Cruise travel insurance

Whether you’re cruising through the crystal clear waters of the South Pacific, exploring a famous European river or just up and down Australia’s east coast, cruise holidays offer a diverse range of relaxing experiences. However, before you sail off into the sunset, you’ll need to make sure you have adequate travel insurance that includes cover for cruises – particularly if you're a senior or have a pre-existing medical condition. Keep reading to find out how to compare cruise travel insurance policies and choose one that's right for you.

What is cruise travel insurance?

Cruise insurance is essentially travel insurance that includes extra cover for things that could go wrong while you're on a cruise. You can either buy a dedicated cruise policy or add it on (usually for an additional cost) on a comprehensive policy.

How is cruise insurance different to regular travel insurance?

Specialised cruise insurance delivers a lot more than a standard travel insurance policy, offering additional cover for a range of cruise-related situations, including missed cruise departure, cancelled shore excursions, cruise delays and emergency medical transportation. But more importantly, what cruise-related risks and costs do you need to be covered for?

Is cruise insurance really worth it?

You’ve already spent a whole lot of your hard-earned money paying for the cruise, so do you really need this extra expense? For most people, the answer is a resounding yes. Here’s why:

• It provides peace of mind. "Peace of mind" is a bit of a cliche in insurance, but it’s still an apt way to describe what cruise travel insurance offers. No matter what mishaps or accidents may occur during your holiday, having cover in place means you don’t have to worry.
• It’s recommended by the Australian government. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) recommends that all Australians get travel insurance when heading overseas, while most of the major cruise lines operating in Australia also recommend that you take out travel insurance with a standalone provider.
• It’s cheaper than you might think. Use the quote engine above to find out how much cruise insurance will cost for your voyage.
• You can’t predict the future. Flights get delayed, extreme weather disrupts cruise itineraries, luggage gets lost and accidents happen. While it’s easy to think that it won’t happen to you, cruise insurance is an easy way to guarantee that if something does go wrong, you’ll won't be out of pocket.

Should I bother getting insurance for a domestic cruise?

If you’ve booked a cruise in Australian waters, you’re probably wondering if cruise travel insurance is really worth the cost – after all, if the biggest risk is on-board medical expenses, those should be covered by Medicare or your private health insurer, right? Actually, that's wrong. Medicare can only cover you in very specific circumstances:

• If you’re cruising between domestic ports
• If there is a Medicare-eligible doctor on board (there is no requirement for a vessel to have a Medicare-eligible doctor on board).

Otherwise, once your ship leaves port, neither Medicare nor your private health fund will provide cover for your on-board medical costs, even if you’re in Australian waters. This is a fact that many cruise travellers are completely unaware of, and it can have disastrous financial consequences. Medical costs on board cruise ships can be quite expensive, with hospital bills of up to $5,000 a day a real possibility.

Plus, if you need to be evacuated to the nearest hospital for emergency treatment, you could be left with much greater expenses. This is the number-one reason why you need domestic cruise travel insurance. Let’s not forget that it also provides protection against a wide range of other travel risks, both while cruising and while on land, so it’s worth shopping around for a policy before you board.

What should the best* cruise insurance policy include?

Just like any ordinary travel insurance policy, your cruise cover should include a range of important benefits, such as cover for:

• Overseas medical expenses. You’ll be covered for the medical and hospital expenses you incur overseas, as well as for repatriation back to Australia if required.
• Amendment and cancellation costs. If you need to cut short or cancel your trip due to circumstances beyond your control, such as if you suffer a serious illness or a natural disaster occurs, travel insurance will cover your cancellation fees, lost deposits and additional transport costs.
• Luggage and personal belongings. This benefit covers your luggage and personal items against loss, theft and damage.
• Luggage delay. If a travel provider temporarily misplaces or misdirects your luggage, you’ll receive a benefit to help you purchase emergency items such as toiletries and a change of clothes.
• Travel delay. When your pre-booked transport is delayed by circumstances beyond your control, such as industrial action or severe weather, travel insurance covers your additional meal and accommodation costs.
• Rental vehicle insurance excess. This ensures that if your rental car is crashed, stolen or maliciously damaged, the insurance excess charged by the hire company will be greatly reduced or even eliminated altogether.
• Personal liability. If you’re required to pay compensation for injuring someone else or damaging their property, travel insurance provides personal liability cover.

However, it should also cover several key risks specific to cruising, including:

• On-board medical expenses. Medical treatment on board a cruise ship can be expensive, but cruise travel insurance covers all the medical and hospital costs you incur during your cruise.
• Ship-to-shore evacuation. If you fall sick or suffer an injury during your cruise and you have to be transported to the nearest land-based hospital for emergency medical treatment, cruise insurance will cover the cost.
• Cabin confinement. This provides an ongoing daily benefit for each day of your cruise that you are confined to your cabin due to illness or injury.
• Missed shore excursions. If you’re confined to your cabin or the cruise vessel’s hospital and can’t participate in any pre-paid shore excursions, your policy will cover any cancellation fees or lost deposits.
• Lost, stolen or damaged formal cruise attire. If your formal cruise wear is lost, stolen or accidentally damaged, your insurer can cover its repair or replacement.
• Marine rescue diversion. If your cruise ship is diverted to participate in a marine rescue operation, your policy will offer an ongoing daily benefit.

How much does cruise insurance cost?

To give you an idea of how much the cost of cover varies depending on your age and the policy you select, check out the table below with example quotes for a 5-day cruise:

*Prices are accurate as of September 2017 and are subject to change. Please use the quote engine above for the most accurate pricing.

What impacts the cost of a cruise policy?

Prices are dependent on a number of different factors including:

• Who’s travelling. The more people you need to insure, the higher your premium.
• Where you’re going. The more countries you visit, the more cover will cost. Some destinations are also classed as being higher risk than others.
• The length of your trip. The longer your trip, the more cover will cost.
• What you’re doing. If you plan on participating in high-risk adventure activities, you may need to purchase additional adventure sports cover.
• The level of cover you select. The higher the level of benefits your policy provides, the more your premium will be.
• The excess you choose. Some insurers allow you to adjust your excess when you apply for cover – choosing a higher excess lowers your premium.
• Any discounts you receive. Seniors discounts, multi-policy discounts and travel insurance coupon codes can all help lower the cost of cover.

What’s not covered?

Cruise insurance doesn’t cover every conceivable event or scenario that could potentially wreak havoc with your travel plans; instead, it’s designed to cover those unexpected mishaps and worst-case scenarios that arise out of nowhere and turn your holiday on its head.

With this in mind, you’ll need to read the fine print closely before purchasing a policy to find out what is and isn’t included in your cover. As a general rule, you won’t be covered if:

• You’re drunk or on drugs. If you down seven schooners and then lose your bag during a shore excursion, your insurance won’t pay a benefit.
• You’re an adrenalin junkie. Planning on participating in any high-risk adventure activities on-board the ship or while on a shore excursion? Check the fine print to make sure they’re covered by your insurer.
• The weather’s a bit disappointing. If you were expecting gorgeous weather but all you got was overcast skies and drizzle, your policy won’t cover you if your cruise was a bit of a let-down.
• You visit somewhere you shouldn't. If your claim arises because you travel to a destination that DFAT has warned against visiting, it will be refused. Check Smartraveller for DFAT’s latest travel advisories.
• You travel against medical advice. If your doctor says you shouldn't travel but you decide to board the cruise anyway, you’ll have to pay any medical bills incurred on your holiday out of your own pocket.
• You break the law. If you start a fight in a bar, take drugs or participate in any other illegal activity that causes a claim, don’t expect any support from your insurer.
• You don’t take care of your belongings. If you leave your bag unattended in a public place and it’s stolen, your insurer won’t pay your claim.
• You forget to purchase cruise cover. The vast majority of insurers only cover cruise journeys if you purchase additional cruise cover with your travel insurance policy. Make sure you remember this fact when buying a policy.
• You have a certain pre-existing condition. For more information on how to get cover for your pre-existing condition, keep reading.
• You're on Australian soil for more than 48 hours. You may be under Medicare’s “jurisdiction” here, and some providers will not cover you for medical events that occur while you are in an Australian port for more than 48 hours.

Check out our travel insurance exclusions guide for further details.

What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

As with taking out travel insurance for any trip, you need to let your insurer know about any pre-existing conditions you have. Depending on the insurer and the policy, if you have a medical condition it may:

• Be automatically covered at no extra cost. Check your insurer’s PDS for a list of conditions that are automatically covered.
• Require you to provide more information. You may need to complete a medical declaration providing more details of the condition, its history and the treatment you have received. Depending on the details you provide, the insurer may agree to cover your condition, usually for an extra fee.
• Be excluded from your policy. There are some conditions that insurers will simply refuse to cover. You can still purchase a cruise insurance policy if this is the case, but any claims that arise due to your pre-existing condition won’t be paid.

The treatment of pre-existing conditions varies between insurers, so read the fine print closely and contact your insurer directly if you have any questions. You can also check out our guide to travel insurance for pre-existing conditions for more information on how insurers classify a range of common medical problems.

What if I'm pregnant?

Yep, you can definitely get insurance – but the terms and conditions surrounding pregnancy can vary from one insurer to the next. There are some insurers that will cover women up to the 26th week of pregnancy, while others will provide cover up until the 32nd week of pregnancy. If you’re expecting, you can still buy a policy for a trip to be taken after you have passed the insurer’s maximum gestation limit, but you will not be covered for losses related to the pregnancy.

It’s worth pointing out that most cruise lines don’t allow women who are more than 24 weeks pregnant to board a cruise. With this in mind, check the cruise carrier’s terms and conditions closely when booking your holiday. It’s also a good idea to read your insurer’s PDS to see whether there are any pregnancy-related costs excluded from cover. Most insurers will exclude:

• Complications that arise out of the pregnancy
• Multiple pregnancies
• IVF pregnancies
• Childbirth or healthcare of a newborn child
• If your trip goes longer than the period of pregnancy permitted on the policy

Learn more about travel insurance for pregnant women

Am I also covered for flights and time spent before, during or after my cruise?

Yes. If the cruise is only one portion of your holiday, for example if you’re also spending a week or two sightseeing on your own, then there’s no need to purchase a separate travel insurance policy to cover the non-cruising segment of your trip. Cruise insurance provides cover for your entire journey – from the day you depart until the day you return home. Even if you’ll only be spending a small portion of your trip on land – for example, maybe you need to fly to and from the ship’s departure port before and after your cruise – your policy will include cover for your flights.

Cruise insurance offers peace of mind for non-cruise-related losses such as car rental excess cover, loss of luggage and hotel cancellations. It also means you can be covered for flights and time overseas much like with other travel insurance. However, cruise cover can also work alongside your cruise arrangements by covering:

• Flights overseas to the country that you are boarding your cruise from
• The days that you spend in the country that your cruise leaves from
• The following days in your "drop-off" destination
• Flights back home after the cruise
• Time spent overseas, whether as part of a scheduled port call, unscheduled port stop, at your destination or anywhere else as covered by your policy

And as you can see in the list of benefits above, if you’re planning a longer holiday then cruise insurance covers much more than just cruising. It also covers all the usual risks you might encounter during a holiday on land, including delayed flights, crashed rental cars, theft, medical treatment and more.

Cruise insurance and cancellation costs: what's covered?

When will the cruise company cover me for cancellation?

Life is full of unexpected surprises, and sometimes those surprises can get in the way of your travel plans. For example, let’s say you booked your South Pacific cruise months ago and then, just a couple of days before you’re due to depart, your mum is seriously injured in a car accident.

She's going to be okay, but the recovery process will be a long one and you need to be by her side to care for her. You have no choice but to cancel your holiday and, if you don’t have cruise travel insurance in place, this could very well mean that you won’t be able to access a refund. Cancellation policies vary between cruise lines, but we’ve included P&O’s cancellation fees in the table below as a guide:

Will my travel insurance cover me for cruise cancellation charges?

In this example, if you cancelled your trip just a couple of days before departure you would forfeit 100% of your fare. But if you had cruise insurance in place, the price of your fare would be refunded by your insurer. Although conditions vary between insurers, most policies will cover you for cancellation costs due to a host of reasons including:

• If you suffer a serious illness or injury
• If your relative, business partner or travelling companion dies unexpectedly or suffers a serious illness or injury
• If your boss cancels your pre-booked leave
• If you’re made redundant
• If your flight is cancelled due to severe weather and you miss your cruise departure
• If you’re called up for jury duty
• If your home is destroyed by a natural disaster

However, remember that you won't be covered for cancellation charges if you have to cancel your trip due to:

• Pre-existing medical issues experienced by a friend or family member. You will not be covered if you have to cancel your trip because a relative or travelling companion suffers a pre-existing medical condition.
• Bad weather and unexpected circumstances. While conditions will vary, cruise companies generally require a minimum number of guests for shore excursions, so those excursions may be cancelled if that number is not met. Shore excursions may also be cancelled due to bad weather. In this case, the cruise company will usually pay a full refund.
• If you decide to cancel your shore excursion right before your trip. This will vary between insurers. Generally, if you give 72 hours’ notice, a full refund will be provided by the cruise company. Cancellations within 72 hours may mean that a portion of the charge must still be paid to the cruise company.

What if the cruise stops in multiple destinations?

No worries! Stopping in more than one destination won’t affect your ability to get cover. However, you’ll need to make sure that you notify the insurer of every scheduled stop on your cruise when applying for cover. Most insurers will automatically cover you for stopovers of up to 48 hours, but if you’re in a region for longer than 48 hours it must be listed as a destination on your policy to guarantee cover. When you buy a policy, make sure to select the appropriate region for your cruise based on the destinations you are visiting:

• Worldwide: All destinations (including Japan, USA, Canada, Africa and the Middle East).
• Europe: Europe, Russia and the United Kingdom.
• Asia: Asia (excluding Russia and Japan).
• Pacific: New Zealand, Bali, South West Pacific and Norfolk Island.

If you’re taking a cruise in Australian waters, it’s recommended that you select Pacific as your region in order to be covered for emergency medical expenses. Selecting the domestic cover option will not be enough as you will not be covered by Medicare or private healthcare on the cruise ship.

Should I bother with cruise cover? Here are the pros and cons

Cruise cover for seniors: what you need to know

If you’re over the age of 65 and planning a cruise holiday, you can enjoy all the benefits of cruise cover with a seniors travel insurance policy. While policy age limits differ between insurers, there are some providers who will cover travellers up to 80, 90 or even 100 years of age. However, there are a few key points you should be aware of when choosing a policy:

• Cover is more expensive for seniors. Once you reach 60 years of age, insurers start applying age loadings to your travel insurance premiums. As a general rule, the older you are, the more cover will cost.
• You’ll need to check the age limits. Some insurers won’t cover anyone over the age of 65, while others set their upper age limit anywhere between 65 or 100 (or even higher in some rare cases). Check which insurers are willing to offer you cover before you start comparing policies.
• Not all pre-existing conditions will be covered. There are generally increased restrictions on pre-existing conditions for older travellers. For example, some insurers will automatically cover asthma for travellers under the age of 60, but the condition is excluded from cover for anyone above this age limit.

What about cruisers over 80?

If you’re 80 years or older, it becomes a little harder to find insurers willing to provide cover. However, it is still possible to find cruise insurance in this age bracket – you just need to be aware of a few key drawbacks:

• Cover costs even more. The increased risk of health problems for older travellers means additional age loadings apply to your premium.
• Benefit limits may be restricted. Some insurers only offer lower benefit limits to older travellers.
• Restrictions apply to pre-existing conditions. There are now even tighter restrictions regarding pre-existing conditions, with much fewer conditions automatically covered.
• There’s less choice. You’re above the maximum age limit imposed by many insurers, so the reduced number of policies available to you limits your choice.

However, the following insurers from the finder.com.au travel insurance panel offer cruise cover to travellers over the age of 80:

• Fast Cover (covers travellers up to the age of 89, with travellers 90 years and over subject to special conditions)
• Travel Insurance Saver (travellers 70 years or over may need to submit a doctor’s declaration form)
• Australia Post (no upper age limit listed in PDS)
• DUInsure (covers travellers of all ages, but different excesses and claim limits may apply to people over 80 years of age)
• Citibank (covers travellers up to 89 years of age)

I'm going to the Pacific Islands – what do I need to know?

According to figures from the Cruise Lines International Association, the favourite cruise destination for Australian travellers throughout 2016 was the South Pacific, which attracted 542,825 passengers (more than 42 per cent of Australian ocean cruise passengers for the year). If you’re planning a Pacific Island cruise, make sure your travel insurance includes cruise cover for risks like:

Can I take out cover if I am already overseas?

Some Australian insurers will offer cover to Australians who are already overseas. There are some key points to be aware of if you are considering this option:

• Some providers will require your trip to end in Australia
• There is usually a waiting period of around five days applied for claims related to injury or illness
• Excess may not be able to be removed

Cruise insurance traps to avoid

Keep an eye out for the following traps and pitfalls when buying cruise insurance:

• Assuming you’re covered. While some travel insurance policies automatically include cruise cover, most don’t. Make sure any policy you buy will cover you for cruise travel.
• Not reading the fine print. It’s essential to read the PDS closely to find out what your policy does and doesn’t cover. This will reduce the risk of there being any unpleasant surprises when you need to make a claim.
• Not checking the excess. You’ll usually need to pay an excess when you make a claim, and this amount can be as much as $500 with some insurers. Make sure you’re aware of all excess charges that will apply before you decide to claim.
• Limits to valuables cover. If you’re taking high-value items such as jewellery and portable electronics on your cruise, check the PDS to find out what limits apply to personal valuables cover. You may need to pay extra to purchase a higher level of cover for those high-value items.

How do I choose a policy?

• Is cruise travel automatically covered or offered as additional cover? Some providers will offer cruise cover automatically while others will charge an additional premium. Find out exactly what you are covered for and make sure the price matches the quality of cover.
• What region do I need to choose? Yes, it may be boring to the point of being physically painful, but take the time to read the PDS thoroughly. Don’t be sucked in by the marketing slogans and flashy websites; read the policy booklet and examine what is covered. You’ll likely be visiting multiple countries on a cruise so check that your policy will cover you at every destination.
• What won't I be covered for? “But I didn’t know it wasn’t covered” is an excuse that won’t fly with your insurer. If you’re an adventure junkie, does your policy cover things like skydiving and bungee jumping? If you’re planning on hiring a scooter or a motorbike at one of the ports you stop at, will this be included in your coverage? Also make sure that you check the medical coverage closely when determining what is excluded from your policy. Sort this out first and you won’t get caught out later.
• Am I covered for emergency medical expenses and evacuation? Look for a policy with a high coverage limit on your medical care. You want to make sure your hospital bills are covered so you can get the best possible care. It also makes sense to look for a policy that covers emergency evacuation.
• Who underwrites the policy? Rather than focusing on the brand that markets the policy, read the fine print to make sure it is backed by a reputable underwriter.
• How much will I be charged for a claim? Travel insurance excess charges can vary greatly between insurers with some providers charging as much as $500 per claim. Know exactly what you will be charged and whether there is the option to remove the charge.
• How have other people’s experiences with the insurer been? Check out some online reviews from other cruise travellers who have actually had to make a claim on their policy.

More tips on comparing travel insurance policies

What should I look for in cruise travel insurance reviews?

Cruise insurance reviews can be a very valuable tool to help you choose the right policy, providing independent assessments from other travellers who have had good or bad experiences with an insurer. However, make sure you remember a few simple tips when reading cruise travel insurance reviews online:

• Look for reviews from people who have made a claim on their policy. This will allow you to get a much better idea of the level of service and breadth of cover offered by an insurer.
• Be wary of testimonials on an insurer’s website. You can hardly rely on these to provide independent, unbiased reviews, so take any information they contain with a grain of salt.
• Look for insurers with a good claims handling process. Hopefully you’ll never have to make a claim on your policy, but it’s nice to know you’ll be looked after if you do. When reading reviews, look for insurers with a reputation for providing an efficient and stress-free claims process.

Why should I use finder.com.au to compare policies?

Looking for cruise travel insurance? Comparing your options at finder.com.au is a piece of cake. We make it quick and easy to compare policies from more than 20 leading travel insurers, and you can weigh up your options whenever it’s convenient to do so.

All you need to do is enter your destination, travel dates and the age of people you need to cover into our quote engine at the top of this page. You’ll then be presented with a range of suitable cover options from our panel of insurers, with the ability to filter the results to suit your needs. Compare the benefits and cost of each policy and, for a detailed quote, click the "Go to site" link next to any policy you like.

Other questions you probably have

Before boarding

• Do I need cruise insurance if I’m taking a trip on my own boat?

  No. You can take out international single-trip or annual multi-trip travel insurance. You won’t need cruise insurance because you don’t need to be covered for the additional losses faced by passengers on commercial vessels.

• Will my travel insurance cover both cruise and flight?

  Yes. If your travel insurance automatically includes cruise cover or if it can be added as an optional extra, then your policy will cover your cruise and any flights you take as part of your trip. Simply enter your travel dates when buying a policy to receive cover for your entire trip.

• When should I buy cover?

  Your best bet is to take out cover as soon as you have booked and paid for all or part of your trip. This way, you are covered if you are forced to cancel the trip or if the travel company or airline goes broke, allowing you to recoup your prepaid costs and deposits. Learn more about when to book travel insurance.

• I'm heading away on a long overseas trip... Will I be covered for my cruise?

  If you’re heading overseas for an extended period of time, check whether or not you’ll be covered for cruise travel. Many insurers do not cover cruise travel as a standard option on their single-trip or annual multi-trip policies, which is why it’s important to check before you head overseas.

Buying cover

• Can I take out cover if I’m already overseas?

  Some Australian insurers will offer cover to Australians who are already overseas. However, there are a few key points to be aware of if you’re considering this option:

  • Some providers will require your trip to end in Australia
  • There is usually a waiting period of around five days applied for claims related to injury or illness
  • You may not be able to remove the excess

• I’m taking an international cruise and stopping in multiple countries. Do I need cover for each location?

  Travel insurance provides automatic cover for stopovers of up to 48 hours. If your cruise stops in different regions for longer than 48 hours, you will need to make sure that particular region is listed as a destination and covered on your policy.

• Can I get a policy to cover a one-way cruise?

  Yes, but this depends on the insurer. While some travel insurance policies offer cover for one-way trips, others require your journey to end in Australia. You can compare one-way travel insurance options here.

• Won’t Medicare cover any of my on-board medical costs?

  Medicare will only cover medical costs on a cruise ship if:

  • You see a doctor who is registered to practise in Australia
  • The doctor has a provider number
  • You are in Australian waters

  Due to the fact that there is no requirement for cruise ships to have Australian doctors on-board, this could leave you with extensive out-of-pocket costs should you require treatment.

Reading the fine print

• What happens if the cruise line reschedules my trip?

  You’ll need to contact your insurer to advise them of the revised travel dates.

• Will I be covered if I miss the departure of my cruise?

  This depends on the circumstances. If you miss your departure due to circumstances beyond your control, for example if you’re in an accident on the way to the port, you will typically be covered. However, if you simply sleep through your alarm and are too late getting to the port, no cover will be provided.

• What if my luggage is stolen or damaged before I board the cruise?

  You will generally be covered for loss, theft and damage of luggage for a period of 72 hours from the time that you leave your residence to the time that you board your cruise. However, conditions for when you will be covered may vary between insurers.

• Will I be covered for scuba diving, snorkelling and other water sports during my cruise?

  Not necessarily, so check the fine print. You may need to purchase an additional adventure sports pack to make sure you have the cover you need.

• Does cruise insurance cover gastro?

  Yes. If you’re struck down by gastroenteritis during your cruise, your policy can provide cover for your medical expenses, cabin confinement, missed shore excursions, emergency medical evacuation if required, and cutting your trip short due to medical reasons.

If you’re still unsure about whether you need it

• Do I need travel insurance if I'm taking a trip on my own boat?

  No. You can take out international single-trip or annual multi-trip cover. You will not be covered for the additional losses faced by passengers on commercial vessels.

• What do travel insurance companies recognise as a cruise?

  A cruise is travel on sea, ocean or river by a boat, commercial ship or any other vessel.

• What if I have specialist needs?

  The best thing to do is to read the fine print and speak to your insurer. Some policies won’t cover things like adventure activities or if you are pregnant, so you may need to look into adding additional coverage to make sure you’re protected.

What are you covered for?

• What happens if the cruise company reschedules my trip?

  Contact your insurance provider to adjust the dates of your policy.

• What happens if I miss the departure of the cruise?

  Most policies will cover you for missed departure and pay for any necessary additional accommodation and travel expenses if you miss the departure of your cruise for reasons outside of your control.

• Am I covered if I lose my luggage or it is stolen before I board the cruise?

  You will generally be covered for a period of 72 hours for loss of luggage from the time that you leave your residence to the time that you board your cruise. Conditions for when you will be covered may vary between insurers.

• Will I be covered for scuba diving/snorkelling and other sports on my cruise?

  Most travel insurance companies will provide automatic cover for a range of activities including waterskiing, swimming, surfing, scuba diving, rowing and jetskiing. Most insurers will not provide automatic cover for open-water sailing. If you plan on doing this on your trip you may be required to take out additional cover.

• Will I be covered for Norovirus on my cruise?

  Norovirus is an extremely common cause gastroenteritis. The close proximity of cruise ship passengers has led to a number of outbreaks in recent years. In December 2015, 182 passengers aboard the Explorer of the Seas cruise ship which was docked in Sydney fell ill to the virus. In the event you suffer Norovirus, travel insurance will cover you provided you are forced to cancel your trip before you board or cut your trip short.

What happens if something goes wrong?

• What do I do if I get sick or injured on board?

  • Notify a member of crew immediately and seek appropriate medical attention via the cruise ship’s medical facility.
  • If necessary, you may be transported to the nearest land-based medical facility.
  • Inform your insurer as soon as possible about your condition and find out exactly what evidence may be required in order for your claim to be approved.
  • Obtain documentation from a representative of the crew.
  • Most insurers will cover you for costs incurred while you are confined to the cruise ship’s medical facility or your cabin until you reach the nearest port.

• What if my condition means that I have to be repatriated?

  Most insurers will cover you for medical repatriation from your cruise ship if necessary. If possible, inform your insurer of your situation and try to find out what information will be required from you for your claim to be successful.

• Will I be paid for additional costs if my condition requires me to be confined to my cabin?

  If the nature of your injury or illness means that you are confined to your cabin for a number of days, most insurers will cover the necessary additional costs to a maximum daily limit.

• How do I make a claim?

  1. Contact your insurer by phone, email or online chat.
  2. Obtain a claim form from the insurer’s website.
  3. Complete the claim form and send it to the insurer online or by mail with any necessary documentation.
  4. Provide any additional information the insurer may require to verify your claim.
  5. Wait for a response from the insurer.

  • Most insurers will require you to submit your claim within a certain period of having returned home, usually about 30 days.
  • It's worth checking with your insurer to find out exactly what information may be required in the event of a claim.

Find the cruise travel insurance that's right for you

Not long to go now …

DID YOU KNOW

• You can filter your results to customise your cover!
• You can choose from Basic, Standard or Comprehensive Cover

Ready to board? Three tips for a safer trip

• Register your trip with Smartraveller.
• Let someone back home know about your travel plans.
• Make sure your cruise insurance has the right cover for valuables or expensive items that you’re taking with you.

*Price accurate as of 22 June 2017, for a single 5-day cruise trip to New Zealand, for an individual aged 35. Cover for pre-existing medical conditions may require an additional premium. Please use the quote engine to obtain the most accurate pricing.