Do you need travel insurance for a cruise? If you’re an Aussie planning to cruise through the South Pacific or explore the Mediterranean, a good travel insurance policy can be a lifesaver, potentially providing cover for everything from medical emergencies to a cancelled trip.
While cruising is often smooth sailing, unexpected situations—like illness, flight interruptions, or even natural disasters—can turn a dream holiday into a stressful nightmare. In this post, we’ll break down why cruise travel insurance is so important for Australian cruisers, the risks of cruising without it, and how to find a policy that suits your trip. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Travel Insurance for Cruises
Travel insurance is designed to cover a range of issues that could pop up before or during an international holiday—things like flight cancellations, lost luggage, or unexpected medical emergencies. But cruises are unique vacations with their own set of risks, and minimum-cover travel insurance may not provide the cruise-specific cover you need to help protect you from the unpredictable moments you could face at sea.
So, what exactly does cruise travel insurance cover? Well, in addition to the usual protections (trip cancellation, medical emergencies, etc.), international travel insurance for cruises includes some extras that cater to the specific aspects of a cruise holiday.
For example, you might be covered if you miss the ship’s departure due to a delayed flight, or if your cruise gets delayed because of bad weather. Some policies even cover you in the event of a ship being diverted due to unforeseen circumstances, like a medical emergency or mechanical breakdown.
In short, cruise travel insurance is designed to address the specific risks of cruising, whether you’re at sea, in your Australian port, or even on your way to your ship. Without it, you could be left alone to navigate travel emergencies and pay high costs if the unexpected arises.
Do Australians Really Need Travel Insurance for a Cruise?
Do you really need travel insurance for a cruise? The short answer is yes. Some cruise ships won’t allow you to board without insurance, shares Smartraveller. But even if your cruise does not require you to provide proof of insurance, it’s still a good idea to purchase an international travel insurance policy due to the many risks associated with cruise travel.
Common Risks Cruise Travellers Face
Here are a few common risks of cruise travel that may call for insurance:
- Delays: Cruise delays are not uncommon due to unforeseen issues like inclement weather, port congestion, crew shortages, late passengers, itinerary changes, health protocols, and more.
- Itinerary Changes: Cruise itineraries are subject to change due to unexpected weather conditions or natural disasters like hurricanes. If a storm reroutes your cruise or forces the cancellation of a port stop, travel insurance can help cover the costs of covered non-refundable expenses or hotel stays needed to extend your trip.
- Illnesses: Cruise ships can be hotbeds for gastrointestinal illnesses like norovirus that cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration. One Australian study found that 98 cruise ships that arrived in Sydney between 2007 and 2016 reported gastro outbreaks, with 93% of these outbreaks caused by norovirus.
- Injuries: Cruise travellers may find themselves needing medical treatment while at sea or in port from an injury like slipping on a wet deck or breaking an ankle during a hike. And here’s the catch—medical care on a cruise ship can be expensive, especially if cruisers need to be airlifted to the nearest hospital or flown home for more serious treatment.
- Theft and Damage to Baggage and Personal Possessions: Like any trip, cruising exposes you to the risk of theft or property damage—whether it’s from a sneaky thief while in port or an accident on board the ship. Lost luggage is another travel complication that’s not uncommon.
What Does the Australian Government Recommend for Australian Cruisers?
“No matter how healthy and fit you are, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel,” shares Smartraveller, a travel safety advice website for Australians implemented by the nation’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. That’s because the Australian government may not pay for your medical costs overseas.
Here is some general advice for cruise travel insurance from Smartraveller.gov.au:
- Check the advice level for your destination prior to travel, as travel insurance policies might not provide cover if you travel against government advice.
- Ensure your travel insurance covers all planned onshore activities and excursions.
- Choose a cruise travel policy that covers onboard medical issues and medical evacuation at sea, as this service can cost up to $100,000 or more.
Basic vs Comprehensive Cover
Consider which type of cover is best for your cruise holiday. Basic travel insurance typically covers the bare minimum, like emergency medical and hospital cover, airfare reimbursement, and funeral expenses abroad. Think of it as a safety net for the basics.
Comprehensive travel insurance, on the other hand, offers more extensive protection, covering everything from trip cancellation to cruise interruptions (often only when a cruise pack has been selected), damaged or lost luggage and personal effects, and personal liability. It may even offer add-on packages for specific circumstances. For example, our single trip travel insurance plan offers an optional cruise pack which would leave you well equipped and covered for your cruise.
While basic insurance might be fine for short cruises or budget-conscious travellers (where a cruise option is available), comprehensive cover is ideal for Australians who want more peace of mind and cover specifically designed for cruise travel. It’s all about finding the right level of cover for your specific needs.
Key Cover Components You May Want to Look for in Cruise Travel Insurance
We recommend seeking cruise travel insurance that includes cover for the following travel complications and emergencies so you can cruise with confidence:
- Travel Medical Cover: When you’re cruising the high seas, having medical cover for emergencies (hospital expenses, treatment costs, etc.) is like packing a lifeboat—you hope you never need it, but if you do, it’ll save you from the unexpected costs of a health emergency in a foreign port.
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption Cover: This type of cover can ensure you won’t lose your hard-earned dollars if a sudden illness, family emergency, or other covered situation forces you to cancel your cruise adventure or cut it short.
- Cruise Cover: Look for plans with cover specifically designed for cruise travel to ensure you are covered for unexpected events occurring during your cruise.
- Cover for Travel Delay: Whether it’s a storm delaying your cruise or other covered reasons, this can cover the cost of accommodations when you are unexpectedly delayed for a significant amount of time – often six or more hours.
- Personal Liability Protection: Most travellers don’t want to think about what would happen if their negligence were to cause damage to the ship, or if they accidentally hurt someone while on board. Cruise travel insurance can ensure you’re not left footing the bill for someone else’s misfortune.
Top Considerations When Choosing Cruise Travel Insurance for Australians
Consider these aspects of your cruise when selecting the right cover:
- Cruise Duration: Longer cruises mean more opportunities for things to go wrong. If you’re cruising the South Pacific for three months, you may want higher insured sums for any relevant cover.
- Destination: Check out your destination on Smartraveller.gov.au to learn about destination-specific health and safety risks, and tailor your cover to meet your needs.
- Cruise Type: When choosing cruise travel insurance, it’s essential to consider the type of cruise you’re embarking on. For ocean cruises, you may want to look for cover that includes trip cancellation and medical emergencies, while a European river cruise may require more specific cover for itinerary changes due to water conditions. If you’re heading on an expedition cruise, make sure your policy covers remote locations and adventure activities.
- Age and Health Conditions: Some policies have age limits, and most policies are more expensive the older you are due to added risk. Carefully review your travel insurance quote to ensure you properly budget any added expenses.
- Planned Activities: It’s crucial to choose cruise travel insurance that covers all your planned activities and excursions, as unexpected cancellations or accidents could leave you stranded with hefty out-of-pocket costs.
Exclusions and Limitations in Cruise Travel Insurance Policies
Before you set sail, it’s important to understand exclusions in cruise insurance, as well as the limitations of this type of cover, so you’re not caught off guard when it comes to lodging a claim.
Common Cruise Travel Insurance Exclusions
Here are some situations your policy may not cover:
- Pre-existing Conditions: Some policies exclude pre-existing conditions, some offer limited cover, and others may include pre-existing condition cover only if you meet certain requirements. Be sure to read your policy documents carefully to determine whether the policy you’re considering provides adequate cover according to your medical needs–and how it defines a pre-existing condition
- Extreme Sports: Many policies exclude extreme sports to keep cover more affordable for the majority of travellers who won’t be partaking in extreme activities. Look for a plan that covers all your planned activities.
- Reckless Behaviour: Many cruise ship passengers enjoy unwinding with a cocktail or two aboard the ship. Just be sure you don’t consume excessive amounts of alcohol to the point of impairment, as your cruise travel insurance policy likely won’t cover injuries that happen while you’re under the influence.
Want to see more common exclusions? Read “What Isn’t Covered on My Travel Insurance Policy [Must Know].”
How to Purchase Cruise Travel Insurance as an Australian
Here are the steps to take when purchasing cruise travel insurance for your upcoming adventure:
- Seek Cruise-Specific Cover: Look for a travel insurance provider that offers cruise travel insurance to Australians, like our international single-trip travel insurance. (When purchasing one of our policies, you’ll simply add the Cruise Pack on the “Personalise Your Quote” page.)
- Compare Plans: Not all international travel insurance policies are created equal, so take time to compare different options. Depending on your trip, you may want to look for cover that includes trip cancellation, health emergencies, medical evacuation, baggage loss, and personal liability.
- Check for Exclusions: Read the fine print for exclusions, especially around pre-existing conditions or activities you plan to take part in on board or ashore.
- Personalise Your Cover: Some policies, like our international single trip plan, allow you to personalise your excess amount and certain cover limits, like your insured sum for trip cancellation and your baggage cover.
- Choose Your Covers: Some plans allow you to pick and choose which covers you want for your policy. Ensure you select any cruise packages as well as other covers you want for your plan.
- Complete Your Purchase: Input your payment details to purchase your plan. Keep your policy disclosure statement (PDS), emergency contact numbers, and any relevant documentation with you just in case you need them while cruising.
Buying from Cruise Operators vs. Independent Insurers
When it comes to buying cruise travel insurance, many first-time cruisers look to their cruise line’s own cover options, but buying from an independent insurer can offer some serious advantages.
For starters, independent insurers often provide more comprehensive policies, while cruise lines offer cover for the basics. Cruise travel insurance from an independent insurer may offer more extensive medical evacuation cover and benefits for specific activities that cruise line insurance often excludes. Cruise insurance also typically only covers insurance
Another perk is flexibility. A cruise line may offer one or two plan options, while an independent provider plan can allow you to personalise your excess amount, insured sums for certain benefits, and included packages.
Finally, independent insurers typically offer better customer service, as they’re focused solely on travel insurance, and they often have more experienced claims teams who are used to handling all sorts of travel disruptions—whether they happen on land or at sea.
In short, while cruise line insurance might seem convenient, opting for an independent insurer can give you more peace of mind, better cover, and the freedom to customise your policy for the ultimate protection while cruising. Plus, getting a price is quick and easy. You can check rates for cruise travel insurance from us in two minutes or less.
The Cost of Cruise Travel Insurance for Australians
The average premium for cruise travel insurance for Australians taking a one-week cruise typically ranges from $100 to $200, including government charges and fees.
However, this can vary based on several factors, including your:
- Age
- Purchase date (in relation to your cruise start date)
- Cruise duration
- Cruise destinations
- Chosen excess amount
- Cover packages
How to Get the Best Value on Cruise Travel Insurance
Here are some savvy tips to help you score the best deal:
- Strategically Time Your Purchase: If you’ve prepaid for many trip expenses that are nonrefundable, you’ll want to purchase soon after booking your cruise so you’re covered in case you need to cancel due to covered personal circumstances or any other covered reason. If your travel expenses are fully refundable, then you may want to purchase insurance closer to your departure date, since cruise travel insurance is often cheaper closer to your cruise start date.
- Adjust Cover Levels: Some policies allow you to add different packages to your plan to personalise your cover. Select what you need for your cruise. You may also have the option to choose your insured sum for certain benefits, like your trip cancellation and interruption amount. Select enough to adequately reimburse your trip cost if your cruise were to be cancelled or interrupted due to a covered reason.
- Choose the Right Excess: An excess is the amount that you contribute in the event of a claim. An excess applies per person, per claim. Keep in mind that the higher the excess you choose, the lower your premium will be.
Mistakes Australians Should Avoid When Choosing Cruise Travel Insurance
Choosing the right cruise travel insurance can be tricky, so let’s dive into some common mistakes Aussies make—and how to avoid them—so you can sail through your vacation with confidence.
- Skipping Medical Cover: We’ll reiterate what we shared above: the Australian government will not pay for your medical costs overseas, even if you need an expensive medical evacuation to a nearby hospital or back to Australia. Plus, you may be unable to claim Australian Medicare benefits or private health insurance while on the ship. That’s why it’s vital to hold international travel insurance that includes a travel medical package.
- Ignoring Limitations and Exclusions: Ignoring cruise travel insurance limitations and exclusions is a risky move, as you could find yourself needing to lodge a claim for a large expense. Always read your product disclosure statement and financial services guide and ensure you know exactly what’s covered (and what’s not) so you’re not left scrambling if things don’t go as planned.
Is Travel Insurance Worth It for Australian Cruise Travellers?
So, do you need travel insurance for a cruise and is it worth it? Absolutely! While it might feel like an extra cost at the outset, the peace of mind it offers is priceless. From covering overseas medical expenses if you fall ill while docked in a foreign port to ensuring you’re not left paying for essentials if your luggage goes missing, cruise travel insurance acts as your safety net for the “what-ifs.”
When you’re spending your hard-earned cash on a dream cruise, the last thing you want is a financial headache. That’s why purchasing cruise travel insurance is a smart move for any Australian setting sail. Smartraveller states, “Remember, even if you’re healthy and fit, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.”
If you’re ready to see a price or purchase travel insurance for an international cruise, visit our travel insurance cost calculator and input your trip details. Be sure to add the cruise pack to see an accurate price, and always feel free to reach out to our customer support team if you need help selecting your benefits. Happy cruising!
Note that not all benefits apply and will depend on whether you have selected them (and are reflected on your Certificate of Insurance). Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) for further details.
Please note that this blog provides a summary of the available coverage. Refer to the PDS for further information.
