What to do with your UK Insurance
We recommend that you review your insurance requirements when you arrive in NZ to ensure that you and your family are adequately financially protected. But what should you do with any UK insurance policies you may have left behind?
You will need to arrange a new house and contents insurance policy in New Zealand. If you can, obtain a copy of your claims history from your UK insurer - this may help you to get favourable terms from a New Zealand insurer.
If you are selling your house in the UK, you will naturally not need to keep your UK buildings and contents insurance. If you are renting your house out, you will probably need to arrange a Landlords Insurance Policy. Failing to inform your insurer that you are renting the property out would have very serious consequences in the event of a claim. (Please see our article on renting out your house in the UK on our Broadbase International UK website for more information on these issues and more.)
Car Insurance
You'll need to arrange a new car insurance policy in New Zealand.
Ask your car insurance company for a “no claims certificate” when cancelling your UK policy as this may help you to get favourable terms from your NZ insurer.
Health Insurance
Health insurance policies will generally only cover you in the UK, but do check with your insurer as you may have some cover whilst you are abroad.
We strongly recommend that you arrange new medical insurance cover for you and your family in New Zealand.
If you are coming to New Zealand on a work or other temporary visa, please note that you may need a special type of health insurance. This is very reasonably priced, and also contains an element of travel insurance cover. Please contact us for more information.
Travel Insurance
A standard UK annual or holiday insurance policy will generally not cover you for one-way travel or journeys where you intend to work at your destination. Your UK insurer may be able to arrange a one-way travel insurance policy for you to cover you for your journey and for your first few days in New Zealand.
If you are intending to take an overseas holiday when you have settled in New Zealand, it is essential to arrange travel insurance. The cost of a medical evacuation even from Australia can run into tens of thousands of dollars.
Please note that if you are coming to New Zealand on a work or other temporary visa, the specialist health insurance mentioned above also covers you for holidays to Australia and the South Pacific - please contact us for more information.
And don't forget that we can also help you to arrange high quality, low cost shipping insurance for your household goods.
Income Protection Insurance
You will probably need to sort out new income protection insurance when you arrive in New Zealand, as your UK cover is probably connected to your job in the UK. Please contact us to arrange some quotes.
Life Insurance
Most UK life insurance policies are valid even if you are living abroad, however do check with your insurer that you are covered living in NZ.
Please contact us to arrange some life insurance quotes for you from New Zealand insurers, to check that your UK policy is good value - and to check that you life insurance cover is adequate for your life in New Zealand.
Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about insurance in New Zealand, and remember to ask for a free copy of our comprehensive New Zealand Guide.
|
Home Insurance
