlimited coverage on medical treatment and $1 million in expenses if a court finds you legally liable due to an incident.
• Domestic: Southern Cross’ domestic policy covers you for changing your travel arrangements, losing your luggage, some cash while you’re in hospital and childcare and pet boarding costs if you’re delayed getting home.

Once you’ve found a policy which you think is up your alley, it’s important to compare it with Savvy to others on the market. This will help you make a more informed decision on what policy is right for you, enabling you to choose the best domestic insurance or international insurance with more confidence, no matter if you’re taking a holiday to Georgia or New Zealand.

What optional extras are available through Southern Cross?

In most cases, travel insurance providers offer what’s called ‘add-ons’ which afford you extra coverage for riskier activities such as adventure activities or non-competitive sports. Southern Cross offers a few optional extras , including:

• Skiing and snowboarding cover: this extra coverage protects you against unforeseen circumstances that occur while you’re skiing or snowboarding on your international or domestic holiday. This coverage applies when you’re using your skis or snowboard.
• Moped and motorbike cover: if you’re a driver or a passenger on a moped or a motorcycle, including rideshare or taxi, you aren’t covered under the standard policies. Southern Cross offers optional coverage which covers the cost of any unforeseen accidents while riding a motorcycle under 200cc.

Additionally, if you’re purchasing a medical-only policy, you’ll have to pay a higher premium to get coverage for certain benefits such as loss or theft of luggage, cancellation or cover for the excess on a rental car.

What exclusions should I be aware of when buying travel insurance through Southern Cross?

Taking a holiday to another part of the world, whether it’s exploring New Zealand or Noosa, is a magical experience. While the unexpected can occur, even the most comprehensive travel insurance policy won’t cover absolutely everything. As such, Southern Cross has a range of exclusions on their coverage, including:

• Biological or chemical weapon attacks
• Government-endorsed border closures or lockdowns
• Hitchhiking
• Knowingly travelling into a natural disaster, such as a cyclone or earthquake
• Any type of war or violence, such as invasions or insurrections
• Working while on your travels, whether voluntary or paid
• Unapproved medical conditions such as sexually transmitted diseases
• Any type of illegal activity
• Being subject to scams or fraud
• Using or providing prostitution services

Before you settle on a policy, it’s best to go through Southern Cross’ Product Disclosure Statement to ensure you’re choosing travel insurance that covers you adequately . There’s no point buying a policy if it doesn’t offer you the cover you need.

What we think of Southern Cross travel insurance

What we like, high maximum age limits.

Unlike some of its competitors that place limits as low as 65 on their policies, Southern Cross’ travel insurance products are open to covering anyone under the age of 118.

Generous luggage claim limits

Southern Cross allows you to claim up to $25,000 if you lose your luggage or have it stolen, considerably more than some of its rival providers who usually offer around $15,000 on comprehensive policies.

Childcare and pet coverage

If your return home is delayed for a variety of reasons, Southern Cross travel insurance covers the cost of any childcare or pet boarding costs, up to an agreed limit, until you can return home..

What we don't like

No domestic cruise coverage.

If you’re sailing through Australian waters and need coverage, you may have to look at other providers as Southern Cross doesn’t offer cover for domestic cruises .

Limited personal liability coverage

Most travel insurance companies offer up to $5 million coverage if a court finds you personally liable for damage or injury to another person or their property. However, Southern Cross only offers up to half that sum and just $1 million on their overseas coverage options.

Modest cover for pregnancies

If you’re pregnant, Southern Cross only covers you for medical issues up to the 24th week of gestation, while many other providers will cover you up to the 26th week or further.

Types of travel insurance

International.

International travel insurance can offer cover for a range of events, including medical expenses, lost luggage or items, cancellation fees and more when you're overseas and a long way from home.

If you're journeying within Australia, domestic policies are designed to offer many of the same protections as international travel insurance (with the exception of medical expenses).

Single trip

The most standard and common type of travel insurance, this policy can cover you for one trip starting and ending in Australia (and is available for both international and domestic travel).

Annual multi-trip

As the name suggests, this type of travel insurance covers multiple trips over a 12-month period. Depending on your insurer, you may be able to take an unlimited number of trips up to 90 days each.

You don't have to have a return ticket booked to take out cover while you're overseas. One-way travel insurance enables you to access cover without a set end date, such as if you're moving temporarily.

You may need to take out specialist coverage if you're setting sail on a cruise. Fortunately, cruise insurance can cover emergency evacuation, cabin confinement and more.

Just because you're older doesn't mean travel insurance isn't still important. If you qualify for cover, seniors' travel insurance can offer greater peace of mind for included events while you're travelling.

Adding winter sports or ski cover to your policy can add protection against damage to your equipment, piste closure due to bad weather and activities such as back-country skiing, heliskiing and more.

Adventure sports

Looking to enjoy some adventure sports on holiday? An adventure sports pack can grant you cover for a range of activities, such as hiking, scuba diving and motorcycle or scooter riding.

Jetsetting with the whole clan in tow? Some insurers offer family travel insurance, which enables you to include yourself, your partner and your dependent children under one policy to help you save.

If you're travelling interstate or overseas with your partner (or simply another friend or family member), you may be able to access a discount by taking out a joint or duo travel insurance policy.

Why compare travel insurance with Savvy?

Reputable insurance partners, fast and convenient online process.

You can complete the quote, comparison and purchase process online through Savvy quickly and easily.

Competitive quote costs

Regardless of the type of insurance you’re looking for, we can help you compare between competitive quotes.

Frequently asked questions about Southern Cross travel insurance

Yes – Southern Cross offers cover for COVID-19 expenses such as overseas medical and hospital costs, cancellation fees and lost deposits, additional expenses and travel delays. However, they only offer these benefits on their comprehensive travel insurance policy.

Making a travel insurance claim online with Southern Cross is relatively straightforward and follows these steps:

• Enter your policy number and personal details
• Submit copies of receipts, your travel itinerary, medical or police reports and copies of your bank statements to back up your claim.

  Once these details are provided, Southern Cross will email you to confirm your claim has been received and give you an estimated processing time. If your claim is approved, they will email you to confirm your refund has been processed.

To purchase a travel insurance policy through Southern Cross, you must be an Australian resident over 18 years old. If you're a visitor or temporary resident, you must also:

• Purchase your policy before your trip starts
• Hold a current Australian visa and a return ticket
• Have an Australian residential and mailing address

Many factors affect how much you'll spend on travel insurance, including:

• How long you’re planning to travel
• The destinations you’re visiting
• Whether you suffer from any pre-existing conditions
• If you need any optional extras, such as cruise or adventure sports cover
• The travel insurance company you choose and the level of coverage you’re prepared to pay for

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Please Note - If you are cruising around Australia you need to select Pacific. With Regions, variances can apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East. You are not required to enter stop-over countries if your stop-over is less than 48 hours.

If you don’t know where you’re traveling to within the next 12 months, choose Worldwide to ensure you’re covered no matter where you go. If you’re travelling to multiple countries choose the region that you are visiting that is furthest away (excluding stopovers less than 48 hours). In most cases you will be covered for the closer regions as well. For example, if you choose Europe, you will also be covered in the Middle East, Asia and Pacific.

Worldwide means anywhere in the world

Americas means USA, Canada, South America, Latin America, Hawaii and the Caribbean

Europe means all European countries, including UK

Middle East refers to the area from Syria to Yemen; Egypt to Iran

Asia generally means Asia and the Indian subcontinent. For some insurers this excludes Japan*

Pacific means the South West Pacific, Australia and Indonesia/Bali*. Select Pacific for domestic cruises in New Zealand waters

New Zealand means domestic travel within New Zealand only

*Note: Variances apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East. Check that your destination is covered once directed to your chosen insurer’s site.

One Way Travel Insurance

One way travel insurance will cover you for any unforseen events that could happen during your one way flight and trip away, however, in most cases cover typically ends when you reach your final destination and have passed immigration. This varies from insurer to insurer, some will cover you for a period in your final destination, so make sure you check this before purchasing Did you know, most travel insurers require you to have a start and return date in New Zealand in order to buy a policy? So if you're going overseas and not planning on returning, finding cover can be a tad tricky!

Where Can I Buy One Way Travel Insurance?  

We’ve done all the hard work for you! Here's a handy table showing who offers one way cover and any restrictions they may have. NOTE: If you are going overseas, plan to return, but do not have a confirmed return date to New Zealand, this is different. Most insurers allow you to purchase a regular policy if you intend to head back to NZ, but just have not bought a ticket yet.

General Advice Warning: The contents of this article were accurate at the time of writing. Insurers change their policies from time to time, so some information may have changed. You should always read the Product Disclosure Statement of your chosen insurer to understand what is covered and what isn't. The information provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account any personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your personal circumstances.

Typical Conditions Of Cover:

-  You must tell your insurer you’ve only bought a one way ticket otherwise your cover could be invalid

-  You must be an New Zealand citizen

- A waiting period may apply to claims for illness or injury

-  In many cases your trip must originate in New Zealand (but not always)

-  Like any policy there might be age restrictions (listed below)

- You must  tell your insurer about any pre-existing medical conditions you have

- One way insurance might expire between 24 hours to 7 days after you arrive at your destination It's important to note that should you require repatriation to New Zealand, travel insurance would normally use your return ticket to get you home. However, on a one-way journey (with no return ticket) you will need to contribute the equivalent of an economy ticket for the return journey.

Keep Your Insurer Up-To-Date

If you’ve purchased a single trip policy but decide to extend your trip but forget to extend your insurance, you will find yourself without cover. If you do not return home on the date that’s specified on your certificate of insurance, and you do not tell your insurer, your policy could be cancelled.

Read The Small Print 

We know it's not particularly exciting, but each insurers' policy will vary, especially when it comes to their one way insurance policies. Because of this make sure you read the small print to understand your cover. You don't want to find yourself in a situation when you thought you were covered when infact you wern't!!

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Travel Insurance Extraordinarie At Your Service

Need some help? Use the search box below to find answers to all those tricky questions. We’ve got heaps of travel insurance tips to help you get the best policy for your upcoming holiday!

Our Travel Insurance Comparision Helps You

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CoverDirect NZ Limited (INC 3526051) owns and operates this website.

Our comparison is a free service that makes it easy for users to compare multiple quotes, saving both time and money. Our comparison ranks quotes according to price and is limited to those insurers that have agreed to participate on the site. CoverDirect NZ Limited does not hold a financial services licence. The comparison does not take your personal circumstances into account; as such, all information provided should be considered general and should not be considered as advice or a recommendation. Whilst we take all reasonable care when preparing this information, we do not warrant its accuracy. Pricing information is supplied by the insurance providers and ALL policy details should be verified with the before you purchase. This site links users to the website of the insurance provider to verify quotes and access the relevant PDS to understand what is, and is not, covered by a policy prior to purchase. We do not issue insurance. Users purchase directly from the travel insurance provider.

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Do you want to cover a single trip or multiple trips, single trip  covers a single return journey overseas, up to 12 months long., annual multi-trip  covers an unlimited number of return journeys overseas over a 12 month period from the date your insurance starts which you can choose., when are you travelling, select the dates you will depart from and return to australia., cover starts on the date you select, and you will have 12 months of cover from this date., where will you be travelling, popular destinations, south pacific.

• New Zealand
• Cook Islands

North and South America

• United States of America
• Netherlands
• United Kingdom

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COMPARE COVER

Trip details..

Type to select country destinations

Type the countries you are travelling to or select from popular destinations below.

• Cook Islands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• South America
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• South Africa
• Middle East
• United Arab Emirates
• Domestic Cruise
• Cruising New Zealand

Please Note: You do not need to include stopovers less than 48 hours, except for USA and Canada.

• Depart Return

Are all travellers under 19 your children or grandchildren?

Dependants are defined by TINZ as your children or grandchildren, not in full time employment, who are under the age of 19 and travelling with you for 100% of the journey. Before proceeding, please confirm that all travellers under 19 are dependants of the adult travellers. If the child is not classified under the above terms then please treat them as an adult traveller within this policy.

The Already Overseas plan is appropriate for New Zealand residents who are already overseas and need travel insurance cover because they have either forgotten to purchase before they left New Zealand or, their existing travel insurance policy has expired.

Please read our conditions of purchase carefully. We can only provide cover provided that you satisfy the following conditions at the time of purchase:

• You are aged 64 or under; and
• You have a permanent residential address in New Zealand and will be returning to resume residence in New Zealand at the end of your journey; and
• You intend to return to New Zealand on the date your policy ends; and
• You purchase your policy within 30 days from either the date you departed New Zealand; or the expiry of any other travel insurance policy; and
• Your period of overseas travel does not exceed 18 consecutive months in total from the date you originally departed New Zealand;

Please note:

• For this plan “journey” means the time from when the policy is issued while you are overseas and ends when you arrive at any immigration counter in New Zealand.
• Journeys can be up to a maximum of 90 days.
• Purchasing an Already Overseas policy is limited to one journey every 12 months.
• There is no cover provided for the first 72 hours from the start date of your certificate of insurance.

Age limit exceeded.

We are sorry.

We are unable to provide cover for this trip. Travellers aged over 80 years and over can only purchase travel insurance for a maximum duration of 6 months.

Please visit our partner website www.comparetravelinsurance.co.nz to purchase travel insurance for this trip.

Single Trip | Annual Multi-Trip

SINGLE TRIP | ANNUAL MULTI-TRIP

SOUTHERN CROSS TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER COMPARISON

On the fence and not sure which provider to go with? If you’re toying between Southern Cross Travel Insurance and TINZ, our handy guide makes it easy to help you find the right cover for your trip.

SCTI vs TINZ COVER COMPARISON

Deciding which travel insurer to go with is always tough. With so many options in the market, it's hard to be confident that your chosen insurer is right for your holiday. A good way to be sure is to compare a few policies to make sure you are getting the most cover for your money. To help you out, we've highlighted  the biggest differences between TINZ & Southern Cross to help you find the right cover for your holiday.    

Cover types: Southern Cross have one plan available called TravelCare, TINZ has three. With TINZ you can choose between Essentials, Comprehensive or Comprehensive Plus to tailor the appropriate level of cover for your trip. Compare our plans  to get a feel on the different levels of cover available. 

Cancellation cover: TINZ offers unlimited cancellation cover. If you need to cancel your holiday for a covered, unforeseen sickness, injury or natural disaster (for example) your pre-paid expenses would be covered. Southern Cross offers limited cancellation cover of $2,500 if you need to cancel before your trip has started, however you have the option to pay an additional premium and increase cover to $5,000, $10,000 or unlimited. 

Terrorism cover:  Should a terror attack affect your trip TINZ will cover you to cancel your holiday and be reimbursed for all your out-of-pocket expenses. * Conditions apply . Southern Cross do not have any travel insurance benefits relating to terrorism at all. 

Family holidays : Southern Cross provide policies for 2 adults, whereas TINZ allows group of up to 25 travellers.

Pregnancy: If you’re looking for that last minute babymoon, make sure you select the right insurer that will cover you to your gestation limit. Southern Cross covers mums-to-be to 20 weeks (single pregnancy) and TINZ is 24 (single pregnancy).

Riding a bike or moped: Even if you're adequately licensed, Southern Cross do not cover for any form of motorbike riding over 200cc. Whereas with TINZ, if you are fully licensed in New Zealand and the country you are travelling to, we do not stop you from riding a bike of whatever engine size you are licenced to ride.

Visitors : Southern Cross cover non-residents on working holidays, guardian visas, and more, TINZ does not cover any one other than permanent residents of NZ.

Domestic cover: Southern Cross does not have a domestic plan for travel purely within New Zealand.   TINZ's domestic policy  covers travellers for trips of up to 92 days domestically at a time.

Already overseas: If you forgot to buy cover before you departed for your trip, you can rely on TINZ's already overseas cover . Southern Cross require you to have a start date and end date in NZ in order to purchase a policy.

SCTI VS TINZ COVER COMPARISON

(Cover limits shown are per person)

SOUTHERN CROSS (TRAVEL CARE)

Tinz (comprehensive plus).

Award winning

Five Stars for Outstanding Value International Travel Insurance 2018

Five Stars for Outstanding Value International Travel Insurance 2018

Accidental death

No age limit (Comprehensivie Plus, Comprehensive, Essentials, Domestic, Frequent Traveller plans only)

Alternative transport

Annual multi-trip Limits

30, 60, 90 days

15 or 30 day options (64 and under) Trips must be more than 100k from home

Already overseas

Yes available to travellers aged 64 and under with a $250 excess

Cancellations before you leave

Cancellations/changes after you've left

3,000 max altitude, no cover if oxygen or ropes are needed

5,000 altitude

Cooling off period

14 days (if you cancel after cooling off, but before your holiday you will be charged $35 cancellation premium)

Automatically covered

Domestic trips

No stand alone domestic policy available

92 day trip limits

Under 21 years

Under 19 years

$0, $100, $250

$200, can double to $400

25 travellers

Hijack & kidnap

Loss of income

$6,500 (for a maximum of 13 weeks)

$10,400 (for a maximum of 26 weeks)

Luggage, theft damage

Luggage delay

$1,000 (after 12 hours)

Mopeds, scooters

Must buy moped and motorbike cover in order to be covered. Only cover up to 200cc

Automatic cover and no engine size restrictions so long as policyholder holds appropriate license in NZ and overseas. You can only ride a 50cc bike if you don't have a motorbike licence

Non-residents

For overseas travel if you have a visa which gives access to publicly funded health and disability services in NZ

Only cover for NZ citizens or permanent visa holders

Natural events

Only cover once holiday has started

Covered from the time you buy your policy

One way cover

Their working overseas cover is available if you have a one way ticket

Only available for one way travel back to NZ from overseas

Permanent disability

Personal liability

 $5,000,000

20 weeks (single, multiple, IVF)

24 weeks (single pregnancy) 19 weeks (multiple pregnancy). IVF pregnancy are treated the same as a non-assisted pregnancy.

Repatriation & funeral expenses

Rental vehicle excess

$5,000 ( no more than 8 people per vehicle)

Single trip limits

18 months (under 69 yrs)

12 nautical miles

With ski pack

Terrorism (medical)

$10 Million

Terrorism (trip cancellation before you've left)

Yes, if one week before you are due to travel  the NZ government upgrades it’s travel advisory warning to advise against travel

Theft of cash

Underwriter

Southern Cross Benefits Limited Trading

HDI Global Specialty SE - New Zealand

Unrest, riots (before you leave)

Unspecified items (laptops, tablets, cameras)

Unspecified items (all other items)

Visitors to NZ

Travel Insurance FAQ's

Q. who are tinz.

The founders of TINZ are pioneers of the online travel insurance industry and have been selling insurance for 20+ years. All TINZ travel insurance plans are underwritten by HDI Global Specialty SE – New Zealand.  A global company who provides a broad range of insurance solutions in more than 175 countries. We at TINZ, are a passionate, energetic breed with a deep understanding of insurance and travel patterns. We understand that everyone has a unique journey with varying needs. Which is why our products have 3 levels of cover to choose from with optional extras that allow you to tailor your insurance to your trip.

Q. How much do TINZ policies cost?

TINZ prices are competitive. We’re passionate about providing the best travel insurance that money can buy. We only charge you for extras, meaning you can get more cover for less. Get a quote at the top of the page to get a specific quote for your holiday.

Q. CAn i cancel my policy?

We have a money back guarantee! You can cancel your policy for any reason within 14 days if haven’t started your journey. You will receive a full refund. No questions asked.

Q. Can i tailor my cover to my needs?

Whether you’re after the bare essentials or fully comprehensive cover, TINZ offers a range of options for all types of travellers & budgets. You can add on extras after you’ve left the country. You can even extend your policy from overseas if you’re having too much fun.

Q. what if i have a medical condition?

We automatically cover 35 pre-existing medical conditions for free.  We also cover many more conditions, assessed on a case by case basis. Complete our medical assessment during the quote process to see if we can cover your condition.

Because life’s a trip

Before You Buy

Top searches, popular destinations, customer rating.

About us | Contact us | Policy Wording | Privacy

How Southern Cross Travel Insurance is navigating a new normal

Southern cross travel insurance is looking to take positives from the pandemic, with several initiatives, explains ceo jo mccauley.

As an industry, we’ve all been through one of the most tumultuous periods we’ll probably (hopefully) experience in our lifetimes. While it’s been an incredibly tough period to navigate, the silver lining is the immense volume of learning we can take forward into the future – to reinvent our industry for the benefit of our customers and teams.

For Southern Cross Travel Insurance, this means we’re hopeful and creative. We’re rebuilding our exceptional team, while working to gain a deeper understanding of what our customers now need and want.

I came into the Southern Cross Travel Insurance CEO role in August 2020 – in the middle of the pandemic. I’d spent several years as Chief Customer Officer, so as we were dealing with the sudden and drastic impacts of Covid-19, supporting our customers was very much top of my list of priorities.

It was really important that we acted with integrity. As the first wave of lockdowns and cancellations hit, we proactively contacted customers in New Zealand and Australia, refunding single-trip policies purchased in advance of travel, waiving standard cancellation fees ($35 per policy), while offering extensions to recently purchased 12-month policies.

As CEO, my role expanded to supporting our core team of 45 people. We had to make the heartbreaking call to reduce our team from 116 in July 2020, ensuring the business could remain sustainable through what we thought would be less than a year-long event. While the size of our team was much reduced, our thinking was big. We were always looking ahead, focusing on strategies and plans to manage customer needs in the present – investing in work that would keep our brand alive, sustain us beyond the crisis, and enable us to be ready to scale back up for the ‘new normal’ of travel.

To that end, we deployed several new initiatives:

• Rebuilt our website to offer improved functionality and visibility for customers looking to purchase and make claims online. This included a new feature, allowing them to upload documents and track their claim. Now, over 97 per cent of claims are lodged online

We launched a new chatbot – ‘Scout’ – on our website, increasing the instant communication options available for customers

• A simple and transparent level of Covid-19 cover to give our customers confidence in booking travel again. This relates to cancellation and disruption as a result of being diagnosed with Covid, either before or during their trip, and of course medical support overseas. This cover has been incredibly popular – having it included as standard in our policies has proven very necessary
• Introduced WriteMark-endorsed Plain English (Language) policy documents for our Domestic and International policies. We know that today’s travel insurance customers are far more interested in the ‘fine print’. They want to easily understand what they are covered for, and are more attuned to risks they might previously have not considered. A greater level of transparency and reassurance from insurers is expected
• We knew that when international travel resumed, our challenge would be building the sales and service teams back quickly, so we launched a new chatbot – ‘Scout’ – on our website, increasing the instant communication options available for customers.

The biggest lesson the pandemic brought home to me was that your business is ultimately your people. We have a talented and incredibly committed team at Southern Cross Travel Insurance. Their ingenuity and resilience have been incredible, and I can’t thank them enough for staying the course over what was two incredibly tough years in 2020 and 2021.

As we’ve built our team back with the return of international travel at the start of 2022, the challenges have not abated. Customer appetites for international travel, to reconnect with friends and family, have been significant – and this is happening in a tight market for flight capacity. Travel disruption due to flight cancellations and lost luggage has been considerable and costly. Consequently, the need for the same pandemic-style agility of thinking remains.

We have more than doubled our team in the past nine months, but this in itself has brought about new challenges. This includes training and embedding our culture at scale and pace, while also meeting a new level of customer scrutiny over policy coverage and the risks they may face when travelling. And we have been building back in arguably one of the tightest recruitment markets we’ve ever seen in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Our team has always championed inclusivity and diversity, so we take care to consider how we can nurture this.

To be successful here, we’ve had to think deeply about our culture and employee value proposition. Our team has always championed inclusivity and diversity, so we take care to consider how we can nurture this.

Firstly, we prioritised rehiring former staff where we could, bringing their skills and knowledge of our shared DNA back into the team.

Secondly, we wrote key tenets of our culture into internal policies and onboarding documentation, with consultation from our newly formed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (DE&I).

This group was established during the pandemic to help us further develop and safeguard our culture of inclusivity. It includes several members of our leadership team, ensuring follow-through on any DE&I Committee decisions.

Critical to our success in this area is providing training for every new staff member, ensuring they understand our culture of inclusivity and championing diversity. Being clear about our culture from the moment each person joins the team offers an opportunity for them to not just have a job, but to be invited into a strong team with shared purpose and values. 

Finally, we made the call to invest in our leaders to help them ensure consistency for our wider team. Amidst the rapid growth, we launched a new leadership programme focusing on developing psychological safety and a sense of empowerment in the people they lead.

We launched a new leadership programme focusing on developing psychological safety and a sense of empowerment in the people they lead

I strongly believe that you can have the very best strategy and systems in the world, but without a team that feels comfortable enough to bring their whole self to work, you’ll never enjoy the excellence in execution that our customers deserve.

Like many, we’re still building back in an uncertain business environment. We’re facing challenges, like simply being able to recruit enough team members, persistent disruptions, and the increasing impact of climate change.

Despite all this, I am incredibly proud of how we’ve weathered the storm, surviving and thriving. The team is creative and hungry for innovation, but the one thing which really matters is the way they care for each other and, critically, for our customers.

Overview of Travel Insurance Coverage

What does travel insurance cover, what does credit card travel insurance cover, what travel insurance coverage do you need to pay more for, choosing the right travel insurance, what does travel insurance cover frequently asked questions, understanding what travel insurance covers.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Chase Freedom Flex℠. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

• Travel insurance is intended to cover risks and financial losses associated with traveling.
• Coverage can include trip cancellation, baggage protection, medical care, and emergency evacuation.
• When filing a claim, be specific and comprehensive in your documentation to ease the process.

Whether it's a trip across the world or a trip across the state, having travel insurance provides major relief if things go awry. Flight delays, lost baggage, illness, injuries, and other unforeseen events can disrupt even the best-laid plans. With a major disruption comes the potential for unanticipated expenses.

Travel insurance and the coverage it offers can help keep you protected and save you money in the long run.

Travel insurance policies protect travelers from financial losses should something go wrong during their trip. You can customize which coverages you want to include, and there are several to choose from.

"Common types of coverage include trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage protection, coverage for medical care if you get sick or hurt during your trip, and emergency medical evacuation," says Angela Borden, a travel insurance expert and product strategist for travel insurance company Seven Corners.

Travel insurance plans offer nonrefundable payments and other trip-related expenses. While monetary compensation is a primary benefit, there is another valuable perk of travel insurance. It can provide peace of mind.

Your specific travel insurance plan (and its terms and conditions) will determine the minutia and specifics of what is covered. As with most other forms of insurance, a general rule of thumb is the more you spend, the better your coverage.

"Travel insurance can be confusing, so it's best to research a reputable company that specializes in travel insurance and has a long history of successfully helping travelers all over the world," says Borden.

Trip cancellation and interruptions

A travel insurance policy can reimburse you for a prepaid, nonrefundable trip if it is canceled for a covered event, such as a natural disaster or a global pandemic.

Trip interruption insurance covers you if you're already on your trip and you get sick, there's a natural disaster, or something else happens. Make sure to check with your travel insurance providers to discuss any inclusions, coverage, and more.

Travel delays and missed connections

Travel delay insurance coverage provides reimbursement for any expenses you incur when you experience a delay in transit over a minimum time. Reimbursements can include hotels, airfare, food, and other related expenses.

Medical emergencies and evacuations

Typically, US healthcare plans are not accepted in other countries. So travel insurance with medical coverage can be particularly beneficial when you are abroad. Medical coverage can also help with locating doctors and healthcare facilities.

Medical transportation coverage will also pay for emergency evacuation expenses such as airlifts and medically-equipped flights back to the US. Out of pocket, these expenses can easily amount to tens of thousands of dollars. Certain plans may even transport you to a hospital of choice for care.

Travel insurance generally does not include coverage for pre-existing conditions. That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver, which we will talk about later.  

Baggage and personal belongings

Most airlines will reimburse travelers for lost or destroyed baggage, but be prepared for limitations. Travel insurance plans will typically cover stolen items, such as those stolen out of a hotel room. This may not include expensive jewelry, antiques, or heirloom items. Typically, airlines have a few days to recover your bag.

In the meantime, you can make a claim to pay for items like certain toiletries and other items you need to pick up. If your bag is truly lost or you don't get it for an extended period, you can file a true lost baggage claim.

A major perk on several travel credit cards is embedded credit card travel insurance . Typically, you will need to use the specific card for the transaction (at least with partial payment) for travel coverage to kick in.

Each card has specific rules on what exactly is covered. But one of the industry leaders is the $550-per-year Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. Here's a snapshot of what is covered with this specific card:

• Baggage delay: up to $100 reimbursed per day for up to five days if a passenger carrier delays your baggage by more than six hours.
• Lost and damaged baggage: up to $3,000 per passenger per trip, but only up to $500 per passenger for jewelry and watches and up to $500 per passenger for cameras and other electronic equipment.
• Trip delay reimbursement: up to $500 per ticket if you're delayed more than six hours or require an overnight stay.
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection: up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses.
• Medical evacuation benefit: up to $100,000 for necessary emergency evacuation and transportation when on a trip of five to 60 days and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
• Travel accident insurance: accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $100,000 (up to $1,000,000 for common carrier travel).
• Emergency medical and dental benefits: up to $2,500 for medical expenses (subject to a $50 deductible) when on a trip arranged by a travel agency and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
• Rental car coverage: primary coverage for damages caused by theft or collision up to $75,000 on rentals of 31 days or fewer

More protections are included with cards with an annual fee, but there are exceptions. The no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex, for instance, includes up to $1,500 per person (and up to $6,000 per trip) in trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.

However, there are some differences between credit card travel coverage and obtaining coverage from a third party.

"Credit card coverage does not typically provide travel medical benefits," Borden says. "For protection if you get sick or hurt while traveling, you'll want a travel insurance plan with medical coverage."

Whether you get your travel insurance in a standalone policy or through a credit card, it's important to review your plan details carefully. In either case, there may be exclusions and other requirements such as deadlines when filing a claim, Borden notes.

Knowing what travel insurance doesn't cover is as important as knowing what it does cover.

"Travelers should understand that travel insurance benefits come into play only if a covered reason occurs," Borden says. Most standard travel insurance plans won't reimburse you for the following:

Cancel for any reason (CFAR)

Cancel-for-any-reason travel insurance covers a trip cancellation for any reason, not just a covered event. your standard benefits won't kick in unless it's a covered event. For instance, you'll be reimbursed simply for changing your mind about taking a trip.

That said, CFAR travel insurance is not without its downsides. For one, it's more expensive than traditional insurance, and most CFAR policies will only reimburse you for a percentage of your travel expenses. Additionally, CFAR policies aren't available for annual travel insurance . 

You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance here.

Foreseen weather events

Sudden storms or unforeseen weather events are typically covered by standard travel insurance plans. There are exceptions to be aware of. For example, an anticipated and named hurricane will not be covered.

Medical tourism

If you're going to travel internationally for a medical procedure or doctor's visit, your travel insurance plan will not cover the procedure itself. Most medical travel plans also won't cover you if something goes wrong with your procedure.

Pre-existing conditions and pregnancy

Those with specific pre-existing conditions, such as someone with diabetes and needing more insulin, will not be covered by most plans. In addition, pregnancy-related expenses will likely not be covered under most plans.

That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver for stable conditions. In order to obtain a wavier, you will need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time frame from when you booked your trip, usually two to three weeks, depending on your policy.

Extreme sports and activities

Accidents occurring while participating in extreme sports like skydiving and paragliding will typically not be covered under most plans. However, many plans offer the ability to upgrade to a higher-priced version with extended coverage.

Navigating claims and assistance

When a trip goes awry, the first thing you should do is document everything and be as specific as possible with documentation. This will make the claims process easier, as you can substantiate and quantify your financial losses due to the delay.

For example, your flight home has been delayed long enough to be covered under your policy, you'll want to keep any receipts from purchases made while waiting. For instances where your luggage is lost, you will need to file a report with local authorities and document all the items you packed.

Cancellation protection also requires meticulous attention to detail. If you're too sick to fly, you may need to see a doctor to prove your eligibility. If an airline cancels a flight, you'll also need to document any refunds you received as travel insurance isn't going to reimburse you for money you've already gotten back. 

Part of the benefit of CFAR insurance is the reduced paperwork necessary to file a claim. You'll still need to document your nonrefundable losses, but you won't have to substantiate why you're canceling a trip.

Each plan should be personalized to meet the insured party's needs. Some travelers prefer to stick to the bare minimum (flight cancellation benefits through the airline). Others want a comprehensive plan with every coverage possible. Before you buy anything, set your destination. Are there any travel restrictions or changes pending? Does your destination country require emergency or other medical coverage?

If the destination airport is known for lost or delayed luggage, travelers should keep important items in carry-ons. Lost or delayed luggage coverage protects insured parties in the event of a significant delay or total loss.

Second, check current credit card travel benefits to avoid redundancies. Savvy travelers don't need to pay for the same coverage twice.

Finally, consider your individual needs. Do you have a chronic medical condition, or do you feel safe with emergency-only medical coverage? Keep in mind, this does not include coverage for cosmetic surgery or other medical tourism. Do you have a budget limit for travel insurance? Asking and answering these important questions will help every traveler find the right product.

Most travel insurance plans are simple, and Business Insider's guide to the best travel insurance companies outlines our top picks. Remember, read your policy and its specifics closely to ensure it includes the items you need coverage for.

No one likes to dwell on how a trip might not go as planned before even leaving. However, at its core, travel insurance provides peace of mind as you go about your trip. While the upfront cost may seem significant, when you compare it to the potential expenses of a canceled flight, emergency evacuation, or a hefty medical bill, it's a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.

Coverage for pandemics vary from policy to policy. Some travel insurance companies have specific provisions for pandemic-related cancellations, while others may exclude them entirely.

Sports injuries are often covered under travel insurance, but high-risk or adventure sports might require additional coverage or a special policy.

Travel advisories have different effects on your travel insurance depending on your policy. Traveling to a country already under travel advisory may invalidate your coverage, but if you're already traveling when a travel advisory is announced, you may be covered.

Travel insurance usually covers the cost of emergency medical evacuations to the nearest suitable medical facility, and sometimes back to your home country, if necessary.

Many travel insurance policies provide coverage for the cost of replacing lost or stolen passports during a trip.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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Working Overseas

Working overseas travel insurance, living and working abroad.

Working overseas can be one of the most enriching experiences of your life. It’s a great way to understand different cultures, learn new skills and discover all the world has to offer. But when it comes to travelling, there’s always room for the unexpected to happen, so it’s important to protect yourself with comprehensive travel insurance. 

Our Working Overseas travel insurance policy is designed to provide the comprehensive benefits of a standard travel insurance policy, whilst also covering while living and working abroad.

Get a Working Overseas quote now

What is travel insurance for working holidays?

Whether you’re planning a big OE to Canada or the UK, a working holiday travel insurance policy can be a great option for you. It provides comprehensive coverage for a range of travel-related issues, including medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or stolen baggage, and more.

As a working holiday traveller, it's important to have adequate coverage to protect yourself financially and ensure you receive the necessary medical treatment if something goes wrong as you may not be eligible for healthcare at your chosen destination.

What our Working Overseas travel insurance policy covers

We want people to relax and enjoy their time spent working overseas. Our Working Overseas travel insurance is specifically designed to remove the worry and anxiety should something not go quite to plan.

Cover towards legal liability for damages, compensation and legal expenses. No excess applies.

Payment towards any excess you must pay if the rental vehicle you hired is stolen or damaged. No excess applies.

This table is a summary of the Working Overseas policy benefits and shows the maximum cover under each benefit for each person (unless otherwise stated). The excess you select applies per unexpected event (unless otherwise stated).

Why choose a Working Overseas policy?

We know that living overseas is different from going on a holiday or visiting family and friends overseas, and our Working Overseas policy reflects that. When you’re working overseas, you require a policy that suits what you’re going to be doing and will give you peace of mind while you’re enjoying your overseas experience.

Below are some of the features of our Working Overseas policy:

• We offer cover for office-based work, educational work, healthcare and manual work, including retail hospitality.
• We offer Comprehensive Cover with three excess options ($0, $100 & $250), so you can tailor the plan to work best for you.
• Under Section D.1 of our policy wording  (Medical and Evacuation), we offer cover for a range of services that you may require while overseas including dental treatment, optical treatment, maternity care, ancillary services (chiropractor, physiotherapist), rehabilitation and occupational therapy, and mental health.
• Under Section D.3 of our policy wording  (Changes to Your Journey once you have left), we offer cover for resuming your journey, so you can get back on track if you have to return to New Zealand as a result of an unexpected event.
• We provide cover for COVID-19 under section D.1 Medical and evacuation for medical expenses and evacuation if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 while on your journey. All of our policies come with worldwide emergency assistance, giving you access to one of the world's largest networks of emergency medical resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What we’re unable to cover

We do not cover professional sports or hazardous work. We consider hazardous work to be any work or occupation (paid, unpaid or voluntary), where you are exposed to an increased risk of physical danger, harm or any adverse health effects as a result of your duties or the location of your work.

All work, occupations, business or professions are excluded under Section D.7, Personal Liability.

Here are some examples of occupations we consider to be hazardous:

• Aircraft crew member
• Armed forces
• Cement and concrete manufacturing
• Commercial fishing
• Construction work
• Deep sea drilling
• Fire fighting
• Power line repair
• Search and rescue
• Slaughterhouse work
• Structural and steel work
• Tornado chasing
• Work with wild animals
• Working in any type of mine or oil or gas field

If you are still unsure whether your role would be considered 'Hazardous work', please feel free to give us a call on 0800 800 571 or send us an email at [email protected] . Please click here to see the policy wording  in full.

Is the Working Overseas policy right for me?

We've designed this policy to cover people who are temporarily living overseas and working, or on a working holiday.

If you are only travelling overseas to attend a work or business conference, there may be cover under our International Comprehensive travel insurance policy and we recommend that you check whether this policy is suitable for you.

Our Working Overseas policy is available to you whether you have a return or one-way ticket. You can buy cover from one month to 12 months, and don’t have to be working while you’re overseas to purchase this policy.

For full details, please refer to the Policy Document , and if you’re unsure about the type of work you’re planning to do overseas, we would be happy to answer any questions  you might have.

What destinations should I choose?

When you’re living and working overseas, we know that you may want to holiday in other countries as well. The good news is that there is cover under our Working Overseas policy for leisure trips to other destinations, as well as the country you’re spending most of your time in.

However, it is important that we know of all destinations that you’re planning to visit.

For example, if you’ll be working in the United Kingdom but you plan to visit France, you must let us know that you require cover in France, either when you’re buying your policy or before you leave for your trip to France. Depending on the country you plan to visit, there may be an additional premium that you need to pay.

When considering which destinations to choose, please check the travel advisory risk rating published on New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website . Destinations with a travel advisory risk rating of ‘do not travel’ or ‘avoid non-essential travel’ are not covered for unexpected events relating to the reason why travel advisory was issued for a destination or region by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. For more information please visit our website here .

What if things change?

One day you’re living in New Caledonia, the next you could be in New York! If your situation changes and you need to make a change to your Working Overseas travel insurance policy, get in touch with us, and we can make the necessary changes for you. You will need to make sure that your policy is kept up-to-date, ensuring that the destinations you travel to are covered. If you need to contact us from overseas, you can either email us at [email protected] or call us on +64 9 979 6593.

Frequently asked questions

We're here to help.

We know how important it is to be able to talk to someone when you need help, that’s why we are available via email, phone and live chat Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 7.00pm, and Saturday, 9am to 5pm, excluding public holidays. And if you find yourself in a medical emergency our Emergency Assistance team are available 24/7 to help, wherever you are in the world.

Get in touch with the team and we'll be happy to help.

Call us Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 7.00pm.

You can reach our team on: +64 9 979 6593

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• Russian Kitchen

Moscow-City: 7 surprising facts about the Russian capital’s business center

1. Guinness World Record in highlining

The record was set in 2019 by a team of seven athletes from Russia, Germany, France and Canada. They did it on September 8, on which the ‘Moscow-City Day’ is celebrated. The cord was stretched at the height of 350 m between the ‘OKO’ (“Eye”) and ‘Neva Towers’ skyscrapers. The distance between them is 245 m. The first of the athletes to cross was Friede Kuhne from Germany. The athletes didn't just walk, but also performed some daredevil tricks. Their record is 103 meters higher than the previous one set in Mexico City in December 2016.

2. Domination of Europe's top-10 highest skyscrapers

7 out of 10 Europe’s highest skyscrapers are located in Moscow-City. Earlier, the  ‘Federation Tower’ complex’s ‘Vostok’ (“East”) skyscraper was the considered the tallest in Europe.

Left to right: the lower of the ‘Neva Towers’ (296 m), Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt (300 m), Gorod Stolits (“City of Capitals”) Moscow tower (302 m), Eurasia tower (309 m), The Shard’ skyscraper in London (310 m), Mercury City Tower (339 m), Neva Towers (345 m).

However, in 2018, the construction of the 462 meter tall ‘Lakhta Center’ in Saint-Petersburg was completed, pushing ‘Vostok’ (374 m) into 2nd place. The 3rd place is taken by OKO’s southern tower (354 m).

3. The unrealized ‘Rossiya’ tower

If all the building plans of Moscow-City were realized, the ‘Lakhta Center’ in St. Petersburg wouldn't have a chance to be Europe's highest skyscraper. Boris Tkhor, the architect who designed the concept of Moscow-City, had planned for the ‘Rossiya’ tower to be the tallest. In his project, it was a 600 meter tall golden cylindrical skyscraper ending with a spire that was inspired by traditional Russian bell towers. Then, the project was reinvented by famous British architect Sir Norman Foster. He had designed ‘Rossiya’ as a pyramid ending with a spire. The skyscraper itself would have been 612 meters tall, and the height including the spire would have reached 744,5 meters (for comparison, the ‘Burj Khalifa’ in Dubai, UAE, would have been just 83,5 meters taller). Unfortunately, the investors faced a lot of economic problems, due to the 2008 financial crisis, so the ‘Rossiya’ skyscraper was never built. A shopping mall and the ‘Neva Towers’ complex was constructed at its place in 2019.

4. Changed appearance of ‘Federation Tower’

In its first project, the ‘Federation Tower’ was designed to resemble a ship with a mast and two sails. The mast was to be represented by a tall glass spire with passages between the towers. It was planned to make a high-speed lift in it. The top of the spire was going to be turned into an observation deck. But the ship lost its mast in the middle of its construction. Experts at the Moscow-city Museum based in the ‘Imperia’ (“Empire”) tower say, that the construction of the spire was stopped, firstly, due to fire safety reasons and secondly, because it posed a threat to helicopter flights – the flickering glass of the spire could potentially blind the pilots. So, the half-built construction was disassembled. However, an observation deck was opened in the ‘Vostok’ tower.

5. Open windows of ‘Federation Tower’

We all know that the windows of the upper floors in different buildings don’t usually open. Experts say that it’s not actually for people’s safety. Falling from a big height is likely to be fatal in any building. The actual reason is the ventilation system. In a skyscraper, it’s managed with a mechanical system, and the building has its own climate. But in the ‘Zapad’ (“West”) tower of the ‘Federation Tower’ complex, the windows can open. The 62nd and last floor of the tower are taken up by a restaurant called ‘Sixty’. There, the windows are equipped with a special hydraulic system. They open for a short period of time accompanied by classical music, so the guests can take breathtaking photos of Moscow.

6. Broken glass units of ‘Federation Tower’

The guests of the ‘Sixty’ restaurant at the top of the ‘Zapad’ tower can be surprised to see cracked glass window panes. It is particularly strange, if we take into consideration the special type of this glass. It is extremely solid and can’t be broken once installed. For example, during experiments people threw all sorts of heavy items at the windows, but the glass wouldn’t break. The broken glass units of ‘Zapad’ were already damaged during shipment . As each of them is curved in its own way to make the tower’s curvature smooth, making a new set of window panes and bringing them to Russia was deemed too expensive . Moreover, the investors had financial problems (again, due to the 2008 financial crisis), so the ‘Vostok’ tower even stood unfinished for several years. Eventually, the cracked window panes were installed in their place.

7. The highest restaurant in Europe

‘Birds’, another restaurant in Moscow-City, is remarkable for its location. It was opened at the end of 2019 on the 84th floor of the ‘OKO’ complex’s southern tower. Guests at the restaurant can enjoy an amazing panoramic view at a height of 336 meters. On January 28, the experts of ‘Kniga Recordov Rossii’ (“Russian Records Book”) declared ‘Birds’ the highest restaurant in Europe, a step toward an application for a Guinness World Record.

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Rent a Car in Moscow and other Russian Cities

Driving in Russia is very cheap: the petrol costs only about 60 ¢ per liter (€2 per gallon), the infrastructure is relatively good, and there's almost no road toll charges, so it's a great way to explore the country, especially if you're two or more.

In order to rent a car in Russia you just need your driving license (the plastic card one), a credit card, and your passport — no extra paperwork is needed (you don't even need a translation).

The insurance excess and security deposits are usually limited to about €200, and the daily rent is about €20 for a standard car and €30 for an SUV. We've partnered with the two biggest car rental aggregators, so you can use the form below to find the best car rental deals for Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian cities from major local and international providers, such as Hertz, Europcar, Avis and others.

Option #1: RentalCars.Com

Option #2: cartrawler.

Use this aggregator if you're renting a car for a longer period — two weeks and more — or if you're renting a car in Siberia.

Option #3: Car Sharing

Russia car rental faq.

• Moscow Airport Transfers
• Arrival and Departure: St. Petersburg Airport, Train Stations, and Bus Stations
• Arrival and Departure: Moscow Airports, Train Stations, Buses

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• Moscow Tours

Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

Accommodation

PRIVATE TOUR

A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

Tours by car

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Armory Tour

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

Walking tours

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

Moscow Metro walking tour

Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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