Four-figure MIQ cost in event of outbreak

Kiwis travelling under the transTasman bubble will have to pay at least $3100 for managed isolation on return to New Zealand if there is a Covid-19 outbreak that prompts an extended lockdown in Australia.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said this week that the bubble will start on April 19.

However, those leaving New Zealand risk an extra, four-figure cost if there is an outbreak while they are travelling.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment confirmed to Stuff that in the event of a resurgence of coronavirus in Australia – where quarantine-free travellers are required to go into managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) in order to re-enter New Zealand – they would have to fork out for their stay.

Under the Government’s traffic light system to manage risk, a stay in managed isolation may be required under the ‘‘suspend’’ (red) level. That is defined by whether there are multiple cases from an unknown source requiring a longer lockdown – more than 72 hours – which could see flights suspended for an extended period.

A total of 500 spaces in MIQ will be set aside for this express purpose.

The spokesman said applications to waive MIQ charges would be considered on a ‘‘case-by-case’’ basis, as they were already.

The current fee is $3100 (including GST) for the stay for the first person in the room.

Each additional adult then costs $950 and $475 for each additional child (aged 3 to 17) sharing the room.

‘‘Waivers will be available in cases of undue financial hardship and other special circumstances,’’ the MBIE spokesman said.

When asked what the case-bycase considerations were, he

referred Stuff to the ministry’s webpage on MIQ charges. That page details how waivers can be granted on compassionate grounds for: Kiwis who have left the country to accompany a person home who is disabled or cannot travel alone; if medical treatment is required; if a person is visiting a seriously ill or dying close relative; or to attend a funeral.

Waiver criteria does not appear to capture work-related trips or holidaymakers.

Australia’s most recent lockdown in greater Brisbane was for 72 hours but a snap lockdown in Melbourne in February lasted for five days.

A lockdown in Sydney’s northern beaches in December also lasted for five days.

At every level, travellers are advised to follow all official advice and download the contact tracing app for the Australian state they are visiting, stay home if sick and get a Covid-19 test.

The Government is also advising people to register with SafeTravel, to check their travel insurance, and to have a contingency plan in place should the situation change.

The Insurance Council of New Zealand is ‘‘really stressing’’ the need to purchase travel insurance at the same time as booking tickets to Australia.

Chief executive Tim Grafton said some policies cover specific coronavirus claims, such as cancellation costs if a person contracts the virus and cannot travel, costs to return home if a relative gets sick with the virus, or costs if you get sick with the virus and need to quarantine while overseas.

The Insurance Council of NZ is ‘‘. . . stressing’’ the need to purchase travel insurance.