Cruise travel insurance – what are you covered for and do you need it?
Cruise holidays are one of the most memorable ways to get out on the open water and discover the world, all while having everything you need at your fingertips. And with over 1 million Australians taking a cruise in 2014, it’s no secret that cruising in Australia is at an all-time high
As such, it’s now possible to insure your trip with cruise travel insurance packages.
But what, exactly, is Cruise travel insurance? What cover do you get? And do you really need it for your trip?
About cruise travel insurance
Cruise travel insurance is simply a specialised form of insurance that protects you while you are on a cruise or visiting a destination as part of a cruise.
It differs from regular (single-trip) travel insurance by offering various ‘cruise’ benefits and covering items and incidents that are unique and specific to cruise holidays. Whilst regular travel insurance often provides cover whilst on cruise ships, potential additional coverage from cruise travel insurance includes:
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missed cruise departure to cover additional accommodation and travel expenses you may incur if you miss your cruise from Australia
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missed port cover compensation should your port call be cancelled due to weather or cruise timetable restrictions when not already compensated by the cruise provider
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delays, loss, theft and damage to your luggage and belongings during your trip in Australia prior to your time on board
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reimbursements for pre-paid shore excursions that are cancelled/interrupted by the cruise liner
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compensation if you are confined to your cabin for medical reasons, by a medical officer
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Cruise delay cover, where your commencing or returning international journey is delayed
Does cruise travel insurance really matter?
Smarttraveller.com suggests that every Australian take out travel insurance and register their travel plans every time they travel, regardless of the type of trip or the destination/s they will be visiting.
If you are going on a cruise holiday, then consider cruise travel insurance, as it may be the most suitable type of cover. Always check the Policy Wording Documents to ensure your policy meets your requirements.
- Just because you’re on a cruise doesn’t mean that things can’t go wrong while you’re at sea or while visiting a port city.
- If something unexpected happens, you could find yourself out of pocket. Cruise travel insurance may be able to cover events/circumstances to alleviate this burden, such as missed port departure, pre-paid excursions and more.
- If you fall ill or require emergency medical assistance, the costs for medical treatment on board or to send you home for treatment can be extremely high.
- You’ll have more peace of mind while on your cruise. Your travel insurance provider will be able to help you work out the next steps and can arrange for additional assistance on your behalf.
InsureandGo Travel Insurance offers tailored cruise policies that cover unlimited medical expenses on board and on-shore (excl. Australia), as well as cancellation cover, missed cruise departure, missed port calls, luggage and belongings, and much more.
Learn more at www.insureandgo.com.au or phone 1300 552 701.
Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Limited, ABN 49 000 525 637, issues InsureandGo Travel Insurance (the insurance). Please read the combined product disclosure statement and financial services guide available at www.insureandgo.com.au/policy-wordings.html to decide if the insurance is right for you.