cruise travel insurance australia post

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Australia Post Travel Insurance can help protect you from the unexpected, whether you're travelling the world or closer to home. To view cover options, we just need a little information from you.

About your trip

Where will you spend most of your trip, area of travel.

Where you travel to will influence your premium. You will need to choose/enter the main destination/country based on where you will spend the most time on your journey.

Travelling to the Americas or Africa? If you'll be spending 20% or more of your trip in the Americas or Africa, you must select "Anywhere in the world" or " Worldwide including the Americas or Africa" or enter and select a country of the Americas or Africa (no matter where you are going before or after).

What about a cruise?

In Australia (e.g. on the Murray River) or in Australian coastal waters (e.g. a Kimberley Cruise) - Please choose or enter "Australia"

From a port in Australia to another port or ports in Australia without any stopover at a port outside of Australia (e.g. a 'Sampler Cruise', a cruise from Sydney to Brisbane) - Please choose or enter "Domestic Cruising".

Overseas (e.g. a European river cruise, 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 choose or enter the main area or destination/country based on where you will spend the most time on your trip.

Looking for an Annual Multi-Trip policy? Please enter and select the country or region which will cover all the countries you plan on visiting over the year and where you will spend the most time taking into account the 20% rule above for the Americas and Africa. Cover includes domestic journeys if the destination is more than 250 kilometres from home or, if less than that, Your trip must include at least one night paid accommodation booked with an accommodation supplier or provider (including a hotel, Bed & Breakfast (B&B), serviced apartment or peer to peer service such as Airbnb).

• Not Sure? See region List
• Afghanistan
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• All of Africa
• All of North America
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• All of the Americas
• Antarctica (Cruising)
• Antigua And Barbuda
• Anywhere in the world
• Ascension Island
• Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
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• South Africa
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• São Tomé and Príncipe
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• United States of America
• Virgin Islands, U.S.
• Antarctica - Sightseeing Flight
• Norfolk Island
• All of South Pacific
• All of the Pacific
• American Samoa
• Australia - Domestic Cruise
• Cook Islands
• French Polynesia
• New Caledonia
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• South West Pacific Cruise
• Guernsey (Channel Islands)
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• Northern Ireland
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• Lao People's Democratic Republic
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• Philippines
• New Zealand

When are you going?

When is your trip .

Enter the dates you leave home and arrive home. Consider time differences/zones and travel times.

If you've already left home and are on your trip, this cover is subject to a 3-day no-cover period.

Current age of travellers

Do all travellers:

Currently live in Australia and hold a valid Australian Medicare card or visa allowing them to live, work or study in Australia?

Check our travel alerts and advisories for known world events that may affect the cover.

COVID-19 Cover for Overseas Medical Expenses. Further terms and conditions apply, including:

• $Unlimited ~medical cover is included under Section 1: Overseas Medical Expenses (including emergency repatriation/evacuation) if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 overseas. (~ Cover will not exceed 12 months from onset of the illness)
• Includes 24/7 Overseas medical and emergency assistance.
• This policy does not cover any claims for amendment or cancellation costs caused by, or related to, COVID-19.
• There is no COVID-19 cover for travel to a country on Smart Traveller's Do Not Travel list , border closures or travel bans.

You have a duty to take reasonable care not to make a misrepresentation when entering this contract of insurance.

By continuing, you acknowledge and understand the above.

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Cruise travel insurance

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

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In this guide

Do you need special travel insurance for a cruise?

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

Destinations

What you need to know

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jo McCauley CEO - Southern Cross Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meet our travel expert Angus Kidman

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

Angus's top cruise insurance tips

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

Why you can trust Finder's travel insurance experts

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Do i need cover for each location i visit.

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

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

Does cruise travel insurance cover me if I get sick?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not necessarily, so check the fine print. You may need to purchase an additional adventure sports pack to make sure you have the cover you need.

What region should I include when getting cruise insurance?

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

Gary Ross Hunter

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

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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.

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

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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..

Fact-checked

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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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

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.

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

Cruise Travel Insurance

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

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

Why Travel With Us for a Cruise Trip?

Cruise Travel Insurance Benefits:

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

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

Which destination to select for your cruise journey :

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

Dubai & The UAE

On Tuesday 16 th   April 2024 and Wednesday 17 th   April 2024, a severe weather event effected Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The weather event has caused mass flooding of the streets that lead to the main international airport. Dubai’s airport has been closed since Tuesday 16th April 2024 and is still closed. All flights are currently being diverted.

If you are in the United Arab Emirates and need emergency assistance, call us on +61 2 8320 7999 or email us at [email protected] .

• 1300 409 322 Australian Based Call Centre

Travel Insurance For Australian & International Cruise

The following information applies to policies purchased from 30th October 2023 onwards. For policies purchased prior to 30th October 2023: you can find the PDS relevant to you in your policy confirmation email, by logging into MyPolicy , or you can contact us for assistance.

What is cruise insurance?

Cruise travel insurance provides you with cover in case of emergencies on-board the cruise ship as well as on any shore excursions.

Whether you’re taking a cruise from Australia to the USA or the other way round, planning to enjoy a cruise trip around Asia, or simply taking an around Australia cruise, accidents and other unforeseen events like losing your luggage can happen. And that’s why you should consider travel insurance for cruises. With the right cruise insurance policy you can ensure you have cover for unexpected medical, hospital, evacuation and repatriation expenses.

All of our cruise policies include unlimited access to an experienced   Emergency Assistance   team available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. If you run into trouble or need advice while on your cruise holiday, help is just a phone call away from anywhere in the world.

And if you have an existing medical condition , we may be able to help - our travel insurance can provide cover for many existing medical conditions. Check out our Medical Conditions page for more information about medical screening for your existing medical and pregnancy conditions including information about the General Exclusions that may apply*.

Australian Cruise Insurance

Australians love to cruise ! And being the sixth largest country on the planet, and the world’s largest island, that’s a whole lot of coastline for you to explore!

Even if your cruise is along the Australian coastline, your domestic cruise plans may still hit a snag (figuratively speaking!). Buying Australian cruise ship travel insurance can help if sudden illness, injury or severe weather prevents you from starting or even continuing your cruise.

5 Things you should know about travel insurance for Australian domestic cruising

• Evacuation or repatriation cover in medical emergencies is included.
• You can be covered for unexpected cancellation to protect the deposits you’ve already paid for your cruise.
• Medical screening is available for your medical conditions.
• A huge list of leisure and sport activities are cover ed , including snorkelling, fishing, body boarding and helicopter rides.
• Your cruise policy can cover you whilst you're on your cruise ship and also while you're sightseeing on land.

Domestic Cruise Travel Insurance

Domestic cruise insurance provides you with cover while you’re cruising along the Australian coastline and sleeping onboard the cruise ship.

If you’re simply taking a ferry ride for a few hours in the harbour or just going on a river cruise, you can purchase our Domestic Plus travel insurance .

Do I need travel insurance for cruises in Australian waters?

Even if you’re simply taking cruises around the Australian coast, it’s a good idea to be covered just in case something unexpected happens: you may have to cancel your Australian cruise before you’re even able to leave your home due to an unexpected sickness or injury, not be able to continue your domestic cruise trip because you’ve injured yourself while embarking or disembarking, or accidentally drop and damage your phone while taking photos of the stunning view.

Another reason to consider buying domestic cruise travel insurance is that you may be injured whilst visiting a remote location, and need to be evacuated to where the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) or ambulance is able to pick you up to take you to a medical facility for treatment.

Buying Australian domestic cruise travel insurance can reimburse you for your unexpected expenses or provide you with evacuation cover.

What is included in travel insurance for an Australian cruise?

The cover that you can have for your domestic cruise will depend on the type of travel insurance you choose to buy. You can have cover for:

You unexpectedly cancelling your domestic cruise

The Cancellation benefit can reimburse you for the payments or deposits you’ve already made towards your trip, not just for the cruise around Australia itself, but also any domestic flights, accommodation and excursions.

This benefit provides you with cover before you leave for your cruise, and also during your cruise if you have to cut your trip short due to a sickness or injury.

You have cover for many activities that may be offered on your cruise in Australia, including snorkelling, paddle boarding, diving up to 10m and fishing.

Into adventure cruising? With the Adventure Pack add-on , you can be covered for more adventurous activities including scuba diving up to a maximum depth of 30m, water skiing and deep sea fishing.

Emergency evacuation transfer to medical transport

The emergency evacuation benefit provides cover for you to be evacuated to where you can be picked up by air or land ambulance, or the Royal Flying Doctor Service in the event of a medical emergency.

Luggage and personal belongings

Cameras, hearing aids, phones and the other personal belongings that you bring with you on your domestic cruise can be covered under the luggage and personal belongings benefit .

Disruptions to your trip

If your cruise around Australia is disrupted because you, your travelling companion or a family member back home is seriously sick or injured or a natural disaster prevents your cruise from continuing, you can claim for the additional transport and accommodation expenses that you incur.

Travel delay expenses

If your planned transport is delayed for more than 6 hours from your scheduled departure time, you can claim for the travel delay expenses that you may incur as a result of the delay, including accommodation, food and taxi fares.

Special event transport expenses

If your booked transport is delayed or cancelled, which means you’ll miss your domestic cruise, you can be reimbursed for the cost of another mode of transport to get you cruising on time.

Theft of Cash

You can claim to be reimbursed for cash up to $250, if this cash is stolen from you while you’re on-board your ship or from a secure locked compartment.

What Australian cruises can I have cover for?

Cruises that take you along the Australian coastline, along rivers and estuaries can be covered by Australian cruise travel insurance.

Some of these cruises include:

• Kimberley region (Broome to Cockatoo Island, Exmouth, Wyndham, Mitchell Plateau, Darwin back to Broome or reverse)
• Rowley Shoals
• Montebello Islands
• Western Australian coastline (Freemantle to Broome or reverse)
• Albrohos Islands
• Great Barrier Reef
• Sydney to Hobart
• Southern Australian coastline
• Arnhem Land
• Torres Strait Islands

If you’re not sure if Australian cruise travel insurance can provide cover you for your type of cruise, contact us now to confirm via email [email protected] or phone 1300 409 322 .

What isn’t included in Australian cruise travel insurance?

We are not able to cover the following:

Medical Cover

As you can use your Medicare Card or private health insurance to cover your medical expenses or hospitalisation, there’s no medical cover for domestic cruises (including for out of pocket expenses).

Delay of luggage and personal effects

If your luggage is delayed, misdirected or misplaced by your airline or cruise operator, you should contact your airline or the cruise line as soon as you can.

Lost or stolen credit/debit cards or fraud

You should notify your bank immediately if your credit or debit cards are lost, stolen or damaged.

Cruising that does not follow the coastline

We can only provide cover for domestic cruises that follow the Australian coastline, along rivers and estuaries. Any domestic cruises which take you out into open waters away from the Australian mainland are not able to be covered under Australian cruise travel insurance, including cruises that cruise in the region of or stop at:

• Ashmore Reef
• Christmas Island
• Cocos (Keeling) Islands
• Lord Howe Island
• Norfolk Island
• Thursday Island

You do not need Australian cruise travel insurance if you are only taking a river cruise. For river cruises, you can purchase Domestic Travel Insurance .

For cruising in open waters away from the Australian mainland, you can purchase international cruise travel insurance .

If you’re unsure if your domestic cruise can be covered, contact us now via email [email protected] or phone 1300 409 322 to confirm.

Will Medicare cover me for a cruise in Australia?

Cruises along the Australian coast give you the advantage over an overseas trip: if you’re sick or injured, you’ll be admitted to an Australian hospital and be treated by Australian doctors, and you can use your Medicare card and your private health insurance to cover the medical expenses.

Does cruise travel insurance cover time on land?

When you’re on shore excursions on the mainland, travel insurance for domestic cruising can provide you with cover for:

• Trip disruptions if you or your travelling companion become sick or injured while you’re seeing the sights
• Lost, stolen or damaged belongings, including phones or cameras

How does the Repatriation or Evacuation benefit work?

If you’re seriously sick or injured in a remote location and need urgent medical assistance, you should contact our Emergency Assistance Team on   02 8320 7999  or the AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) on   1800 641 792   / +61 2 6230 6811 to arrange an evauation for you. 

The repatriation and evacuation benefit provides for any necessary private transport (e.g. a helicopter or seaplane) to pick you up and transfer you to where an ambulance or the Royal Flying Doctor Service can take over.

As you’re travelling domestically, there’s no cover under your domestic cruise travel insurance for medical costs in Australia, including air ambulance (plane or helicopter), the Royal Flying Doctor Service or road ambulance. Once you’re transported to a location where an ambulance or Royal Flying Doctor Service are able to pick you up, your Medicare card or private health insurance can be used for any medical expenses that you incur.

Can I get travel insurance for my Australian cruise?

 travel insurance for australian cruises is available to:.

• Travellers up to the age of 89.
• Australian citizens, permanent and temporary residents.
• Travellers who have paid for their domestic cruise up to 12 months in advance and want to take advantage of the cancellation benefit, in case they’re not able to go on their cruise because of unexpected sickness or injury.
• If you’re pregnant and considering going on a babymoon cruise before your baby arrives, you should check out our Medical Conditions page for more information about medical screening if you have a pregnancy condition, including information about the General Exclusions that may apply*.
• Travellers who are intending to do adventure activities  such as snorkelling, diving, fishing or helicopter flights. You should check to see if the activity is  covered  or if you need to add the Adventure Pack to your policy for the activity to be covered.

 Australian cruising travel insurance can be purchased by:

• Duo travellers  including spouses, couples, de facto, siblings, cousins, friends and work mates
• Families  including grandparents travelling with their grandchildren and multi-generational travellers
• Singles or solo travellers

What is the best cruise travel insurance in Australia?

The best travel insurance for domestic cruising is one that’s able to cover you for the type of cruise and other activities you're planning on doing.

When looking for a travel insurance policy for your domestic cruise, you should consider what you’re going to be doing and what you want to be covered for, such as:

• Have you booked your cruise in advance, and are worried that an unexpected illness or injury will cause you to cancel your trip?
• Will you be cruising to remote areas such as the Kimberley or Great Barrier Reef and may need emergency medical evacuation if you become sick or injure yourself?
• Do you have a new camera and you’re worried that it will be stolen?
• Do you need cover in case you want to do some scuba diving?
• Are you concerned that a natural disaster may delay your cruise or even cause it to be cancelled?

These considerations should be taken into account when you compare cruise travel insurance policies, so you understand what you’re covered for before and during your cruise.

Where can I get cheap cruise travel insurance in Australia?

Everyone’s holidays are different. You may be travelling purely for your cruise, or you may choose to holiday a few days before and after the cruise to do some sightseeing, rent a car or visit family and friends, so the cost of travel insurance for your domestic cruise will be specific to you.

The cheapest domestic cruising travel insurance policy that you can find may not be the best cruising travel insurance for you.

The cost of travel insurance for your Australian cruise will take into account such things as:

• The ages of all travellers.
• How far out from your departure date you’re purchasing your cruise travel insurance policy (if you want cancellation cover to protect the deposits that you’ve made for your cruise trip)
• How long you’re cruising and travelling for in total.
• The activities that you’ll be doing.
• Whether or not you’re hiring a rental car on the trip and want to have cover for the rental vehicle insurance excess.
• The excess amount on your policy.

How can I buy travel insurance for cruising in Australia?

As the cruise is in Australia, you should select 'Australia', choose “Yes” to the Cruise option, and select the answer which best describe your cruise. This will ensure that you have cover while you’re on the mainland and also while on your cruise. If you do not select “Yes” when asked about going on a cruise, you won’t have cover if you go on a cruise in Australia.

You can get a quote online , send an email to [email protected] or call our friendly and helpful team to put together a quote for you on 1300 409 322 .

Can I get Fast Cover domestic cruise travel insurance for seniors?

Yes you can! Domestic cruise insurance for Australian seniors is available for travellers up to the age of 89.

So if you’re keen on a holiday along Australian shores, you can buy domestic cruise travel insurance to cover you just in case things don’t go to plan.

When should I buy my Australian cruise travel insurance?

It’s up to you when you purchase your cruise travel insurance cover. You can purchase it:

• Up to 12 months before your cruise departs, after you’ve paid your deposit.
• Up to the day that you board your plane to get to your cruise.
• Up to the day you board your cruise.

When considering when to buy travel insurance for your domestic cruise, you should keep in mind that the Cancellation benefit is activated when you purchase your cruise travel insurance policy (if it is included in the policy that you have chosen).  This is particularly useful because many cruises can be booked up to 12 months in advance.

The cancellation benefit provides you with cover in the event that you have to unexpectedly cancel your cruise in Australia due to sickness, injury or a natural disaster like bushfires. If you have cancellation cover on your cruise travel insurance, and you can’t go on your cruise, you can be reimbursed for the prepayments that you’ve already made for your trip, including the domestic cruise itself, flights, accommodation and tours.

Buying travel insurance for your Australian cruise can give you the option to explore Australia’s unique coastline, and the out of the way areas that you wouldn’t normally be able to access on a larger cruise ship.

Cruising in Australia

There are two type of cruises that you can take in Australia, and the key difference is in the size of the cruise ship itself:

Large ship cruising

Large ship cruises take you out into the sea or ocean from a couple of days to several weeks or even months and can accommodate more than 200 passengers.

Some companies who offer this type of cruising in Australia include P&O, Carnival, Princess and Royal Caribbean.

If you’re interested in finding out more about large ship or international cruising, check out our Cruise travel insurance page.

Small ship cruising

Small ship cruises take you along the Australian coastline and can explore rivers and estuaries and have a capacity up to 200 passengers.

The companies who offer this type of cruising include Kimberley Expeditions , Odyssey Expeditions , Coral Expeditions and Kimberley Quest .

What small ship cruise expeditions are available?

With such a vast coastline such as Australia’s, the domestic cruising itineraries are as varied as they are interesting, and include:

• Kimberley cruise travel insurance

A west coast cruise in the Kimberley region can go from Broome to Cockatoo Island, Exmouth, Wyndham, Mitchell Plateau, Darwin, Broome or reverse, and may include a trip to the Rowley Shoals.

Great Barrier Reef cruise travel insurance

As one of the natural wonders of the world, a Great Barrier Reef cruise should be on all our lists. Cruises depart Cairns to Cairns or Gold Coast.

Tasmania cruise travel insurance

Hobart to Hobart cruises and can be Tasmania circumnavigation cruise.

West Coast cruise travel insurance

Explore Western Australia’s coastline from Freemantle to Broome or reverse and may include the Albrohos Islands.

Sydney cruise travel insurance

Sydney to Sydney cruises operate for 3 to 4 days and some include exploration of the Sydney’s Hawkesbury River.

Rowley Shoals travel insurance

The Rowley Shoals is three reefs located 190 nautical miles west of Broome off the Western Australia coast.

Cape York, Torres Strait or Arnhem Land cruise travel insurance

There are a variety of cruises that cruise across the top part of Australia visiting various ports. These top end cruises can go from Cairns to Broome (or reverse) and visit Cape York, Torres Strait and Arnhem Land. 

South Australia cruise travel insurance

Cruises offered include Adelaide to Ceduna.

Sydney to Hobart cruise travel insurance

The Sydney to Hobart race without the stress! Watch the start of the race and then leisurely trail the fleet in comfort.

Some companies which offer these domestic cruise options include:

• Kimberley Expeditions
• Odyssey Expeditions
• Coral Expeditions
• Kimberley Quest
• Kimberley Pearl
• Lady M Cruising

Why should I do an Australian cruise?

Want action, relaxation, adventure, scenery and luxury? If you’ve already been on worldwide cruises, not keen on rubbing shoulders with a few thousand other happy travellers on a large cruise ship, and wary about a potential mass transmission of diseases and viruses including COVID-19 , or you simply want to explore more of Australia, domestic cruising may be the Australian cruise holiday you’ve always dreamt of.

Some other benefits of taking a cruise along the Australian coastline include:

• Access to little seaside towns, remote sites and natural habitats which the larger cruise ships aren’t able to get to. These shore excursions are usually included in the price of the cruise.
• You can leave your passport at home.
• Small group cruising means a more personal experience and less waiting around.
• No hassles with foreign exchange rates.
• You can use your Medicare card or private health insurance for medical expenses.

Australian Cruise Travel Insurance FAQs

Does travel insurance cover cruises.

Yes, with Fast Cover you can take out cruise travel insurance, which can provide evacuation and repatriation cover while you’re on your cruise ship. Travel insurance for cruising can also cover you while you’re seeing the sights on the mainland.

• Cruise health and safety guide
• Cruise travel insurance guide
• Australian cruise travel insurance

Who has the best travel insurance in Australia?

It depends on what you want to be covered for! You should compare travel insurance policies to find the best travel insurance that suits the type of trip that you want to do.

What should my travel insurance policy for a cruise include?

The benefits that you should look for in cruise travel insurance include cover for cancellation, evacuation and repatriation, disruptions to your trip and lost or damaged luggage.

Cruise Travel Insurance Guide

• What things do you need to know about travel insurance for cruising?
• What can you be covered for on your cruise holiday?
• Why should you buy cruise travel insurance?
• Do you need cruise travel insurance if you're taking a cruise in Australian waters?
• Do you need cruise travel insurance if you're taking a river cruise?

Click Here to read the  Cruise Travel Insurance Guide , find answers to your questions or get a  Cruise Travel Insurance Quote .

Do I need insurance for domestic cruising?

The unexpected can happen even while you’re travelling along the Australian coastline: injury, sickness, natural disasters and lost or stolen belongings. Domestic cruise insurance can provide you with repatriation and evacuation cover.

Cover is subject to the policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions in the  Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) .

I am doing a cruise and drive holiday. What type of policy should I take out?

You should take out a cruise policy for the relevant region that you will be travelling to. A cruise policy will cover you for both the land and sea portions of your trip.

Cover is subject to the policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions.in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) .

What region do I choose if I am doing a cruise in Australian waters?

If you will be cruising in Australian waters, choose the Domestic region and select 'Yes' to the question 'Going on a cruise?'

All cruises in Australian waters, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands will default to the 'Domestic and Pacific with Cruise' region.

^ Price as at 20/03/2024 compared to the price calculated today for this policy.

* See Product Disclosure Statement for full terms and conditions and exclusions and limits that apply.

† Fast Cover has a referral arrangement with this company.

The entity that referred you does not act for Fast Cover and may receive remuneration from us. You can ask them or us for more details. Make sure any information listed in any quote provided remains accurate and if not, please change it on our website.

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Home > Travel Insurance > Australia Post Travel Insurance Review

Australia Post Travel Insurance Review

Learn more about Australia Post’s travel insurance policies to find out about their coverage and fees and compare them with other insurers today.  

Fact checked

No longer just a post office where you can send and receive mail, Australia Post has branched out into offering banking services, currency conversion and travel insurance policies. These policies are backed by Cover-More, one of the world’s largest providers of protection for holidays.

If you’ve got your eye on one of Australia Post’s travel insurance policies, comparing with Savvy lets you see how it fares against other insurers. By considering your options with us, you’re able to do a side-by-side comparison of policies to weigh up which is best for you.

Find out more about Australia Post’s travel insurance policies, get a quote and compare with Savvy today.

*Please note that Savvy doesn’t represent Australia Post for its travel insurance products.

More about Australia Post travel insurance

What travel insurance policies does australia post offer.

Australia Post offers three standalone travel insurance policies that cover you while you’re on holiday, including:

• International Comprehensive Plan: this is Australia Post’s top level of international cover and affords you protection for overseas medical and dental costs, the expense of replacing or repairing your luggage if it’s stolen or damaged, pre-trip cancellation and any travel delays. You’re also covered if the cash you’re carrying is stolen and if you need to pause your trip to return home due to an emergency.
• International Basic Plan: this type of discount travel insurance policy covers you for any medical expenses overseas and additional expenses and pays out if you become disabled, die by accident or are found personally liable for an accident or injury to another person. You won’t be covered for your bags or personal items, including if you lose your travel documents.
• Domestic: this policy covers you for any additional expenses, amending and cancelling bookings, the loss of your travel documents and the excess on a rental car. You’re also covered if you need to cancel your domestic trip due because you’ve contracted COVID-19 and are required to self-isolate.
• Annual Multi-Trip: this policy is tailored to those who are making frequent domestic or international trips over 12 months. You’re able to make an unlimited number of trips, so long as they’re at least 250km from your home.

Whether you're going on a trip to the UK or a camping trip in the Australian outback, it's important to compare quotes and policies with Savvy so you can check how Australia Post’s products stack up to other companies and potentially score a discount on your policy.

What optional extras are available through Australia Post’s travel insurance policies?

Australia Post offers a few optional extras that you can tack onto your standalone travel insurance policy. These include:

• Cruise cover: if you’re taking a cruise of more than two nights, you can purchase this optional extra which covers you for travelling on a multi-night ocean liner domestically or internationally. You’re covered for all your medical treatment onboard the vessel, emergency evacuation if you need to abandon ship and missing your port.
• Increased luggage item limits: taking valuables with you on a trip? You may wish to increase your baggage cover if the total value of those belongings exceeds the limit specified in the PDS.
• Motorcycle cover: this is protection for those who intend to either ride as a passenger or the driver of a motorbike or moped while on their vacation. In addition to having insurance, there are other requirements, such as having the proper paperwork, wearing a helmet and having an engine capacity of less than 250cc.
• Winter sports: this protects you if you plan on going skiing, snowboarding or snowmobiling during your trip.

What exclusions should I be aware of when buying through Defence Health Travel Insurance?

Some of the general exclusions on Australia Post’s travel insurance policies include:

• Breaking the law
• Accidents caused by consuming alcohol or drugs
• Attempted suicide or self-inflicted injuries
• Complications with pregnancies after the 24th week
• Travelling against the advice of your doctors
• Elective surgery or body modification procedures
• Travelling to a destination against Australian government advice

If you’ve found a travel insurance policy that draws your eye, make sure you review the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before you set your decision in stone.

What we think of Australia Post’s travel insurance

What we like, hefty hire car excess cover.

Australia Post's comprehensive and domestic travel insurance policies have a $10,000 excess for rental vehicle insurance, which is higher than most insurers who offer between $4,000 and $8,000.

Longer to make a claim

Unlike many other travel insurance companies who give you just 30 days to file a claim, Australia Post allows you to take up to 60 days from the moment you return from your holiday to file a claim.

High personal liability cover

While most of their competitors offer between $1 million and $2. 5 million in personal liability coverage, Australia Post offers coverage of up to $5 million.

What we don't like

Limited covid-19 coverage.

You may want to look elsewhere for COVID-19 insurance if you're looking for the most complete coverage possible. Multi-night cruises, as well as cancellation and amendment coverage, aren’t included.

Less pregnancy cover than other insurers

If you’ve got a baby on the way, Australia Post only covers you up to the 24th week of gestation, which is less than some other providers on the market. You may also not be covered if you’ve had prior complications or are expecting twins.

No one-way coverage

Australia Post doesn’t sell one-way travel insurance policies, unlike a few other providers who make them part and parcel of their standard offerings.

Types of travel insurance

International.

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

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

Single trip

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

Annual multi-trip

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

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

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

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

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

Adventure sports

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

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

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

Why compare travel insurance with Savvy?

Reputable insurance partners, fast and convenient online process.

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

Competitive quote costs

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

Frequently asked questions about Australia Post’s travel insurance

Yes – Australia Post covers the cost of medical or hospital expenses due to COVID-19 on your holiday. They’ll also provide you coverage if you need to book additional accommodation or travel because of a COVID-19 diagnosis, isolate while you get tested or die as a result of coronavirus. However, as mentioned, they don’t cover cancellations or amendments to your holiday.

If you need to make a claim on your Australia Post travel insurance, the organisation has an easy-to-use claims portal you can provide details of your claim, upload documents and submit your claim. According to Australia Post’s PDS, once your claim is lodged it can take up to ten business days for a decision to be handed down.

Unlike other aspects of your travel arrangements, travel insurance doesn’t have an average cost or one-size-fits-all price to follow. Instead, the price you’ll pay is down to a set of unique variables including:

• Destination (for example, if you’re heading to Canada , your travel insurance may be more expensive than heading to Greece because of the difference in health care)
• Level of coverage
• Optional extras you choose
• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Chosen policy excess
• Type of insurer and insurance policy you purchase

Single-trip travel insurance policies only cover you for one holiday while annual, or multi-trip, policies usually cover you for an unlimited number of holidays over 12 months. Any one trip can usually last up to 60 days when it’s protected by a yearly multi-trip coverage. On the other hand, one-way policies cover journeys taken without a confirmed return flight, lasting up to 12 months and able to be extended further.

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

Savvy earns a commission from our partners each time a customer buys a travel insurance policy via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased from these brands directly, as all purchases are conducted via their websites.

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

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International Comprehensive Travel Insurance

About International Comprehensive Travel Insurance

International Comprehensive Travel Insurance covers overseas medical expenses, cancellation costs and more. Plus, choose from a range of optional extras:

• Choose your excess
• Increase your single item limit for personal effects
• Increase your rental car excess cover
• Add cover for winter sports
• Add cover for existing medical conditions
• Add cover if you plan to ride a motorcycle or moped

COVID-19 benefits for domestic and international plans 1,5

• Get a quote in minutes
• Great value international and domestic plans
• From comprehensive to basic cover, you choose which benefits matter most
• 24/7 support means help is only a phone call away
• Reduce your premium with variable excess

More information

• 5 myths about travel insurance
• How comprehensive is comprehensive travel insurance?
• Do you really need travel insurance?
• Cruise travel insurance

Travelling soon?

Have cash on hand the moment you land.

Order over 60 currencies online today at $0 commission!

Frequently asked questions

1   Medical and dental cover will not exceed 12 months from onset.

2 Sub-limits apply. 

3 Cover chosen applies per policy.

4 Maximum liability collectively for Loss of income, Accidental Death and Disability is $25,000 on the International Comprehensive Plan.

5 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 information on the Target Market and Target Market Determination for these products, please contact us on 1300 728 015, email [email protected] .

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

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 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/

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Best Cruise Travel Insurance of April 2024

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

Our top picks for the best cruise insurance

• Best Overall: Nationwide Travel Insurance
• Best for affordability: AXA Assistance USA
• Best for seniors: Seven Corners Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic locations: World Nomads Travel Insurance

How we rate cruise insurance companies »

Best overall: Nationwide

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

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

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

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best for affordability: AXA

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

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

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

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

Read our AXA Travel Insurance review here.

Best for seniors: Seven Corners

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

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

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

Read our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review here. 

Best for expensive trips: HTH Worldwide

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

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

Read our HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic locations: World Nomads

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

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

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

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Introduction to Cruise Insurance

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

Understanding the Basics of Cruise Insurance

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

Why Cruise Insurance is Important

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

Types of Cruise Insurance Coverage

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

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage

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

Medical Coverage

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

Emergency Evacuation Coverage

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

Baggage and Personal Effects Coverage

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

Buying Cruise Insurance

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

When to Purchase Cruise Insurance

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

How to Find the Best Deals on Cruise Insurance

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

How we reviewed cruise insurance plans

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

Customer Satisfaction

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

Policy Types

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

Average Premiums

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

Claims Paid

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

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

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

How much does insurance cost for a cruise?

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

When is the best time to buy cruise insurance?

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

Can I buy my own cruise insurance?

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

What is the difference between travel insurance and cruise insurance?

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

Can I claim for missed ports on a cruise?

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

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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.

WAS Discovery Travel Insurance Review: Features, Pros and Cons

Updated: Apr 17, 2024, 9:08am

Reviewed By

The Discovery Plan from WAS Travel Insurance could be a good choice for Aussies looking for a no-frills travel insurance policy. However, it only offers a number of standard features of comprehensive policies as optional add-ons and that can make the policy much more expensive than first meets the eye. Regardless, its unlimited medical cover, high age limit of 99 years, and positive customer reviews makes it a viable option for those in the market for a medically focused, no-frills travel insurance policy.

Related: Best Comprehensive Travel Insurance Providers for Australian

• Unlimited medical
• Generous dental of $2,000
• High age limit
• Luggage and cancellation cover not automatic
• Children not included
• More expensive than competitors

Table of Contents

• Featured Partner Offers

About WAS Travel Insurance

What does was travel insurance cover, does was travel insurance cover me for covid, was pricing comparison, was customer service, the bottom line.

Featured Partners

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

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

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

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

Wise And Silent Travel Insurance, known as WAS, is a Brisbane-based travel insurance company that offers “tailored coverage” to its customers. This tailoring differs from the standard comprehensive travel insurance policies on the market, which usually have a set minimum for standard inclusions for policies, such as lost luggage cover and cancellations.

WAS Travel Insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, an Australian insurance company based in Newcastle. While WAS isn’t listed on ProductReview, it has scored a 4.7 star review on TrustPilot from an albeit small number of 39 customer reviews.

Customers highlighted WAS’ staff communication, the ease of applying for coverage, and a “smooth and efficient” claims process.

WAS offers two types of plans, Covid Essentials and Discovery Plan. For the purpose of this review, we analysed the comprehensive option, the Discovery Plan.

As stated, WAS Travel Insurance works a little differently to most travel insurers. Its comprehensive policy is known as the ‘Discovery Plan’, which is available to those aged up to 99 years old and includes unlimited medical in its base cover.

For families travelling together, it’s important to note that children can be added to the policy at a lower rate, but they are not included within a parent/guardians policy as is the industry norm.

Once you start to add to the base cover, WAS Travel Insurance becomes even more complex, with only a handful of medical outcomes covered as standard and far more classified as optional.

For example, credit card fraud is not covered as a standard inclusion; instead, unauthorised use of credit cards can be covered as part of luggage and personal effects, should the policyholder choose to take out this optional extra. Personal liability is not covered automatically, but needs to be selected for coverage up to $2.5 million.

Any trip cancellations are only covered up to the amount chosen by the customer (ranging from $1,000 to $40,000 per customer) and travel delays are covered as optional extras, up to $2,000 per customer. Delays are reimbursed at a rate of $50 per six hours, which is below the industry standard of $200 for every six hours, however no excess applies to these claims. (For missed flight connections, these are only covered should the policyholder choose to add travel interruption cover to their plan.

Rental vehicle excess is also an optional add-on, with the maximum cover of $6,000 for those looking to hire a car during their holiday. In many policies this is covered as standard and does not require the traveller to add it as an optional extra.

Lost Luggage

When it comes to lost luggage, those with WAS Discovery Travel Insurance will need to choose it as an add-on as they are not automatically covered. The lowest option is $1000, while the highest is $10,000 (per traveller).

WAS will only cover an individual item to a limit of $1,000.

WAS Travel Insurance include unlimited medical cover within its comprehensive policy, which extends to additional expenses such as transportation to a medical facility or, in the necessary event, back to Australia.

There is also cover for a medical companion to stay with you during treatment and/or necessary medical-related travel, even if they themselves are not listed on your policy.

Certain pre-existing conditions are also covered if they meet the necessary criteria. The 44 automatically covered conditions include anxiety and depression, diabetes, sleep apnoea and many more.

Other conditions outside of the pre-existing conditions list will not be covered by WAS Travel Insurance.

Covid-19 is included in the unlimited medical cover, which is explained in further depth below.

Is Dental Cover Included?

Dental cover is included in the WAS Travel Insurance Discovery Plan, but not under the unlimited medical expenses. Instead, there is up to $2,000 covered for emergency dental treatment, which is more generous than most insurance policies, which generally top put at $1,000.

Yes, WAS Travel Insurance includes Covid-19 medical expenses within its unlimited medical coverage. It also includes cancellations related to Covid-19, however, that is dependent on how much cancellation cover the policyholder requests.

Related: Travel Insurance And Covid: Are You Covered?

What About Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is covered by WAS Travel Insurance there are unexpected serious complications of pregnancy occuring:

• Up to the 24th week of pregnancy if you’re pregnant with a single child; or
• Up to the 19th week of pregnancy if you’re pregnant with twins or multiple children.

The exclusions include childbirth; the healthcare of a newborn child; pregnancies with existing complications; or pregnancies in which the person has previously had complications with previous pregnancies.

What About Sports and Activities?

WAS covers a range of sports and activities, however, rather than specifying what is covered, it provides a list of the excluded activities being:

• Snow sports;
• Motorcycle or moped riding;
• Racing (except on foot);
• Polo playing;
• Mountain climbing requiring the use of equipment such as pick-axes, anchors, bolts, crampons, carabiners, lead or top-rope anchoring or other specialist equipment;
• Motor sport or motor racing (including training or practice);
• Running with the bulls;
• Professional sports (including training or practice);
• Parachuting, hang-gliding or paragliding; or
• Scuba diving, unless you hold an open water diving certificate or diving with a qualified diving instructor

However, policyholders can choose to add additional adventure packs—snow, motor and cruise—which will then cover them for those sports.

WAS Travel Insurance prides itself on offering budget-friendly insurance policies to Australians; however, the cost of a policy with WAS isn’t as clear cut as many others—largely due to the many different inclusions that one needs to opt-in to.

Forbes Advisor Australia has run quotes against two of our top picks of travel insurance providers for Australians— Travel Insurance Direct and Allianz Travel Insurance —to compare the prices of WAS Travel Insurance when opting-in for a level of cover similar to what these two competitors offer automatically.

As Bali is a top destination for many Aussies, the data below is based on a 28-year-old Australian travelling to Indonesia for a week.

Related: A Guide To Travel Insurance For Bali

This analysis does not include other additional costs that would need to be considered, including sports cover, children travelling, pre-existing medical conditions and so on.

As you can see from the table above, opting in for the same level of cover that is offered as standard by competitors makes the WAS Travel Insurance policy the most expensive of the three.

It’s important to note that policy prices for travel insurance will change for a range of factors, including age, destination, length of trip and any specific needs required by the traveller. The above data is to be used as a guide only.

From the limited reviews online, WAS’ customer service staff members have been hailed as being “very patient and helpful”, with their knowledge “making the experience [of submitting a claim] much less stressful”.

WAS can be contacted by phone or email, with different email addresses and phone numbers unique to the service required (emergency assistance, claims, or general enquiries). The full list can be found online here .

Customers can also submit a form online to be emailed back, and are able to submit claims online or over the phone.

WAS may be a risky choice for some customers who choose to opt-out of the optional extra cover for the sake of saving money and end up being under-insured. Some travellers may not realise the importance of personal liability insurance and fail to select it, which could land them in hot water if an accident was to occur overseas. As a comparison, most other insurers include personal liability insurance as standard in their comprehensive policy: Travel Insurance Direct offers $2.5 million in personal liability, while Allianz offers $5 million—with caveats around snow and adventure packs.

Nevertheless, WAS may be attractive to budget travellers who are happy with a no-frills policy, but want to ensure they’re covered for the basics of medical and dental.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is was travel insurance good.

WAS Travel Insurance did not make Forbes Advisor Australia’s top picks for comprehensive travel insurance , but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good option for Aussies looking for international cover. The comprehensive policy offered by WAS is a build-your-own type of plan, meaning it is tailored to the customer individually in terms of cancellation cover, luggage cover, rental car excess and more.

It may be suitable for budget-conscious travellers looking for a no-frills policy that is focused on medical and dental. However, it’s worth noting that when compared to other insurers on the market, WAS ended up being more expensive once the add-ons were included in the quote.

From 38 customer reviews on TrustPilot, WAS received a rating of 4.7 stars.

What policies does WAS Travel Insurance offer?

WAS Travel Insurance offers two policies: Covid Essentials and Discovery. The Discovery Plan is what would be considered its ‘comprehensive’ offering, considering it allows customers to tailor the plan to suit their needs.

How much does WAS Travel Insurance cost?

The cost of WAS Travel Insurance—like any travel insurance provider—is dependent on many factors: your age, your destination, the length of your trip, and any personal requirements such as higher lost luggage cover for specific equipment or items, whether or not you need cover for certain sports and activities, any pre-existing conditions you need covered, and more.

From a quote Forbes Advisor Australia ran of a 28-year-old going to Bali for one week, paying an excess of $250 and opting in to $2000 of cancellation cover, $10,000 of lost luggage cover, and rental car excess, the total WAS quote came to $141.80, which was higher than competitors.

Related: How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

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

• Best Comprehensive Travel Insurance
• Best Seniors Travel Insurance
• Best Cruise Travel Insurance
• Best Domestic Travel Insurance
• Travel Insurance Cost
• Pregnancy Travel Insurance Guide
• Travel Insurance For Bali
• Travel Insurance For Fiji
• Travel Insurance For The USA
• Travel Insurance For Thailand
• Travel Insurance For New Zealand
• Travel Insurance For Japan
• Travel Insurance For Europe

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