cruise travel insurance australia reviews

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Cruise travel insurance

Cruise travel insurance can cost as little as $6 a day. pop in your trip details, filter to see cruise options and compare quotes from 13 brands – that’s more than any other site in australia..

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In this guide

Do you need special travel insurance for a cruise?

Is cruise travel insurance worth it, can you get travel insurance for covid on a cruise, compare cruise travel insurance benefits, how to find the best cruise travel insurance, cheap cruise travel insurance, frequently asked questions.

Destinations

What you need to know

• Aussies love cruises, with 26% of us considering taking a cruise soon.
• Alas, things can go wrong at sea, and costs like medical expenses can blow out quickly.
• Travel insurance that covers cruising is kind of essential, but not too expensive.

'Cruise travel insurance' is typically a normal travel insurance policy with cover for cruising added onto the policy. You'll get all the standard travel insurance benefits, such as cover for cancelletions and medical care, but it offers some extra, cruise specific coverage. This might include:

• Onboard medical expenses,
• Emergency evacuation,
• Missed ports,
• Missed cruise departure,
• Cabin confinement,
• Formal cruise attire,
• Marine rescue diversion, and more.

Travel insurance is almost always worth it, and cruise travel insurance is even more so. The main reason for this is because you will really want medical coverage on your trip.

You're probably won't be covered by Medicare on a cruise, so all medical bills will ahve to be paid out of your own pocket. Medical bills can reach the thousands when they're not subsidised, and cruise ships charge a premium for everything. Cruise insurance can reimburse you if something goes wrong. If something goes really wrong, you can also get cover for evacuation expenses to get you to an Aussie hospital quickly.

Yes, lots of travel insurance policies now cover COVID-related expenses if you catch the virus. This can include onboard medical expenses, medical evacuation and cancellation or rearrangement costs. For example, if you catch COVID before your cruise, you can cancel and get reimbursed for your trip, usually up to $5,000.

A small proportion of Australians (10%) say they don't plan to book a cruise in the next 12 months because COVID has ruined it, according to a 2023 Finder survey.

COVID still makes up 11% of all claims. On average we are paying out claims for cancellation and travel disruption due to COVID to the value of $1,500, which is a sizeable cost.

Jo McCauley CEO - Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Based on our research, we believe these are the most important features of a cruise travel insurance policy.

Note: This information was last updated March 2024 * Missed port cover: Cover if your cruise skips a scheduled port due to weather restrictions or mechanical breakdowns. ** Cabin confinement: Cover if you're confined to you cabin (usually for more than 48hrs) due to a serious illness.

The best cruise travel insurance is a policy that is most suited to your individual needs. It's not just one specific policy. To help you find the best cruise travel insurance, follow the simple steps below.

Choose a single trip or annual multi-trip policy. Think about all the trips you'll be taking over the next 12 months. If there are 2 or more, an annual policy will save you money and time.

Compare brands. Some brands cover more than others and come with higher limits for certain benefits.

Choose a brand you trust. If you've never bought cruise travel insurance, look at forums for reviews . Just be careful, since reviews are written by the general public and are heavily influenced by negative outcomes.

Buy your cruise travel insurance as early as possible. Most insurers will cover your cancellation fees if you have to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, so it pays to buy early .

If you're travelling on a budget and need an affordable policy, getting cheap cruise travel insurance is possible but you might have to sacrifice a few benefits. The most important thing is to have cover for medical treatments and emergency evacuation. Anything on top of that is a bonus.

The table below shows how the cheapest policies usually cover medical and emergency assistance only on cruises. It also shows the price difference among the cheapest, and why paying a bit more money for a policy gives more benefits for your cruise.

We got these prices in November 2023 for a 30-year-old going on a South Pacific cruise for 14 days, with a standard excess of $200.

Meet our travel expert Angus Kidman

Angus Kidman is the international editor-at-large at Finder. He's an award-winning journalist, avid travel enthusiast and passionate frequent flyer. Angus appears regularly on Sunrise, Today, The Project, Seven News and other TV and radio shows to share his expert tips.

Angus's top cruise insurance tips

• Remember, you're not covered by Medicare on a cruise, even if it's only in Australian waters. Make sure you get cover - on-ship treatment is super-pricey.
• Comprehensive insurance should cover missed connections, but reduce the risk by allowing plenty of time for connecting flights if you're not cruising from your home city.
• Drinks package warning: travel insurance likely won't cover your for inuries that occur while you're drunk.

Why you can trust Finder's travel insurance experts

We're experts

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We're here to help

Do i need cover for each location i visit.

You don't need separate policies, but you do need to tell your insurer every place you will be visiting by sea or by land. This helps them work out the price of your quote.

Most travel and cruise insurance policies provide automatic cover for stopovers of up to 48 hours.

Does cruise travel insurance cover me if I get sick?

Yes, cruise travel insurance covers your medical expenses while onboard. It can also give you an allowance if you're confined to your cabin for more than 48 hours due to a sickness such as gastroenteritis. This benefit is called cabin confinement.

What if I'm just taking a short cruise as part of a longer holiday?

You will still need cruise insurance, but technically only for the length of the cruise. However, it can be tricky to find a single policy that lets you split your cruise and non-cruise portions. Here are your best options:

• Stick with a cruise policy for the whole trip. Remember, cruise insurance covers you on and off land, and you may find that this option is not much more expensive than a normal policy anyway.
• Double up by getting a standard policy and a cruise policy. If you're only out to sea for a couple of days, you might consider buying cruise insurance on top of the normal travel insurance that's covering the rest of your trip. You'll be paying twice, but hey, if you save a few bucks, you're still ahead. Just remember you won't be able to make the same claim on both policies.
• Work out an arrangement with the insurer. If you don't want to double up or pay for cruise insurance when you won't be using it, try contacting an insurer and see if they can create a custom policy for you.

Can I get insured for my cruise if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

Yes, it’s possible, especially if you can prove that your pre-existing condition is stable or you haven’t had any significant issues for at least 12 months.

Am I covered for activities that I'll be doing on the cruise such as snorkelling and other watersports?

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.

What region should I include when getting cruise insurance?

When you take out travel insurance, include every country that you'll be visiting. If you miss one, any claim you make could be denied. If you're cruising domestically, probably select the Pacific region, which will usually include New Zealand, Bali, the south-west Pacific and Norfolk region, and the waters in between. If you're still unsure what region to select for your domestic cruise, check out your insurers product disclosure statement (PDS) for confirmation.

Gary Ross Hunter

Gary Ross Hunter is an editor at Finder, specialising in insurance. He’s been writing about life, travel, home, car, pet and health insurance for over 6 years and regularly appears as an insurance expert in publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian and news.com.au. Gary holds a Kaplan Tier 2 General Advice General Insurance certification which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146).

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Please Note - If you are cruising around Australia you need to select Pacific. With Regions, variances can apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East. You are not required to enter stop-over countries if your stop-over is less than 48 hours.

If you don’t know where you’re traveling to within the next 12 months, choose Worldwide to ensure you’re covered no matter where you go. If you’re travelling to multiple countries choose the region that you are visiting that is furthest away (excluding stopovers less than 48 hours). In most cases you will be covered for the closer regions as well. For example, if you choose Europe, you will also be covered in the Middle East, Asia and Pacific.

Worldwide means anywhere in the world

Americas means USA, Canada, South America, Latin America, Hawaii and the Caribbean

Europe means all European countries, including UK

Middle East refers to the area from Syria to Yemen; Egypt to Iran

Asia generally means Asia and the Indian subcontinent. For some insurers this excludes Japan*

Pacific means the South West Pacific, Australia and Indonesia/Bali*. Select Pacific for domestic cruises in New Zealand waters

New Zealand means domestic travel within New Zealand only

*Note: Variances apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East. Check that your destination is covered once directed to your chosen insurer’s site.

Cruise Travel Insurance Guide

Oh Buoy! It’s easy to sea why more and more Australians are choosing cruising holidays every year!Having  cruise insurance  can protect your possessions on board; provide cancellation cover if the weather or port authorities cause you to miss a pre-paid tour; and offer 24/7 emergency medical assistance, covering medical costs should you or your travelling companion become sick or injured. But do I have to include every destination on my insurance? What if I'm cruising in Australian waters? Or on a river? And what does cruising cover? There's so much to consider - but don't worry, we know a think or two about cruising...

Is Cruising Automatically Covered?

Depending upon your insurer, you may have to select  Cruise Cover  as an add-on to your  travel insurance  policy, while some insurers automatically cover you whilst on a cruise, provided you have selected an international policy. When getting a quote with us, if you have the cruise button selected, it will be automatically included in the price you see.

What If I'm Cruising In Domestic Waters?

Did you know that once your ship leaves port, even if you're cruising Australian waters, you’re no longer covered for hospital or medical expenses by Medicare or your usual private health care provider.

So to make sure you’re covered on an Australian cruise select ‘Pacific ’  as your destination.

What If I'm Going On A River Cruise?

River cruising is a popular tour option in many regions, including Europe and China. Each insurer has different rules about whether you need cruise insurance when cruising on a river, or if you're only cruising for a couple of days. We've compiled their rules in our river cruise insurance table. 

Don’t Get Hit With Titanic Medical Expenses

Health care costs on board a ship (or outside of the country) are very expensive. Hospital bills can be as much as $5,000 per day. Treatments, consultations and medications on board a ship are charged at private rates. Don't base your insurance decision on the assumption of 'it won't happen to me'. The unexpected does happen and the right cruise travel insurance can provide you with peace of mind.

Cruise Adventure Activities

With the ocean air in your face it’s easy to get into adventure mode. If you think you may join in on the adventure shore activities or sports (such as scuba diving or parasailing) or even some of the on-board activities like zip-lining or rock-climbing make sure you check your chosen policy covers the. We've compiled a list of which insurers cover adventure activities .

What's Covered With Cruise Insurance?

A cruise policy will cover you from ship to shore – giving you peace of mind should the worst happen. Events covered by cruise insurance include:

• Medical expenses : Cruise liners have doctors on board, but these are private. If you get a bout of sea sickness (or worse) expect to get a very expensive bill afterwards for any treatment you might need.  
• Medical evacuation:  If your condition is too serious to be treated on board, you may need to be evacuated to the nearest – which could cost thousands!  
• Delays : Bad weather, strikes, or even civil unrest could lead to a delay in your plans.  
• Cancellations : Things happen. Life happens. If your flight is cancelled due to bad weather and you miss your cruise, or you have a close family emergency and can no longer go on your cruise the right insurance can give you peace of mind.  
• Luggage and personal items:  Most people pack a schmick camera to take pics of all those amazing views. You can rest assured that your valuables are covered with the  right travel insurance.

What’s Not Covered With Cruise Insurance?

Like all travel insurance policies, some things just aren’t covered. Most cruise polices wont cover you for the following:

• Being a tad tipsy:  We know the unlimited supply of alcohol and treats is hard to say no to, however if you’re under the influence of alcohol and drop your clutch bag overboard, or slip on the deck you might find your insurer is less sympathetic than usual.  
• Lack of enjoyment : If your trip wasn’t as sunny as you’d hoped, travel insurance won’t cover you just because it rained and you didn’t have a good time.  
• Risky business:  Perhaps your cruise liner has a zip-line going across the desk, or a surf machine? Check with your insurer before you leave home because some  adventurous activities aren’t covered.  
• Pre-existing medical conditions:  normally  conditions that exist before your holiday  aren’t covered, but to be sure check your policy wording for a full list.  
• Some cancellations:  If the cruise company cancels your pre-booked trip then it’s there responsibility to book you on another one, or offer a refund. Travel insurance doesn’t offer compensation when you’re already due reimbursement from the cruise carrier.  
• Cruise company collapse:  Many insurers have general exclusions to do with travel company  insolvency , so if you think your cruise company is a bit crafty, consider an insurance policy that covers insolvency.

Watch Out For Cruise Companies Cancellation Terms

It’s a good idea to check your cruise company’s cancellation policy and terms and conditions should the worst happen and your cruise is cancelled.

For example P&O allow you to have a full refund if the cancellation is made 181 days or more from the departure date. If the cancellation is made:

• 180 – 76 days, then the deposit amount is charged
• 75 – 43 days, then 25% of the total fare is charged
• 42 – 15 days, then 50% of the total fare is charged
• 14 days or less, then 100% of the total fare is charged

Living The Dream With Multiple Destinations

So you’re going big and cruising to different locations, well you’ll need to make sure you select the right region based on your specific cruise destinations. Generally:

• Pacific : New Zealand, Bali, South West Pacific and Norfolk Island. (Also pick Pacific for  Domestic  cruises around Australia too!)
• Asia : Asia (Excluding Russia and Japan)
• Europe : Europe, Russia and the United Kingdom
• Worldwide : All destinations (including, Japan, USA, Canada, Africa, and the Middle East

Claiming On Your Cruise Travel Insurance 

Before you raise the anchor, it’s vital to read the policy wording (PDS) to ensure you understand what is and isn’t covered with that particular policy. And if there’s something you don’t understand you can contact the trip cover company  directly. To see what the claims process is like, why not check out a few of the thousands of real customer travel insurance reviews .

Not All Bargains Are Created Equal

Smart travellers will always spend time doing a  cruise travel insurance comparison.  Our site compares a platoon of reputable travel insurers with policies that cover you whilst on a cruise.

Crystal Moran

With a research and journalism background, and certified in Tier 2 General Insurance General Advice, Crystal is passionate about investigating customers’ tricky travel questions and helping them find the answers they’re looking for. A writer and filmmaker whose favourite trips have been to film festivals in Cuba and South Korea, and campervanning around the USA, she loves getting to know new people and seeing a glimpse of the world through their eyes.

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Need some help? Use the search box below to find answers to all those tricky questions. We’ve got heaps of travel insurance tips to help you get the best policy for your upcoming holiday!

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Our comparison is a free service that allows users to compare quotes in a few simple steps based on limited personal criteria. Comparisons supplied are not a recommendation or opinion about the suitability of a policy for a user. Comparisons are default ranked according to price and users have the ability to sort by popular cover levels. Whilst we compare a vast range of policies, we do not compare all providers in the market. This site compares the following brands: 1Cover, AllClear, Budget Direct, Downunder, Fast Cover Travel Insurance, Insure4Less, InsureandGo, iTrek, Simply Travel Insurance, Ski-Insurance, Travel Insurance Saver, Travel Insuranz, Wise Traveller, Zoom Travel Insurance . The directors and shareholders are common with companies i-Trek Pty Ltd, Zoom Travel Insurance and 1Cover Pty Ltd including it’s subsidiary brand Ski-insurance. CoverDirect takes all reasonable care when preparing this information but does not warrant its accuracy. Pricing information is supplied by the providers who participate on this site and should be verified with the insurer before you purchase. This site links users to the website of the provider to verify quotes and access the relevant PDS to understand what is, and is not, covered by a policy prior to purchase.

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Compare Cruise Travel Insurance

Setting sail on your next holiday? Compare cruise travel insurance with Savvy.  

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• 100% free to use. No obligation.

Shopping around is one of those tried-and-true methods of finding the right travel insurance, no matter where you’re heading. If you’re setting off on a domestic or international cruise, compare your options with Savvy today.

When you look at your options with us, you’ll be able to consider the pros and cons of each cruise travel insurance policy to find the one that’s perfect for your next holiday. Before you pack your deck chair and sun hat, compare with Savvy today.

How do I compare cruise travel insurance policies?

When it comes to taking a cruise holiday, finding the best travel insurance for your journey can give you added peace of mind as you’re sailing the high seas. By comparing your quotes with Savvy, you can take the guesswork out of making a decision when tossing up which deal is best for you. Savvy has some handy tips for how to compare and find the right cruise travel insurance for your next getaway:

Compare the prices

Taking a cruise holiday can be expensive. The cost of the cruise itself, flights or travel needed to make it to the ship and any onboard or shore excursions can start to add up. When you’re looking to buy travel insurance, it can be handy to save a bit of money and compare the cost of your premiums and excess. By doing a comparison of prices on your travel insurance quotes, you’ll have a better shot of finding a cheaper alternative which still covers you for what you need.

Inclusions and exclusions

Benefits vary slightly depending on your chosen policy, so it’s essential to do your homework and find a set of inclusions that suit your travel needs. For example, if you suffer from a pre-existing condition, comparing and finding a travel insurance policy with cruise cover which covers it could save you thousands of dollars if you require medical treatment from the onboard doctor.

Claim limits

Consider the financial limits of your benefits and find a set that suits your next cruise holiday. If you need to claim against your policy, insurers allow you to claim up to a set limit. For example, certain insurers will allow you to claim up to $100 or more per day for cabin confinement, while others only let you claim $50 daily. Comparing with Savvy will allow you to find a set of limits sufficient for your next trip.

Consider the coverage you need

Insurers offer basic and comprehensive coverage if you want to take out a travel insurance policy. While taking out the bare minimum cover can be enticing, comparing your options will allow you to see which suits you best. For example, if you’re over 70 years old, comprehensive travel insurance may be a better option, while those travelling light may only wish to take out basic cover.

Optional extras

Many travel insurers require you to take out additional coverage if you’re partaking in ‘high risk’ shore excursions, whether it be scuba diving or a spot of rock climbing. Some providers automatically offer these under their standard policies, so it’s worth doing a quick comparison so you can prioritise those who offer cheaper coverage.

How do I compare the different types of cruise travel insurance?

Travel insurance providers offer a wide range of policies, so it’s always handy to compare them to help you find one which suits you and your holiday to a tee. Most insurance companies will offer the following policies, which you can compare with Savvy:

You may only be cruising around the Australian coastline, but that doesn’t mean you should scrimp on travel insurance. Many cruises won’t cover medical expenses while you’re onboard, so it’s an essential piece of protection to have. Compare different policies and make sure you’re covered for things such as seasickness and cabin confinement under your domestic cruise travel insurance .

International

Are you considering travelling to New Zealand and cruising along the Bay of Islands? Compare with Savvy and find the best international travel insurance policy which covers you for everything from emergency evacuations to the loss or damage of your baggage. Also, ensure you seek out a policy with adequate health coverage for your trip, as you could end up paying a stack of money for an onboard visit to the doctor. For example, if you travel to America and are required to be evacuated, it could cost you dearly.

If you’re taking a cruise on the cheap, you can opt for basic coverage, which covers you for the bare necessities while at sea. Some of the benefits of these policies include emergency medical or dental coverage and optional protection if you lose your luggage. It’s best to compare to ensure you get the best bang for your buck.

Comprehensive

A comprehensive travel insurance policy could be just the ticket if you want top-of-the-line coverage while on holiday. These policies cover you for any cancellation fees or forfeited deposits, as well as some of the standard extras if pay to do your homework. However, some benefits and inclusions, such as coverage for the excess on a rental car, may not be automatically included in some policies, making them extra important to compare.

Single-trip policy

These types of one-off policies can be suitable if you’re more of a once-a-year cruise ship passenger. Look around at some policies and compare variables, such as different claim limits, to ensure you’re getting the most out of your policy.

Annual policy

Cruises can be the perfect way to soak up an overseas locale or a coastline that’s right on your doorstep. If you’re a familiar face on cruise liners, an annual or multi-trip option could be cheaper than taking out individual policies for every trip you take. While these policies cover you across 12 months, the maximum number of days you’re allowed to be away from home at any given time can vary between 15 and 90, so it pays to compare so you can make the most out of your policy.

How do I get the best price on my cruise travel insurance?

Getting the best price on your cruise travel insurance can come down to knowing some nifty tips and tricks. Some of the ways you can save money on your policy include:

• Choose a higher excess: most travel insurance policies come with excesses ranging between $100 and $250, payable only if you make a claim. However, if you’re willing to pay a more significant out-of-pocket amount, you can reduce the price of your premium upfront.
• Compare your options with Savvy: when looking around for that perfect policy, comparing it with Savvy can save you a great deal of time and money. You’ll be able to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of each policy to see which offers the most benefit for you without breaking the bank.
• Consider your destinations: most travel insurance providers will give you the choice of either global coverage or handpicking the countries you will be travelling to. While worldwide cover can be fuss-free and handy, choosing cover for only the countries you intend on visiting can be cheaper.
• Think about your travelling party: taking a cruise with your spouse or heading off on a week off with a group of friends? Consider rolling your partner, family or other members of your travelling group into your policy to save money. Most providers will let you include up to 25 people on one policy, which may be cheaper overall when the cost is split between your group.

Types of travel insurance

International travel insurance can offer cover for a range of events, including medical expenses, lost luggage or items, cancellation fees and more when you're overseas and a long way from home.

If you're journeying within Australia, domestic policies are designed to offer many of the same protections as international travel insurance (with the exception of medical expenses).

Single trip

The most standard and common type of travel insurance, this policy can cover you for one trip starting and ending in Australia (and is available for both international and domestic travel).

Annual multi-trip

As the name suggests, this type of travel insurance covers multiple trips over a 12-month period. Depending on your insurer, you may be able to take an unlimited number of trips up to 90 days each.

You don't have to have a return ticket booked to take out cover while you're overseas. One-way travel insurance enables you to access cover without a set end date, such as if you're moving temporarily.

You may need to take out specialist coverage if you're setting sail on a cruise. Fortunately, cruise insurance can cover emergency evacuation, cabin confinement and more.

Just because you're older doesn't mean travel insurance isn't still important. If you qualify for cover, seniors' travel insurance can offer greater peace of mind for included events while you're travelling.

Adding winter sports or ski cover to your policy can add protection against damage to your equipment, piste closure due to bad weather and activities such as back-country skiing, heliskiing and more.

Adventure sports

Looking to enjoy some adventure sports on holiday? An adventure sports pack can grant you cover for a range of activities, such as hiking, scuba diving and motorcycle or scooter riding.

Jetsetting with the whole clan in tow? Some insurers offer family travel insurance, which enables you to include yourself, your partner and your dependent children under one policy to help you save.

If you're travelling interstate or overseas with your partner (or simply another friend or family member), you may be able to access a discount by taking out a joint or duo travel insurance policy.

Why compare travel insurance with Savvy?

Reputable insurance partners, fast and convenient online process.

You can complete the quote, comparison and purchase process online through Savvy quickly and easily.

Competitive quote costs

Regardless of the type of insurance you’re looking for, we can help you compare between competitive quotes.

Frequently asked cruise travel insurance questions

If you’re cruising in Australian waters , many travel insurance companies will only cover you if your ocean liner follows the domestic coastline. However, there are a few islands that are covered, including:

• Torres Strait Island
• Montebello Islands
• Albrohos Islands

Islands that are usually not covered by domestic policies include:

• Ashmore Reef
• Norfolk Island
• Thursday Island
• Lord Howe Island
• Christmas Island

Yes – if you’re taking a domestic cruise, medical cover is essential. Unfortunately, you often won’t be covered by Medicare or your private health provider once your ship departs the port, as many foreign-owned cruise ships won’t have Medicare-billable doctors onboard. As such, if you don’t have coverage, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for any treatment.

Claiming through your provider is usually pretty uncomplicated. Most travel insurance companies require you to follow a few simple steps to process your claim, and they’ll usually get back to you within ten working days. These steps include:

• Enter your policy number and email
• Complete the claim form with ample detail
• Attach any supporting documents to back up your claim
• Submit your claim
• Wait to hear back from your travel insurance provider

If you’re a mature-aged cruise passenger looking for the perfect seniors’ travel insurance policy, it’s important to compare so you can find a policy which is the best fit for you. For example, policies tend to come with age limits, which can start at 75 and can reach 130 years old. Some even have no limits at all, so it pays to compare to find a set of limitations that suit you.

Many travel insurance providers who offer cruise cover as an additional extra don’t require you to take out cruise cover if you’re taking an overnight cruise. These insurers will only require you to purchase extra coverage if you’re sailing for more than two nights. You can also be automatically covered if your provider already covers cruises as part of their policy.

Yes – many travel insurance policies cover travellers for medical expenses relating to COVID-19 while you’re at sea. However, there are only certain providers whose travel insurance policies cover COVID-19-related cancellations or delays , so it’s important to compare from a range of options.

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Disclaimer: We do not compare all travel insurance brands currently operating in the market. Any advice presented above or on other pages is general in nature and does not consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an insurance policy.

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Before purchasing your policy, we recommend you refer to the provider’s PDS for any further information on the terms, inclusions and exclusions.

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• Best overall
• Best for affordability
• Best for seniors
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for exotic locations

How we reviewed cruise insurance plans

Best cruise travel insurance of april 2024.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

A cruise vacation can take much of the stress out of planning a vacation. With a pre-set itinerary on the high seas, you don't have to worry about how you're getting to your destination and what you're going to do there. However, an unexpected emergency can take the wind out of your sails and money out of your travel budget. So you'll want to ensure you have the best cruise insurance plan that won't leave you high and dry in an emergency.

Best overall: Nationwide

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

Nationwide Travel Insurance  is a long-standing and reputable brand within the insurance marketplace that offers cruise insurance plans with solid coverage and reasonable rates.

It has three cruise insurance options: Universal, Choice, and Luxury. The Nationwide Choice plan, for example, offers $100,000 in emergency medical coverage and $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage.

The right plan for you depends on your budget and coverage needs. But each plan offers cruise-specific coverages like ship-based mechanical breakdowns, coverage for missed prepaid excursions if your cruise itinerary changes, and covered service disruptions aboard the cruise ship.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best for affordability: AXA

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

AXA Assistance USA  offers three comprehensive coverage plans: Gold, Silver, and Platinum. Each of these plans offers coverage for issues like missed flights, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more.

The highest-tier Platinum plan provides $250,000 in medical emergency coverage and $1 million in medical evacuation coverage. The baggage loss coverage is $3,000 per person, and their missed connection coverage is $1,500 per person for cruises and tours.

In addition, travelers can take advantage of AXA's concierge service, which provides an extensive network of international service providers. They'll be able to assist you with things like restaurant reservations and referrals, golf course information, and more. This service could come in handy if you're stopping at a variety of unfamiliar destinations during your cruise.

The coverage limits on AXA's policies are on the higher end compared to other providers. And you can buy coverage for a little as 4% of your trip cost depending on your age, travel destination, and state of residence.

Read our AXA Travel Insurance review here.

Best for seniors: Seven Corners

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Diverse coverage options such as CFAR, optional sports equipment coverage, etc.
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in all 50 states
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Prices are higher than many competitors
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews around claims processing are mixed
• Trip cancellation insurance of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance available

Seven Corners Travel Insurance lets cruisers enjoy traveling in their golden years with the knowledge they're covered in the event of an accident or emergency. While other providers do offer coverage to those 80+ years old, Seven Corners is known for its affordable premiums while offering above-average medical expenses and medical evacuation coverage limits — two areas of travel insurance coverage that are even more important as we get older.

Seven Corners also offers the option of a preexisting conditions waiver and CFAR insurance at an additional cost, plus "Trip Interruption for Any Reason" coverage, which you won't find on many policies.

You can choose between the Trip Protection Basic or Trip Protection Choice plans, with the higher-tier Choice plan costing more but providing more coverage.

Read our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review here. 

Best for expensive trips: HTH Worldwide

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Reasonable premiums
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR coverage available with some plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical emergency and evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc not available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited reviews with complaints about claims not being paid
• Trip cancellation of up to $5,000 with the Economy plan and up to $50,000 with the Preferred plan
• Cancel for any reason insurance and missed connection insurance available with the Preferred plan
• Baggage delay insurance starting after 24 or 12 hours depending on the plan

HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance  offers three levels of trip protection: TripProtector Economy, Classic, and Preferred. The higher the tier, the more coverage you'll get for things like baggage delays, trip delays & cancellations, and medical expenses. But their premiums remain reasonable even at the highest tier of coverage.

Not only does the HTH Worldwide Trip Protector Preferred plan offer higher-than-average medical emergency and evacuation coverage limits ($500,000 and $1 million, respectively), but you'll also get a baggage loss coverage limit of $2,000 per person and coverage for trip interruption of up to 200% of the trip cost. You also have the option to add CFAR coverage for an additional cost.

Read our HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic locations: World Nomads

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

World Nomads Travel Insurance  has been a top choice for comprehensive travel insurance for many years now. And it's a great option when it comes to cruise coverage, too.

Even the most basic Standard Plan comes with $100,000 in medical emergency coverage and $300,000 in emergency evacuation coverage. And you'll get higher coverage limits with their Premium Plan. Plus, unlike many other providers, World Nomads trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage include COVID-19-related issues.

What sets World Nomads apart from many other insurance companies is that its policies cover 200+ adventure sports. This can be important for adventurous cruisers who plan to take part in activities like jet skiing, scuba diving, or parasailing during their cruise.

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Introduction to Cruise Insurance

Cruise insurance may offer unique coverage like missed port of call and medical evacuation coverage. You might not need the flight protections of a regular travel insurance plan if you're catching a cruise at a port near you, but medical and cancel for any reason coverage could be critical. The best travel insurance plans will provide flexibility to add coverage options to fit your travels needs.

Understanding the Basics of Cruise Insurance

At its core, cruise insurance is your financial lifeboat, designed to protect you from unforeseen events that could disrupt your sea voyage. Whether it's a sudden illness, adverse weather, or other unexpected occurrences, having the right insurance can make a world of difference.

Why Cruise Insurance is Important

Picture this: You're all set for your dream cruise, but a sudden family emergency means you can't set sail. Or worse, you fall ill in the middle of the ocean. Without cruise insurance, you're not just missing out on an adventure, but also facing potentially huge financial losses. That's why securing cruise insurance isn't just recommended; it's a crucial part of your cruise planning.

Types of Cruise Insurance Coverage

Cruise insurance isn't a one-size-fits-all life jacket. There are various types of coverage, each tailored to protect different aspects of your cruise experience.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage

This coverage is like your safety net, catching you financially if you need to cancel your trip last minute or cut it short due to emergencies, be it due to personal, health-related, or even certain work conflicts.

Medical Coverage

Being on a cruise shouldn't mean being adrift from medical care. Medical coverage ensures that if you fall ill or get injured, your medical expenses won't sink your finances.

Emergency Evacuation Coverage

In the rare case that you need to be evacuated from the ship due to a medical emergency or severe weather, this coverage ensures you're not left adrift in a sea of expenses.

Baggage and Personal Effects Coverage

Imagine reaching your dream destination only to find your luggage lost at sea. This coverage ensures that lost, stolen, or damaged baggage doesn't dampen your cruise experience.

Buying Cruise Insurance

Securing the best cruise insurance isn't just about finding the best price; it's about ensuring it covers all your potential needs. 

When to Purchase Cruise Insurance

Timing is everything. Purchasing your insurance soon after booking your cruise can often provide additional benefits and ensure you're covered for any early surprises. As you get closer to your trip your coverage options may get more expensive, and certain providers may not be able to offer you coverage.

How to Find the Best Deals on Cruise Insurance

Keep a lookout for deals, but remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best. Balance cost with coverage, and ensure you're getting the protection you need at a price that doesn't rock your financial boat. A travel insurance comparison site like SquareMouth is a good place to compare multiple quotes from all of the major carriers at once.

When comparing cruise travel insurance providers, we evaluated them based on the following criteria to come up with our list of top picks:

Customer Satisfaction

We look at ratings from JD Power and other industry giants to see where a company ranks in customer satisfaction. We also look at customer review sites like Trustpilot and SquareMouth.

Policy Types

We look at policy types and offerings, from standard travel protections to adventure sports coverage. We look at the amount of insurance offered

Average Premiums

We compare average premiums per trip. Some companies also offer annual plans, and we compare policies accordingly.

Claims Paid

How frequently do companies pay claims easily and quickly? We check customer reviews and other resources to see which companies honor policies most effectively.

We look at the company's overall behavior. Is it operating ethically? Companies can earn additional points for such behaviors.

You can read more about how Business Insider rates insurance here.

As a rule of thumb, you can expect to pay between 5% and 10% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses for cruise insurance coverage. The price will vary depending on factors like your age, your travel destination, and whether you require additional coverage.

If you're booking a cruise, we recommend purchasing travel insurance when you make your first trip payment. That could be for the cruise itself or an expense like airfare to get you to your cruising destination. This way, if you have to cancel your trip, you'll have the most extended coverage period possible.

You can buy your own cruise insurance that isn't offered directly through the cruise line operator. In fact, this could be a better option if you want coverage for your travel to the cruise's departure point, not just for the cruise itself.

The difference between traditional travel insurance and cruise insurance is that cruise insurance offers more specialized coverage, for situations such as missing a departure port and more coverage for medical evacuations, since it's more expensive to evacuate someone at sea than on land. 

Most cruise insurance includes coverage for missing a departure port, so you should be able to claim for a missed port. Just make sure you check the details of your policy before you file a claim, and before you travel so you know what compensation you're entitled to.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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The Best Cruise Insurance in April 2024

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Table of Contents

What to look for in cruise insurance

Factors we considered when picking the best cruise insurance companies, an overview of the best cruise insurance, best cruise insurance options, more resources for cruise travel insurance shoppers.

Cruising is back, but many travelers are still reluctant to board ships alongside thousands of other travelers. Cruise insurance has you covered if:

You need to be reimbursed for canceling your trip.

Your flight to the port gets delayed.

You need to pay for medical care if you get sick on board.

You need to fly home in case of an emergency.

Of course, there's much more than just this list that cruise insurance can cover.

No matter the reason you might be looking for coverage, here are some of the best cruise insurance companies available to help bring you peace of mind on your next experience at sea:

World Nomads .

Berkshire Hathaway .

Travelex Insurance Services .

Travel Guard by AIG .

When shopping for cruise insurance, make sure to look for coverage that offers the following:

Trip delay and cancellation.

Medical expenses, including emergency evacuation.

The option to cancel for any reason (including COVID-19).

Adventure activities if you’re planning certain onshore excursions.

Cruise insurance isn’t much different than traditional travel insurance. Any good travel insurance should cover cruises in addition to travel by air or car.

After our analysis, we've determined these are some of the best cruise insurance options available.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

We used the following factors to choose top insurance providers to highlight:

Specifics of coverage: Including what coverage plans include and whether they offer useful coverage and benefits for cruises specifically.

Amount of coverage: Including the maximum payouts for trip cancellation and trip interruption claims.

Cost: We compared prices to determine average costs across basic plans.

Customizability: We checked to see if policies allow users to customize options to suit their specific needs.

» Learn more: The guide to cruise travel insurance

We searched for quotes from several companies for a seven-day trip in February 2023 from the U.S. to Mexico. The traveler was 35 years old, from Georgia, and planned to spend $2,500 total on the whole trip, including airfare.

The average price of each company’s most basic coverage plan was $124. These policies didn't include optional add-ons, such as Cancel for Any Reason coverage or coverage for pre-existing medical conditions .

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

Here’s a closer look at our five recommendations for cruise insurance and what makes them unique.

Allianz Global Assistance

What makes allianz global assistance a top choice for cruise insurance:.

Multiple policies are available for international and domestic travel.

Plans offer trip cancellation and interruption coverage for COVID-19.

Offers emergency medical and transportation.

For our test trip, Allianz Global Assistance’s basic plan cost $106, slightly below average.

World Nomads

What makes world nomads a top choice for cruise insurance:.

Adventure activities like mountain biking and scuba diving are covered, perfect for land-based experienced (though which sports are covered varies from plan to plan).

Offers comprehensive travel insurance plans for domestic and international travel.

Larger-than-average coverage for baggage loss and delays.

For our test trip, World Nomad’s basic plan cost $63, well below average. But the actual trip cost isn’t taken into consideration for trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

What makes berkshire hathaway travel protection a top choice for cruise insurance:.

A wide range of comprehensive plans cover cancellation, emergency medical and transportation coverage, and emergency travel assistance.

A cruise-specific plan includes some compensation for cruise disablement and the most emergency medical and evacuation coverage of any of these plans.

There are many plans available, including plans that cover adventure activities.

A Berkshire Hathaway WaveCare cruise-specific plan was $202, quite a bit more than average, but with the most medical evacuation coverage.

Travelex Insurance Services

What makes travelex insurance services a top choice for cruise insurance:.

Three comprehensive plans are available.

Kids-included pricing is available with the Travel Select plan.

There's an option to add accidental death and dismemberment coverage to the basic plan.

The Travel Basic plan from Travelex Insurance Services cost $116 for our sample trip; just below the average for plans listed here.

Travel Guard by AIG

What makes travel guard by aig a top choice for cruise insurance:.

Cancel For Any Reason coverage is available as an optional upgrade on two plans.

A pre-existing condition waiver is also available as an add-on.

Travel Guard by AIG offers a basic Essential plan for $133, just a little higher than average, but adding coverage may raise that price.

Bookmark these resources to help you make smart money moves as you shop for cruise travel insurance.

The best travel insurance companies.

The best credit cards for cruises .

What is travel insurance?

Is travel insurance worth getting?

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance .

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Click here for our travel alert about the Israel – Gaza conflict. Due to the current conflict in Ukraine, our policies exclude coverage for any trips to Russia, Ukraine or Belarus. Check out latest travel alerts here before buying a policy.

Cruise Travel Insurance

With our tailored Cruise Travel Insurance, cruisers get all the benefits of the Single Trip policy^, plus additional inclusions that are unique to cruising, such as reimbursements for certain necessary additional expenses due to a cruise delay.

Our cruise insurance policy^ is available in three levels of cover; Bare Essentials, Silver and Gold, so you can choose coverage that suits your needs. All levels of cover provide you with access to an expansive global 24/7 emergency assistance network, with over 31,000 points of assistance across all continents, and an easy  online claims process .

Why Travel With Us for a Cruise Trip?

Cruise Travel Insurance Benefits:

• Trip Cancelation Before Departure:  If it is necessary and unavoidable to cancel your cruise, we will pay certain unrecoverable travel costs and expenses. This is available in our Cruise Silver and Gold levels of cover, and you should consider purchasing cover as soon as you book your cruise, in case of cancellation.
• Missed Cruise Departure:  Should you miss the scheduled departure of your pre-booked cruise from Australia due to certain events, we will cover you for certain reasonable and necessary additional travelling expenses to continue with your original itinerary.
• Medical Expenses:  We offer unlimited cover for necessary and reasonable medical expenses on board and onshore (outside of Australia) such as medical, surgical, hospital treatment and ambulance.
• Missed Port Cover:  If your cruise never docks at a port during a trip due to adverse weather restrictions or mechanical breakdown, we will pay for each scheduled missed port. This is available in the Cruise Silver and Gold policies.
• Personal Belongings & Baggage:  We provide coverage if your personal belongings are lost, stolen or damaged during your cruise, or up to 72-hours prior to your cruise departure in Australia. Sublimits apply.
• Reimbursements for Shore Excursions:  If it is necessary and unavoidable for your cruise to be cancelled or cut short, you may be covered for certain costs, subject to the level of cover selected.
• Cabin Confinement:  If you are confined to your cabin due to medical reasons as advised by a ship medical officer, InsureandGo will pay $75 for every 24 hours a passenger is confined up to the defined amount outlined in table of benefits in our Silver and Gold cruise policies.
• Cruise Delays:  We will reimburse the cost of your necessary additional meals and accommodation expenses, if during a trip your departure by sea vessel is delayed for more than 12 hours. This cover is available in our Silver and Gold cruise policy and you will be reimbursed for each complete 12-hour period you are delayed. Limits and sublimits pay apply.
• Emergency Medical Transportation:  We provide certain cover (outlined in the policy wording) for passengers, if they require urgent transportation to a medical facility or need to return home for emergency treatment.

These benefits are a summary, so please see our  PDS  for full terms & conditions.

Which destination to select for your cruise journey :

Please note:  Our policies do not cover claims arising directly or indirectly from travel in, to or through Afghanistan, Belarus, Chad, Crimea, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, East Timor, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Myanmar, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Uganda, Venezuela, Yemen and Zimbabwe.

Cruise travel insurance

Cruises provide a relaxed and unique holiday experience but there is nothing more stressful than being unprepared for an unexpected event. Bask in the sun and enjoy added confidence on your holiday with cruise insurance.

Why should you get travel insurance when taking a cruise?

If you're going on a cruise, even just around Australia, it's wise to consider travel insurance. Why? Because unexpected events can occur, and Medicare may not cover you onboard.

Any traveller who is planning to take a cruise should consider purchasing travel insurance, including those travelling with family, friends, or alone. It’s also important to consider how long your cruise is planned to be. A longer trip (over 7 days) provides a greater likelihood of encountering unexpected contingencies during the journey.

Travel insurance for cruises can come in handy in various scenarios, including lost or stolen luggage and belongings, cancelling a pre-booked cruise due to unforeseen circumstances, and accidents at sea.

What if I need medical assistance during the cruise?

Cruise ships, whether they are navigating domestic or international waters, are equipped with medical facilities and staff. However, it's important to note that the role of these onboard medical professionals is mainly to provide initial stabilisation in case of health emergencies.

In situations where a passenger requires urgent and extensive medical care while on a cruise, the response may involve a medical evacuation. This process involves transporting the individual from the ship to the nearest hospital for comprehensive treatment. The cost of such evacuations can vary greatly and often depends on the cruise's location in the world at the time of the emergency. This is a significant consideration, especially in remote or international waters, where evacuation logistics can be complex and expensive.

Does Medicare cover me while I’m on a cruise?

As with all other types of holidays, the unexpected can happen, and you may not be eligible for Medicare once your ship leaves port.

For cruises within Australian waters, it might be a good idea to have travel insurance as claims on Medicare or private health insurance may not be applicable, even on a domestic cruise. Check in advance whether the cruise ship provides access to a Medicare-registered doctor to ensure you have appropriate medical coverage during your journey.

Additionally, cruises travelling between an Australian port and a foreign port are not eligible for Medicare benefits, regardless of the practitioner, and the same goes for journeys between two foreign ports.

Does travel insurance cover existing medical conditions?

Typically, travel insurance policies may include automatic coverage for a range of pre-existing medical conditions. However, it's important to note that not all conditions fall under this automatic coverage . For those that don't, a medical assessment is required to confirm if coverage is available for an additional cost.

During this assessment, the insurer evaluates the risk associated with the specific medical condition and decides whether it can be covered under the policy. This process helps tailor the insurance to your individual health needs, for more comprehensive protection.

It's important to disclose all existing medical conditions and undergo any recommended assessments to secure the most appropriate and extensive coverage for your travel insurance policy.

Why should I get Australia Post’s cruise travel insurance?

While many cruise lines offer their own travel protection plans, these may only provide basic essentials or secondary cover, which might not be as comprehensive as standalone policies.

It may be a good idea to consider a policy backed by a global insurer, Zurich, through the travel insurance provided by Australia Post.

For journeys beyond Australian shores, consider our international travel insurance options.

Our policy includes emergency medical assistance, providing cover for both overseas medical and hospital expenses.

Before finalising any policy, thoroughly review its terms and conditions to clearly understand the coverage scope.

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Limits, sub-limits, conditions, exclusions and fees apply. Policies may not be available to all travellers. Australian Postal Corporation (ABN 28 864 970 579, AR No 338646) is the distributor of Australia Post Travel Insurance and is an Authorised Representative of Australia Post Services Pty Ltd (ABN 67 002 599 340 AFSL 457551). Travel insurance products are underwritten by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507). Consider your financial situation, needs and objectives and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination before deciding to buy this insurance. For more information on these products, please contact us on 1300 728 015 or email [email protected]

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Australia Post acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we operate, live and gather as employees, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

Cruise travel insurance: What you need to know

If you are contemplating cruising, taking out insurance is as important as bringing your passport.

Specialist insurers and underwriters are also now targeting cruise insurance as the coverage required can often be different from general travel insurance.

Cruise travel insurance can cover anything from cancellations and delays to stolen items and health crises or lost or stolen luggage or even an incident on a shore excursion. And when it comes to health, as soon as your ship leaves port, even if you are cruising in Australian waters, you are no longer covered for hospital or medical expenses by Medicare or even your private health care provider.

Even if you don’t think you’ll need cruise travel insurance, consider research by SmartTraveller.gov.au that found one in four Australian travellers experienced an insurable event on their last overseas trip.

While Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with cruise destinations such as New Zealand, there are also similar arrangements with Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

But even if you have Medicare, you can get subsidised treatment for essential services only in these countries. That means you are usually covered for urgent care that can’t wait until you get home. But Medicare and New Zealand’s ACC and private health insurance will not cover you for any medical costs on board a ship – and that can be expensive. If you are very ill, cruise travel insurance can pay for a medical escort to bring you home to Australia. But you still may have to pay fees for treatment and medication. For example, in New Zealand reciprocal health care doesn’t cover you for free or subsidised care by a general practitioner or ambulance.

Some countries won’t even let you in if you don’t have insurance, including the popular cruise destination of Singapore or places like the UAE. While they have officially abolished passports and many other types of border control, all 27 European countries in the Schengen Area – which includes popular EU river cruise countries such as France and Germany – require you to have travel insurance if you’re applying for a visa to visit.

And just because you are Australian, don’t think the Federal Government is going to bail you out if you get stuck or sick while on a cruise around a foreign country or in international waters. Surprisingly, a 2022 joint Quantum Market Research survey with  Smartraveller.gov.au and the Insurance Council of Australia showed that an alarmingly high number of people believe they would receive help from the Australian Government if something were to happen to them overseas.

Make sure you are covered on-shore

High-risk on-shore activities such as water-skiing, scuba diving, parasailing, hiking or abseiling may require cruise extra insurance coverage. And that may be limited to excursions paid in full prior to departure, or only on excursions that are provided by your cruise line.

Key things to remember are choosing shore excursions organised by your cruise line or one of their reputable tour operators. Booking an adventure with a local operator after you dock may mean you are not covered.

Consider cancellation cover

Consider purchasing a policy that includes cancellation cover, even if you’re confident that you will not have to cancel your cruise. This can protect you in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Compare policies from different insurers to get the best deal.

Read the fine print on medical

If you think you have ticked all the boxes, and have paid the most for the best cruise travel insurance you can afford, insurance company disclaimers may require you to have additional cover for a range of options, from pre-existing physical and mental conditions to expensive photographic or computer equipment. And with a death in the family , particularly for anyone over 85 as recently reported in Cruise Passenger , read the fine print as any cancellation may not be covered. 

“I departed on a three-week international holiday just 10 days after my mother passed and just one day after her funeral because my travel insurance would not pay out,” Lyn told Cruise Passenger .

In addition, Lyn says she has to pay extra premiums because of a genetic blood-clotting condition. But as she is on anticoagulants, she says she is highly unlikely to sustain Deep Vein Thrombosis which she was required to have cover for. In addition, she was asked to provide a two-year medical history to her insurer.

“(The insurer) feeds this into its crystal ball and out pops the additional premium I must pay for travel insurance,” she says. “In fact, I have almost zero chance of getting a DVT while travelling compared to the many people who unknowingly have the same medical condition, yet obtain travel insurance at the base rate.”

Lyn says policies need to be easier to understand with many people paying a lot of money for no effective coverage.

“My major fear on holidays is that something will happen that involves travel insurance. It truly impacts the enjoyment of my holiday.”

Insurance for young, old or frequent cruisers

If you are a retiree and/or frequent cruiser, it might be worthwhile checking out annual multi-trip travel policies that some insurers offer.

While older Australians – with some starting as young as 50 years – may have to fork out for extra coverage, many younger Australians still feel they are bullet-proof while travelling.

About 12 per cent of under-30s are ‘active rejectors’ of travel insurance who consciously plan to travel without insurance, in comparison to 3 per cent of those aged over 30. The most common reason given for this is being unsure that travel insurance is needed, according to SmartTraveller.gov.au.

And considering the current circumstances in the Middle East you will probably not be covered for acts of terrorism, any military action. And as we already know, a pandemic or epidemic may not be covered either.

Key takeaways

As the saying goes, if you can’t afford travel insurance, then you can’t afford to travel. Key things to consider when taking out cruise travel insurance are:

• Health coverage, including on-shore excursions.
• Insuring your baggage and valuables.
• Covering the cost of cancellations and delays.
• Different types of cruise travel insurance policies available.
• How to choose the right cruise travel insurance for your adventure.

Check the Federal Government’s SmartTraveller.gov.au website before you go. And download the Choice guide to buying insurance here .

Related posts.

Find out all you need to know from our professional Cruise Passenger team

“A form of ageism”: Little known travel insurance clause that cost Michelle thousands

Discovering the best travel insurance for seniors: Save thousands with the right policies

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Best Covid/cruise travel insurance

By gbenjo , March 25, 2023 in Australia & New Zealand Cruisers

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Just wondering which company everyone is using for travel insurance including covid cover. My credit card insurance does not cover covid so need to get additional cover for 22 day Med cruise  . Thanks. 

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Covermore has Covid cover - comprehensive or compressive plus I think. 

Aussieflyer

1Cover has COVID cover as well. I think most of the major insurance companies do include this and also cruise cover (extra cost).

SinbadThePorter

NIB via Qantas.

Auscruisefam

NRMA, it included Covid cover and was also the cheapest from the quotes I did online. 

2 hours ago, Auscruisefam said: NRMA, it included Covid cover and was also the cheapest from the quotes I did online. 

I got NRMA last cruise and it was almost half the price of Cover-More.

As you said it covers Covid ,isolation and onboard medical . it was pretty vague on what it covered with cruise ships especially things like helicopter evacuation.

I second Qantas provided you are under 70yo and without existing medical conditions.

5 minutes ago, Bowm54 said: I second Qantas provided you are under 70yo and without existing medical conditions.

Qantas cover people 70+

Yes but at a greatly increased price. An annual worldwide policy for a couple each aged 69 is around $1400. Same policy for 73 year old couple is over $3200.

Covermore will insure the wife and I and includes Covid cover and repatriation. The only drawback is

we are over 80 yrs old and the excess is $3000. Not that this is relevant to young gbenjo  😁   but thought it might help others of similar age.

Gbenjo When we were researching insurance last year, we were going to go with NIB, they seemed to cover everything. Just by chance I rung Allianz (Westpac CC) and they had changed their policy to cover Covid, so we went with Allianz and paid the $45 each to cover pre existing conditions, but I definitely thought NIB was the best at the time and best value too!

Stickman1990

Insure & Go are good and have a cruise specific cover -  https://www.insureandgo.com.au

Unfortunately they’re currently not offer annual policies 

Our travelling companions just took insurance after checking many online quotes. Allianz came in the least expensive for them.  In 70s but didn't add any pre existing conditions.

aussielozzie18

Allianz with cruise pack + small upcharge for a couple of straightforward pre-existing conditions.

Beware of Insure & Go if you need to make a claim! We did last year due to catching Covid on a land tour. Took well over 2 months after lodging claim and initially declined the majority of our claim. However when I escalated to complaints was paid on the spot - very frustrating!!!  Have used Qantas Nib(no claims) and found if you split the policies instead of a couple policy this can sometimes work out cheaper.

Using Allianz for our international trip (that includes a cruise)later in the year as their Covid cover is up to the amount you choose for cancellation limit. The majority of other companies set a Covid limit of around $2500 for cancellation. Considering our air fares are way above that this was a good option.

You really need to do your homework and read the PDS statements to see the finer points of what is and isn’t covered which narrows down the list as well as the cost involved!!!

Thank you for all your responses. Might need to spend a morning on the computer comparing now I have a few ship free days.

On 3/27/2023 at 6:29 PM, gbenjo said: Thank you for all your responses. Might need to spend a morning on the computer comparing now I have a few ship free days.

Just discovered that the Fifty Up Club has travel insurance and was about $500 cheaper than most  of the others. I already had general travel insurance through my credit card (Commonwealth) but they do not cover covid related matters so I only wanted a policy that covered the cruise portion but most wanted to charge for the entire trip.(MSC insist you have  a covid policy as the cruise is one of their longer "grand" cruises ie.21 days) Will probably take this and cop any unforseen extras if they do  occur (fingers crossed) .

Going through the same process of pricing travel insurance for a long trip.  Fifty Up Club uses Insure and Go, but no cruise cover.

• 2 weeks later...

MMDown Under

Fast Cover Travel Insurance is back!  Good company to deal with.

I have used them in the past, when I needed evacuation cover, however I didn’t claim.

9 hours ago, MMDown Under said: Fast Cover Travel Insurance is back!  Good company to deal with.   I have used them in the past, when I needed evacuation cover, however I didn’t claim.

Okay if you are 79 years old or under. 😞

12 minutes ago, JohnGc said: Okay if you are 79 years old or under. 😞

Thanks. I was at the time and still am.   I wonder what cruiselines are going to do when their passengers can’t buy affordable insurance. Not everyone elderly who is healthy can afford to self insure.  

On 4/12/2023 at 4:35 PM, MMDown Under said: Thanks. I was at the time and still am.   I wonder what cruiselines are going to do when their passengers can’t buy affordable insurance. Not everyone elderly who is healthy can afford to self insure.  

People will not be able to cruise as often I suppose.

As always if you can’t afford insurance then you can’t afford to cruise.

Cheers Carole

1 hour ago, Elorac123 said: People will not be able to cruise as often I suppose. As always if you can’t afford insurance then you can’t afford to cruise. Cheers Carole

Insurers of Local cruises will need to become more competitive.  When my daughter lived in London insurance premiums were less expensive than in Australia for same cruise.

Otherwise they will loose their Senior cruisers!

15 minutes ago, MMDown Under said: Insurers of Local cruises will need to become more competitive.  When my daughter lived in London insurance premiums were less expensive than in Australia for same cruise. Otherwise they will loose their Senior cruisers!

Yes I have family in UK and my sister gets her insurance for a third of what I pay.

Cheers Carole 

18 minutes ago, Elorac123 said: Yes I have family in UK and my sister gets her insurance for a third of what I pay. Cheers Carole 

When I first came across this, I thought this can’t be right!!  Before the pandemic, my TA in UK who organised the cruise provided insurance (government).

Why did the Aust Govt let the TAs cease contributing to the policy which covered  passengers for TAs going bankrupt?

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Travel insurance

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Based on intensive lab testing across 200+ product and service categories.

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If you're going overseas, travel insurance is just as essential as your passport. Use our free comparison tool to narrow down international single trip and annual multi-trip policies from 27 insurers, offering cover for COVID-19, existing medical conditions, car rental and more.

Travel insurance is a portable version of health, home, contents, life, public liability, and car rental excess insurance all packaged in one to take on holidays with you. But with all those insurances piled into one product, navigating your way through the terms and conditions to find the loopholes can be very challenging.

Use our travel insurance comparison to narrow down your options and make sure you're getting the best cover for your needs when on holiday.

List of brands we tested in this review.

• Battleface 2
• Cover-More 5
• FastCover 4
• Flight Centre 4
• Go Insurance 4
• InsureandGo 3
• Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) 3
• Tick Travel Insurance 4
• Travel Insurance Direct 3
• Virgin Australia 5
• WAS Insurance 2
• World Nomads 2
• World2Cover 4

The average cost of the policy compared to other policies of the same type (single trip or annual multi-trip). One $ sign is the cheapest through to five $$$$$ the most expensive. NA means the policy wasn't included in the price rating.

enter value/s in increments of 1 between 0 and 0

Policy type

• One trip 65
• Policy age limit

In years (up to and including the number stated). For policies listed as '100+', there is no age limit.

Does the policy cover international cruises?

• Optional 71

Medical expenses for COVID-19

Whether the policy covers you for medical and emergency evacuation and repatriation expenses for claims arising directly or indirectly from COVID-19. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Cancellation expenses for mental health

Whether the policy covers you for cancellation expenses for claims arising directly from recognised mental health disorders experienced for the first time such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or PTSD. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

• Cancellation for insolvency of a travel services provider

Whether the policy covers you for losses arising out of insolvency of a travel services provider (e.g. airline, accomodation provider, bus line, shipping line, railway company, motor vehicle rental agency). Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Cancellation expenses for a natural disaster

Whether the policy covers you for cancellation expenses for claims arising directly or indirectly from a natural disaster. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Cancellation expenses for civil unrest

Whether the policy covers you for cancellation expenses for claims arising directly or indirectly from civil unrest such as political protests, riots and strikes. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

• Baggage cover

Are stolen or damaged personal belongings covered

• Limit for baggage expenses

The overall limit for stolen or damaged personal belongings.

• Limit for a smartphone

Limit for a smartphone. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

• Limit for a laptop or tablet

Limit for a laptop or tablet. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

• Limit for rental car excess

Limit for collision damage excess for a hire car. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

• Scuba diving

Does the policy cover scuba diving if you are appropriately certified or diving with a qualified instructor?

Skiing and snowboarding on-piste

Does the policy cover skiing and snowboarding on-piste?

• Optional 82

Skiing and snowboarding off-piste

Does the policy cover skiing and snowboarding off-piste withing the resort boundaries?

• Optional 72

Tobogganing

Does the policy cover tobogganing on snow?

• Optional 50

Does the policy cover riding a moped with an engine capacity 50cc or below, with a helmet and driving license valid in the country the policy holder is in, but without an Australian motorcycle license

• Optional 32

Moped 125cc

Does the policy cover riding a moped with an engine capacity 125cc or below, with a helmet and driving license valid in the country the policy holder is in, but without an Australian motorcycle license

• Optional 28

Does the policy cover riding a motorcycle with an engine capacity above 125cc with an Australian motorcycle license and a helmet?

• Optional 34

Included in this comparison

• Price rating
• Dependant age limit
• Cancellation
• Pregnancy stage covered
• Childbirth costs
• Pre-existing conditions covered without application
• Pre-existing conditions covered on application
• Time period for existing conditions
• Medical expenses
• Expenses for a person to accompany a sick policyholder
• Daily hospital cash allowance
• Hours of hospitalisation before receiving allowance
• Dental expenses for accident or injury
• Dental expenses for acute pain
• Overseas funeral costs
• Additional travel expenses for injury or sickness
• Additional expenses for interrupted travel
• Travel insurance extension for a delayed trip
• Additional expenses for a lost passport
• Additional expenses for a sick relative
• Additional expenses for resumption of journey interrupted for a relative
• Cancellation covered
• Cancellation expenses
• Cancellation for frequent flyer points
• Cancellation expenses for travel agent fees
• Cancellation for insolvency of a travel agent
• Cancellation expenses for redundancy
• Cancellation expenses for defence and emergency workers
• Cancellation expenses for cancellation of work leave
• Cover for transport incidents
• Cover for strikes
• Cover for mental health
• Cover for COVID-19
• Cover for pandemics
• Cover for natural disasters
• Cover for civil unrest
• Cover for terrorism
• Cover for war
• Additional expenses for a special event
• Additional expenses for pre-paid travel arrangements
• Limit for travel delay expenses
• Hours before travel delay covered
• Limit per 24 hours for travel delay
• Limit for a single unspecified item
• Limit for a video or photo camera
• Limit for prescribed medications
• Overall limit for specified items
• Cover for baggage in a car during the day
• Cover for baggage in a car overnight
• Cover for valuables in a car
• Cover for lost or stolen cash
• Limit for baggage lost temporarily
• Hours before cover applies for baggage lost temporarily
• Rental car excess
• Snow sports
• Mopeds and motorcycles
• Bungee jumping
• Horse riding
• High altitude hiking
• White water rafting
• Paragliding
• Hot air ballooning
• Hang gliding

Displaying all 91 products

• Brand (A-Z)

Limit for additional meal and accommodation expenses if scheduled transport is delayed.

Your filters

This overall score is based on our expert assessment of what the policy covers, price and how easy it is to understand and buy. A higher score is better.

1Cover Comprehensive

1Cover Frequent Traveller

1Cover Medical Only

AANT Annual Multi-Trip

AANT Basics

AANT Essentials

AANT Premium

AHM Comprehensive

AHM Comprehensive Multi-Trip

AHM Medical Only

Battleface Covid Essentials

Battleface Discovery

Cover-More Basic

Cover-More Comprehensive

Cover-More Comprehensive Multi-Trip

Cover-More Comprehensive Plus

Cover-More Comprehensive Plus Multi-Trip

FastCover Basics

FastCover Comprehensive

FastCover Frequent Traveller Saver

FastCover Standard Saver

Flight Centre Multi-Trip YourCover Essentials

Flight Centre Multi-Trip YourCover Plus

Flight Centre YourCover Essentials

Flight Centre YourCover Plus

Go Insurance Go Basic

Go Insurance Go Basic Annual Multi-Trip

Go Insurance Go Plus

Go Insurance Go Plus Annual Multi-Trip

InsureandGo Bare Essentials

InsureandGo Gold

InsureandGo Silver

Jetstar Comprehensive

Medibank Comprehensive

Medibank Medical Only

Medibank Multi-Trip Comprehensive

NIB Annual Multi-Trip

NIB Comprehensive

NIB Essentials

NRMA Comprehensive

NRMA Comprehensive Multi-Trip

NRMA Essentials

Qantas Annual Multi-Trip

Qantas International Comprehensive

RAA Essentials

RAA Multi-Trip

RAA Premium

RAC Annual Multi-Trip

RAC Comprehensive

RAC Essentials

RAC Medical Only

RACQ Annual Multi-Trip

RACQ Premium

RACQ Standard

RACT Annual Multi-Trip

RACT Comprehensive

RACT Essentials

RACV Annual Multi-Trip

RACV Basics

RACV Comprehensive

RACV Essentials

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) Annual Multi-Trip

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) Comprehensive

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) Medical Only

Tick Travel Insurance Basic

Tick Travel Insurance Budget

Tick Travel Insurance Standard

Tick Travel Insurance Top

Travel Insurance Direct Annual Multi-Trip

Travel Insurance Direct Basics

Travel Insurance Direct The Works

Virgin Australia International Plan (bought with flight purchase)

Virgin Australia Travel Safe International

Virgin Australia Travel Safe International Multi-Trip

Virgin Australia Travel Safe Plus International

Virgin Australia Travel Safe Plus International Multi-Trip

WAS Insurance Covid Essentials

WAS Insurance Discovery

Webjet Travel Safe International

Webjet Travel Safe International Multi-Trip

Webjet Travel Safe Plus International

Webjet Travel Safe Plus International Multi-Trip

World Nomads Explorer

World Nomads Standard

World2Cover Annual Multi-Trip

World2Cover Basics

World2Cover Essentials

World2Cover Top

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• Travel Insurance
• Best Domestic Travel Insurance For Australians

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Our Pick Of The Best Domestic Travel Insurance For Australians

Published: Apr 4, 2024, 9:00am

In Australia, domestic tourism accounts for a large proportion of the total visitor economy and—like many aspects of the economy—was severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, in the two years since restrictions ended, spend on domestic travel has ramped up, and is expected to keep growing over the next four years, according to Tourism Research Australia (TRA)’s report, Tourism Forecasts for Australia 2023 to 2028 .

The report shows that a large proportion of Australians were quick to embrace domestic travel in 2022—the first year that domestic travel became possible for many of us, while certain international destinations remained out of reach.  This demand has eased somewhat, but the TRA is positive in its outlook for domestic tourism.

As the report stated: “…The noticeable slowdown in domestic leisure travel in 2023 has led to a reassessment of the factors that had boosted demand in 2022. As a result, the forecast profile for domestic travel demand is generally softer than that presented last year.  Nevertheless, domestic tourism spend (which is already above its pre-pandemic level) is forecast to continue to grow over the forecast period, as are domestic trip numbers.”

If you’re one of the many Australians looking to take a trip across our vast continent, you may want to consider taking out domestic travel insurance.

Many Australians don’t consider domestic travel insurance as a must-have because our medical system, in the form of Medicare or private health insurance, covers us across state borders. But there are other benefits to taking out domestic travel insurance that aren’t medical-related, such as trip cancellations, lost documents and luggage, and theft.

To find what domestic travel insurance would suit you and your trip, Forbes Advisor Australia has compared more than 20 of the most popular domestic travel policies, noting the key features of each. Below is a summary of our pick of the best, why we chose them and the pros and cons of each policy. We also explain how we reached our conclusions in the methodology section below.

Related: Why More Aussies Are Taking Out Domestic Travel Insurance

Note: The below list represents a selection of our top category picks, as chosen by Forbes Advisor Australia’s editors and journalists. The information provided is purely factual and is not intended to imply any recommendation, opinion, or advice about a financial product. Not every product or provider in the marketplace has been reviewed, and the list below is not intended to be exhaustive nor replace your own research or independent financial advice. For more information on how Forbes Advisor ranks and reviews products, including how we identified our top category picks, read the methodology selection below.

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Our Pick Of The Best Domestic Travel Insurance

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Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Rental Vehicle Excess

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Medical cover

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (Comprehensive)

Option of Cruise Cover

Unlimited medical

Yes (some sub limits apply)

Maximum Age Covered

No maximum age limit

Travel Delay Cover?

Up to $2000

$250 for delays six hours or more plus an additional $250 for each additional 24 hours up to a maximum total limit of $500

Allianz is a household name in Australia when it comes to insurance, and its domestic travel insurance policy is popular among travellers. Scoring four stars from more than 3000 customer reviews on Product Review, the Allianz Domestic Travel Insurance policy is clearly a winner for many Aussies.

With no maximum age limit and the ability to tailor the plan with cruise, snow or adventure cover if needed, the policy is pitched at a wide range of travellers and trip types. However, it’s worth noting there is no cover for missed connections nor any online discounts available.

• Cancellation cover chosen by customer
• No maximum age limit nor excess for higher ages
• Cruise, snow and adventure cover can be added on
• No cover for missed connections
• Cancellation cover isn’t valid if involving death, injury or illness of a relative over 85

$250 for delays 6 hours or more plus an additional $250 for each additional 24 hours up to a maximum total limit of $500

The Bupa Domestic policy is underwritten by Allianz Australia Insurance, making it similar to Allianz’s domestic travel insurance policy. As with Allianz, there is no maximum age limit and travellers can add cover for cruise holidays, winter sports and higher-risk adventure sports. Lost luggage and personal effects are also covered up to $10,000 with sub-limits applying, however higher item limits can be included for valuables, such as engagement rings or expensive equipment.

There is no cover for missed connections, but travel delays are covered up to a total of $2,000, while cancellation cover tops out at $1,500 (and is not available to those aged 85 and over).  Additionally, existing Bupa health members can receive a 15% discount on premiums. In terms of customer satisfaction, Bupa scored slightly lower than Allianz with 3.9 stars  from 138 reviews on ProductReview.

• 15% discount for Bupa health members
• Option to increase item limits for valuables
• Maximum cancellation cover is only $1,500

$75 per completed 6 hours

The Australian Comprehensive Travel Insurance policy is Qantas’ domestic travel insurance offering, available to Australians of all ages. Cancellations are covered up to $5,000, and there is a provision to claim missed connections under additional travel expenses. There is also up to $600 cover for missed connections, with $75 allocated for every six hours of delay.

Cruises are covered within the policy at no extra cost, and snow sports cover can be added as an additional pack. While there are no online discounts available, Qantas frequent flyer members can earn points via the purchase of a policy.

• Missed connections can be claimed
• Qantas points available
• Limited travel delay cover
• Some poor customer reviews
• No option to add adventure cover

however, those 80 years or older incur a $3000 excess.

$200 for delays 6 hours or more plus an additional $200 for each additional 24 hours

The 1Cover Travel Insurance is highly rated among its customers, receiving a score of 4.2 stars from 91 reviews of its domestic policy on ProductReview. Its domestic travel insurance offering reflects this rating, with no maximum age limit to take out the policy, $5 million in personal liability cover, and unlimited cancellation cover when circumstances occur that are out of the policyholder’s control.

Additionally, customers can choose to add-on additional packs for cruise holidays or snow sports, and both lost luggage and lost personal effects are covered with certain sub-limits applying dependent on the item. Unfortunately at the time of writing, there are no online discounts available for the policy.

• Positive customer reviews
• Good travel delay and cancellation cover
• No increased item limits available for valuables
• $3000 excess applicable for those aged over 80
• No online discounts

however, some policy limits apply for those over 80

$200 for delays 6 hours or more, plus an additional $200 for each additional 24 hours

The Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns and restrictions demonstrated the importance of travel insurance, especially policies with adequate cancellation cover for when circumstances changed. In this vein, Fast Cover Domestic offers unlimited cancellation cover, along with up to $2000 in travel delays and . Missed connections, however, are not covered.

The policy is available for Australians up to age 89, however travellers that are aged over 80 will be subject to additional policy limits. There is also no option to add cruise cover to the policy, instead, customers will need to choose cruise as the destination and therefore would only be covered for the cruise portion of their trip.

• Unlimited cancellation cover
• Snow and adventure cover can be added
• Missed connections not covered
• Certain cover limitations apply to those aged over 80

delays must be more than 6 hours, with $250 per 24 hours

The domestic travel insurance policy offered by nib is available to Australians of all ages, with existing nib customers granted a 10% discount. Delays are covered if they are more than six hours long, and only up to the value of $500. Lost luggage is covered up to $4,000, and item limits can be increased if necessary to a total of $10,000.

Unfortunately, cruises are not covered within this plan, nor is there any option to add it as additional coverage. The same goes for adventure activities—however snow sports can be added at an additional premium.

• Cancellation cover limit chosen by customer
• Option to increase item limits
• 10% discount for nib customers
• No cruise cover available
• No other online discounts available
• Low coverage amount for delays

Up to $1000

$50 per completed 12 hours

ING Travel Insurance Domestic Policy is available to Australians up to 100 years old. Along with $1000 of travel delay cover, cancellations are also covered up to $12,500 in the policy, however, missed connections are not.

Additionally, cruise cover cannot be added to this policy; instead, ING’s comprehensive policy must be purchased with cruise selected as the destination. Fortunately, there is a 15% online discount available when purchasing the insurance policy.

• High age limit
• $12,500 cancellation cover
• 15% online discount
• Limited customer reviews
• Low travel delay cover
• No missed connections cover

99 years subject to acceptance criteria

The Cover-More Domestic policy is available for all ages up to 99 years, subject to acceptance criteria such as pre-existing medical conditions. Delays are covered up to $1000, missed connections are also covered up to the value of $2000, and the value of cancellation cover is chosen by the customer.

Luggage is covered up to $15,000, with item limits available to be increased up to certain amounts. There is no option for cruise cover on this policy, however, snow and adventure packs can be purchased in addition to the base policy. At the time of writing, there is also no online discounts available.

• Missed connection cover
• Lost luggage covered up to $15,000
• Cancellation limit chosen by customer
• Can’t add cruise cover
• Cover for older travellers is subject to acceptance criteria

however, reduced limits apply for customers over 70

$300 for delays 6 hours or more, plus and an additional $300 for each additional 24 hours

Medibank offers a domestic travel insurance policy that includes unlimited cancellation cover, $2,000 in travel delay cover and $3,000 in missed connections cover, which a lot of other policies do not cover. There is also luggage cover up to $8,000 with certain item limits applying, however, these item limits can be increased for valuables although customers will be required to request a quote.

In order to add snow sport coverage to the policy, consumers will also have to ask for a quote from Medibank. Cruise cover cannot be added to the domestic policy; instead travellers embarking on a cruise holiday will need to purchase Medibank’s international travel insurance policy.

• Discount for Medibank customers
• Quotes required for certain coverage changes
• No cruise cover option
• Reduced limits on cancellation cover and other benefits may apply to travellers over 70 years

$250 per 24 hours

Scoring 4.1 stars from 23 customer reviews, the Travel Insurance Direct Domestic policy is well-liked by Australian customers, although it’s worth noting that the domestic policy option has only attracted a handful of reviews so should not be seen as a comprehensive assessment of customers’ experiences.

Cover is available to those aged up to 75 years at the time of purchase. The cancellation cover value is chosen by the customer, which includes a cancellation due to a family emergency, and missed connections are also covered up to $2,000. Unfortunately, there is no option to add cruise cover to the policy nor adventure activities, but there is an option to add snow cover.

• Option for snow sports coverage
• Positive reviews
• No option for cruise cover
• Age limit is 75 years
• Low level of cover for travel delays

Forbes Advisor Australia took a methodical approach when comparing the best domestic travel insurance for Australians. An in-depth analysis of more than 20 different policies was conducted, with data being analysed from company websites, product disclosure statements, and customer reviews.

The key features examined of each policy included:

• Who the policy was underwritten by, to ensure it is a reputable and trusted company;
• Whether it covers you for personal liability, in case you unintentionally cause damage to someone or something;
• If there is accidental death cover and, if so, what the maximum payout is;
• If there is cover for family emergencies, and any criteria that must be met–such as maximum ages;
• For those renting a car while travelling, if there is coverage for the excess for damaged or stolen rental cars;
• Whether or not it covers you for travel delays, along with any sub-limits related to emergency accommodation or meal costs;
• Whether or not it covers you for cancellations, the criteria for a cancellation and the maximum amount the policy will pay;
• If there is any cover for missed connecting flights;
• Whether there is lost luggage cover, or cover for stolen or damaged luggage;
• The sub-categories of lost personal belongings that it may cover, including electronics or cash;
• If you can increase the item limits cover that the policy offers for valuables such as jewellery or speciality gear;
• The maximum age that the policy offers coverage for;
• Any online discounts the insurance provider offers, or additional perks; and
• The star ranking it has received from existing and previous customers via the leading independent opinion site, ProductReview. This metric was considered more reliable if the insurer had a large number of reviews; a smaller number of reviews were considered less reliable.

About Star Rankings You will note that we have included a star rating next to each product or provider. This rating was determined by the editorial team once all of the data points above were considered, and the pros and cons of each product attribute was reviewed. The star rating is solely the view of Forbes Advisor editorial staff. Commercial partners or advertisers have no bearing on the star rating or their inclusion on this list. Star ratings are only one factor to be considered, and Forbes Advisor encourages you to seek independent advice from an authorised financial adviser in relation to your own financial circumstances and investments before you decide to choose a particular financial product or service.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, states and territories all had different rules and requirements for domestic travel. This included mandatory quarantine, proof of vaccinations, border declarations, and government-enforced mask wearing or isolation requirements.

There are now no restrictions in place for domestic travel, meaning Australians are able to travel to different states and territories as they please.

Airlines have also loosened their restrictions, with mask wearing no longer enforced on planes, but rather encouraged.

Despite restrictions no longer being in place, Covid-19 is still active in communities. Considering that you or anyone you are travelling with could contract the virus and possibly be too ill to travel, it is worth determining if your domestic travel insurance would cover cancellations or flight changes due to Covid-19.

Related: Best Travel Insurance for Australians

As most Australians already have medical cover that is valid no matter where in Australia they are–whether via Medicare or private health insurance–there are still many other reasons to purchase domestic travel insurance that don’t relate to medical needs. Some of these factors may include:

Your domestic travel insurance policy can cover you if unforeseen events arise that cause you to have to cancel your trip. As Smarttraveller puts it, if you’ve already spent a lot on your holiday, it’s not too much extra to buy travel insurance to then be able to recoup potential losses.

It’s important to check your product disclosure statement (PDS) to understand what and what will not qualify as a reason for cancellation. For example, some policies may no longer cover you having to cancel due to contracting Covid-19, as it is no longer a requirement to isolate if you contract the virus.

Delays and Change of Plans

Similar to cancellations, domestic travel insurance can also cover you if you have to change your holiday plans or are subject to delays. For example, if you have to travel home early due to sickness or injury, your insurance policy may be able to cover the cost of the new flight.

Another example is if you are travelling for a concert or an event that is already pre-paid and you are subject to travel delays that cause you to miss the event. In this instance, your policy may reimburse you for lost costs.

Lost Belongings

Domestic travel insurance policies can also cover lost items, which is important if you are travelling with valuables. Many policies offer this cover in terms of three different categories: lost luggage, lost valuables, and lost cash. Additionally, the cover usually also extends to belongings that have been stolen or damaged.

There are often sub-limits applicable to certain items, such as electronics.

Car Hire Excess

If you are hiring a car for your travels, then domestic travel insurance is a smart choice of investment (if it offers car hire excess coverage). This is because if any damage occurs to the vehicle, your travel insurance policy will cover the cost of your excess up to a certain amount.

If you don’t have travel insurance with a car hire excess coverage, you would have to pay the car hire company’s full excess charge for any damage that occurs which is usually quite a costly charge or pay more at the vehicle car hire provider to reduce your excess to zero (if this is possible).

Personal Liability

A domestic travel insurance policy will usually provide cover up to a certain amount if you accidentally cause damage to a property or accidentally injure someone else. It’s worth noting that this cover is often included in comprehensive car insurance policies, so if you are travelling by road in your own vehicle and have a comprehensive car insurance policy, it may not be a necessary inclusion.

Cruise, Snow and Adventure Cover

If you are going on a specific type of trip, it’s important to make sure that your domestic travel insurance policy will cover the activities you intend to take part in. For example, if you are heading for a snow holiday, or on an ‘adventure’ trip such as a motorcycle tour, it’s important to make sure you are covered.

While these kinds of trips may not automatically be covered in a domestic travel insurance policy, they are often able to be covered upon purchasing an additional pack on top of the base policy such as “snow cover” or “adventure activities”. A brief note regarding cruise cover: even if you are cruising in Australian waters, you may not be covered by Australia’s Medicare system because the cruise company is not obligated to have a Medicare-registered GP on board, or you may cross into international waters. This is why cruise cover is especially important.

For seniors looking to travel domestically, travel insurance is advised. However, it’s important to note that many travel insurance providers and policies have maximum age limits. That being said, it’s important to make sure your policy will cover you and anyone in your travelling party for whatever age they are on the trip.

Some policies have a maximum age limit of only 69 years old, while others don’t have a maximum age at all. Additionally, some policies may enforce an additional excess for seniors depending on the destination or duration of your trip; others may stipulated that there are certain limitations on cancellation cover or other benefits for seniors.

While many policies cover accidental death, there may also be limitations placed on this cover depending on your age. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to domestic travel insurance for seniors (or travellers of any age, for that matter). That’s why it is essential to carefully read the PDS of your chosen policy to understand whether you and your travelling party will be covered, and any conditions or exemptions that you should be aware of that may affect your ability to make a claim.

You can read more in our pick of the Best Insurance Providers for Seniors .

The advice and information provided by ForbesAdvisor is general in nature and is not intended to replace independent financial advice. ForbesAdvisor encourages readers to seek expert advice in relation to their own financial decisions and investments.

Data research: Mia Dunn Fact checking:  Johanna Leggatt, Anna Rey.

Can you get travel insurance for domestic travel?

Yes, domestic travel insurance policies are available from many travel insurance providers in Australia. These policies can cover you for a range of circumstances while travelling throughout the nation, including stolen valuables or car hire excess.

Am I able to travel domestically without a passport?

Yes, you are not required to have a passport in order to travel domestically. There are no passport checks when crossing state borders within the country, whether you are travelling by road, sea or air.

What is the best domestic travel insurance in Australia?

The ‘best’ domestic travel insurance policy available to Australians is subjective, considering Australian travellers will have different needs in terms of cover for their trip. For example, a 21-year-old going on a ski holiday in Victoria will want a policy that includes cover for snow sports, while an 80- year-old going to visit family in Western Australia will not.

Despite differing needs of travellers, Forbes Advisor Australia has analysed some of the most popular insurers on the market and compiled a list of our favourite providers, based solely on our editorial judgment. However, it’s important to note this list is not intended to be definitive and does not replace your own research as to the best domestic travel insurance for you.

Is travel insurance within Australia worth it?

Domestic travel insurance is certainly recommended by most travel experts as a form of protection against the myriad events that can go wrong when travelling: delays, illness, cancellations and theft of luggage or valuables. While you won’t need medical coverage while travelling domestically (as you are covered under Medicare), most travel insurers offer a type of domestic policy that is tailored specifically to local travellers and the most common mishaps, such as having to cancel a trip because you are ill or travel delays.

Can you buy domestic travel insurance?

Yes, and many of the travel insurers that offer comprehensive international trip coverage, will also offer a domestic policy that is specifically tailored to locals. This type of insurance is perfect for unforeseen events, such as luggage theft, travel delays or cancellations, personal liability, missed connections and car excess coverage.

Sophie Venz is an experienced editor and features reporter, and has previously worked in the small business and start-up reporting space. Previously the Associate Editor of SmartCompany site, Sophie has worked closely with finance experts and columnists around Australia and internationally. Sophie grew up on the Gold Coast and now lives in Melbourne.