Cruise travel insurance in Australia - Guide to coverage, providers, and more

If you’re heading off cruising, you need to set up the best cruise travel insurance for your specific trip before you go. Getting travel insurance for your cruise may even be mandatory - some cruise lines will not accept passengers who can not provide proof of adequate cover, while others may refuse passengers shore leave if they’re not insured.

This guide looks at options for the best cruise travel insurance in Australia to help you compare, decide, and understand what’s different about insuring a cruise. We’ll also introduce you to Wise, an easy way to stretch your dollars when paying in foreign currencies during your travels.

Do I need travel insurance when I go on a cruise?

Yes. Travel insurance is essential for cruises, and cruising is not always covered under your standard travel insurance policy. This may mean buying add-on cover if you already have a multi-trip policy with an insurer, or buying an additional policy for your specific cruise trip.

Cruise travel insurance covers a range of risks that regular policies may not, from the spread of infectious diseases in close confines, to piracy. We’ll look at what’s different about cruise travel insurance later on.

In some cases, cruise insurance is mandatory in order to board your boat - check with the provider you’re booked with to know if this is a policy, and what specific coverage is needed.

Popular insurance providers that provide cruise travel insurance cover

Here are a few of the popular Australian insurers that offer specific cruise cover packages which you may like to explore. Quotes are created on a personal basis, so you’ll need to complete the application process with the provider to see what your options are based on your plans and personal circumstances.

1Cover Cruise travel insurance¹- add a cruise pack to your quote when ordering your insurance, to get cover for things including cabin confinement, cancellation of shore excursions, medical expenses and evacuation, and formal attire cover

Fast Cover Cruise travel insurance²- cover is available for both international and domestic cruising, with different package options. You’ll get medical cover and other standard provisions initially, and can then buy extras to cover things like high value items or adventure activities based on your plans

Insure and Go Cruise travel insurance³- single trip insurance for cruising is available with 3 different levels of cover which have different price tags and reimbursement options. Cover includes all of the standard provisions, but you may need to upgrade to a higher level package for things like missed port day coverage

Tick Insurance Cruise travel insurance⁴- cruising insurance comes with different package levels so you can either trade up to a higher level, or add in additional cover for specific issues such as natural disasters disrupting the cruise route. Packages are split by destination including domestic, worldwide and regional

What is cruise travel insurance and what does it cover?

Cruise-specific travel insurance is not the same as a standard insurance policy. In fact, many travel insurers will not cover cruising on their standard policies which means you need to buy a specific policy to cover your trip.

This is because there are some specific potential issues and risks which require special coverage for cruise insurance. For example:

• Infectious diseases can be quickly spread in a cruise environment - requiring a different level of cover to other trips
• Treatment options, even for common conditions, may be limited on your cruise which may mean you require transport to a port for further treatment
• Medical evacuation when needed is more complex from a boat compared from a landside hotel, increasing the costs and risks
• Insurance for severe weather events - this is quite different on a cruise compared to a land based vacation
• High value items may be separately insured, such as formal attire if you’re on a formal cruise, cameras, sports equipment and other valuables
• Other risks can apply on a cruise which are quite different to other vacations, such as issues arising on shore excursions, or even piracy

Is travel insurance different for domestic and international cruises?

Travel insurance cover may be slightly different depending on your destination - as well as the activities you’ll take part in, any pre-existing conditions you have and other factors. However, it’s essential no matter where you’re heading.

The Australian government’s Smart Traveller⁵ website recommends you have travel insurance for your cruise even if you do not leave Australian waters. This is because you may be unable to claim Medicare on the ship. Before you decide, ask your cruise operator if there is a Medicare-accessible doctor on board. In most cases, you can not use Medicare, and any Australian private healthcare cover you have will also not be valid during your cruise.

How to choose the right cruise travel insurance

There’s not one single best travel insurance for your cruise - the best policy for you will depend a lot on your preferences, your personal situation and the trip you’re heading off on. You may be looking to keep costs low with the cheapest cruise travel insurance in Australia for example, or you may want to get the most comprehensive possible insurance to allow for complete peace of mind while you’re away.

Some things to consider when buying your policy include:

• What's the maximum cover level for emergencies, including repatriation - and are you comfortable with it?
• Will the insurance cover all of the shore excursions you’re planning on taking?
• Do you need to declare any pre-existing conditions and if so how does this change your costing or cover options?
• Does your cover include cabin confinement, in the event you are sick or infectious diseases cause your ship to be locked down?
• What cover is offered if weather or port closures delay your trip, end it early, or force changes in the route which you’re unhappy about?
• If you need cruise travel insurance for seniors, what is the maximum age allowed, and are there any cover exclusions?
• Does your policy cover expensive items, like jewelry, formal clothing or camera equipment if you will be carrying it?

Cruising soon? Bring along the Wise card to save on foreign transaction fees

Keeping yourself protected with travel insurance during your cruise - whether that’s in Australian waters or heading out to an international destination - is essential. You should also pick up a Wise card before you get onto your boat, to enjoy the benefits of low cost spending as you travel internationally.

Open a Wise account online or in the Wise app, add money in AUD right from your bank account, and switch to any of the supported 40+ currencies with the mid-market exchange rate. You’ll be able to get a linked Wise card to use for contactless payments, add your card to a wallet like Apple Pay, or make ATM withdrawals when you need cash. You may be able to save significantly compared to using your bank, as you’ll avoid foreign transaction fees and can rest assured you’re getting one of the fairest exchange rates out there.

No matter where you’re headed, take Wise with you, and save up to 4x when you spend internationally.

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Please see Terms of Use and product availability for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

FAQs

Is there cruise travel insurance with Covid cover?

Yes. Many providers of cruise travel insurance in Australia will also include Covid as a standard feature. While you’ll need to do a little research to find the best cruise travel insurance with Covid cover based on your specific plans, there are many options including medical treatment, evacuation and cabin confinement benefits which may suit you.

Is there cruise travel insurance for seniors?

Yes. You’ll need to check the age limits on different insurance packages with your preferred providers, as some do have limits of around 70 to 80 years of age. However, there are cruising packages available for pretty much everyone, assuming you follow the proper processes to declare any pre-existing conditions and get a personalized quote.

Will Medicare cover me if I am onboard a cruise within Australia?

Usually your cruise will not be covered by any medicare providers, and your own personal health insurance is also not likely to be valid.

You’ll need to check before departing if your ship has a Medicare-accessible doctor on board. If not, you may be unable to claim Medicare on the ship, making travel insurance which covers your cruising an absolute essential. Check out some of the providers highlighted in this guide to find the best domestic cruise travel insurance in Australia for your trip.