Travel Insurance For Fiji

With its famous coral diving, white sandy beaches, and over 300 tropical islands, it's no wonder that 180,000 Kiwis are drawn to Fiji each year!

Whether you're pining for chilled Fiji Gold, or you're tempted to swim with turtles, Fiji caters for every taste. Can't wait to unwind in the hot springs or take a dip in the mud pools? Fiji has it all.

Now we don't like to think of holidays as risk taking ventures, but the truth is, new environments, unfamiliar territory, foreign languages and unfamiliar foods can throw any traveller for a loop.

Don't get banged up abroad- make sure you pack travel insurance on your Fiji adventure.

Compare travel insurance for Fiji

Whether you're a budget conscious backpacker, a sucker for the surf, or a worn-out parent seeking some family R&R, it pays to compare travel insurance policies to find the right cover for your trip.

A policy will cover you for unexpected accident or illness, lost luggage or theft, unforeseen trip cancellation and much more.

When comparing policies, it's important to consider benefits, as well as costs...

How much does travel insurance for Fiji cost?

The cost of travel insurance can vary a fair bit! Say you're 30 (ish) years old and you're going to Fiji for a one-week holiday. Depending on your preferred level of cover, you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $55. To give you an idea, we've outlined the costs of some policies below;

Basic policies: $30 -- $40. If you're looking for real low cost cover Zoom's Medical Only Cover is the cheapest policy on our site. This policy includes unlimited medical and $2.5 million personal liability. The excess you must pay towards a claim is $200.

Comprehensive policies -$40 (ish) -- $55. 1Cover's comprehensive policy offers generous cover with a excess of $200. Their policy includes unlimited medical, unlimited cancellation, $5 million personal liability, $15,000 luggage, $25,000 accidental death, $5,000 hospital cash, $25,000 personal disability, $5,000 for travel documents and $50,000 travel expenses.

*All prices accurate at time of writing October 2024.

What will my policy cover?

If your Fiji trip takes a downward turn for any of the following reasons, comprehensive cover will throw you a rope. You can expect cover for:

• Medical : Food poisoning, drink spiking, Zika Virus, and moped accidents are all scary possibilities. Medical evacuation in Fiji can be extremely costly and private hospitals often require a guarantee of payment before admission. Luckily, your policy will cover the exorbitant expense of overseas medical cover. (Make sure you disclose any pre-existing medical conditions to your insurer before travelling).
• Cancellation fees and lost deposits : With its year-round warm tropical climate Fiji is prone to a range of natural disasters including droughts, cyclones, floods, tsunamis and earthquakes. Travel insurance will cover unforeseen cancellations for events such as natural disasters, as well as accidents, hijackings, severe sickness or injury. Incidents that are beyond your control will usually be covered.
• Luggage and personal effects : Generally speaking, Fiji is quite a safe place for travellers and having your wits about you is all you really need to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip away. That being said, theft is becoming more common, particularly on the mainland in the capital city Suva and Nadi. Your travel insurance will reimburse you for lost, stolen or damaged luggage. Comprehensive cover also includes cover for theft of cash and travel documents too if this is something you're worried about.
• Personal liability: If you injure someone or are held accountable for damaged property in Fiji the consequences could be disastrous, particularly when you are unfamiliar with local laws and regulations. In such an event, your policy will cover your liability costs to a degree.
• Additional extras: Each policy varies but look out for top notch extras such as cover for rental vehicle excess, permanent disability, loss of income, cover for kennels and catteries (if you're delayed home to your fluffy friends) and more.

What will my policy not cover?

• Riding risky: Whilst driving is on the same size of the road at NZ, the road conditions in Fiji are a lot different to ours. There are many pot holes, badly lit roads and livestock crossing or grazing next to the highway. If you decide to hire a car, you wouldn't be covered if you do not have a valid driving licence accepted in Fiji. Top tip! If driving - take it easy and try and do so in day light hours. If you're going to be riding a scooter or motorbike, keep in mind that your insurer will not cover you if you are found riding without a current New Zealand license (valid in the country you are in). You must be wearing a helmet too!
• Unattended items : Keep a strong hold over all your belongings as leaving your stuff unsupervised will not be covered for. That also means not leaving your stuff with your fellow holidaymakers.
• Being intoxicated : Whether your drink of choice is a Fiji Gold or Fiji Rum, all claims related directly to alcohol will not be paid. So have fun in moderation! Also, the possession of even small quantities of "soft drugs" for recreational purposes can result in lengthy jail sentences.
• Terrorism and travel warnings : At July 2019, the SafeTravel website warns tourists to 'exercise normal safety and security precautions' in Fiji. Note that however, there have been reports of assault and theft occurring at night in urban areas. The Government advises travellers to avoid poorly lit areas at night, particularly in Suva. It's a good idea to keep up to date with travel advisories on sites like www.safetravel.govt.nz.
• High risk activities: Adventure activities are plentiful in Fiji. From scuba diving in Viti Levu, ziplining in the sleeping giants in Nadi, white water rafting in the Upper Navua River or even snorkelling in the crystal-clear island waters... adrenaline junkies are sure spoilt for choice! But watch out, as participating in particularly risky activities such as climbing (where ropes are needed), cliff jumping or sky diving may not be covered by your policy. Be sure to scan your policy's small print to check out which of your preferred heart pounding activities are covered.
• Pre-existing conditions : Medical conditions that exist before you travel are generally not covered, but it pays to check. You can sometimes pay a bit extra to get some conditions covered. Check your policy wording to see what conditions are covered automatically, and which ones require a medical assessment first.
• Unreported items: You need to report theft or loss to the relevant authority ASAP (and your travel insurance provider) within 24 hours.

How to save on travel insurance in Fiji

• Choose your destination wisely -- You might be able to save yourself a few Fijian Dollars by finding an insurer that classes Fiji in its own price bracket, rather than grouped under Pacific.
• Consider how often you travel - If you travel a few times per year, you could save by purchasing an annual multi-trip policy rather than purchasing a policy each time you take off.
• Combine policies - If travelling with your family or a companion, a joint policy is often cheaper than purchasing separately.
• Increase your excess - Most insurers allow you to lower your premium by opting to pay higher excess in the instance that you need to make a claim.
• Shop around - You'll be amazed at how much travel insurance quotes can vary. Offers by travel agents or airlines usually have commissions added on. In fact, you can save up to 50% by shopping around, so it pays to buy your travel insurance direct. Doing your comparison online will allow you to compare loads of quotes in seconds. Yippee

Fiji fast facts

Capital : Suva

Currency: Fijian Dollars

Country code: +679

Languages: Fiji has three languages Fijian, Fiji Hindi and English

Culture: Fijian culture has evolved with the introduction of different cultures including indigenous Fijian, Indian, European and Chinese heritage. Fiji's culture is heavily influence by indigenous traditions and values. Visitors are made to feel welcome into the Fijian way of life through the food, warm encounters, festivals, music and arts.

Not to be missed: If you want to experience the wonders of Fiji the best way is to hop aboard the ferry service and visit the tropical islands. Some of the most popular being the Mamanucas and Yasawa Islands. But if you fancy something of the beaten track there's another few hundred you could choose from -- you're really spoilt for choice! (333 in total). On the islands there are many activities to participate in like hand line fishing, scuba diving on the amazing coral reefs, or taking a Fijian cooking class to embrace the local delicacies.

Nightlife: Fiji is not renowned for its nightlife, think relaxing beach holiday rather than nights out on the town. That being said if you're looking for the party - the mainland is the place to go. If you're after a big night out head to Nadi, with plenty of bars and night clubs you'll be able to party the night away. Or another option is Suva the Capital. No matter what your taste, there's something for every type of party animal here, just keep your wits about you.

Food & drink : If you like your food fresh and packed with flavour, you're in luck! Much like its welcoming culture, Fijians cuisine is always warm, inviting and addictive! Their cuisine relies heavily on foods that are available naturally on the island. This results in delicious dishes made from fresh fish and seafood, root vegetables such as taro and cassava, coconuts, citrus fruits and meats including pork, chicken and lamb. Whilst in Fiji trying a Lovo is a must! Arguably one of the best feasts cooked in the earth- think a underground barbeque with smoked meat and vegetables yum! The national drink of Fiji is Kava, (not Fiji Gold!) made from the pulverised root of a member of the pepper family. The drink is believed to have medicinal qualities and can leave the drinker feeling relaxed. If you want to embrace the Fijian culture this is a good place to start.

Tips to safe street food in Fiji;

• Only eat at the most popular food carts, the turn-over rate is higher and therefore foof won't be left out in the heat all day
• Only chose meals cooked in front of you and avoid pre-cooked food canteens
• Stay wary of uncooked dishes such as salads and only drink bottled water
• Wash unpeeled fruit with bottled water
• Use good judgement, for instance, steer clear of a stall that looks grimy and unclean

Beaches: Sandy shores and turquoise blue waters are not in short supply in Fiji. With over 300 hundred islands to choose from you'll be in your element. After the Hollywood blockbuster Castaway, was shot on Monuriki island, in the Mamanuca Islands tourism to the area shot up. If crowds aren't your thing you could head to Honeymoon Beach on Turtle Island, Horseshoe Bay, or take the trek to Fiji's western edge and the remote beaches in the Yasawa Islands.. you won't be disappointed.

Safety speed dial

Found yourself in hot water? Should you find yourself in an emergency situation, the following emergency contacts should set you straight.

New Zealand, High Commission

Reserve Bank of Fiji Building, Pratt St, Suva

Phone: 02 344 6300

Emergency Contact, Fiji

Call 911

Or visit your local police department.

Ready To Find Your Perfect Fiji Travel Insurance Policy?

Stuff going wrong on holiday shouldn't be your foremost concern when planning your trip. After all you've got an exciting itinerary to navigate! But like it or lump it, without safeguarding your travels, all the fun stuff could be nullified in the flash of an eye.

Compare Fiji travel insurance policies today to save time, worry and loads of money. You'll be on your way to a relaxed, worry-free holiday quicker than you can say "Bula".

Or perhaps your heading elsewhere on your holidays? Perhaps you're staying closer to home in Australia or experiencing the delights on Singapore? No matter where your adventure takes you make sure you compare travel insurance for your next trip!!!