Cruise holiday travel insurance: what you need to know

Travel insurance for cruises: what you need to know

What can cruise insurance cover?  

Depending on the type of cover chosen, RACV Travel Insurance policies for Australian ocean cruises may cover:

• Medical expenses and medical evacuation while on board the ship, from medical providers on board who are not registered with Medicare (Coverage for these expenses may require selecting an international policy option. Medicare or your private health insurer may cover you if you seek medical treatment on land, while the ship is in port.)
• Lost or delayed luggage (limits or sub-limits may apply)
• Cancellation fees
• Lost deposits
• Emergency expenses.

RACV Travel Insurance policies for international cruises may cover:

• Overseas medical expenses and medical evacuation
• Cancellations (not available with Travel Care plans)
• Luggage (limits or sub-limits may apply)
• Limited COVID-19 cover#
• 24-hour medical emergency assistance
• Emergency expenses overseas
• A number of existing medical conditions and certain stages and conditions of pregnancy. Travellers should review automatically covered conditions to confirm their condition is covered. If not, they can complete a medical assessment and pay an additional premium.

Is travel insurance different for domestic and international cruises?

You may not think you need international travel insurance for a multi-night Australian cruise. But medical providers on board cruise ships – even those in Australian waters or calling into ports in Australia – may not be registered with Medicare. You may therefore require a policy that includes medical cover while on board the ship.^#

By selecting Australian Cruises as a destination when getting a quote, you will be offered international policy options and benefits.

^{#Conditions apply. Purchaser may need to apply for cover for medical conditions.}

Is travel insurance different for river and ocean cruises? 

River cruising is automatically included in your travel insurance policy. You don’t need to select Cruises when taking out a policy.

If you are embarking on an ocean voyage for two nights or more, you must select the Cruise option when you purchase a travel insurance policy.

How much cover do I need for a cruise?

The best type of cover for your holiday depends on factors such as your cruise duration, destinations and cost. 

For all ocean voyages two nights or more, there are several RACV International Travel Insurance policies to choose from:

• Comprehensive – more comprehensive cover that includes cancellation fees and lost deposits, overseas medical and hospital expenses, and emergency overseas dental expenses.
• Essentials – mid-range cover with inclusions like emergency overseas dental expenses, cancellation fees, lost deposits, travel delay, and overseas medical and hospital expenses.
• Basics – basic cover that includes key benefits like emergency overseas dental expenses, emergency expenses, and lost luggage.
• Annual Multi-Trip Plan – cover for an unlimited number of trips over 12 months (choose from 30-, 45- or 60-day maximum duration per trip).

When should I take out travel insurance for cruises?

Many travel insurance plans include coverage for cancellation fees, and will cover travellers from the time they purchase a policy. This could be as soon as you pay for any part of your trip, ensuring you're covered in case your trip is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. If a large non-refundable deposit has been made on a cruise, purchasing a policy at this time can provide coverage. All other benefits start when you leave on your trip.

That said, you can purchase RACV Travel Insurance online up until your trip begins.

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