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

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

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

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

cruise ship sailing alond a stretch of water at dusk


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

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

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

Cruise cover

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Insurance policies:

  1. Comprehensive – for a more comprehensive cover which includes cancellation fees and lost deposits, overseas medical and hospital expenses and emergency overseas dental expenses.
  2. Essentials – Mid-range cover with great inclusions such as emergency overseas dental expenses, cancellation fees and lost deposits and travel delay, overseas medical and hospital expenses.
  3. Basics – Basic cover that includes key benefits like emergency overseas dental expenses, emergency expenses and lost luggage
  4. Annual-Multi Trip Plan – Planning on going away a few times over the next year? RACV Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance provides more comprehensive cover for an unlimited number of trips over 12-months.

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

front view of cruise ship sailing on the ocean

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

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

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

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

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

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

RACV International Travel Insurance:

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

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

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

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

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

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

References

  1. 2015 Australia Economic Impact Study -  Cruise Lines International Association 

#Limits and sub-limits apply. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for full details.

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