
20% off
Automatically applied to all Economy plans
Save on cover for your next trip
Get an instant online quote and get covered in less than 5 minutes with travelinsurance.com.au
Written By
Jared Mullane
Last updated10 April 2025
Looking for cruise insurance for your upcoming trip? See the latest deals, what’s covered and whether cruise trip insurance is right for you.
Written By
Jared Mullane
Last updated10 April 2025
Looking for cruise insurance for your upcoming trip? See the latest deals, what’s covered and whether cruise trip insurance is right for you.
20% off
Automatically applied to all Economy plans
Save on cover for your next trip
Get an instant online quote and get covered in less than 5 minutes with travelinsurance.com.au
Cruise travel insurance comparison
The table below presents a range of cruise travel insurance options from providers offering policies, along with an overview of key features and available discounts. The table is sorted alphabetically based on the provider name. We are not making a recommendation about any particular product. Be sure to check with the provider and read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for exclusions, excesses, limits and sub-limits that may apply.
Insurer | 1Cover |
---|---|
What's covered? |
|
Discounts or incentives available | None listed |
Insurer | Allianz |
What's covered? |
|
Discounts or incentives available | None listed |
Insurer | Budget Direct |
What's covered? |
|
Discounts or incentives available |
|
Insurer | Cover-More |
What's covered? |
|
Discounts or incentives available | None listed |
Insurer | Go Insurance |
What's covered? |
|
Discounts or incentives available | None listed |
Insurer | Huddle |
What's covered? |
|
Discounts or incentives available |
|
Insurer | Insure & Go |
What's covered? |
|
Discounts or incentives available | None listed |
Insurer | Kogan Insurance |
What's covered? |
|
Discounts or incentives available |
|
Insurer | Medibank |
What's covered? |
|
Discounts or incentives available |
|
Insurer | NRMA |
What's covered? |
|
Discounts or incentives available |
|
Insurer | Qantas Insurance |
What's covered? |
|
Discounts or incentives available | None listed |
Insurer | Real Insurance |
What's covered? |
|
Discounts or incentives available | None listed |
Insurer | Travel Insurance Direct |
What's covered? |
|
Discounts or incentives available | None listed |
Insurer | Worldcare |
What's covered? |
|
Discounts or incentives available |
|
Insurer | What's covered? | Discounts or incentives available |
---|---|---|
1Cover |
| None listed |
Allianz |
| None listed |
Budget Direct |
|
|
Cover-More |
| None listed |
Go Insurance |
| None listed |
Huddle |
|
|
Insure & Go |
| None listed |
Kogan Insurance |
|
|
Medibank |
|
|
NRMA |
|
|
Qantas Insurance |
| None listed |
Real Insurance |
| None listed |
Travel Insurance Direct |
| None listed |
Worldcare |
|
|
What is cruise insurance?
Cruise insurance is a specialised travel insurance option designed to cover risks related to cruising. Typically available as an add-on to most travel insurance policies for an extra premium, it covers things like onboard medical expenses, ship-to-shore evacuations, cancellations of prepaid shore excursions, accidents during excursions, and lost or stolen luggage.
Whether you’re cruising within Australia or abroad, cruise insurance can usually be added to most travel insurance policies, or may already be included in some comprehensive plans. If cruise cover isn’t included in your policy, you’ll likely see it as an optional extra, often named “Cruise Pack” or similar.
What does travel insurance for cruises cover?
Trip cancellation costs
Covers the expenses if you have to cancel your cruise before departure due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or injury. This benefit typically reimburses non-refundable pre-paid costs, like cruise fares, if you’re unable to travel.
Onboard medical and dental expenses
Coverage for medical treatment or dental care you may need while aboard the cruise ship. This can include emergency treatment for illness or injury, as well as any necessary medications or procedures while onboard.
Ship to shore medical costs
Covers the expenses of transferring you from the cruise ship to a hospital on land if you become seriously ill or injured. It also includes the cost of repatriation, which is the process of returning you to Australia for further medical treatment if necessary.
Medical costs for treating sea sickness
Covers the expenses for diagnosing and treating sea sickness during your cruise. This can include medications or medical attention provided onboard to help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.
Cabin confinement due to sickness
Covers the cost if you’re required to stay in your cabin because of illness or injury during your cruise. This may include additional expenses for meals, room service, or other services if you’re unable to participate in activities or leave your cabin due to your condition.
Missed port of embarkation
Covers the costs if you’re unable to board the cruise at the scheduled starting port due to reasons beyond your control, such as travel delays or illness. This benefit typically helps with rebooking your travel or covering additional expenses to catch up with the cruise at a later port.
Missed shore excursions
Reimburses you for pre-paid shore excursions if you’re unable to attend due to illness, injury, or other covered reasons. This benefit ensures you don’t lose money on activities you can’t participate in while at port during your cruise.
Lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal items
Covers the cost of replacing or reimbursing you for items that are lost, damaged, or stolen during your cruise. This can include luggage, clothing, electronics, or other personal belongings.
Formal wear expenses
Covers the cost of renting or buying appropriate formal attire if your luggage is delayed or lost, and you’re unable to attend a formal event on the cruise. This benefit helps ensure you’re prepared for special occasions, such as formal dinners or shows, without additional out-of-pocket costs.
Lost or stolen cash, credit cards and travel documents
Covers the expenses incurred if your money, credit cards, or important travel documents (like passports) are lost or stolen during your cruise. This benefit can help reimburse you for the cost of replacing these items and may also cover emergency cash or cards to help you continue your trip.
Before purchasing cruise travel insurance, read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully to know exactly what’s included in your policy. The PDS details the coverage, exclusions, and any conditions, helping you avoid surprises when you need to make a claim. Understanding these details allows you to select the best policy for your cruise and travel needs.
You contract gastro on the cruise and get confined to your room
You can typically claim cabin confinement expenses up to a certain amount, depending on your policy and level of cover.
You need to cancel your cruise due to illness or injury
You can typically claim non-refundable trip costs, such as your cruise fare, up to the limit specified in your policy.
Your shore excursion at one of the ports is cancelled due to poor weather
You can usually claim reimbursement for pre-paid shore excursions, up to a specified limit. If your cruise is delayed or rerouted, travel insurance can help cover additional accommodation, transportation, and meal expenses.
You lose your formal wear for an event on the cruise
You can generally claim the cost of renting or buying replacement attire so you can still attend the show or dinner.
What’s not covered by cruise insurance?
Cruise insurance generally does not cover the following:
Make sure the policy covers a variety of risks unique to cruising, such as onboard medical expenses, ship-to-shore evacuations, missed ports, cabin confinement costs, and formal wear expenses. Check the limits and excess on each benefit to know what you’re covered for.
Look for coverage that reimburses you for prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel or cut short your cruise. Check the reasons for cancellation that are covered, as they can vary between policies and insurers.
Most policies offer protection if you’re unable to attend booked shore excursions due to illness, injury, or other covered reasons. This is particularly important if you’ve booked an international cruise or are cruising for a long period of time.
Take the time to compare different insurers and policies to find the one that offers the best balance of coverage and cost. You might also want to consider discounts and other sign-up incentives that provide additional value. For example, you may get a multi-policy discount for taking out travel insurance if you already have car insurance or health insurance with the same provider.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, it's essential to declare them to your insurer before purchasing the policy. Failing to disclose this information could result in your claim being denied if you need medical treatment during your cruise.
This is essential if you’re travelling internationally, including to destinations like Bali and Fiji, as you’ll need to list all the ports you’ll be visiting on your cruise. This helps ensure you’re covered for the specific destinations on your itinerary, as some policies may have restrictions based on certain locations.
Below is an example of cruise destinations as outlined by Insure & Go:
How much does cruise insurance cost?
The cost of cruise insurance will depend on whether it’s included in your standard travel insurance policy, or if it needs to be added as an optional extra. If cruise cover is included as standard, you’re likely paying for the highest level of coverage (comprehensive travel insurance).
The price will also vary based on factors like your travel destination, trip length, age, level of coverage, whether you’re travelling alone or with others, and any pre-existing medical conditions.
Insurer | 1Cover |
---|---|
Comprehensive international with cruise cover | $400.02 (10% discount applied) |
Notable benefits |
|
Insurer | Allianz |
Comprehensive international with cruise cover | $380.76 |
Notable benefits |
|
Insurer | Budget Direct |
Comprehensive international with cruise cover | $279.99 |
Notable benefits |
|
Insurer | FastCover |
Comprehensive international with cruise cover | $381.99 |
Notable benefits |
|
Insurer | Worldcare |
Comprehensive international with cruise cover | $380.76 |
Notable benefits |
|
Insurer | Comprehensive international with cruise cover | Notable benefits |
---|---|---|
1Cover | $400.02 (10% discount applied) |
|
Allianz | $380.76 |
|
Budget Direct | $279.99 |
|
FastCover | $381.99 |
|
Worldcare | $380.76 |
|
To make a claim on your cruise travel insurance, follow these steps:
As soon as you need to make a claim, get in touch with your insurance provider. You can usually do this online, by phone, or via email. For instance, if you lost your luggage on the cruise, you should report the loss immediately.
Collect all the necessary documents to support your claim. This may include receipts or invoices, police or incident reports, medical certificates, or your cruise ticket and booking details.
Your insurer will provide a claims form that needs to be filled out. This form usually asks for your personal details, your policy number, details of the incident, and supporting documents. Make sure to complete all sections accurately.
Once you’ve filled out the claims form, submit it along with all required documents. You can normally submit it online via the insurer’s claims portal on their website, or you can email it. Keep copies of everything you submit.
After submitting your claim, monitor its progress. Insurers may ask for additional information or clarification, so be prompt in providing it. You can typically check the status of your claim online or by emailing your insurer.
Once the insurer has reviewed your claim, they will inform you of their decision. If your claim is approved, you will receive a payment or reimbursement. If it’s denied, they should explain the reasons.
Should you take out travel insurance for a cruise?
Yes, it's certainly worth taking out travel insurance for a cruise, whether it's domestic or international. Unexpected issues like rough seas, bad weather, or illness can disrupt your plans. Having cruise-specific coverage ensures you're protected and gives you peace of mind in case something goes wrong during your trip.
Can you cruise without travel insurance?
The Australian government’s travel website, Smartraveller, recommends choosing a travel insurance policy that covers both your cruise and any shore activities. Most cruise lines require you to have international travel insurance before boarding, so it's important to check their specific requirements ahead of time.
Can you buy cruise insurance after booking?
Yes, you can buy cruise insurance after booking your trip, but it's a good idea to get covered earlier if you can. Many insurers allow you to buy a policy coverage up until your departure, but buying earlier ensures you're protected in case of cancellations or issues before the cruise. While some cruise lines offer insurance at booking, it's worth comparing other options as well.
What isn’t considered a cruise?
A cruise usually refers to a leisure trip on a passenger ship with planned stops at various ports (though short cruises that only sail out to sea and return don’t always follow this). However, there are certain trips that aren’t considered cruises. Here are a few examples:
Are you covered by Medicare in Australian waters?
In most cases, Medicare doesn’t cover you while on a cruise, even in Australian waters. This is because, according to Cover-More, cruise ships aren’t required to have medical professionals registered to practice in Australia on board.
Do you need travel insurance for a cruise in Australia?
Yes, it’s a good idea to have travel insurance for a cruise in Australia. While it may not always be mandatory, insurance can protect you and your belongings from unexpected events or situations. Even if you’re cruising within Australian waters, having travel insurance ensures you’re covered for any disruptions or medical needs that may arise during the trip.
Products, features and information displayed
General information only
The information on this page is general in nature and has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the information provided and the nature of any travel insurance product is suitable for you and seek independent advice if necessary.
We are not providing you with a recommendation or suggestion about a particular product. You should read the relevant disclosure statements or other offer documents before deciding whether to apply for or continue to use a particular product.
What products, features and information are shown
While we make every effort to ensure all products available in Australia are shown in our comparison tables, we do not guarantee that all products are included.
Our product comparisons may not compare all product features and attributes relevant to you.
Product information is subject to change without notice. Before acting on any information, you should confirm the relevant product information with the provider.
How travel insurance providers are sorted
Products shown are sorted alphabetically by provider name.