What is cruise insurance?
Cruise insurance is a specialised travel insurance option designed to cover risks related to cruising. Typically available as an add-on to most travel insurance policies for an extra premium, it covers things like onboard medical expenses, ship-to-shore evacuations, cancellations of prepaid shore excursions, accidents during excursions, and lost or stolen luggage.
Whether you’re cruising within Australia or abroad, cruise insurance can usually be added to most travel insurance policies, or may already be included in some comprehensive plans. If cruise cover isn’t included in your policy, you’ll likely see it as an optional extra, often named “Cruise Pack” or similar.
What does travel insurance for cruises cover?
Trip cancellation costs
Covers the expenses if you have to cancel your cruise before departure due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or injury. This benefit typically reimburses non-refundable pre-paid costs, like cruise fares, if you’re unable to travel.
Onboard medical and dental expenses
Coverage for medical treatment or dental care you may need while aboard the cruise ship. This can include emergency treatment for illness or injury, as well as any necessary medications or procedures while onboard.
Ship to shore medical costs
Covers the expenses of transferring you from the cruise ship to a hospital on land if you become seriously ill or injured. It also includes the cost of repatriation, which is the process of returning you to Australia for further medical treatment if necessary.
Medical costs for treating sea sickness
Covers the expenses for diagnosing and treating sea sickness during your cruise. This can include medications or medical attention provided onboard to help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.
Cabin confinement due to sickness
Covers the cost if you’re required to stay in your cabin because of illness or injury during your cruise. This may include additional expenses for meals, room service, or other services if you’re unable to participate in activities or leave your cabin due to your condition.
Missed port of embarkation
Covers the costs if you’re unable to board the cruise at the scheduled starting port due to reasons beyond your control, such as travel delays or illness. This benefit typically helps with rebooking your travel or covering additional expenses to catch up with the cruise at a later port.
Missed shore excursions
Reimburses you for pre-paid shore excursions if you’re unable to attend due to illness, injury, or other covered reasons. This benefit ensures you don’t lose money on activities you can’t participate in while at port during your cruise.
Lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal items
Covers the cost of replacing or reimbursing you for items that are lost, damaged, or stolen during your cruise. This can include luggage, clothing, electronics, or other personal belongings.
Formal wear expenses
Covers the cost of renting or buying appropriate formal attire if your luggage is delayed or lost, and you’re unable to attend a formal event on the cruise. This benefit helps ensure you’re prepared for special occasions, such as formal dinners or shows, without additional out-of-pocket costs.
Lost or stolen cash, credit cards and travel documents
Covers the expenses incurred if your money, credit cards, or important travel documents (like passports) are lost or stolen during your cruise. This benefit can help reimburse you for the cost of replacing these items and may also cover emergency cash or cards to help you continue your trip.
Before purchasing cruise travel insurance, read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully to know exactly what’s included in your policy. The PDS details the coverage, exclusions, and any conditions, helping you avoid surprises when you need to make a claim. Understanding these details allows you to select the best policy for your cruise and travel needs.
How travel insurance can help in common cruise scenarios
You contract gastro on the cruise and get confined to your room
You can typically claim cabin confinement expenses up to a certain amount, depending on your policy and level of cover.
You need to cancel your cruise due to illness or injury
You can typically claim non-refundable trip costs, such as your cruise fare, up to the limit specified in your policy.
Your shore excursion at one of the ports is cancelled due to poor weather
You can usually claim reimbursement for pre-paid shore excursions, up to a specified limit. If your cruise is delayed or rerouted, travel insurance can help cover additional accommodation, transportation, and meal expenses.
You lose your formal wear for an event on the cruise
You can generally claim the cost of renting or buying replacement attire so you can still attend the show or dinner.
What’s not covered by cruise insurance?
Cruise insurance generally does not cover the following:
- Cabin confinement due to COVID-19.
- Medical, dental, or hospital expenses incurred within Australia.
- Travel undertaken when you are unfit to travel or travel against medical advice.
- Expenses arising from being intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.
- Injuries or losses caused by intentionally or recklessly putting yourself in dangerous situations.
- Luggage or personal belongings that are left unattended or not adequately protected.
- Costs that you have not made reasonable efforts to recover from other sources, such as the cruise line, accommodation providers, travel agents, or compensation schemes.
How to get the best travel insurance for cruises
1
Check the coverage for cruise-specific risks
Make sure the policy covers a variety of risks unique to cruising, such as onboard medical expenses, ship-to-shore evacuations, missed ports, cabin confinement costs, and formal wear expenses. Check the limits and excess on each benefit to know what you’re covered for.
2
Consider trip cancellations and interruptions
Look for coverage that reimburses you for prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel or cut short your cruise. Check the reasons for cancellation that are covered, as they can vary between policies and insurers.
3
Look for shore excursion coverage
Most policies offer protection if you’re unable to attend booked shore excursions due to illness, injury, or other covered reasons. This is particularly important if you’ve booked an international cruise or are cruising for a long period of time.
4
Compare multiple providers
Take the time to compare different insurers and policies to find the one that offers the best balance of coverage and cost. You might also want to consider discounts and other sign-up incentives that provide additional value. For example, you may get a multi-policy discount for taking out travel insurance if you already have car insurance or health insurance with the same provider.
5
Declare any pre-existing conditions
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, it's essential to declare them to your insurer before purchasing the policy. Failing to disclose this information could result in your claim being denied if you need medical treatment during your cruise.
6
List all destinations
This is essential if you’re travelling internationally as you’ll need to list all the ports you’ll be visiting on your cruise. This helps ensure you’re covered for the specific destinations on your itinerary, as some policies may have restrictions based on certain locations.
Below is an example of cruise destinations as outlined by Insure & Go:
How much does cruise insurance cost?
The cost of cruise insurance will depend on whether it’s included in your standard travel insurance policy, or if it needs to be added as an optional extra. If cruise cover is included as standard, you’re likely paying for the highest level of coverage (comprehensive travel insurance).
The price will also vary based on factors like your travel destination, trip length, age, level of coverage, whether you’re travelling alone or with others, and any pre-existing medical conditions.
Cruise travel insurance cost example
The table below compares the cost of comprehensive international travel insurance policies with cruise cover from a selection of leading providers in Australia. While we have done our best to compare the same levels of cover, some price variations may reflect varying levels of cover.
Insurer | 1Cover |
|---|---|
Comprehensive international with cruise cover | $400.02 (10% discount applied) |
Notable benefits |
|
Insurer | Allianz |
Comprehensive international with cruise cover | $380.76 |
Notable benefits |
|
Insurer | Budget Direct |
Comprehensive international with cruise cover | $279.99 |
Notable benefits |
|
Insurer | FastCover |
Comprehensive international with cruise cover | $381.99 |
Notable benefits |
|
Insurer | Worldcare |
Comprehensive international with cruise cover | $380.76 |
Notable benefits |
|
| Insurer | Comprehensive international with cruise cover | Notable benefits |
|---|---|---|
1Cover | $400.02 (10% discount applied) |
|
Allianz | $380.76 |
|
Budget Direct | $279.99 |
|
FastCover | $381.99 |
|
Worldcare | $380.76 |
|
How to make a claim on your cruise insurance
To make a claim on your cruise travel insurance, follow these steps:
1
Contact your insurance provider
As soon as you need to make a claim, get in touch with your insurance provider. You can usually do this online, by phone, or via email. For instance, if you lost your luggage on the cruise, you should report the loss immediately.
2
Gather documentation
Collect all the necessary documents to support your claim. This may include receipts or invoices, police or incident reports, medical certificates, or your cruise ticket and booking details.
3
Complete the claims form
Your insurer will provide a claims form that needs to be filled out. This form usually asks for your personal details, your policy number, details of the incident, and supporting documents. Make sure to complete all sections accurately.
4
Submit the claim
Once you’ve filled out the claims form, submit it along with all required documents. You can normally submit it online via the insurer’s claims portal on their website, or you can email it. Keep copies of everything you submit.
5
Follow up
After submitting your claim, monitor its progress. Insurers may ask for additional information or clarification, so be prompt in providing it. You can typically check the status of your claim online or by emailing your insurer.
6
Receive your claim outcome
Once the insurer has reviewed your claim, they will inform you of their decision. If your claim is approved, you will receive a payment or reimbursement. If it’s denied, they should explain the reasons.
