1. General Information

This website is owned and operated by Te Ara Whai, providing travel support and coordination services for individuals seeking bariatric surgery abroad. By confirming your participation and/or purchasing any package, you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions below.

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2. Services Provided

Te Ara Whai coordinates international travel, accommodation, and support for participants travelling to Istanbul, Türkiye for bariatric surgery. We are not healthcare providers. Medical services are provided by independent, licensed third-party clinics.

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3. Use of Website

You agree not to misuse this website or post false or misleading content. All content on this website, including images, text, and graphics, are owned by or licensed to Te Ara Whai and may not be reproduced without permission.

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4. Eligibility and Right of Refusal
We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to refuse participation to any individual we believe may be medically unfit, unsafe to travel, or unsuitable for the physical and emotional demands of the tour. This includes concerns about the participant's ability to undergo surgery, travel internationally, or participate in group activities. This decision may be made with or without medical documentation and does not require further explanation. If a decision is made to decline participation, the individual will be notified as soon as possible.

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5. Booking and Payment Terms

• A non-refundable deposit of NZD $3,000 is required to confirm a booking which must be paid within 30 days of your acceptance.

• Full payment of package is due 30 days before departure

• Payment plans are available, but all balances must be settled 30 days prior to travel

• Te Ara Whai reserves the right to cancel a booking for non-payment and offer this spot to someone else.

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6. Passport Requirement
Participants must provide their full and valid passport details within the same 30-day window after acceptance. This information is required for booking flights, hospital pre-registration. Failure to provide passport details on time may result in removal from the tour.

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7. Cancellations, Refunds, and Changes

• Cancellations over 45 days prior to departure may be eligible for partial refund (less deposit and any incurred costs)

• Cancellations within 30 days of departure are non-refundable

• Changes to travel arrangements may incur fees or be limited by airline/hotel policies

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8. Health and Medical Disclosure

• You are responsible for obtaining medical clearance to travel and undergo surgery

• You must disclose all relevant medical history to both Te Ara Whai and the medical provider in Türkiye

• Te Ara Whai is not responsible for surgical outcomes or complications

• If any complications arise from the surgery requiring an extended stay, this will be fully covered by the hospital.

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9. Insurance Requirements for participants undergoing bariatric surgery

• Travel insurance is mandatory for all participants undergoing bariatric surgery.

• Te Ara Whai will arrange an Allianz Comprehensive Travel Insurance policy on your behalf, included in your package.

• You must provide accurate and complete personal information to ensure appropriate coverage.

• If you prefer to arrange your own travel insurance, you may do so.

• Your support person will need to organize their own flights and travel insurance.

• Te Ara Whai is not liable for the outcome of any insurance claims, regardless of who arranges the policy.

• A copy of your Allianz policy and Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) will be provided prior to departure.

 

Coverage highlights from Allianz Comprehensive Insurance include:

• Overseas Emergency Assistance
24/7 access to emergency help for any overseas medical situations.

• Overseas Medical & Hospital Expenses
Covers reasonable medical and hospital costs overseas due to covered illness or injury.

• Cancellation
Reimbursement for non-refundable costs if your journey is cancelled or shortened due to unexpected events.

• Additional Expenses
Covers extra accommodation or travel costs if your journey is interrupted.

• Travel Delay Expenses
Reimbursement for meals and accommodation if delayed 6+ hours unexpectedly.

• Alternative Transport Expenses
Covers extra travel costs to arrive on time to key events if transport is disrupted.

• Luggage, Personal Effects & Valuables
Covers loss, damage or theft of personal items.

• Luggage & Personal Effects Delay Expenses
Reimbursement if luggage is delayed over 10 hours.

• Travel Documents, Transaction Cards & Travellers Cheques
Replaces lost or stolen documents, cards, or cheques and covers fraud-related losses.

• Theft of Cash
Covers cash stolen from your person, up to the policy limit.

• Rental Vehicle Excess
Covers the excess or repair cost if your rental car is damaged or stolen.

• Personal Liability
Covers costs if you're legally liable for injury or property damage during your journey.

• Accidental Death
Pays a benefit to your estate if you die due to injury or travel incident.

• Funeral Expenses
Covers the cost of funeral overseas or returning remains to NZ if you die overseas from a covered cause.

• Permanent Disability
Provides a lump sum if you suffer a permanent disability due to a travel-related injury.

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10. Limitation of Liability

• Te Ara Whai is not liable for any injury, loss, or damage resulting from travel or medical services

• We are not responsible for acts or omissions of airlines, hospitals, or other third parties

• We are not liable for delays, cancellations, or loss of personal belongings

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11. Behaviour and Safety

• Participants must follow group guidelines and values and must respect others at all times

• We reserve the right to remove any participant who endangers group safety or breaches behavioural expectations

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12. Privacy Policy

• Your personal data will be collected and used to coordinate travel and care

• We take reasonable steps to secure your information

• Data may be shared with third parties (e.g. hospitals, insurers) only as necessary

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13. Jurisdiction and Governing Law

These terms and any disputes will be governed by the laws of New Zealand. By using this website and our services, you consent to New Zealand jurisdiction.