Cruise Travel Insurance: Information & things to consider when booking your cruise holiday

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Cruises are all about kicking back and relaxing, and enjoying the beautiful ocean scenery as it passes by.

Since the trip in itself is so unique, it requires a specific type of travel insurance. Often referred to as a ‘cruise pack’, cruise travel insurance policies are usually optional extras, that don’t tend to be included in standard travel insurance policies.

Before you sail away from Australian shores, it may be beneficial to ensure you’re financially protected for the unexpected with a cruise travel insurance policy.

Why take out cruise insurance?

Medical services provided by ship doctors on a cruise will not be covered by Medicare, or your private health insurance once your ship leaves Australian waters. That’s why having a cruise travel insurance policy is so important.

Cruise insurance doesn’t just cover you for medical expenses incurred both onshore and offshore. This special category of international travel insurance can also provide a level of financial protection for missed port departures, lost or delayed luggage, 24/7 emergency assistance, and much more.

What about Australian coastal cruises?

Some travellers mistakenly believe that they’ll be automatically covered by Medicare if their ship is going from one Australian port to another.

However, this is only true if the doctor on board is registered with Medicare. If they aren’t, you could find yourself stuck with a hefty medical bill. Ask yourself if it’s worth the risk.

Things to consider:

From Basic to Mid-Range to Comprehensive cover, you have a lot of options when it comes to choosing cruise insurance. As you search for the right policy, here are a few key points to keep in mind:

Basic vs Comprehensive cover: Unlike Basic cover, a Comprehensive policy offers travel insurance for an extensive list of travel emergencies. It might cost a few extra dollars a day but having the higher level of cover can well be worth it if you need to make a claim.
Pre-existing medical conditions: Some policies may cover you for certain pre-existing medical conditions, some may not. To avoid any unwanted surprises when making a claim, be sure to read the policy’s terms and conditions and always declare any existing medical conditions on your application.
Sporting activities: If you’re planning on taking part in activities such as scuba-diving, water-skiing or parasailing during your cruise, check to see if they’re covered on your policy or whether you need to purchase extra cover. In many cases, you will need to purchase extra cover.

Click to learn more tips and considerations for cruises here.

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Compare cruise cover with iSelect’s travel insurance partners

Whether you’re going on an around-the-world ocean cruise, travelling the shores of Europe, or heading on a short cruise across Australian waters, at iSelect we work with a number of insurance providers, who offer a wide range of travel insurance policies to suit a variety of requirements.

Budget Direct cruise cover:

Cruises in international, Australian and other territorial waters are automatically included in every Budget Direct international travel insurance policy. Every policy is different, however depending on the one you choose, you could have the following relevant benefits covered:

Overseas medical and hospital expenses
Transport disruption (cancellation and amendment fees)
Luggage and personal effects
Some additional expenses
Cutting your trip short due to unforeseen circumstances