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Pack smart with Cruise Travel Insurance

Cruise travel insurance can provide you with cover in case of emergencies on-board the cruise ship as well as for onshore excursions.

Whether you’re taking a cruise from Australia to the USA or the other way round, planning to enjoy a trip around Asia, or simply taking a domestic cruise, accidents and other unforeseen events like losing your luggage can happen. And that’s why many people consider travel insurance for cruises. Travel insurance that includes a cruise policy option means you can have a range of benefits available should you incur unexpected medical, hospital, evacuation and repatriation expenses whilst on the water.

All of our cruise policies include unlimited access to an experienced Emergency Assistance team available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. If you run into trouble or need advice while on your cruise holiday, help is just a phone call away from anywhere in the world.

And if you have an existing medical condition, we may be able to help - our travel insurance policies can provide cover for many existing medical conditions. Check out our Medical Conditions page for more information about medical screening for your existing medical and pregnancy conditions including information about the General Exclusions that may apply*.

What types of cruises can be covered?

Fast Cover can provide cover for:

International cruises: both large (more than 200 passengers) and small ship cruising (less than 200 passengers).
Australian cruises in the sea or ocean: large ship cruises that take you out into the sea or ocean from a couple of days to several weeks or even months.
Australian cruises along the Australian coastline: small ship cruises that take you along the Australian coastline and can explore rivers and estuaries.

How do I know if I need to take out a cruise policy?

You must take out a cruise policy if you are travelling on a cruise ship and you are cruising in:

Australian waters, the New Zealand or the South Pacific Region for 1 night or more.

For example: cruising to NZ and back, South Pacific Island cruise, overnight cruise from Melbourne to Hobart or Kimberley cruises.

Asia, Europe or Worldwide Regions for 4 nights or more.

For example: cruising in the Greek islands, sail Croatia cruises, multi-night Halong Bay cruises or cruises around the world on the Queen Mary.

We consider a ‘cruise ship’ to be a commercially operated ocean-going vessel that is licensed to carry paying passengers, has on-board accommodation and a trained medical practitioner or staff trained and accredited in advanced first aid (or the equivalent level in the country that you are travelling in).

What cruises are automatically covered?

You do not need to purchase a cruise policy if you are:

Taking a river cruise along a river such as the Danube or Seine
On a short day cruise on a bay, such as Halong Bay in Vietnam
Island hopping on a small boat that is not a cruise ship
Cruising for only a few hours and you are not sleeping on the boat
Taking a short one hour ferry ride to an island
On a houseboat on the river

Am I covered for the time I spend on land during my cruise trip?

If you’re combining a land tour or side trip with your cruise, our specialist cruise travel insurance can provide cover for that part of your trip too! For example, if you go on a cruise trip, take an onshore excursion and then a 3 day train journey, we can provide you with cover for both the land and sea portions of your trip on the one cruise travel insurance policy.

And if you’re taking multiple cruise holidays, you may have the option of purchasing a Frequent Traveller Saver travel insurance policy. This policy automatically includes cover for cruises, and you can go on as many cruise trips as you like within a 12 month period and for the duration that you choose (based on the options available under the policy) when you purchase your policy.

Will Medicare cover me for a cruise in Australia?

For cruise ships with an on-board doctor:

Many Australian travellers mistakenly believe that they’re automatically covered by Medicare if they’re cruising in Australian waters.

However, Medicare card benefits may not apply on your cruise even if in domestic Australian waters unless there’s a Medicare registered doctor on-board the cruise ship, which is unlikely, as the large cruise lines aren’t usually owned by an Australian company.

So, if a sickness or injury occurs on the cruise ship and requires medical attention, many people are surprised to find they could be charged at private rates. That’s why when taking a cruise which has a doctor on-board, you’ll find that many travellers arrange cruise travel insurance so that cover is available for their on-board medical expenses, the cost of emergency medical evacuation from the cruise ship by helicopter to the mainland and when overseas, their medical expenses.

For cruises without an on-board doctor:

Cruises along the Australian coast give you the advantage over an overseas cruise, as you'll be able to access Australian medical facilities. If you’re seriously sick or injured in a remote location and medical treatment is not available on-board the cruise, cover is available under a cruise policy for you to be evacuated to a spot where an ambulance or Royal Flying Doctor Service can pick you up, and take you to an Australian hospital to be treated by Australian doctors. In circumstances such as these you may be able to use your Medicare card and your private health insurance to cover the medical expenses from the time you’re transferred to the ambulance or Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Do I need Australian cruise travel insurance for cruises along Australian coastal waters?

Even if you’re simply taking cruises around the Australian coast, it’s a good idea to have cover just in case something unexpected happens: you may have to cancel your Australian cruise before you’re even able to leave your home due to an unexpected sickness or injury, not be able to continue your domestic cruise trip because you’ve injured yourself while embarking or disembarking, or accidentally drop and damage your phone while taking photos of the stunning view.

Another reason to consider buying domestic cruise travel insurance - even if it’s just along the Australian coastline - is that you may be injured whilst visiting a remote location and need to be evacuated to where the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) or ambulance is able to pick you up to take you to a medical facility for treatment.

Buying Australian domestic cruise insurance can reimburse you for your unexpected expenses or provide you with evacuation cover.

Cruise travel Insurance Benefits for Domestic and International Cruises

Policy type	Large ship	Small ship
Comprehensive policy: Our most popular policy, providing you with the highest level of cover for a wide range of unexpected situations, including overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses both on and off the cruise ship.	✔	✔
Standard Saver policy: This is our mid-range policy which provides cover for overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses, along with benefits for unexpected costs including cancellation, disruptions to your trip or lost luggage, just in case things don’t go to plan.	✔	✔
Basics policy: Our medical only travel insurance policy for travellers on a budget or who are going on a simple trip and just want overseas medical, evacuation and repatriation cover. Luggage cover is optional under this policy and can be added at an additional cost.	✔	✖

Cruise Travel Insurance Policy Benefits

The benefits available to you for your cruise trip will depend on the type of cruise policy that you purchase and can include:

Overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses

If you’re unexpectedly sick or injured on your overseas cruise, or on-board your Australian cruise, cover is available for the medical expenses that you incur to see the on-board doctor.

Medical Evacuation and repatriation expenses

In case of an emergency such as sickness or injury, you may be covered for the flight home or to get to the nearest hospital.

Trip Cancellation Expenses

The Cancellation benefit can reimburse you for the payments or deposits you’ve already made towards your trip, not just for the cruise itself, but also any domestic flights, accommodation, and excursions.

This benefit provides you with cover before you leave for your cruise, and also during your cruise, if you have to cut your trip short due to a sickness or injury, or other circumstances that are covered under the policy.

Disruptions to your trip

If your cruise is disrupted because you, your travelling companion or a family member back home is seriously sick or injured or a natural disaster prevents your cruise from continuing its planned itinerary, you can claim for the additional transport and accommodation expenses that you incur.

Luggage and personal belongings

Cameras, hearing aids, phones and the other personal belongings that you bring with you on your domestic cruise can be covered under the luggage and personal belongings benefit.

Travel delay expenses

Cover for additional food and accommodation expenses that you may incur if your scheduled transport is delayed for more than 6 hours.

Special event transport expenses

Your booked transport to get to your cruise trip is delayed or cancelled? You may have cover to get to your cruise on time.

24-hour emergency assistance

Practical help when you need it most. Experienced medical advisors are just a phone call away, with 24-hour Emergency Assistance included in all our cruise travel insurance policies.

Optional Extras

We’ve built policies that include the benefits you may need on your cruise trip. However, we also know that every cruise holiday is different, so that’s why we offer optional add-ons that allow you to customise your travel insurance policy to suit the type of cruise trip that you’re taking.

Adventure Pack

For those wanting to turn their onshore cruising activities into adventures ranging from abseiling and flying fox / zip lining to quad biking and water skiing.

Specified High Value Items

If you’re bringing valuable items with you, you can declare and protect those items, and we won’t apply depreciation to it.

Rental Vehicle Insurance Excess

Make the most of onshore adventure time by hiring a car - and if you add this benefit to your policy, you can have cover for the rental vehicle insurance excess in your rental vehicle insurance with your car hire company. Rental vehicle insurance excess is not available under the Basics policy and is automatically included up to $5000 under a Domestic Plus policy.

Motorcycle Pack

If you’re intending to ride or be a passenger on a motorcycle, moped or scooter, consider taking out the Motorcycle Pack (not available on the Domestic Plus policy) just in case you’re injured in an accident while you’re experiencing the cobbled laneways of Europe or the open roads of the USA a little differently with the help of a Vespa or Harley.

Make sure you consider the PDS for details on policy eligibility, terms, conditions, exclusions and limits that apply.

Who Can Get Insurance Cover For Cruises?

Whatever type of traveller you are, our travel insurance policies can provide you with a simple way to help protect yourself and your hard-earned money, both before you leave home and during your cruise trip.

Seniors

Your cruise isn’t smooth sailing?

Cruise cover for domestic coastal cruising can provide cover for you to be evacuated to a location where Australian emergency services can pick you up and transfer you to a hospital or medical facility for treatment.

For overseas cruises or domestic cruises with a doctor on board the cruise ship, cover is available under the cruise policy for medical expenses incurred whilst on board the cruise ship or evacuation from the cruise ship if you’re seriously injured or sick.

Note that there is no cover for medical expenses or medical transportation provided on land in Australia.

Groups

Gathering as a group of family and friends on an international or domestic cruise is truly a once in a lifetime adventure. Your whole group can take out Fast Cover travel insurance, which means you’ll only have to remember one emergency assistance number should unexpected situations or emergencies arise.

Families

Available to parents and their dependent children, or grandparents travelling with their grandchildren, the whole family can have cover whether you’re cruising in international waters or exploring the coastline of Australia.

Single travellers

Travelling alone? Just in case something goes wrong on your solo trip, the emergency assistance team can be contacted 24/7.

Couples

Whether using European waters as the perfect backdrop for a proposal or boarding a sampler cruise on Australian waters for a break from reality, every cruise should be special. However, unexpected events can happen - cruise travel insurance can provide cover just in case the unexpected happens, including:

Theft of your camera, provided you have complied with the terms and conditions of the policy, such as taking reasonable care to protect your camera and belongings at all times, including but not limited to, not leaving them unsupervised or in a public place.
One (or both) of you fall ill and need medical care.
If you’re on a domestic coastal cruise, cover is provided for you to be evacuated to a location where the ambulance or Royal Flying Doctor service can pick you up to transfer you to a medical facility for treatment.
On an international cruise, or domestic cruise with a doctor or medical facilities on board, cover is available for the medical expenses you incur whilst on board the cruise ship, or to be evacuated off the cruise ship for transfer to a hospital on land.

Note that there is no cover for medical expenses or medical transportation provided on land in Australia.

Make sure you consider the PDS for details on policy eligibility, terms, conditions, exclusions and limits that apply

What isn’t included in domestic cruise travel insurance?

If you’re taking a domestic Australian cruise, some of the things we are not able to cover include (but are not limited) to the following:

Medical Cover

Where you can use your Medicare Card or private health insurance to cover your medical expenses or hospitalisation, there’s no medical cover for domestic cruises (including for out-of-pocket expenses).

Delay of luggage and personal effects - final return leg of trip home

If your luggage is delayed, misdirected or misplaced by your airline or cruise operator on the final return leg of your trip home from your cruise, you should contact your airline or the cruise line as soon as you can.

Make sure you consider the PDS for details on other terms, conditions, exclusions and limits that apply.

Cruise destinations that can be covered

1. Australia domestic

Cruising around Australia offers a wealth of unique experiences and attractions that make it a compelling destination… even for ‘locals’!

2. New Zealand

So close and so amazing! Cruising to New Zealand’s north and south islands offers a plethora of unique experiences and breathtaking scenery that are difficult to find elsewhere.

3. Asia

Embrace the rich culture, natural wonders and shopping metropolises of destinations like Singapore and Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, Indonesia and Bali, Japan and the Philippines and even Cambodia.

4. Europe and the mediterranean

From historic landmarks and world class beaches to unique dining experiences and cultural attractions, cruising around Europe and the Mediterranean is a once in a lifetime adventure. Think Amsterdam and Budapest, the French Riviera, the Greek Islands, and the Italian Coast.

5. Middle East and Africa

Perfect for adventure seekers and history buffs, Middle East cruising is all about exploring a different world. A world in which desert safaris are there to be wandered through and seemingly commonplace experiences like markets that need to be seen to be believed.

6. South Pacific

Complete with otherworldly natural landscapes and waters showcasing the deepest and clearest of blues, the pace of South Pacific cruising can be as relaxing or as fast paced as you’d like.

Note: We are unable to offer travel insurance for cruising to every overseas country. To check which countries may be covered, enter your destination country in the quote.

Things you should know about Fast Cover Cruise Insurance Policy

Just cruising in Australian waters? A cruise travel insurance policy can cover you for a range of unexpected on-board medical expenses.
Travel insurance policies for cruising can provide cover whether you’re on-board the cruise ship or while you’re travelling on land.
Evacuation or repatriation cover in medical emergencies is a benefit feature for both domestic and international cruises.
Depending on the policy that you choose for your cruise, you can be covered for unexpected cancellations to protect the deposits you’ve already paid for your trip.
Medical screening is available if you wish to apply for cover for your existing medical condition(s).
A huge list of leisure and sport activities can be covered, including snorkelling, fishing, body boarding and helicopter rides.

Before you go... Read These Essentials

1. Safety Travel Advice

International and domestic cruising is a great adventure. While it can be easy to get lost in the pace of life on a cruise ship, it’s important to keep safety at the fore. Something as simple as a slippery deck or a bad meal at the buffet can put a serious dent in your plans. Read on for the best cruise safety tips.

2. How To Find Your Perfect Cruise

With a seemingly never-ending list of cruising options, finding the best cruise can feel a little overwhelming. To choose the right adventure, refine your search by thinking about your list of must-see destinations and how long you would like to be away for. For more tricks to picking the best cruise, read our guide.

Please note: any advice is general advice only and has not taken into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the PDS and TMD prior to deciding whether this policy is right for you.

Australian Cruise Travel Insurance FAQs

Do I need travel insurance for a domestic cruise in Australian waters?

Even though your cruise may never leave Australian waters, or even the coastline, a cruise travel insurance policy may prove invaluable if something does go wrong on your cruise. This can include cover for emergency medical evacuation if you are seriously sick or injured on your cruise, cancellation expenses if you are not able to go on your cruise due to an unexpected situation, and stolen luggage.

For Australian cruises with a medical practitioner and medical facility onboard
Unless there's a Medicare registered doctor on-board the cruise ship, you won't be able to use your Medicare card if you have to see the doctor. As most cruise ships are owned by American companies, it's unlikely you'll be able to use your Medicare card, which means you'll be charged for the service.
While cruise ships have on-board medical facilities, they may not be equipped to deal with serious medical situations, and in an emergency, you may need to be evacuated off the ship and back onto land, so that you can be transported to a hospital for treatment. However, please note that there is no cover for medical costs in Australia, including air ambulance (plane or helicopter), the Royal Flying Doctor Service or road ambulance as the cruise is a domestic cruise.

For Australian cruises with only staff trained and accredited in advanced first aid
If you require medical evacuation and you are in a remote location (as is sometimes the case on cruises to the Kimberley region), there is cover under our domestic cruise policies for any necessary private transport (such as a tourist helicopter) to transfer you to medical transport. However, please note that there is no cover for medical costs in Australia, including air ambulance (plane or helicopter), the Royal Flying Doctor Service or road ambulance as the cruise is a domestic cruise.
Note: If you require medical evacuation, you MUST contact our Emergency Assistance Team on 02 8320 7999 to organise this, or the AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) on 1800 641 792 / +61 2 6230 6811 to arrange the evacuation. A helicopter or seaplane company should NOT be contacted directly prior to speaking to Fast Cover Emergency Assistance or AMSA. Failure to do so may result in your claim being unpaid.

What region do I choose if I am doing a cruise in Australian waters?
If you will be cruising in Australian waters or coastline, choose â€˜Australiaâ€™ or â€˜Australia (domestic)â€™ and select 'Yes' when asked if you are going on a cruise.

What can I be covered for on my Australia cruise?
The level of cover that you have depends on the type of cruise ship you are going on, and the policy you have chosen for your trip, and can include cover for:
Cancellation expenses due to unexpected and unforeseen cancellations.
Onboard medical expenses (for Australian cruises with a medical practitioner and medical facility onboard)
Transfer to medical transport to convey you to a hospital.
Lost, stolen or accidentally damaged luggage.
Travel Delay Expenses
Special Event Transport Expenses
Theft of cash from your person while you are on the boat itself. There is no cover for cash not on your person at the time they were stolen and not locked secured in a safe.

Can I get a medical only policy for my domestic cruise?
Depending on the type of domestic cruise you are going on, you may be able to purchase our Basics travel insurance policy which provides you with medical, evacuation and repatriation cover.
However, if your cruise trip involves you paying a large deposit a few months in advance of your cruise trip, flights, on-shore excursions or a land tour, you may consider looking into our other policies, which can provide you with additional benefits including cover in case you need to unexpectedly cancel your trip due to illness, your luggage being stolen, or your flights being delayed due to severe weather.
If you have a medical condition, check out our Medical Conditions page for more information about medical screening for your existing medical and pregnancy conditions including information about the General Exclusions that may apply*.

What type of Australian cruises can be covered?
Kimberley cruises
Cruises along the Australian coastline
Around Australia cruises
Sydney to Hobart
and many more...
Cover is subject to the policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
Please note: any advice is general advice only and has not taken into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the PDS prior to deciding whether this policy is right for you.

What should my travel insurance policy for a cruise include?

The benefits that are frequently looked for in cruise travel insurance include cover for:

Cancellation costs if you have to unexpectedly cancel your trip due to reasons including sickness or injury,
Evacuation and repatriation if you are seriously sick or injured on your cruise,
Disruptions to your trip including natural disasters and severe weather, and
Lost or damaged luggage.

You should also consider the type of trip you're taking, and your particular situation, including:Â

If you're pregnant and considering going on a babymoon cruise, you should check our Pregnancy Travel Insurance Guide to see if you can be covered for the stage of pregnancy you're in.
If you're intending to do adventure activities such as snorkelling, diving, fishing or helicopter flights, you should check to see if the activity is covered or if you need to add the Adventure Pack to your policy for the activity to be covered.

Please note: any advice is general advice only and has not taken into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs.

Consider the PDS and TMD at Fastcover.com.au prior to deciding whether this policy is right for you, as policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply.

How much is travel insurance for cruises?

The cost of a cruise travel insurance policy depends on the type of cruise trip that you will be taking amongst other factors.

There are many considerations in the cost of travel insurance for cruising, including but not limited to:

The number of travellers
The ages of the travellers
Where the cruise is going to
The duration of the whole trip
The other types of activities that you may be planning to do: riding a motorcycle, moped or scooter, adventure sports, whether you'll be hiring a rental vehicle or bringing your bike with you.
If you would like to reduce your Standard excess or increase the cover for your valuable items.
The type of policy you choose for your trip.

To find out how much it would cost for a travel insurance policy for your cruise holiday, get a quote and see the options available to you.