What type of travel insurance do I need for a cruise?
Cruise travel insurance policies can include:
- Specialist, cruise-only policies
- General policies that include cruises
- General policies that offer add-on cruise insurance for an extra fee
The type of cruise insurance you require will depend on factors, including:
- Cruise activities, on and off the ship
- If you're travelling before you embark or after the cruise finishes.
- The length of the cruise
- Travelling party
- Your budget
- Your cruise destinations
- Your desired level of cover
Keep in mind that if you're planning an overseas holiday, or cruise, some countries require travel insurance (including medical cover) as a condition of entry.
What does cruise travel insurance cover?
Depending on the level of cover you choose, and the provider's policies, cruise travel insurance can provide cover for:
- Death, disability and funeral expenses
- Emergency extraction from the cruise ship
- Legal liability
- Luggage and personal effects
- Hijack/kidnap
- Overseas medical and hospital expenses
- Repatriation
The provider may also offer add-on insurance for:
- Expensive items, such as camera equipment, golf clubs and mobile phones
- Ski and winter sports
What does cruise travel insurance not cover?
An exclusion is something not covered by an insurance policy. Typical cruise insurance exclusions include:
- Certain pre-existing medical conditions
- Civil unrest or war, terrorist acts
- Dangerous adventure tourism activities that are not usually part of regular cruise entertainment options, such as bungee jumping, skiing or skydiving. You may need an add-on policy to cover these activities.
- Deliberate self-injury
- Government action: this can include having something confiscated at customs, or a government action that results in loss
- Not complying with the conditions of your ticket
- Reckless/irresponsible behaviour, such as acting under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or not exercising common caution, such as leaving items unattended
As there can often be extra exclusions in cruise insurance policies, it's a good idea to check if you're covered for:
- Cancellation or postponement: Check the conditions under which you can claim, and the levels of cover in the event of trip cancellation and postponement.
- On-ship activities: Some cruise ships now include a range of activities that would be considered extreme sports on land, let alone when attempted on rolling seas. For example, waterslides, ziplines, adventure parks and rock climbing. It's a good idea to check what's on offer on your cruise and if the activities are covered under your base policy. You may have to consider adding adventure sports cover.
What is the best cruise insurance in New Zealand?
The best travel insurance for a cruise ultimately depends on your particular needs and preferences, but there are some considerations that can help you narrow down your choices.
Whether or not a cruise travel policy is the best for your needs depends on how closely your policy matches your cover needs and budget.
Think about what you'll be doing on your travels, the risks involved, and if you could manage financially if you encountered a major problem. Here are some general tips for choosing a cruise travel insurance policy:
- Make sure the policy covers the type of cruise you're taking. For example, you may need a certain type of policy if you are staying within New Zealand waters (a domestic cruise), or if you're travelling into international waters, or taking a river cruise in a different country.
- Check the policy limits to make sure they're sufficient for your needs. This includes claim limits and sub limits, which set out the maximum amount you could receive for certain types of claims, such as expensive cameras or lost jewellery.
- Be sure to read the policy's Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully, to learn what is and isn't covered. For example, there could be exclusions around pre-existing health conditions, which could be a problem if you require medical treatment while away. Also, cruises often involve adventurous onboard and onshore activities. So, you may need to purchase add-on cover for any risky activities not listed on your policy.
- Consider purchasing a policy that includes cancellation cover, even if you're confident that you'll not have to cancel your cruise. This can protect you in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
- Compare policies from different insurers to get the best deal.
Can you get cruise travel insurance for seniors?
Yes, few travel insurance provider have cut-off limits for their comprehensive travel insurance packages. Although some do have age-limits for cheaper medical-only policies.
However, if you are an older traveller, you can expect the cost of your travel insurance to increase as you age.
Does cruise travel insurance cover shore excursions?
Levels of cover are policy specific. However, many cruise travel insurance policies do provide cover for medical expenses, lost or damaged luggage, and other incidents that can occur while on a shore excursion. However, there may be exclusions or limitations, such as:
- Some insurers may require you to buy specific, activity-type insurance for high-risk adventure sports, such as winter sports, motorsports, diving, hiking or abseiling.
- Cover may be limited to excursions that are paid in full prior to your trip (pre-paid), or only to excursions provided by the cruise line.
- You may not be covered if you're taking part in a competition, or are participating on a professional basis – such as a professional athlete competing in a tournament during a shore excursion – while on a cruise.
- A predefined list of acceptable onshore activities.
If you're unsure whether or not a particular shore excursion is covered by your insurance policy, it's advisable to contact your travel insurer.
Tips for staying safe during shore excursions, include:
- Choose shore excursions that are organised or provided by the cruise line, or by a reputable tour operator
- Be aware of the risks associated with the activities you participate in and take appropriate precautions
- While onshore, if you choose to explore on your own, let someone know where you're going and when you expect to return
