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CRUISE Insurance Quotes

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.

We compare quotes from over 25 travel insurance brands in Australia. Do your comparison online to save time, worry and loads of money.

WHY COMPARE TRAVEL INSURANCE IS LOVED BY CRUISERS

No Hidden Fees

Travel agents and airlines charge huge commissions. We don’t! Our cruise insurance comparison is free. You'll be directed to the insurer's website to buy cruise insurance without sneaky charges.

On-Board Medical Cover

Oh buoy, whether it’s a bout of food poisoning or a slip on the deck that sends you to the on-board doctor. you can rest assured your cruise policy will cover your expensive out-at-sea medical bills.

When You Go Off Course

Don’t fret if your flight is cancelled due to bad weather and you miss your boat setting sail – your cruise insurance will cover you for any pre-paid expenses you incur.

Product Choice

Ships ahoy! We compare cruise policies for all types of travellers from Australia’s reputable travel insurers. Compare 25+ brands including 1Cover, Amex, Budget Direct, Zoom Travel Insurance and more!

Cruisey Convenience

Don’t waste time visiting 10 websites separately. Using our cruise comparison will put you nautical miles ahead of the pack. Save yourself time and money by comparing your cruise insurance today.

Your Belongings

Aye aye captain! Most people pack a schmick camera on the boat to take pics of all those amazing views. Be confident all your valuables are covered with the right cruise cover.

Travel Insurance Extraordinarie At Your Service

Don’t rock the boat baby! Eugene has the answers to all sorts of travel insurance queries . Use our quick search below to makes sure you’re covered from ship to shore. Aye aye captain!

cruisING insurance explained

Setting sail? You're not alone. Cruising is one of the fastest-growing holiday types amongst Aussie travellers. Whether you're cruising internationally or in domestic waters, medi-evacuations costing around $10,000 are just one reason you shouldn't leave home without cruise travel insurance.

With some brands, cruising is automatically covered in their comprehensive policy, while other insurers offer it as an optional add-on. We've taken the hunting around and guesswork out of it - simply enter your trip details with Cruise selected, and compare cruise travel insurance quotes from more than 25 of the top travel insurers. Remember to include the country of every port you are visiting, or regions like 'Pacific' or ' Europe' when entering your quote.

Why might you need cruise coverage? If you fall ill before you travel, you may have provision to claim back any lost deposits. If 20,000 leagues of sea get between you and your wallet, a comprehensive policy may cover lost cash, cards and replacing your all-important passport. And perhaps most importantly, when you're off exploring the world, it's important to know that you've got medical coverage should something unexpected happen.

Medicare myth stings Aussies at sea

What does cruise insurance cover.

Medical costs onboard: It's an unpleasant reality but we all fall ill and get injured, even while taking the dream cruise of a lifetime. Cruise travel insurance would provide cover for medical, surgical, hospital treatment and ambulance services. Your pre-existing conditions may also be covered, provided you cleared them with your insurer beforehand.
Emergency evacuations : In the event that you fall ill or are injured and require emergency medical attention on land, cruise cover will pay for your emergency evacuation to the nearest hospital. Such costs can be exorbitant and far beyond the reach of most travel budgets so this benefit can’t be overlooked.
Luggage and personal belongings: Lost, stolen or damaged belongings can put a huge dampener on your experience at sea. Provided you were taking reasonable care of your possessions, they’d be covered up to a set limit, depending on your cover level. Your policy may provide additional cover for valuables which is worth noting when travelling with high value items.
Cancellations: Life sometimes gets in the way of your holiday plans. If you were to fall ill or were unable to board your cruise due to an unforeseen reason, travel insurance may cover your non-refundable cruise costs. Depending on your level of cover, you may be eligible to claim back all your lost costs. Cancellation cover kicks in as soon as you purchase your policy so it’s best to buy cover as soon as possible.
Cabin confinement : Cabin confinement is a necessary evil when it comes to containing the spread of disease on board a cruise ship. It’s to everyone’s benefit that patients are quarantined to avoid contagion but it’s no picnic for the poor passengers forced to stay holed up in their cabins. Thankfully travel insurance can ease the pain by reimbursing you for each day you are confined up to the maximum amount outlined in your policy.
Formal wear : Getting dressed up to the nines is part of the fun of cruising. But your black-tie and glam evening attire is probably on the pricier side, which can make it risky to take-on board. Some cruise policies cover your formal wear in the event of theft or damage, along with your other high-value belongings (i.e., phones, cameras and laptops). Check your policy to know your cover limits.
Missed departure : Running late is never a nice feeling but missing your cruise departure date is especially unpleasant. Should you miss your cruise departure due to an accident, bad weather or mechanical breakdown, travel insurance will cover any additional travel and accommodation expenses you require before getting back on board.
Pre-existing conditions : Having an illness or injury doesn't rule out your ability to get cover. Your pre-existing condition may be covered automatically or granted by application. It’s worth shopping around when comparing cruise policies as some insurers will cover a wider range of conditions, albeit at a premium.
Missed port cover : While not all cruise policies feature this benefit, missed port cover reimburses passengers in the event that bad weather or mechanical breakdowns cause them to miss their port stop. This benefit can be hugely helpful in mitigating the disappointment of a missed port stop.

Trending cruise Tips

Cruise travel insurance guide

Like any holiday, there are risks. With so much time spent on the water, and so much of your journey dependent on various port authorities, the only way to truly relax is to know you’re covered should something go wrong.

What does cruise insurance cover?

What many people don't realise is that even if you're cruising Australian waters, once your cruise ship has left port, you are no longer covered for medical expenses by Medicare or your usual private health care provider.

Pre-existing medical conditions

Having pre-existing medical conditions doesn't mean you can't get cover or that it has to be expensive. It simply means that you need to dig a little deeper when doing your research.

Cruise Insurance FAQs

Am i covered automatically for going on a cruise.

It depends! Some insurers cover you for cruising automatically, others require you to purchase their cruise pack in order to covered on land and sea. If you click 'more info' within the quote results, we tell you if the policy covers for cruises automatically. Alternatively, when you are directed to your chosen insurers site to buy, they will ask you if you want to add extras like cruise, activities, high value items and more. Make sure you select YES at this point if you are taking a cruise.

Do I need cruise insurance for domestic cruises?

Yes, you are required to purchase cover for cruising even when your just sailing in domestic waters to be covered for any medical treatment you receive on board and for helicopter evacuation. You should select 'Pacific' in the quote process even if you're only cruising around Australia.

How much does it cost to visit the on-board doctor?

Even a quick trip to the on-board doctor can set you back a few bob! Consultations and medications on board are charged at private rates. These can amount to $250 for just a quick 10-minute appointment - so make sure you buy cruise insurance to cover you for any medical treatment you may require at sea.

Do I need to list every port we are visiting?

Yes, please include all destinatioins in your quote. If it's easier, you can opt to select a region. For example, if you are visiting Tonga, Fiji, New Caledonia and Vanuatu. Instead of adding all destinations separately you can just select 'Pacific'.

What age can I buy travel insurance until?

Although you can compare seniors quotes up to the age 120 on Comparetravelinsurance.com.au, some insurers do have age limits you should be aware of. Our handy guide provides more details on seniors travel insurance age limits.

What pre-existing illnesses does seniors travel insurance cover?

Most insurers have a list of pre-existing medical conditions that are automatically covered for free like asthma, cataracts, some types of diabetes, hypertension which do not require an assessment or declaration form to be submitted. If you have a pre-existing medial condition not listed, you may be able to get cover for an additional fee. Depending upon the seriousness and recency of the condition, your application may require further assessment. See more about pre-existing conditions and medical assessments here.

Are golf clubs covered?

Not all travel insurance policies cover your golf clubs as standard, or luggage limits may apply. Make sure you do your research to make sure you are covered for clubs that are damaged in transit whilst in the hold. Or for damage to clubs whilst in use. See more information about who offers golf cover here.

Does seniors travel insurance cover hearing aids or false teeth?

Mid-range and Comprehensive policies provide cover for your items - but single item limits apply. Usually you will be covered for around $750 per item. If your hearing aids of false teeth (or any other high velue item) is worth more than this, you'll need to tell your insurer so they can make sure you are properly insured.

Travel Insurance Reviews

Choosing the best cruise travel insurance for you and your needs can be tricky - but our delightful customers are here to help. Thousands of Aussie travellers have reviewed their travel insurer so you can have the inside story on the policy, the customer service and the claims process before you buy.

Do you want to help your fellow travellers? Whether you're in love with your insurer or would rather leave them, review and rate them now.

Our Travel Insurance Comparision Helps You

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Comparetravelinsurance.com.au is Australia’s leading comparison site solely focused on travel insurance.

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.

CoverDirect Pty Ltd owns and operates this website under AFS Licence 383590. Located at Level 12, 338 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia.

For further information view our FSG and Terms of Use . Contact us by calling 1300 659 411.

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Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

COVID-19 and travel

Find out about travel requirements and steps you can take to stay safe.

Domestic travel within Australia

Domestic travel requirements are determined by state and territory governments. Check the websites of local health departments for information about travel to:

Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory
South Australia
Western Australia .

Travelling overseas

The Australian Government does not currently have any COVID-19 requirements in place for travellers entering and departing Australia.

COVID-19 however continues to pose a health risk in Australia and overseas. We strongly encourage wearing masks and being vaccinated while travelling internationally. You should practice good cough and hand hygiene, and physically distance from others where possible.

Some countries, airlines and vessel operators may have COVID-19 travel requirements in place. Check the requirements of any:

countries you are travelling to, or transiting through
airlines or vessel operators.
Smartraveller website
Australian Government – international travel information .

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is important if you become sick with COVID-19 overseas. Make sure your insurance includes:

transit destinations
inclusions for COVID-19
other add-ons like cruise specific insurance.

Some destinations also require travellers to hold travel insurance as a condition of entry.

Cruise travel

Check with your cruise provider or travel agent for up-to-date travel requirements for your ship and destination/s. You can also contact the relevant state or territory government to find out if any requirements apply for your destination.

Outbreaks onboard a cruise

Cruise ships carry a higher risk for spreading disease compared to other types of travel. COVID-19, influenza, and other infectious diseases spread easily between people living and socialising in close quarters.

If an outbreak of COVID-19 occurs on your cruise, you may need to:

quarantine on the ship
disembark and follow the local rules in the state or territory or country you are in.

Before you travel, check the Smartraveller advice on cruises . Contact your travel agent or cruise operator for specific information on their COVID-19 safety protocols.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Is there anything wrong with this page?

Help us improve health.gov.au

If you would like a response please use the enquiries form instead.

Australia’s travel insurance specialist

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.

Trip Details

Please, note we are currently not offering Annual Multi-trip or Backpacker policies. Check the website regularly for further updates

Travellers age ( 10 travellers max.) ?

A single return journey, from 3 to 365 days, that starts in Australia.

Domestic One-Trip Travel Insurance does not cover any medical and evacuation expenses incurred in Australia or whilst travelling on a cruise domestically or internationally. Therefore, if you are going on a cruise and would like to be covered for onboard medical expenses and evacuation then you must choose either our Cruise Travel Insurance or our Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance.

Please note we are currently not offering Annual Multi-Trip Policies

A single return journey, from 3-365 days that starts in Australia and where the trip also includes travel on ships or other sea vessels.

Cruise option covers you for the land, air AND CRUISE part of your journey so you don’t need a single trip and a cruise policy if your whole trip or part of your trip involves any travel by cruise ship.

A 365 day policy that provides cover for multiple trips starting in Australia.

There are 3 options for maximum duration per trip, 30,45 and 60.

Backpackers

One trip departing from and returning to Australia, for up to a maximum of 540 days.

If you are taking a gap year, an adventure holiday or a round the world trip you may find our Backpacker product is more tailored for your needs.

Destination Information

Excluded destinations:

InsureandGo will NOT cover any loss, injury, damage or legal liability arising directly or indirectly from travel in, to or through Afghanistan, Belarus, Crimea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, Iraq, Liberia, Sudan, Syria, Chad, East Timor, Haiti, Lebanon, Liberia, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Somalia, Uganda, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen and Zimbabwe.

Included destinations:

The South Pacific: Papua New Guinea, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji Islands, French Polynesia (including Tahiti), Kiribati, New Caledonia, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, New Zealand)

Worldwide exc USA:

If your destination is "Worldwide exc USA" you are covered Worldwide excluding USA, Canada, Mexico, Central & South America and Antarctica.

Worldwide inc USA:

If your destination is "Worldwide inc USA" you are covered Worldwide including USA, Canada, Mexico, Central & South America and Antarctica.

South Asia: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Maldivas

South East Asia: Birmania, Brunei, Cambodia, Philippines, Indonesia (Including Bali and Lombok), Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

East Asia: China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan

Domestic: Australia, Norfolk Island

Cruise Specific Destinations

Domestic Cruise:

Domestic cruises within Australian Territorial waters, or international waters, providing you do not stop at any international port. If you want to travel around Australia before your cruise departs, you will need to buy two separate policies, a Domestic single trip policy for the duration of your trip before boarding and a cruise trip policy for your cruise. (If you select the Domestic cruise policy your baggage will only by covered for a maximum of 72 hours before boarding)

(The Domestic cruise policy also provides cover for stopovers in Australian ports up to 48 hours)

Domestic, NZ and Pacific Cruise:

Cruises that include any Pacific destination and docks at any Australian port after departure (Including final port).

Asia and Domestic

Cruises that include any Asia destination and docks at any Australian port after departure (Including final port).

Please note:

If you have a multiple destination itinerary, you should select the travel plan for the destination where you will spend the majority of your trip overseas except where you will spend more than 48 hours of your trip in the continents of North America, South America or Antarctica.
If you will spend more than 48 hours of your trip in the continents of North America, South America or Antarctica, then you should select the Worldwide Including Travel Plan.
If you select the Domestic Cruise, Pacific and Domestic or the Asia and Domestic travel destination we will cover Medical and Evacuation expenses. With Medical expenses we mean expenses incurred on board relating to medical illness or injury assistance. We will also cover the repatriation or evacuation expenses if the medical practitioner has stated in writing that you are unfit to continue your trip due to medical illness or injury. This benefit does not apply to any medical treatment provided on Australian inland or whilst the ship is tied up in an Australian port. All other benefits included in your policy provide cover whilst your ship is docked in an Australian port for a maximum of 48 hours.
If you select a cruise option, there is no cover for Section L (Rental Vehicle Excess Waiver) whilst your ship is in an Australian port.

Group types

Policy Types

You have the option to select:

This option provides cover for one adult who is 18 years of age or older and their accompanying dependent children.

This option provides cover for two adults who are in a Partner relationship.

This option provides cover for two adults who are in a Partner relationship and their accompanying dependent children.

We are referring to the traveller’s age when you are buying this policy (Not when travelling). Please note all policy options are available between 50-100. Maximum trip durations vary depending on your age.

Sorry we can't give you quote online if one of the travellers is aged over 100

First traveller has to be aged over 18

Please indicate traveller's ages

Trip type information

If you're taking a single trip this year, which does not include any travel by cruise, the one-trip cover is for you. But if you are travelling more than once you may be better off with an Annual multi-trip policy.

For Annual multi-trip policies the maximum trip duration covered is restricted by the policy option selected and will be either 30, 45 or 60 days, after which you must return to Australia before commencing a new trip.

If your trip includes any travel by cruise ship, then select the cruise option to be covered for the land, air AND CRUISE part of your journey. However, if you only want to be covered for the land and air part, then choose One Trip. By cruise we refer to any travel on sea, ocean or river by any commercially operated ship, boat or other sea vessel for longer than two hours.

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?

Missed cruise departure

14 day cooling off period

Cabin confinement for medical reasons (with med cert.)

Missed port cover for Silver and Gold levels of cover

Cruise delays

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.

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COVID-19 benefits with Travel Insurance

Benefits with cover for covid-19.

Cancellation if you or your travel companion are positively diagnosed with COVID-19 during your period of cover 1,2
Additional Expenses 1,3 related to changing your travel arrangements while travelling
Overseas Medical and Hospital Expenses 1,4
Overseas Emergency Assistance available 24 hours a day, with access to Registered Nurses and Doctors 1,4

What COVID-19 benefits our plans offer

Swipe to view more

Comprehensive

Why choose us, thousands of satisfied customers, network of medical experts, emergency assistance available, we’re an established insurer, flexible covid-19 policy cancellation options.

We offer the flexibility to cancel your Allianz Travel Insurance policy at any time if your plans need to change due to COVID-19, provided you haven't made or intend to make a claim or exercise any other right under your policy. 1

You may be entitled to receive a full or partial premium refund if you can’t travel or need to change your journey because of COVID-19 border closures or mandatory quarantine periods. This applies when travelling both domestically and internationally. 1

If you haven’t started your journey, we’ll provide a full premium refund. If you’ve started your journey, we’ll provide a partial premium refund, based on a pro-rata basis from the date you returned home from your journey until the end date of your policy listed on your Certificate of Insurance. Eligibility criteria applies, refer to the PDS for full details.

If you need to cancel your policy due to COVID-19, contact us on 1800 440 806 or email our Travel Helpdesk .

Ready to get started?

Frequently asked questions.

Yes, you can apply to buy a policy even if you haven’t received the recommended vaccinations against COVID-19. The section headed ‘Who is eligible to purchase this product’ in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) contains important information about who is eligible to buy a policy, age limits and cover types.

You may not be covered if you don’t follow any advice or warnings by the Australian government or that were published in a reliable mass media source.

Refer to Smartraveller and the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs for the most up to date travel advice.

Make sure you’re aware of what is required, including any proof of vaccination, before you travel.

If you select Comprehensive , Multi-Trip, or Domestic Travel Insurance, which include the cancellation benefit cover when you buy your policy, you may be able to make a claim if you:

are subsequently positively diagnosed with COVID-19, which prevents you from travelling and
need to cancel, reschedule, or shorten your trip as a result. 1

The Cancellation benefit is designed to cover the non-refundable costs, up to the amount chosen, associated with cancelling, rescheduling or shortening the paid and unused portions of your journey. 2

If you’re positively diagnosed with COVID-19, we’ll reimburse your reasonable additional travel and accommodation expenses 3 up to the limit shown in the Table of Benefits for the Plan you have selected, if you meet each of the following three conditions:

You have bought a Comprehensive, Domestic, or Multi-Trip Travel Insurance plan
You can’t continue your journey or your journey is disrupted because you or your travel companion are positively diagnosed with COVID-19
You need immediate and continued treatment from a medical adviser

Call emergency services in your location if your condition is life threatening.

If you’ve contracted COVID-19 overseas and need emergency assistance, contact our Emergency Assistance team on +61 7 3305 7499 . Call charges may apply.

Travel Insurance for Cruises

Before you set sail into the sunset, consider whether you have the right travel insurance for cruises

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Things to know
International cruise coverage
Australian cruise coverage
Travel alerts
Getting a quote
Policy documents

Important things to know about RACV Travel Insurance for cruises

Cruising can be a spectacular way to see the world or even just explore your own country in new, exciting ways. Whether you’re voyaging through the crystal-clear waters of the South Pacific, meandering through the Mediterranean or exploring Australia’s West Coast, cruise holidays can offer everything from total relaxation to action-packed adventure. RACV Travel Insurance includes limited COVID-19 cover # on RACV Comprehensive Travel Insurance and RACV Domestic Travel Insurance .

However, before you set sail into the sunset, you should consider whether you need travel insurance. If so, you should make sure you have the right travel insurance that covers you for cruises.

RACV Members get 15% off RACV Travel Insurance

Cruise cover

When you purchase a policy cruise option must be selected for all ocean voyages more than one night. This will determine the premium you pay.

Cover for international and domestic river cruising is included automatically in your Policy and you do not need to select the Cruise option.

Travel Insurance for Australian Cruises

cruise ship sailing alond a stretch of water at dusk

If you’ve booked a cruise that’s only travelling around Australia and isn’t leaving Australian waters, you probably think that you won’t need travel insurance.

However, it’s important to consider travel insurance when cruising around Australia, as it can provide cover for cancellation fees and lost or delayed luggage as well as providing medical coverage while at sea. RACV International Travel Insurance policies include coverage for cruises in Australian waters.

If you are going on a cruise which is only in Australian waters or calling into ports in Australia, you may still require a policy which includes medical cover whilst you are on board the ship (check with your cruise provider) as the medical providers are not registered with Medicare. You will therefore need to select Australian Cruise as your country of destination. By selecting Australian Cruise as a destination you will be offered the international policy options and benefits. This will then provide cover for medical and evacuation benefit whilst at sea but not if you go to a medical provider whilst in port in Australia.

What is covered?

Depending on the type of cover chosen, RACV Travel Insurance policies may provide the following cover:

Medical expenses and medical evacuation while on board the ship, from medical providers on board who are not registered with Medicare (Medicare or your private health insurer may cover you if you seek medical treatment on land, whilst the ship is in port)
Lost or delayed luggage (sub-limits apply for the loss of specific items)
Cancellation fees
Lost deposits
Emergency expenses,
and so much more.

This cover provided by RACV Travel Insurance policies is subject to terms and conditions, limits (including sub-limits) and exclusions. For a comprehensive list of these and all the policy benefits on RACV Travel Insurance Australian Cruise coverage, as well as policy options and add-ons, click here .

RACV Travel Insurance policies for Australian Cruises

RACV Travel Insurance has a number of options to choose from for those looking to take a cruise that is only travelling in Australian waters. Just remember to apply for an International plan or an Annual Multi-Trip plan and select “Australian Cruise” as your destination – this ensures you have medical coverage on board the ship, where the medical providers are not registered with Medicare.

All RACV Members are also rewarded with 15% off their policy.

Insurance policies:

Comprehensive – for a more comprehensive cover which includes cancellation fees and lost deposits, overseas medical and hospital expenses and emergency overseas dental expenses.

Essentials – Mid-range cover with great inclusions such as emergency overseas dental expenses, cancellation fees and lost deposits and travel delay, overseas medical and hospital expenses.

Basics – Basic cover that includes key benefits like emergency overseas dental expenses, emergency expenses and lost luggage

Annual-Multi Trip Plan – Planning on going away a few times over the next year? RACV Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance provides more comprehensive cover for an unlimited number of trips over 12-months.

International cruise travel insurance

By taking out an RACV International Travel Insurance policy, you’re covered for cruises.

What does International Travel Insurance cover for cruises?

front view of cruise ship sailing on the ocean

To be covered for cruising you must select Cruise option when purchasing your policy.

Depending on the type of cover chosen, RACV International Travel Insurance can cover:

Overseas medical expenses and medical evacuation
Cancellations (not available with Travel Care plans)
Luggage (sub-limits apply for all items, and sets and pairs (including accessories are treated as one item))
Limited COVID-19 cover #
24-hour emergency assistance
Emergency expenses overseas
A number of existing medical conditions and certain stages and conditions of pregnancy

International cruise coverage

There are a range of RACV International Travel Insurance policies to choose from.

If you would like to be covered for cruising you must select Cruise Option for all ocean voyages more than one night. This will determine the premium you pay.

Cover for international and domestic river cruising is included automatically in your policy and you do not need to select the Cruise option.

RACV International Travel Insurance:

Essentials – Mid-range cover with great inclusions such as emergency overseas dental expenses, cancellation fees and lost deposits and travel delay, overseas medical and hospital expenses.

Annual-Multi Trip Plan – Planning on going away a few times over the next year? Our multi-trip plan provides more comprehensive cover for an unlimited number of trips over 12-months.

When should you take out travel insurance?

Consider purchasing cover as soon as you pay for any part of your trip so that you’re covered in case you need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances.

Luckily though, you can quickly and easily get RACV Travel Insurance online, up-to right before you go . Even if you are at the airport ready to fly, there’s time to pack the added protection of RACV Travel Insurance for your trip.

2015 Australia Economic Impact Study - Cruise Lines International Association

Travel alerts, claims and policy documents

Travel alerts.

RACV Travel Insurance won't cover you for countries/regions with a DFAT travel advisory of "Do Not Travel".

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Review or manage your policy

For full details on how you’re covered, read the RACV Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement.

Make a claim
Find a policy document
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# Limits and sub-limits apply. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for full details.

The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations . For copies, visit racv.com.au. Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) Ltd AR 001243563 is an authorised representative of the issuer and receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. RACV Travel Insurance issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548. Terms & conditions apply, refer to the PDS.

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Where are you going?

Enter the destination(s) you plan to visit or select them from the list of countries and regions in the dropdown.

Planning a stopover? If you’re in a country for less than 72 hours, you do not need to list it as a destination.

Don’t currently know all the countries you’ll be visiting? You can select a region to obtain cover for all countries within that region, or you can select “Anywhere in the world”. Important: If selecting “Anywhere in the world”, your policy will not provide cover for claims arising in countries that are subject to sanctions. Your safety is paramount, so please read and familiarise yourself with the “ Standing Travel Alert for High Risk and Sanctioned Countries ” when undertaking worldwide travel – and before making any side trips to neighbouring countries – to ensure you have adequate cover.

Going on a cruise? If your cruise is in inland Australia (e.g. on the Murray River) or in Australian coastal water (e.g. the Kimberley), enter or select “Australia”. If your cruise embarks and disembarks from Australia ports only without any stopover at a port outside of Australia (e.g. a “Sampler Cruise” or cruise from Sydney to Brisbane), enter or select “Domestic Cruise”. If your cruise is overseas (e.g. a European river cruise, a Caribbean cruise, or a cruise from Sydney to Hong Kong), enter or select the country or region you will spend the most time in during your trip.

Want to come to Australia on our Inbound Plan? Select “Australia Inbound”.

When do you depart?

Enter the date you will leave your home to start your trip.

When do you return?

Enter the date you will arrive home based on AEST (considering any time differences/zones and travel times).

Duration of each trip?

Select the maximum trip duration that best suits your needs.

The maximum trip duration you select will apply to each separate trip you take during the 12-month period of your policy.

For cover to apply, you cannot take trips that exceed this maximum duration. If you make a claim related to a trip that exceeds this maximum duration, it may be declined.

The maximum trip duration you select will be shown on your Certificate of Insurance.

Age of each traveller?

Enter the age (as of today) of each adult and child to be included on the policy.

Cruise Travel Insurance Benefits

Cruise ship sailing into Valletta Malta | Cruise travel insurance

Protect your cruise holiday from medical expenses and more

Whether you’re on a cruise to the Pacific Islands, sailing through the Caribbean, or exploring the seas of Australia’s tropical north, cruise travel insurance benefits can help protect your trip from costs if something goes wrong.

At Cover-More, our goal is to provide you with quality cruise insurance benefits to help keep you safe. If you’re going on a multi-night cruise on the sea or ocean, you must tell us about your cruise for Cruise Cover to be added to your policy and an extra premium will apply. (This cover is not required for river cruises within Australia or international destinations.)

Still deciding whether to take a cruise or not? Read our helpful guides on how to choose the best cruise for you , and essential travel advice for your cruise . (Plus, check out our useful holiday preparation list , too.)

If you have specific questions about our Cover-More cruise insurance benefits, read our Cruise Cover benefits FAQs .

Skip to read:

Why do I need cruise travel insurance benefits?

Will medicare cover me for a cruise in australia, what happens if i get sick on a cruise, does cover-more travel insurance include cruise insurance benefits, what are cover-more's cruise travel insurance benefits, how do i buy cover-more's cruise cover.

Do Cover-More's cruise travel insurance benefits cover medical costs?

Do Cover-More's Cruise Cover benefits cover emergency evacuations?

Does cover-more travel insurance cover existing medical conditions on a cruise.

Cruises are a great way to relax , bask in the sun and enjoy the sea breeze while exploring new destinations. So, it may come as a shock if your cruise experience isn’t exactly smooth sailing.

From delayed luggage to falling seasick, it can be difficult to predict what will happen on board – let alone the money you may lose if you must cancel your cruise before you even leave home.

Cruise Cover benefits can provide cover for medical costs on board, help you if you need to be medically evacuated off the ship, and provide reimbursement for lost luggage and non-refundable expenses (up to the cancellation amount you have added to your policy).

To enjoy the cruise holiday you deserve, we recommend you consider travel insurance for cruising for extra peace of mind, and support when you need it most.

No. Cruise ships are not obligated to have doctors registered to practice in Australia on board. This means if you visit a doctor on board, it may not be covered by Medicare and you may end up with out-of-pocket expenses.

This is why you should consider travel insurance for any cruises you take in Australia.

At Cover-More, our International plans include overseas medical expenses cover when you enter/select “Domestic Cruising” as your travel area and when you tell us about your cruise when you purchase travel insurance.

Our Cover-More cruise insurance international plans can include cruise cover when you tell us you are travelling on a sea or ocean cruise for two or more nights.

Domestic and international cruise ships do offer onboard medical assistance, but the medical staff are only there to stabilise your condition.

If you require urgent medical attention while on a cruise, you may need to be evacuated from your cruise and taken to hospital – which can be extremely costly depending on where you are in the world.

That’s where cruise travel insurance benefits can help when cruise cover is added to your international plan.

With our Cover-More cruise insurance benefits included in your policy, we can not only assist with medical costs, but you’ll have our expert 24-hour Emergency Assistance team on hand to help if you are hospitalised.

Travel insurance benefits for cruising are automatically included in our Cover-More travel insurance plans when you tell us you are travelling for two or more nights on a sea or ocean cruise.

If you are taking a multi-night cruise (except for river cruises within Australia), you must answer “Yes” to the question “Will you be travelling on an ocean or sea cruise for two or more nights?” and pay the additional premium to be protected in the event something goes wrong on your cruise. (This cover is not required for river cruises within Australia or international destinations.)

To see full details of our cruise insurance benefits, read the PDS .

Our Cruise Cover provides travellers with many benefits to assist if an accident, mishap, or delay occurs on their cruise holiday.

Our Cruise Cover benefits and benefit limits per adult are as follows:

Please refer to the PDS for limits, sub-limits, exclusions, and conditions that may apply to our travel insurance benefits for cruising.

Ready to get a quote? You can generate one online now.

Ready to book your cruising holiday and purchase our Cruise Cover to protect it? You can buy a travel insurance policy with cruise benefits through our website or by calling us on 1300 72 88 22.

To get a cruise quote online:

Enter the area of travel you want cover for in the quote box . For international trips with cruises, choose the country, region, or “Anywhere in the World”. For domestic trips with cruises, choose “Domestic Cruise” – not “Domestic” – and an international plan with overseas medical expenses will be available. Our Domestic plans exclude cover for any medical expenses in Australia. (See below for more details on choosing your destination.)
Select the dates of your first trip.
Enter in the ages of travellers.
Click ‘Get Quote’ to go to the next page.
Select the best plan for you from the options displayed on the screen, including whether you want a Single Trip policy or an Annual Multi-Trip policy if the option is available to you.
You’ll then be asked if you are travelling for two or more nights on a sea or ocean cruise. By selecting “Yes”, an additional premium will be added to your policy, and the cruise benefits will be included when the Certificate of Insurance is issued.
Continue down the page to fill in the rest of your details.
Declare any of your existing medical conditions.
Pay for your policy.

Additional helpful information on how to choose the correct destination when getting a quote:

If you’re cruising within Australia on an inland waterway (e.g. a Murray River cruise) or within Australian coastal waters (e.g. a Kimberley cruise where the cruise does not leave these waters), please chose or enter “ Australia ” for a Domestic Plan.
If you're cruising from a port in Australia to another port(s) in Australia that does not stop at a port outside of Australia (e.g. a cruise from Sydney to Brisbane or a Kimberley cruise that leaves Australian waters), please choose or enter “ Domestic Cruising ” for an International plan which includes SECTION 1: Overseas Medical and Dental (including emergency repatriation/evacuation).
If you're cruising overseas, possibly stopping in many destinations (e.g. a European river cruise, a Caribbean cruise or a cruise from Hong Kong to Sydney) or from a port in Australia to another port or ports outside Australia (e.g. Sydney/ Singapore), please enter every country you will be travelling to or enter a region.

Before purchasing our cruise travel insurance, read the PDS to ensure a Cover-More policy is right for you.

Do Cover-More's cruise travel insurance benefits cover medical costs on board?

Yes, our Cruise Cover benefits can provide cover for medical expenses incurred on board the ship and if you are offloaded from the ship. Without this type of cruise insurance benefit, you could be out of pocket hundreds or thousands of dollars for a medical incident that happens whilst on a cruise.

One Cover-More customer visited their onboard cruise doctor after a sniffle that developed into influenza. Although quick, the doctor’s visit resulted in a $700 medical fee. Luckily, they had a Cover-More policy with Cruise Cover, and we were able to settle their claim.

To find out how much it costs to protect your cruise, get a Cover-More quote online now.

Note: our claims are subject to approval.

Our cruise insurance benefits are vital in helping protect you against more serious medical claims, especially those that result in your emergency evacuation from a cruise.

It doesn’t matter if you’re on a cruise off the shores of Australia or on an overseas cruise, if you’re in the middle of the sea or ocean, it can be incredibly expensive to be transported to the nearest hospital via air or sea.

In 2016, one of our customers fractured their leg on a cruise ship in the South Pacific. The air ambulance cost to bring them back to Australia for surgery totalled $86,000.

To protect your cruise with Cover-More, get a quote online or call 1300 72 88 22.

Not all existing medical conditions are automatically included in our plans, so you will need to go through the same medical assessment process we use for general travel.

If all of your conditions do not meet the existing medical condition criteria to be automatically included, you will need to complete an online medical assessment and if the cover is approved, pay the extra premium to us for cover. Ensure you disclose all your existing conditions to ensure you have the right cover.

You can visit our existing medical conditions (EMC) page to view a comprehensive list of conditions we cover.

Please note: if you are not approved for your existing medical conditions, we can still provide cover for lost luggage and travel documents, and any illness or injury not relating to your EMC.

Got more questions? Find your answers over on our dedicated FAQs for cruise travel insurance page .

Want us to protect your cruise holiday?

Find our Cruise Cover and get ready to set sail.

~ Cover will not exceed 12 months from onset of the illness, condition, or injury. ^Cover chosen applies per policy. If you do not tell us about your cruise, claims in any way related to your multi-night cruise, and multi-night cruise travel or that arise while on a multi-night cruise are specifically excluded by this policy.

Discover Our COVID-19 Cover

To find out what our current* benefits do – and don’t – cover, please read:

- COVID-19 Benefits
- COVID-19 Benefits: FAQs
- COVID-19 Travel Guide

Plus, for helpful destination-based COVID-19 information, don't forget to check the COVID-19 Travel Risk Tool before and during travel.

*The cover information contained on the above pages refers to Cover-More policies sold on or after 26 June 2023 . For cover information on policies sold prior to this date, please read the relevant PDS .

Travel Insurance

The journalists on the editorial team at Forbes Advisor Australia base their research and opinions on objective, independent information-gathering.

When covering investment and personal finance stories, we aim to inform our readers rather than recommend specific financial product or asset classes. While we may highlight certain positives of a financial product or asset class, there is no guarantee that readers will benefit from the product or investment approach and may, in fact, make a loss if they acquire the product or adopt the approach.

To the extent any recommendations or statements of opinion or fact made in a story may constitute financial advice, they constitute general information and not personal financial advice in any form. As such, any recommendations or statements do not take into account the financial circumstances, investment objectives, tax implications, or any specific requirements of readers.

Readers of our stories should not act on any recommendation without first taking appropriate steps to verify the information in the stories consulting their independent financial adviser in order to ascertain whether the recommendation (if any) is appropriate, having regard to their investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Providing access to our stories should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or product, or to engage in or refrain from engaging in any transaction by Forbes Advisor Australia. In comparing various financial products and services, we are unable to compare every provider in the market so our rankings do not constitute a comprehensive review of a particular sector. While we do go to great lengths to ensure our ranking criteria matches the concerns of consumers, we cannot guarantee that every relevant feature of a financial product will be reviewed. We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, Forbes Advisor Australia cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of this website. Forbes Advisor Australia accepts no responsibility to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in our stories or any other information made available to a person, nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information.

Travel Insurance And Covid: Are You Covered?

Updated: Mar 15, 2023, 10:49pm

Check your destination first, does travel insurance cover covid, do i need covid cover if travelling domestically, what is frequently covered.

What Isn't Covered?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

After two long years, Australians may leave the country without requiring an exemption from the government. However, while ‘Fortress Australia’ may have finally come to an end and the World Health Organisation says that the end of the pandemic is in sight , international travel has not yet returned to normal.

International borders may have reopened, but quarantine requirements remain in a state of flux and those who are unvaccinated against Covid-19 may be subject to at the Australian border . They may also face restrictions on arrival overseas.

Many of us cannot wait to jump on a plane bound for foreign shores, however it is especially important to take the time to find the right travel insurance policy . Some countries require Covid-19 specific coverage and will not permit entry without it.

Outbreaks of COVID-19 are still occurring in many parts of the world, and there is a real risk of falling ill while overseas or getting sick prior to departure and needing to postpone the trip. If a travelling partner catches COVID-19, a period of isolation may be required as a close contact.

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Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

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Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Medical Cover

Including medical treatment, doctors’ visits, prescribed medication, specialist treatment & medical transport costs

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited

Check the requirements for every destination you are visiting, including transit countries. Check at the time of booking tickets, and check again shortly before leaving. The situation remains fluid in many places.

Some nations still require a period of quarantine to be completed, even for those merely passing through. Many countries require actual proof of insurance: in Singapore the minimum coverage for COVID-19 related medical expenses is SGD $30,000 (AUD $32,192). Even the method of proof varies: some authorities will only accept a piece of paper, while others will allow a digital certificate displayed on a smartphone.

Due to the ongoing global health crisis, an unusually high number of countries are ranked by the federal government’s government advisory website, Smarttraveller, as level four out of five, which is ‘reconsider your need to travel’. Even if you wish to go regardless of the warning, not all insurers are willing to offer a policy.

Furthermore, some policies will only allow a cancellation for safety reasons if the advice level increases once the policy has been purchased and if it was at or below level three at the time it was purchased (‘Exercise a high degree of caution’). For more information on travel advisories and how it relates to Covid-19, visit Smarttraveller .

In short: yes. However, generally speaking the policies are limited in what they will cover, and there is significant variation between what is offered. Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 in March 2020, no travel insurance covered the adverse impacts of a pandemic. Insurers have since been playing catch-up, but cannot possibly insure every possible scenario.

Much depends on the timing of when the illness was contracted. For example, most policies will cover cancellation costs if a traveller gets COVID-19 before they leave home or during their journey, or if they are deemed to be a close contact of someone with COVID-19.

Some policies, however, will not cover such costs if COVID-19 was contracted before leaving.

Australians who find themselves in need of medical treatment while interstate are covered by the national Medicare system or their own private insurance policy. That is why most domestic travel insurance policies do not provide cover for medical expenses.

However, it is both possible and worthwhile to take out COVID-19 insurance for other sources of pandemic-related disruption, such as plans being postponed or cancelled due to a positive COVID-19 test result. Some policies provide cover if the pre-paid accommodation was closed due to COVID-19-related cleaning following an outbreak. There is no blanket policy for COVID-19 related events, however, so always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully.

Some policies only cover medical and repatriation costs if the policyholder catches COVID-19 overseas. Some insurance policies provide limited cover for cancellation costs. Most provide coverage in three scenarios:

the traveller catches COVID-19 before departure
during the travel period
or they are required to isolate at home because they are deemed a close contact of a person with COVID-19.

What Isn't Covered?

There is no substitute for reading the fine print before purchasing a policy. However, on the whole, cancellation policies will cover extra expenses for quarantine costs if COVID-19 is contracted while overseas.

Be wary of exclusions and limits. For example, some policies have an upper limit of just $2500 for any extra costs incurred.

Like all insurance policies, reading the fine print of a COVID-19 travel insurance policy is essential to avoid spending more than is needed on the wrong policy, or wasting money on a policy that will be deemed void.

Is Covid included in travel insurance?

It is not covered by default, and some countries require a traveller to have a specific pandemic-related policy in order to be permitted to enter.

If taking a cruise, be vigilant about purchasing the right cover. Some insurers do not provide COVID-19 cover for multi-night cruises, and many cruise operators require a COVID-19, cruise-specific policy to step onboard.

What does Covid travel insurance cost?

Prices depend upon a wide variety of factors, such as the destination and the ages of the travellers. Do your research and obtain a few quotes before you buy.

How much is Covid travel insurance to Bali?

A basic policy for an adult with two children spending a week in Bali starts from as little as $29, while a comprehensive policy costs $229 for the week.

What is the best travel insurance for Covid?

There is no one ‘best’ policy when it comes to COVID-19 travel insurance. Much depends on individual requirements and the inherent risks of the destination itself.

Prioritise the kind of cover needed for a particular trip (for example, if travelling to a wedding, then the dates are critical and paying for postponed travel will not make much sense).

Consider any underlying health conditions and the kind of treatment that may be required in the event of contracting the illness. Stay up to date with vaccinations and boosters to give yourself the best chance of protection.

When should I buy Covid travel insurance?

Take out insurance sooner rather than later. Many policies will be deemed void if a person tested positive less than 21 days before the trip begins and needs to cancel or postpone it. A good practice is to take out travel insurance as soon as the dates are confirmed.

Am I covered if I have to cut my trip short due to Covid?

With written proof of the cancellation, it is possible for the unused portion of the single trip premium to be refunded. If it a multi-trip, the policy simply continues up until its end date.

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Jessica Mudditt is a freelance journalist and the author of "Our Home in Myanmar". She is based in Sydney and writes about business, finance and technology for the BBC, Economist Impact, Company Director Magazine and Westpac Wire.

Cruise travel insurance

Medibank health members save 15%.

Going on a sea or ocean cruise, or including one as part of your trip? Medibank Travel Insurance offers cruise insurance to help protect you whilst you're cruising.

What is cruise travel Insurance?

For an additional premium, you can add Cruise Cover to your travel insurance policy to help protect your cruise adventure. Cruise Cover is a mandatory add on if any part of your trip includes travel on a multi-night sea or ocean cruise. Without purchasing additional Cruise Cover, no cover is available for any event arising from, or related to your cruise travel.

Cruise Cover is not required if you are travelling on a single-night cruise, or on a river cruise (e.g. European river cruise, or a Murray River cruise). Likewise, if you are travelling on a cruise that is only within Australian coastal waters (e.g. Kimberly Cruise) then Cruise Cover is not required. If your Australian cruise is going from port-to-port then you'll need to select 'Domestic Cruise' as your destination, which is an International Plan, to provide cover for your journey.

Cruise travel insurance benefits - get cruising with Medibank

$unlimited ship to shore and onboard medical & dental cover.

If you suffer a sickness, disease or disabling injury whilst you're on a cruise ship overseas or outside Australian costal waters then you will have:

$Unlimited onboard medical and emergency dental cover, including cover for onboard medical treatment should you suffer from sea sickness whilst travelling. 1

Cover also includes $unlimited costs for emergency transportation if onshore care is required. 2

Missed port cover

Should you miss the scheduled departure of your pre-booked cruise or a pre-booked connection to your cruise due to unforeseen circumstances outside of your control, we will cover you for reasonable costs (up to $1,000) to use alternative public transport services to catch up to your planned itinerary. 3 Excludes COVID-19.

Cabin confinement

Cover for up to $100 per day to a maximum of $1,500 should you be confined to your cabin for at least 24 hours due to sickness, disease or disabling injury. 3 Excludes COVID-19.

Missed shore excursions

Even when you're all set, trips to shore can unfortunately be missed. Should you miss a pre-booked shore excursion due to unforeseeable circumstances we could reimburse the non-refundable cost of the unused ticket(s) up to $1,000. 3 Excludes COVID-19.

Building your cruise insurance quote

Step 1: Select your area

Where you travel will influence your premium. You will need to choose the main destination/country based on where you will spend the most time travelling. Don't forget to take into consideration the 20% rule for the Africas and Americas detailed here .

If you are travelling on a multi-night cruise which leaves from one Australian Port to another, then you can enter 'Domestic Cruise' as the destination.

Step 2: Click on insurance type

Depending on your needs, you can select Single Trip or Annual Multi-Trip cover.

Step 3: Select additional cover

For an additional premium, you can choose to add cover for additional scenarios, like snow sports or moped riding . If you're travelling with valuables, you can also opt to increase your item limit(s) for luggage and personal effects. Read the PDS for more information.

When don't I need to add Cruise Cover?

You don’t need to add sea or ocean cruise cover, if you are:

Travelling on a river cruise
Not travelling on a cruise during your trip
On a cruise for only one night
Only taking a ferry trip
Are cruising in Australia or in Australian coastal waters (this can include Kimberley Cruise or Murray River cruises.)
Are sailing (sailing is not covered in International Waters).

Cruise during sunset on the ocean mountains in background

Cruise insurance FAQs

If i need to be evacuated, will medibank travel insurance with cruise benefits cover me.

If you are travelling on a multi-night (2 or more nights) cruise overseas or outside Australian Coastal Waters, you'll need to add and pay for the additional Cruise Cover to be insured for claims related to your cruise travel.

If during your trip you suffer a disabling injury, sickness or disease (which first presents during the Period of Insurance), we will pay the usual and customary cost of emergency transportation provided outside of Australia by, or on the advice of, a qualified medical practitioner to evacuate you to the nearest onshore medical facility (unlimited on our international travel insurance policies with Cruise Cover).

Limits, sub-limits, exclusions and conditions apply. See the Combined PDS/FSG for more information.

My cruise stops at multiple destinations, what Medibank Travel Insurance Policy should I buy?

You can purchase an International Comprehensive or International Medical Only Policy, and then add Cruise Cover to your selected policy. If travelling overseas or from a port in Australia to another port or ports outside Australia – please choose or enter the main area or destination/country based on where you will spend the most time on your trip. If the cruise travels between Australian ports, but travels outside of Australia Coastal Waters, you will need to select Domestic Cruising as a destination.

You can compare Medibank Travel Insurance policies on our compare page .

If I miss the boat or lose luggage while on the cruise, does Medibank cruise insurance benefits cover me?

If you are travelling on a multi-night (2 or more nights) cruise overseas or outside Australian Coastal Waters, you'd need to add and pay for the additional Cruise Cover to be insured for claims related to your cruise travel.

Missed port cover: Should you miss the scheduled departure of your pre-booked cruise or a pre-booked connection to your cruise due to unforeseen circumstances outside of your control, we will cover you for reasonable costs (up to $1,000) to use alternative public transport services to catch up to your planned itinerary. 3 Excludes COVID-19.

Luggage and personal effects cover: If you purchased an International Comprehensive Plan and added Cruise Cover to your policy, you will have luggage cover up to the limits specified in the PDS for any lost damaged or stolen luggage whilst cruising.

Unfortunately if you purchased an International Medical Only plan, no cover is available for lost, damaged or stolen luggage whilst you're on your trip.

Item limits and sub-limits apply. See the Combined FSG/PDS for terms, conditions and more information.

I'm travelling between Australian ports, is that a domestic cruise?

If you are travelling from a port in Australia to another port in Australia without any stopover at a port outside of Australia, (e.g. a cruise from Sydney to Brisbane) you should select 'Domestic cruising' as your destination. These cruises will go outside of Australian coastal waters so an 'International Plan' with Cruise Cover is required to be insured for claims related to your domestic cruise. If you are only cruising within Australian coastal waters, (e.g. a Kimberley cruise) you do not need to add Cruise Cover to your domestic travel insurance . If you are cruising overseas, (e.g. a Caribbean cruise) please choose the main area of destination country based on where you will spend most of your trip.

If you are unsure of which category your cruise might come under, contact Medibank Travel Insurance by calling 13 41 90 .

Can I buy Medibank cruise insurance benefits when I'm already on the cruise?

Yes, you can purchase a travel insurance policy after your trip commenced, however you will be subjected to a 3-day no cover period. Cruise Cover must be purchased at the time of purchasing the travel insurance policy and cannot be added retrospectively.

Am I covered for COVID-19 related claims on an international cruise?

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 on board a multi-night sea or ocean cruise, cover applies to:

On-board medical. 1
Dental cover ship to shore medical cover. 2

Available on International Comprehensive and International Medical plans only if Cruise Cover has been added.

Does Medicare cover me on a cruise in Australian waters?

If you're on a cruise in Australian Waters, Medicare may not pay towards your medical cost on the cruise ship because the cruise ship may not have doctors onboard who are registered to practice in Australia. Check before your trip and consider getting travel insurance with Cruise Cover.

Emergency assistance whilst travelling

Every Medibank Travel Insurance policy comes with 24 hour emergency assistance.

Our team of experienced doctors, nurses, travel consultants and case managers are ready to help you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We can help if you need support finding appropriate medical treatment, if you need to organise medical evacuation, or if you require assistance replacing lost travel documents and credit cards.

Learn more about our 24/7 emergency assistance .

Things you should know

1 Available on the International Comprehensive and Medical Only Plans. Cover applies for a maximum of 12 months from the date of onset of injury or illness.

2 We will pay the usual and customary cost of emergency transportation provided outside Australia by or on the advice of a qualified medical practitioner to evacuate you to the nearest onshore medical facility.

3 Limits and exclusions apply. Available on the International Comprehensive and Medical Only Plans.

Limits, sub-limits, exclusions and conditions apply. This is general advice only. Medibank Private Limited, ABN 47 080 890 259, an Authorised Representative, AR 286089, of Travel Insurance Partners Pty Limited, ABN 73 144 049 230 AFSL 360138 arranges the insurance on behalf of the insurer. The insurer is Zurich Australian Insurance Limited ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507. Please consider your own needs and the Combined FSG/PDS to decide if this product is right for you. For information on the Target Market and Target Market Determinations , visit medibank.com.au/travel-insurance/help/

Request a call back

Leave your details and a Medibank expert will be in touch to take you through your options. In providing your telephone number, you consent to Medibank contacting you about health insurance.

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Which travel insurers cover you for cruises?

Cruises are officially back on the cards and people are queuing up to get on board. here's how to make sure you're covered..

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Checked for accuracy by our qualified fact-checkers and verifiers. Find out more about fact-checking at CHOICE .

Need to know

Most travel insurers cover cruises but there are some exclusions and fine print to be aware of
For example, you won't be able to claim for events that occur because you've had too much to drink
You need to make sure you declare your pre-existing medical conditions

With the restrictions on cruises finally lifted post-pandemic, the industry has bounced back in a big way this year and is more popular than ever.

But some people lost thousands of dollars on cancelled cruises during the COVID-19 travel bans and some cruise lines might not even let you on board without travel insurance.

So if you're planning a cruise, read on to discover how to choose the travel insurance policy that's best for you.

On this page:

Travel insurance for overseas cruises

Which travel insurers cover international cruises, what cruise travel insurance won't cover, do i need insurance for australian cruises, when to buy travel insurance for a cruise.

Most travel insurers cover international cruises that start and end in Australia, usually as an optional extra (we haven't looked at cover for cruises that start and/or end overseas).

Some providers also offer tailored cruise travel insurance, which can give you access to additional inclusions that are unique to cruising and that may not be covered in standard policies, such as cover for missed ports, missed departures, or cabin confinement due to illness.

When choosing a policy, it's important to make sure the region you're visiting is covered and that it suits your needs and itinerary.

Check the policy age limit, as some policies cover you up to the age of 100 but others only cover you up to 69.

It's also worth noting that if you want cancellation coverage in case a relative in Australia becomes ill or dies, the relative will also need to meet the age limit on the policy and satisfy the existing medical condition requirements.

Australian authorities no longer require people to prove they've had a COVID-19 vaccination in order to board, but it may be required for some destinations such as New Caledonia, and cruise ships are still a higher risk setting for diseases like gastroenteritis and respiratory infections, including influenza (flu) and COVID-19. So check if you have medical and cancellation cover for COVID-19 and other illnesses.

Existing medical conditions and pregnancy

As with other types of travel insurance, some pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered, and others will need to be disclosed in order to be covered. If in doubt, contact the insurer to discuss your needs.

It's also worth noting that pregnancy is considered an existing medical condition. Some insurance policies cover pregnancy up to 30 weeks, but most cruise lines won't allow you on board if you're more than 24 weeks pregnant.

Travel insurance and alcohol

Some people liken cruises to a floating RSL club, but the combination of alcohol and a seagoing vessel can cause accidents.

In an Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) case, Phil* fell down a flight of stairs on a cruise ship and suffered a moderate brain injury, skull fracture and right lung contusion.

All travel insurers have a clause that excludes cover for claims resulting from a person being under the influence of alcohol

Phil said the area was not well lit and the steps would have been slippery, while his wife said he was walking steadily. He was taken to a hospital in Austria and a test showed that he had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.198%.

The insurer had an exclusion for "any conduct engaged in whilst under the influence or effect of alcohol or drugs", and AFCA sided with the insurer, determining that Phil's claim for expenses should be denied.

All travel insurers have a similar clause that excludes cover for claims resulting from a person being under the influence of alcohol.

* Not their real name. Policyholder names are not disclosed in AFCA case records.

Even if you book a cruise that won't be leaving Australian waters, you may still need travel insurance as shipboard medical expenses might not be covered by Medicare. Check that your travel insurance does cover medical costs – you may need international or cruise-specific insurance. Domestic travel or health insurance won't cut it.

Doctors working on cruise ships don't need Medicare provider numbers, so check with your cruise line if they have a Medicare doctor on board. If they don't, and they treat you, you can't claim on Medicare or your private health insurance, even though you never left Australia.

Domestic travel insurance doesn't cover medical costs, so you'd need either international travel insurance (check that it covers domestic cruises) or special 'domestic cruise' insurance, which is available from a few select insurers.

Cruises are often booked well ahead of time, so you could be forgiven for forgetting or delaying the purchase of your travel insurance. But if your cruise is cancelled ahead of time and you don't yet have cover, you could lose your money. The earlier you buy the policy, the better.

On the flip side, there aren't many insurers that cover you more than a year out from starting your trip. If you book your trip more than a year out, shop around for a policy that will cover you.

Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.

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Travel Insurance

Learn more about travel insurance here.

Sail the seas with peace of mind knowing you are covered with support and assistance should you need it.

Ensure you are covered for general medical expenses overseas, existing medical conditions, hospitalisation and medical evacuations. We strongly recommend that you purchase appropriate international travel insurance for your Carnival cruise.

Australian Domestic Cruises

Please note, International travel insurance is recommended on Australian coastal cruises, as your cruise is outside the scope of Australian Medicare.

Special note for New Caledonia

Guests traveling on a South Pacific cruise that calls on New Caledonia (Noumea or Lifou) must present printed proof of travel insurance at time of check-in. The selected international travel insurance must have both cruise and COVID coverage. Guests may also be requested to present it during the cruise. Any guest who is unable to provide proof of holding suitable travel insurance will be denied boarding.

Our Recommended Partner

With nearly thirty years of experience and more than 2.2 million journeys every year, Cover-More knows what travellers need.

That's why Carnival Cruise Line recommends Cover-More Travel Insurance for guests from Australia, which covers general medical expenses overseas, hospitalisation and more so you can avoid unforeseen expenses. Some Cover-More benefits do not apply to claims involving travel on our cruises. For example, there is no cover for medical expenses if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 on or after a cruise. It is your sole responsibility to read the PDS for details of what cover is included BEFORE purchasing any insurance products.

For Cover-More's COVID-19 FAQs read here .

Be aware when organising your insurance that uninsured travellers (or their families) are held personally liable for cancellation, medical and associated costs incurred at any time whether before the cruise, on board or overseas.

Hospitalisation costs on board or outside of the country and medical evacuation costs are very expensive and are not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. Daily hospital bills can cost as much as AUD 5,000 per day. All consultations, treatments and medications are charged at private rates.

If you plan on participating in sports such as scuba diving or parasailing, ensure your policy covers these activities.

For Australian guests , obtain a quote here with Cover-More Travel Insurance

For more information, please see the Department of Foreign Affairs website at smartraveller.gov.au .

Disclosure: Carnival Cruise Line has a referral arrangement with Cover-More and may receive a fee or commission if you choose to purchase an insurance product from Cover-More. Limits, sub-limits, conditions and exclusions apply. Insurance administered by Cover-More Insurance Services Pty Ltd (ABN 95 003 114 145, AFSL 241713) on behalf of the product issuer, Zurich Australian Insurance Limited [ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507). Any advice is general advice only. Please consider your financial situation, needs and objectives and read the Combined FSG/PDS before deciding to buy this insurance. For information on the Target Market and Target Market Determination for these products, contact Cover-More on 1300 77 88 22

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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]

AusPost Travel Team

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Covid-19 Assurance Policy

Our Covid-19 Assurance Policy applies to cruises departing on or before 31 March 2023.

The following applies to all applicable cruise departures until further notice and is subject to change based on relevant local health requirements.

Prior to Boarding

Please note that effective for all P&O Cruises departures on or after 29th August 2023, any guest who is unable to board due to testing positive to COVID-19 will be subject to our cancellation & refund policy.

Guests with valid travel insurance should submit a claim with their insurance provider.

During your cruise

Any guest who tests positive to COVID-19 during their cruise and is required to isolate onboard, will be eligible to receive a Future Cruise Credit for the number of days in isolation. Any guest who must isolate during their cruise, will be entitled to a Future Cruise Credit for the days spent in isolation. The Future Cruise Credit will be the value of the cruise fare paid for the number of cruise days missed less government taxes, fees and port expenses, and will be subject to our standard terms and conditions for Future Cruise Credits.

Visit our Healthy Cruising pageand FAQs, for more information.

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Wherever your next trip takes you, we're here for you if the unexpected happens. With flexible Travel Insurance products and 24/7 emergency assistance, we'll make sure your needs are taken care of. Plus, members save 10%.¹

Get a quote online and take out cover before you travel.

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If you purchase Premium International cover or Domestic cover , a range of COVID-19 benefits will automatically be included in your policy. From 10 August 2022, COVID-19 benefits are available for multi-night cruises on select policies.

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^Unlimited means that generally there is no cap on the maximum dollar amount which may be paid out for this benefit, subject to the specific terms and conditions, sub-limits and exclusions that apply to this benefit.

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Conditions, exclusions, limits, and sub-limits apply. This insurance is issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL AFSL 246548) (Tokio Marine).

Royal Automobile Association of South Australia Incorporated acts as agent for Tokio Marine and may receive a commission which is a percentage of the premium paid and may also receive a portion of the underwriting profit. Consider the relevant PDS and Target Market Determination , Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy , available on the RAA website when deciding whether to purchase this product.

Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any of this information, you should consider its appropriateness having regards to your personal circumstances.

Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products.

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Enjoy happy holidays with RACQ Travel Insurance

Enjoy the freedom of trekking around New Zealand, witness the beauty of Japan's cherry blossoms or cruise the South Pacific. Finally go on that epic outback adventure or visit family or friends overseas. RACQ Travel Insurance can help protect from the unexpected when you’re away from home. See more of the world knowing that you’re covered with RACQ.

Our members can enjoy 15% discount on policies
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Unlimited** overseas medical and hospital cover Unlimited means that generally there is no cap on the maximum dollar amount which may be paid out for this benefit, subject to the specific terms and conditions, sub-limits and exclusions that apply to this benefit.

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^^Limits (including sub-limits), conditions and exclusions apply. This insurance is issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd (Tokio Marine & Nichido) ABN 80 000 438 291, AFSL 246548. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a decision about this product and read the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) before determining whether this product is suitable for your circumstances.

** ‘$Unlimited’ means that generally there is no cap on the maximum dollar amount which may be paid out for this benefit, subject to the specific terms and conditions, sub-limits and exclusions that apply to this benefit. This benefit covers reasonable overseas medical and hospital costs as a result of an injury (including that arising from a terrorist act) or illness occurring which first shows itself during your period of insurance. Benefits may be paid up to 12 months from the time you received treatment for the injury or illness, but only for reasonable expenses incurred during that time. Medical treatments must be provided by a legally qualified medical practitioner. You must notify us as soon as practicable of your admittance to hospital.

Specific terms and conditions, limits (including sub-limits) and exclusions apply to each of our policies and the different benefits. Please read the ' RACQ Travel Insurance- Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement ' for full details.

RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMD’s outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMD’s also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMD’s for each travel product can be found here .

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Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.

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Choice travel insurance buying guide.

Do you need travel insurance? How do you choose the right cover? What are you covered for?

CHOICE answers all the questions you need to know before leaving the country.

Download the CHOICE travel insurance buying guide [PDF 3.52MB] Download the CHOICE travel insurance cheat sheet [PDF 587KB] Who is CHOICE? Set up by consumers for consumers, CHOICE is the independent consumer advocate that provides Australians with information and advice, free from commercial bias. Visit choice.com.au .

Why travel insurance?

Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

How to get travel insurance

Before you buy, how to save money on travel insurance.

How to read the product disclosure statement

What are you covered for?

Credit card insurance

How to make a complaint

If you’re leaving Australia, travel insurance is just as essential as a passport.

Holidays don’t always go as planned.

If you’re leaving Australia, travel insurance is just as essential as a passport. Medical expenses are the number one reason to get insurance, but sometimes other things can go wrong, such as trip cancellations, delays, lost luggage or even the big stuff like natural disasters and pandemics. If you end up out of pocket because of these things, insurance can make up for that.

The Australian Government won’t pay your medical bills.

In an emergency, the Australian Government can only help so much. The Consular Services Charter describes what the government can and can’t do to help Australians overseas.

If you end up injured or sick while overseas, you’ll be footing the hospital bill and the cost of flying home. If you’re really unlucky, that could cost you or your family hundreds of thousands of dollars.

68% of travellers mistakenly believe the Australian Government would ensure they get medical treatment if they need it overseas, and 43% believe the government would pay their medical bills.

Some countries won’t let you in if you don’t have insurance.

Singapore and the UAE require you to have travel insurance. Not to mention all 26 European countries in the Schengen Area if you’re applying for a visa to visit. Read the Smartraveller travel advice for information about your destination.

Reciprocal healthcare Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with several countries: Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom. If you have Medicare, you can get subsidised treatment for essential services only in these countries, which often leads people to ask whether they still need travel insurance. The answer is yes, for the following reasons. You’re usually only covered for urgent care that can’t wait until you get home. If you’re very ill, travel insurance can pay for a medical escort to bring you home to Australia. 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. Travel insurance can cover you for cancellations, delays, stolen items and more.

Remember to take your Medicare card with you. You’ll need it, along with your passport, to prove you’re eligible for reciprocal health care. For more information, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au .

Marco* had breathing difficulties on his way home from Europe, causing his flight to be diverted to the UAE. Hospitals in the UAE won’t admit you unless you have insurance or can pay an upfront fee. Marco’s family had to pay thousands of dollars for his treatment. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Do you need domestic travel insurance?

Most of us already have medical cover at home, be it Medicare or private health insurance or both. But there are still a few key reasons to consider domestic travel insurance.

Cancellation: If you’ve spent a lot on your holiday, then it’s not too much extra to buy travel insurance in case of the unforeseen.
Baggage cover: If you’re travelling with valuables, think about whether you want them covered for theft, loss or damage.
Car hire excess: You can save money using travel insurance to cover your collision damage excess, rather than paying the car hire company’s extra charge.

Does international travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Many travel insurers now offer limited cover for COVID-19, but the available cover varies quite a lot. Some policies only cover medical and repatriation costs if you get COVID-19 overseas, while other policies provide limited cover for cancellation costs in addition to medical and repatriation costs.

You should always check the details of your insurance coverage, particularly how it applies to COVID-19 and travel disruptions.

Over 90% of travellers will look for insurance that covers them for cancellation and medical expenses caused by COVID-19.

If you’re planning to go on a cruise, be extra careful. Some travel insurers may not offer COVID-19 cover for multi-night cruises or they may restrict the cover provided on cruises.

Also, don’t rely on the travel insurance on your credit card unless you check it closely – it may not cover claims related to COVID-19.

There are cooling-off periods for COVID-19 cancellation cover, so it’s best to buy your travel insurance at the same time as you book your trip. Some insurers may only cover cancellation if you test positive to COVID-19 and the policy was purchased more than 21 days before your scheduled departure date.

Make your travel plans COVID-safe

You need to be prepared for your travel plans to be interrupted at short notice. As travel insurance may not protect you from government border closures, general lockdowns or quarantine requirements in your destination country, the key is to book only with providers that allow you flexibility should things change.

Check the rules for travelling to your destination. For example, are there any entry requirements? What are the vaccination requirements? And what type of travel insurance do you need?
Read the terms and conditions of your airline, accommodation and travel tours before you book. Will they refund you if you can’t travel due to COVID-19? If they only offer a reschedule or a credit, will you be in a position to redeem the credit in future?
You can book flexible tickets for flights but be aware you usually have to pay the difference between the prices for the tickets you bought and the new tickets. So changing your flight dates at short notice can be very expensive.
If you book through a travel agent or booking site, what are their terms and conditions? Will they refund you or provide a credit? Are there cancellation fees?
If you pay by credit or debit card (and you selected ‘credit’ when you paid), you may have access to credit card chargebacks if something goes wrong.
Keep on top of the latest travel advice and requirements at smartraveller.gov.au . Travel restrictions can change at short notice.
If you do have to cancel, your travel insurer will ask you to claim what you can back from travel providers first. Read the CHOICE advice on how to get your money back on travel cancellations and ask your travel insurer if you can get a refund or partial refund of your travel insurance premium.

You can buy travel insurance from a travel insurer, travel agent, insurance broker, credit card provider, or even from your health, home or car insurer.

You can buy travel insurance online (direct from the insurer’s website, from a comparison site or through an airline booking site), over the counter or over the phone.

Buy travel insurance as soon as you know your travel dates. That way you’re covered if your trip is cancelled before you even leave or if you’re unable to travel at all.

You can certainly buy travel insurance quicker than it will take you to read this guide, but do you know what you’ll be covered for? Will you be covered if you trip over after having a drink? If you crash your scooter in Thailand? If you lose your wallet during a stopover? If you need to isolate because you contract COVID-19?

There are a lot of ‘what ifs’ to consider, depending on where you’re going and what you’ll be doing, so it’s worth reading the product disclosure statement (PDS) first to make sure you’ll be covered.

Will you use it? Hopefully not, but research by Smartraveller found that one in 4 Australian travellers experienced an insurable event on their last overseas trip. Most common insurable events Flight or tour cancelled Flight delayed more than 12 hours Received medical treatment Lost, damaged or stolen luggage Missed a connecting flight Lost, damaged or stolen cash or personal items Forced to cancel trip before departure What if the insurers don’t pay out? Australian travellers lodged almost 300,000 insurance claims in 2018–19, the last financial year before COVID-19 travel bans. Almost 90% of those were paid out. Top four reasons for declined claims Due to policy exclusions, or not included in the policy conditions Claim amount was below the excess Claim was due to a pre-existing medical condition Claim was for an item that was stolen while it was unattended

1. Where are you going?

The level of cover and the cost of travel insurance can vary depending on the region you’re travelling to, and some risks may be of greater concern than others. Not all travel insurance policies cover COVID-19 and other pandemics or epidemics such as SARS. And not all policies cover you for changing your plans due to a riot or civil commotion, for example. Travel insurance also may not be available for countries with travel alerts.

Look up your destination on smartraveller.gov.au and make sure you’re aware of any risks or safety advice.
Buy a policy that covers you for every country you’re travelling to or transiting through. If you’re going to Europe via a one-night stopover in the US, then get cover for the US and Europe. Usually a worldwide policy will cover this.

86% of travellers say they’re more cautious after the COVID-19 pandemic about travelling to places where it could prove harder to return home in a crisis.

You need different cover for different regions

Insurers sometimes apply policies to regions rather than having a policy for each destination.

Asia Pacific: Destinations such as New Zealand, Bali, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

Asia: Destinations such as India, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.

Europe: Destinations such as the United Kingdom, Ireland and Western Europe.

Worldwide: All of the above as well as regions such as North America, South America, Japan and Africa.

These definitions differ for each insurer. For example, several insurers cover travel to Bali under their Pacific policy, while some will only cover travel to Bali under their Asian region policy.

2. How long are you going for?

Just a quick trip? Simply buy a standalone travel insurance policy for a set number of days.

Travel often? Consider an annual multi-trip policy or a credit card with complimentary travel insurance, but make sure it gives you the cover you need.

Tip: Annual multi-trip policies and credit card policies can restrict the length of each trip you take – anywhere from 15 to 365 days depending on your policy. Some allow you to pay for extra days.

3. What are you going to do there?

Cruising the open road on a moped? Carving up the ski slopes? Partying at a wedding? These things aren’t necessarily included in a travel insurance policy.

Scan the insurer’s list of included activities and those that you’ll have to pay extra for. And take it easy on the grog – if your alcohol or drug intake is the cause of an adverse event, it won’t be covered by your policy.

4. Are you taking any valuable items?

Do you need cover for a digital SLR camera or an expensive tablet or laptop? Cover for such valuables can vary from a few hundred dollars to thousands, and higher cover will often mean a higher premium.

Consider adding cover for portable valuables to your home insurance policy instead, but check on the excess and if the policy will cover you worldwide and not just in Australia.

Policies also vary when it comes to how they cover valuable items. Valuables in your check-in luggage often aren’t covered, while cover for baggage stored in your hire car is inconsistent. And baggage left unattended is never covered, which can include a bag that is stolen from the seat beside you in a restaurant while you’re looking the other way.

Make sure you have receipts for your valuables as travel insurance will not pay if you can’t prove you own them.

5. Do you have any medical conditions?

If you have a medical condition that existed before you bought your policy, it may not be covered. This can range from something as common as allergies or asthma through to diabetes, heart conditions and knee replacements.

If you’re not sure, the best thing to do is contact the insurer to ask whether they’ll cover your condition automatically or whether you need to do an assessment.

The Massoud family* was holidaying in Singapore when 13-year-old Nazreen had a recurrence of severe bronchitis, which had affected her in Australia before their trip. The family’s travel insurer refused to pay any hospital bills as Nazreen’s bronchitis was a pre-existing medical condition. As a result, the Massouds had to ask their friends to transfer the $17,000 they needed to cover Nazreen’s hospital expenses, additional accommodation and the cost of changing flights. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

It’s important to compare policies for cost and cover. Some travel insurance premiums increased by as much as 30% between March and June 2022.

Three-quarters (77%) of travellers are willing to pay more for insurance that covers pandemic-related claims.

The further out from your departure date that you buy travel insurance, the more you’re likely to pay for it, but you’ll be covered from the moment you buy your policy. For example, if you buy insurance 2 months before you fly, you effectively have cheap cover for any events that affect your travel plans in those 2 months.

If you pay for your trip in full 6 months in advance, but you only buy an insurance policy 2 weeks before you depart, you may not be covered for any cancellation costs if you contract COVID-19.

Left it until the last minute, or even later? Only a few insurers let you buy insurance once you’re already overseas (look for the ‘Have you already left Australia?’ checkbox when viewing policy options).

While not all policies offer online discounts, plenty do. Make sure you understand the policy and what it covers. Sometimes (but not always) a reduced price may mean reduced cover.

Tip: Check asic.gov.au/afslicensing to find out whether the agent has an Australian financial services (AFS) licence or is an authorised representative of a licence holder. Take the usual precautions when giving your credit card and other details over the internet.

Member discounts

Does your health, car or home insurance provider also sell travel insurance? Some companies give 10–15% discounts to existing members.

Shop around

Trying to negotiate with a website will probably get you nowhere, but if you’re buying over the phone or through a travel agent, give it a go. Travel agents pocket a commission when they sell you insurance, so if you find a better deal elsewhere, ask them if they can beat it.

Almost two-thirds (62%) of overseas travellers who buy insurance do so on or before the day of booking travel.

Use your credit card

Some credit cards come with ‘free’ travel insurance when you use them to buy a ticket, pay for other travel expenses or otherwise activate it (we say ‘free’ because you’ll pay a premium in fees for the card itself).

This type of insurance can sometimes be a money-saver, and the level of cover can be just as good or even better than standard insurance, but make sure it gives you the cover you need.

Compromise on cover

While good medical cover is always essential, you could save money on your premium by choosing a policy with lower or variable cover for cancellation, delays and lost baggage, especially if you aren’t spending big on your holiday or taking expensive items with you.

Have you read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)? According to research conducted in 2022, of those who bought travel insurance: 45% have skim-read the PDS 43% have read the PDS in detail 8% have left the PDS to another person on the policy to read 2% have not and will not read the PDS 2% don’t know

About that fine print

You’re about to click ‘buy’, so you may as well just tick this ‘I acknowledge I’ve read the product disclosure statement’ checkbox and bon voyage…

But wait – have you checked the fine print? In the insurance world, that ‘fine print’ is contained in the product disclosure statement, or PDS (that thing you said you’d read).

How to read the PDS

There are hundreds of policies out there and if you tried to read all the paperwork that comes with each policy, you’d have to extend your holiday just to recover.

If you don’t have time to read the whole PDS cover to cover, at least look for the following.

The table of benefits is an overall summary of your cover.
The policy cover section is essential reading and is generally split into ‘what we will pay for’ and ‘what we won’t pay for’.
General exclusions are also essential reading – these are events that aren’t covered by any section of the policy.
Pre-existing conditions can remind you of forgotten ailments and are essential reading for anyone with any kind of medical condition, no matter how mild.
The word definition table might contain a few surprises – it’s a good place to check on the definition of a ‘relative’ or a ‘moped’, for example.
The claims section lists some further pointers to be aware of (e.g. it’s a good idea not to admit fault or liability in the case of an accident) and the paperwork you may need to collect while you’re away if you need to make a claim, such as police reports.
COVID-19 cover section – many policies have a special section listing medical, cancellation and other cover available for COVID-19.
The 24-hour emergency assistance contact number (write it down and keep it handy).

The Weaver* family was relieved to have travel insurance when they needed to cancel their holiday. The family wanted to go skiing in New Zealand, but a few days before they were due to depart, 12-year-old Ruby had cold symptoms. A COVID-19 test showed she was positive. Ruby and her whole family had to isolate and their travel insurance paid their cancellation costs. *This is a fictitious but realistic example

The list of travel insurance disputes taken to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) reveals a battlefield of unread or misinterpreted terms and conditions. Between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021, AFCA received more than 2,000 travel insurance complaints related to COVID-19.

Not all travel insurance policies are the same, and the wrong policy can be almost as bad as none at all.

Peter* and his business partner had booked a business trip to South Korea and Japan from 21 February 2020 to 2 March 2020. On 20 February, Peter cancelled the trip on advice of his GP who said that due to the uncertainty of the extent of the COVID-19 outbreak, he should postpone the trip until it is safe to travel. Peter’s travel insurer denied his claim, saying the policy does not provide cover for cancellation due to medical advice. Peter made a complaint and AFCA ruled in his favour as COVID-19 had been publicly announced as an epidemic prior to Peter cancelling the trip and the doctor’s advice not to travel was prudent and reasonable. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Checklist – Are you covered for COVID-19? Are your medical costs covered if you contract COVID-19? Are your extra expenses such as accommodation covered if you can’t travel or your stay gets extended because you or your travelling companion tests positive to COVID-19? What happens if you were going to stay with someone but they’ve contracted COVID-19? Or your accommodation or tour company gets closed down because of COVID-19? Are your additional expenses covered? If the Smartraveller alert level is raised to ‘Reconsider your need to travel’ or ‘Do not travel’ due to a COVID-19 outbreak at your destination after you took out travel insurance, are you covered if you cancel your trip? Are your cancellation costs covered if you can’t travel or can’t return on your booked flights because you or your travelling companion contracted COVID-19? Are you covered for cancellation costs if your business partner or a relative back home gets sick with COVID-19 and you need to return earlier than planned? If you’re planning to go on a cruise, be extra careful. Some travel insurers may not offer COVID-19 cover for multi-night cruises. Are you covered for claims caused by government travel bans, border closures, or mandatory quarantine or self-isolation requirements at your destination?

And what are the catches?

Cancellations, baggage and personal items, sports and activities.

This is the number one reason to buy international travel insurance. Look for the insurer’s benefits table, usually on the quotes screen online or near the front of their PDS, for a quick overview of what they’re offering. Most policies have an ‘unlimited’ sum insured.

Pre-existing conditions

Some insurers don’t cover pre-existing conditions at all. Some will only cover pre-existing conditions with an extra fee and sometimes a medical assessment. Some automatically cover pre-existing conditions listed in their PDS, although few will cover mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety.

Insurers exclude cover for certain pre-existing medical conditions and generally don’t provide cover for any illnesses or incidents that arise from these. This includes terminal illness or any illness that shortens your life expectancy as well as organ transplants.

Minor pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy, osteopenia and more are usually covered if:

the condition has been stable for more than 12 months

there is no planned surgery

you have not received treatment in the past 12 months.

Pre-existing condition spoiling your holiday plans? findaninsurer.com.au lists insurers that may provide cover for pre-existing conditions. Still having trouble finding cover? Enlist the help of an insurance broker.

Examples of conditions that usually need to be assessed before getting cover are coronary problems, lung disease, epilepsy, stroke or any surgeries in the last 2 years.

If in doubt, declare your condition to your insurer.

A disability shouldn’t prevent you from buying travel insurance, but it might make finding a good policy trickier and more expensive.

Is a disability a pre-existing condition?

It depends on the disability and the insurer. Many insurers will automatically cover travellers with limited mobility, cognitive impairments or vision/hearing impairments. But in some cases, this cover may come at an extra cost.

Check with the insurer, as some conditions will need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Having trouble getting cover?

Under the Disability Discrimination Act, insurers must assess the actual risks, rather than make assumptions about disabilities. If you’re having trouble getting insurance, a letter from a medical professional might help, particularly if they can state that you’re not likely to need medical or hospital treatment while on your trip.

Cover for your equipment

If you’re travelling with a wheelchair, mobility aid or hearing aid, you’ll need to insure that as well. Check single item limits, which are usually between $750 and $1,000 per item. If you have a piece of medical equipment that exceeds this, you’ll need to specify it and insure it separately.

Many insurance policies exclude hearing aids, so check the fine print and take out extra insurance if necessary.

Cover for your carer

If you’re travelling with a carer, it’s a good idea to be on the same policy in case travel plans change for either of you – that way you’re both covered. If you have a paid carer, ask your insurer whether they’ll cover the cost of a replacement carer should yours be unable to travel.

Babymooning

If you’re travelling while pregnant, be sure to check the following.

Are you covered for pregnancy complications? Some insurers don’t cover pregnancy at all.
Up until which stage of pregnancy? Pregnancy complications are usually only covered up until a certain stage (often between 23 and 32 weeks, depending on the insurer).
Childbirth: Not all insurers will cover childbirth. A premature birth in the US with intensive care and treatment could end up costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
IVF: Not all insurers will cover IVF pregnancies.
Do you have to pay extra to be covered?
Do you need medical approval to be covered?

Mental health

Many travel insurers won’t provide cover of any kind for hospitalisation, medication or missed travel caused by a mental health condition, whether that’s depression, anxiety or a psychotic episode.

Others will provide cover if you declare mental illness as a pre-existing condition and pay a higher premium. Check the PDS carefully; insurers may use different terms to describe the same mental health conditions, giving them wriggle room to deny a claim.

Insurers are highly unlikely to pay a mental health-related claim if they discover it was a pre-existing condition that you didn’t declare. The trouble is, an insurer might view a single visit to a therapist many years ago because of work stress, for example, as a pre-existing mental health condition.

Mental health and travel insurance have been a contentious issue for consumer rights groups including CHOICE – and it’s one that’s still evolving from a legal standpoint.

To find out if a travel insurance product includes mental health cover, check choice.com.au/travelinsurance , filtering for ‘mental illness related claims’. Then put the PDS under the microscope.

A woman in Victoria won a court case against her insurer after they declined her claim for the cancellation of an overseas trip due to depression. ‘We took out the travel insurance well in advance of the travel, and well before my depression. I was certainly under the impression that I was covered,’ she told CHOICE. ‘They just sent back a letter that said no.’ But her win (the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal awarded her $4,292 for economic loss and a further $15,000 for non-economic loss) was an isolated ruling. It’s still being debated whether or not a general exclusion for mental health claims is legal.

Most policies have an age limit, ranging right up to the 100-year-old seasoned adventurer. There are quite a few catches for older travellers, though.

Higher premiums: Insurers often charge older travellers more, and in some cases ‘older’ can be as young as 50.
Higher excess: Travellers as young as 60 but more commonly over 80 may be subject to a higher excess because of their age. The normal excess of around $100 to $200 is often increased to an excess of $2,000 to $3,000 for travellers 80 years and over for claims that relate to injury or illness.
Restricted conditions: Subject to medical assessment’, ‘reduced medical cover limits’, ‘reduced travel time’, ‘policy to be purchased 6 months in advance’ – all of these conditions can apply to travellers over a certain age.

You’ll probably want to be covered if your travel plans are cancelled for any reason, but be aware that insurers will come up with plenty of excuses to avoid paying up.

Terrorism: Most insurers cover medical expenses but very few cover cancellation expenses in the event of terrorism.
Pandemic or epidemic: Commonly excluded.
Military action: Commonly excluded.
Natural disaster: Covered more often than not.
Travel provider/agent insolvency: Commonly excluded.
Cancellation due to travel provider’s fault: Insurers commonly exclude cover for delays or rescheduling caused by the transport provider.

John* and his partner’s scheduled train service was delayed, seriously diverted, then terminated, which meant they missed their flight home by several hours. Re-booking fees, emergency accommodation and related fees cost them between $1,000 and $1,500, but the insurer wouldn’t pay the claim as it wasn’t in the policy. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

‘Unforeseen’

When an insurer refers to cover for ‘unforeseen circumstances’, it means something that wasn’t publicised in the media or official government websites when you bought the policy. Check the Smartraveller travel advice when you buy your travel insurance. If it became known before you bought the policy, you’re not covered. So the earlier you buy travel insurance, the more likely you are to be covered for the unexpected.

Exclusions and inclusions

When the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) looks at a complaint about an insurer, they expect you to prove the claim is covered by the policy, while the insurer must prove the claim is excluded by the policy. Specifically, AFCA expects you to ‘establish on the balance of probabilities that you suffered a loss caused by an event to which the policy responds’. That is, do you have a valid claim?

This means that you need to understand if your claim is covered under the listed events of the policy, or that it is not specifically excluded by the policy.

If, for example, you have cover for COVID-19, you aren’t covered for every event caused by the pandemic, but just by what is specifically stated in the PDS.

Margaret and Peter* booked a cruise departing from Darwin in March 2021. Shortly before departure, the Northern Territory Government issued a directive no longer allowing cruises to depart from the NT. Margaret and Peter’s cruise company arranged for the cruise to depart from Broome and flew the passengers to Broome for a cost of $300 per person. As Margaret had bought a policy that included some cover for COVID-19, she made a claim for $600. But this was denied by her travel insurer and her subsequent complaint to AFCA was unsuccessful. AFCA said, ‘The cause of the loss was a government directive to not permit the cruise to operate through the NT port. The insurer’s policy provides no cover for these circumstances. It also excludes losses arising from government intervention, prohibition or regulation.’ *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Travel insurance and Smartraveller advice Smartraveller, managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), assigns an overall advice level to more than 175 destinations. This advice level can affect your travel insurance cover. The advice levels are: Level 1 – Exercise normal safety precautions. COVERED. Level 2 – Exercise a high degree of caution. COVERED. Level 3 – Reconsider your need to travel. CHECK. Level 4 – Do not travel. USUALLY NOT COVERED. Travel warnings can work in your favour. If an insurer excludes cover for an event, they may still cover you to change your plans in response to updated advice from Smartraveller. But beware when travelling to a destination that has a ‘Do not travel’ warning. Most standard policies won’t cover you for ‘Do not travel’ destinations, including for COVID-19. A week after a volcanic eruption made world news, Sameer* booked a trip to Bali. He assumed the emergency would be over by the time he was due to fly a month later. Unfortunately, the volcano continued to erupt and Sameer’s flight was cancelled. His insurer declined his claim because he’d bought the flight and insurance after Smartraveller issued a travel alert about the volcanic eruption, and after it had been in the news. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Delays can be expensive, particularly if you have to pay for alternative transport or accommodation. And those extra expenses won’t always be covered.

Transport delay is only covered after a certain number of hours, usually 6, but you may have to wait as long as 12 hours before your cover kicks in.
Cover limits for transport delays are typically lower than other cover limits and are often limited per 24-hour period.
Insurers often exclude cover for rescheduling caused by the transport provider but some may cover additional accommodation and travel expenses in this scenario for travellers who are en route.

Baggage cover varies widely, with travel insurance policies ranging from $0 to $30,000. So, if you’re not carrying expensive items, you may be able to save on your premium by selecting a policy that provides lower coverage.

Individual items are subject to sub-limits that range from around $250 to as much as $5,000.
Higher item limits usually apply for electronic items like laptops, cameras, smartphones and tablets.
You can pay extra to specify items you want extra cover for (insurers are always happy for you to pay extra).
Valuables locked in a car or checked in on an airline, train or bus may not be covered.
Generally, any items left unattended may be excluded from cover, so keep your belongings close.

Jing* sat down to try on a pair of shoes in a busy London shoe shop, placing her handbag next to her on the seat. When she stood up to leave, she discovered her bag was gone. Her insurer refused to pay up because she had left her bag unattended in a public place. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Lost luggage

If an airline loses your luggage temporarily and doesn’t compensate you for that loss, you may be able to claim expenses for clothing, toiletries and other necessities, depending on your policy.

Cover usually only applies to luggage lost for more than 12 hours, though the minimum time limit varies per insurer, as does the level of cover.
If your policy has an excess (a fee that’s deductible from your payout), remember that this applies once per claimed event, and items below the excess level can’t be claimed.

Angelo and Diane* tried to claim $112 for meals and drinks when their connecting flight to Hawaii was delayed by 8 hours. Although their policy technically covered them for the cost, they were liable for an excess of $250, so their claim was denied. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

If you don’t feel like paying the ‘extra insurance’ the car hire company charges, then use the collision damage excess cover in your travel insurance.

Tip: Stick with recognised car rental companies in this case since this cover only applies if the car hire company already has its own comprehensive insurance.

Do you have the right licence?

Some countries require you to have an international driving permit. If you have an accident while driving on the wrong licence (or breaking that country’s law in any other way), you may not be covered.

Cruise-specific insurance

Cruises aren’t automatically included in all travel insurance policies. If you’re going on a cruise, make sure you have the right cover.

The Department of Health says: ‘Cruise ships carry a higher risk for spreading disease compared to other non-essential activities and transport modes. COVID-19, influenza and other infectious diseases such as gastroenteritis spread easily between people living and socialising in close quarters.’

Check travel insurance policies to make sure medical cover for COVID-19 is included, as some policies exclude this cover. Erica* stumbled and broke her femur during stormy seas while on a cruise. Her insurer covered the cost of evacuation and a partial hip replacement at a hospital in Noumea. They also organised and paid for her son to fly to Noumea to help her recover and return home to Australia. Five months later, the well-travelled 82-year-old was boarding a plane to Croatia for her next (fully insured) adventure. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Not leaving Australian waters?

You still need insurance. Doctors working on cruise ships don’t need Medicare provider numbers, so if they treat you, you can’t claim on Medicare or your private health insurance, even if you’re still in Australian waters.

Domestic travel insurance doesn’t cover medical costs, so you need either international travel insurance (check that it covers domestic cruises) or a domestic cruise policy.

Kerry* thought she’d done the right thing buying an annual multi-trip international travel insurance policy for a number of upcoming holidays, one of which was a round-trip cruise departing from and returning to Fremantle, Western Australia, with no port stops. When she had to cancel due to ill health, she discovered her policy wouldn’t cover her because the trip wasn’t considered an international one. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

When CHOICE compares travel insurers, we look at who covers which sports and adventure activities, such as skiing, ballooning, bungee jumping and scuba diving, to name a few.

But as always with insurance, the PDS may include some surprises. For example, several insurers we’ve reviewed will cover canyoning but they won’t cover abseiling, often a necessity in canyoning. Other policies in our comparison will cover abseiling, but not into a canyon.

If you’re planning on doing anything adventurous, check to make sure you’re covered. It’s not enough to simply look for the tick next to your chosen activity – you also need to check the definitions in the PDS.

Motorcycles and mopeds

Hiring a motorcycle or moped? Depending on which country you’re in, you might need a local or international motorcycle licence. You probably won’t be covered if you aren’t obeying the local law. And even if you are doing the right thing under local law, some policies still won’t cover you unless you have a motorcycle licence.

Are you wearing a helmet? Most countries say you need one by law, but that doesn’t mean it will be included in your hire. No helmet means no cover (in more ways than one).

Nhung* was injured after she rented a moped in Thailand only to find out the engine size was not covered by her insurance policy. Most insurers adopt the national standard for the definition of a moped – an engine capacity under 50cc. If the engine is bigger than that, it’s a motorcycle and you’ll need an Australian motorcycle licence. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Skiing and snowboarding

Some insurers cover skiing, often for an extra premium, but not so many cover skiing off-piste (away from the groomed runs). So, if you’re tempted to slide off the beaten path next time you hit the slopes, make sure you have a policy that covers off-piste ski runs (or pay for the optional extra cover).

Otherwise, if you run into a tree and have to be evacuated from the mountains, you may need to think about selling your home to pay for it.

It’s worth remembering that travel insurance only covers overseas costs. So if you break a leg while you’re abroad, your insurer will likely pay your hospital fees, but they won’t cover your ongoing physiotherapy once you’re back home.

Marianna* fractured her leg in 3 places while skiing with her partner and children in Japan. Because the family had bought additional cover for winter sports, they were reimbursed $35,466 for medical expenses, additional transport and accommodation, the cost of a nanny to look after the children, and business class flights back to Australia. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Alcohol and drugs

Overdoing it on vodka and float-tubing down a river isn’t likely to be covered by any policy. Insurers simply won’t pay for costs arising from you being under the influence of alcohol or drugs (except where taken under the advice of a doctor).

Even one or 2 drinks could be enough of an excuse for insurers to get out of paying.

Relatives can be relative Many policies cover the costs to travel home if one of your relatives dies or becomes sick. Bear in mind: an insurer’s definition of a ‘relative’ may differ from yours cover is usually dependent on the age of that relative, so the death of your 84-year-old grandma may not be covered your relatives are subject to the same pre-existing condition exclusions as you, so if your 84-year-old grandma died from a known heart condition, you may not be covered. you may be able to apply for your relative’s pre-existing condition to be assessed before you buy the policy. cover is limited to relatives that live in Australia, or in some cases New Zealand. So if your 84-year-old grandma is in China, you won’t be covered to fly there for her funeral. Amanda* and her husband had booked an overseas diving trip, but shortly before the trip Amanda’s mum passed away from pneumonia. They cancelled their trip and incurred cancellation costs and lost deposits of nearly $13,000. As the death of a parent was covered in their policy, Amanda made a claim. Their insurer denied the claim as Amanda’s mum lived in the United States and was undergoing treatment for lung cancer, so the insurer concluded that her death was caused by a pre-existing condition. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

So you’ve booked and paid for your holiday through a travel agent, but then the travel agent goes broke. You’ll get your money back, right? Not necessarily.

Only a few insurers will cover you for the insolvency of a travel provider, and that includes hotels, airlines and other transport companies that might go broke overnight (remember Ansett?). But there are a few ways to safeguard your hard-earned holiday.

Check whether your insurer covers you for insolvency.
Check whether your travel agent has insolvency insurance (this isn’t compulsory, so only some will have it).
Pay with your credit card. Some banks allow a chargeback if you pay for something on your credit card and don’t end up actually getting it.

Tip: Don’t accept any dodgy contract terms that require you to give up your chargeback rights.

2 out of 3 travellers assume their travel insurance will cover insolvency, but in 2017 less than a third of insurers actually provided this cover.

Credit card travel insurance

Some credit cards come with complimentary travel insurance. They’ll cover you for all the usual things like medical emergencies, cancellation and protection for baggage and items. But they do differ from standalone policies, so it’s essential you check the fine print.

Fees: You’ll pay a premium for these credit cards, usually between $100 and $450 per year.
Excess: The excess on credit card policies tends to be fixed at a higher rate (usually around $250), whereas it’s more variable on standalone policies.
Age limits: Some credit card policies have no age limit, which can be handy for older travellers.
Regions: Credit card travel insurance is not based on location, which means you can travel from Europe to the US without having to worry if your policy covers both areas. Bear in mind though that some regions (such as countries under United Nations embargo) may be excluded, and sometimes with US underwriters, travel to Cuba is excluded.
Baggage cover: Credit card insurance often offers higher coverage for baggage loss and damage.
Trip duration: Credit card insurance policies vary in how many days of coverage they’ll give you per trip – anywhere from a few weeks to 365 days – so check your limit if you’re going on a long holiday.
Pre-existing conditions: Chances are your credit card insurance won’t automatically cover your pre-existing condition. You’ll need to call your insurer and see if you need to pay an extra fee or premium.
Domestic travel: Credit card insurance doesn’t apply to domestic travel, although some cards will reimburse expenses associated with domestic flight delays and missed connections to international flights.
Making a claim: You may not be able to claim reimbursement unless you pay for purchases (such as emergency items after a baggage delay) with the same credit card.

27% of travellers who plan to buy travel insurance will get it through their credit card.

Is it activated?

Credit card insurance usually activates when you buy your air tickets (or sometimes other transport or accommodation expenses) using your card.

Policies require a minimum spend to activate – usually around $500. So if you scored your tickets on sale for $499, you won’t be covered.
If you want cover for your spouse or dependants, you must also buy their tickets on your card.
Some policies only activate if you book a return ticket. A one-way flight, or even 2 one-way flights, will leave you uninsured.
Some banks require you to notify them in order to get full coverage for each trip. While base coverage will still give you emergency medical treatment, you might not get coverage for property damage or luggage delays. Check whether you need to do anything to activate any extra features.
Some cards will cover you if you use rewards points to buy your tickets. Others won’t.

Is it worth it?

If you already have a credit card and use it regularly, the free comprehensive travel insurance on your card can save you money. And if you’re a regular traveller without a credit card, it’s worth considering if you travel at least once a year or every second year internationally.

David* booked a trip to North America for himself and his family, including his 11-year-old daughter Petra. The trip was cancelled because Petra got pneumonia. Unfortunately, David only activated his credit card travel insurance about an hour before the family was scheduled to fly out of Australia. The travel insurer denied his claim for cancellation costs because he knew about his daughter’s illness when he activated the policy. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Have you been knocked back on an insurance claim and want to dispute it?

Internal dispute resolution

Complain to the insurer first. They’ll usually keep you up to date about the progress of your complaint every 10 business days.

Once you’ve lodged your case and all the supporting information and documents, the insurer has 45 days to complete its internal dispute resolution process.

External dispute resolution

If you aren’t happy with the insurer’s decision, you can take your complaint to the Australian Financial Complaint Authority (AFCA). They’ll handle your case for free.

The AFCA will mediate between you and the insurer to find a resolution.
If mediation is unsuccessful, they may make a preliminary assessment or give a determination straight away on your dispute.
A determination is legally binding on the insurer but not on you.
There’s no appeal process with AFCA.
For more information, visit afca.org.au .

Legal action

If you’re unhappy with the AFCA determination, you might want to consider taking legal action against the insurance company.

Keep your travel insurance details with you at all times while on your trip and share them with family or friends before you leave.

Travelling to Fiji

Planning your trip.

We’ve compiled everything you need to know about travelling to Fiji right here. Stay informed with the latest Fiji travel updates for a hassle-free holiday.

Effective 14 February 2023, international travellers arriving into Fiji by air or sea will no longer be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and travel insurance to enter Fiji. However, its a good idea to ensure you understand your country's latest restrictions on travelling to and from Fiji. These are fluid and may include mandatory tests and quarantine requirements upon your return.

Accommodation & Activity Bookings

What’s a holiday without peace of mind? Resorts, hotels and activity operators are Care Fiji Committed (CFC) and open to all travellers. This means that they’ve adopted WHO-approved health and safety practices throughout their business and can assist you should you feel unwell. We've created a list of businesses that have made the Care Fiji Commitment to help you plan your holiday.

Vaccinations

Effective 14 February 2023, international travellers arriving into Fiji by air or sea will no longer be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and travel insurance to enter Fiji.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not mandatory,  but it is recommended.

Returning home

With your holiday over, it’ll be time to say goodbye to Fiji and hello to the reality of heading home. Make sure you’re familiar with your country’s requirements for returning home.

Test Requirements

Depending on your country's return requirements, you may need to be tested for COVID-19 before you fly home. Costs for a Rapid Antigen test (RAT) starts from approximately $30FJD. Some countries require a PCR test which starts from approximately $200 FJD. Please note that testing costs will vary. Please also take note of age groups that need to be tested as per your country's requirements. All RAT and PCR test requirements needed for your return home will be managed at your hotel. Speak to them about your tests when you check in so that they have ample time to arrange. If you intend to stay with family or friends, you will need to book your required tests to return home at locations outside a hotel. (See FAQs 'Returning Home' section for locations). UNITED STATES OF AMERICA If you're travelling to Fiji and then on to the United States of America within 10 days of leaving China, Hong Kong or Macau, you may be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 2 days before departure. CHINA If you are returning to mainland China and Hong Kong, please check with the Chinese Embassy in Suva or the Chinese Embassy in your connecting flight destination for the most current testing and entry requirements.

What If I Feel Unwell or Test Positive for Covid-19 In Fiji?

You are not required to test for COVID-19 but you can if you want to if you feel unwell and have COVID-19 like symptoms. If you test positive you’re staying at a Care Fiji Commitment (CFC) property, alert your resort’s Wellness Ambassador. They have plans and procedures in place that can help you isolate comfortably in your resort. They will put you in touch with the relevant medical authorities.  Hotel isolation for guests who test positive for COVID-19 is 5 days.  A "fit to fly" certificate will be issued after this isolation period to allow a return home in the event the tourist still tests positive, depending on their home country's requirements.  Testing Positive A small number of countries require you to test before you can return home. So, depending on your home-country’s entry requirements, you may be needed to test towards the end of your Fiji holiday Hotel Isolation If You Test Positive for COVID.  If you test positive for COVID-19 in Fiji, you will be required to isolate at your hotel, or another 'overflow' facility to start a 5-day isolation period. A PCR test can be requested to verify the result if required by your insurance company. Formal isolation ends after 5 full days if you feel fever-free for 24 hours and other symptoms have improved.   Hotel Isolation for Close Contacts Who Test Negative Negative close contacts can choose to join you in isolation or stay in their original accommodation.       Negative close contacts who do not isolate should test if they experience any symptoms.  If they test positive on a COVID-19 test, a 5-day isolation period will commence. Returning Home after Isolation  To re-enter your home country, you may need to comply with your country’s testing requirements to confirm that you are negative or no longer infectious.    If you continue to test positive after a 5-day isolation, a medical certificate will be provided by Fiji health officers confirming that you are no longer infectious – this is known as a Fit to Fly certificate  If you have travel insurance, please ensure that it is adequate to cover any unexpected extra days in Fiji due to a positive case.  Please continuously review updates to your country’s evolving re-entry protocols for citizens who have contracted COVID-19 while travelling overseas.

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