Cruise Travel Insurance Cover FAQs
Cruises are popular for New Zealanders, and even if you don't leave New Zealand territorial waters, you'll still need cruise travel insurance cover. To help we have put together frequently asked questions about our cruise travel insurance cover to help you plan your journey. Visit our cruise travel insurance page for helpful tips and information on purchasing your policy.
Do I need to buy cruise travel insurance cover separately?
If you purchase our Options or Essentials plans online, you will automatically receive cover for your cruise. However, these plans will not give you cover for benefits relating to cabin confinement, missed port (embarkation) and/or missed shore excursions.
If you purchase our YourCover or Essentials plan over the phone, you will need to let us know that you’re going on a cruise and pay an additional premium to have access to cruise cover. This will give you access to our full range of cruise specific benefits including cover for benefits relating to cabin confinement, missed port (embarkation) and/or missed shore excursions for covered scenarios.
Am I covered for COVID-19 on my cruise?
If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 on board a multi-night cruise, cover applies to the following benefits:
- On-board emergency medical and dental expenses; and
- Ship-to-shore medical expenses (if approved by us)
Keep in mind there is no cover for cabin confinement claims caused by COVID-19 (whether you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or not).
When’s the best time to purchase travel insurance for a cruise?
You should consider purchasing travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your cruise. If you have included amendment or cancellation cover in your policy and you are unable to go on your cruise due to injury or illness, you can submit a claim for any non-refundable expenses you have paid towards your cruise.
What if my ship misses a stop?
Unfortunately, if your ship is unable to visit a port, we will not be able to compensate you for loss of enjoyment. Depending on the cover purchased and the circumstances of a claim we may be able to cover cancellation of non-refundable, prepaid onshore tours.
Can I buy cruise travel insurance once I’m on my cruise?
You must purchase your policy before you leave home for your cruise. This includes any flights or transportation required to get to your departing port.
What policy do I need if my cruise stops in multiple destinations?
You can select multiple destinations when purchasing your Cover-More policy online. If you need further assistance, call us on 0800 500 225.
What happens if I get sick on the cruise?
Cruise ships offer medical assistance but it is only there to stabilise your condition. If you require urgent medical attention, you may need to be evacuated from your cruise and taken to the hospital. If you or the ship considers you may need to be transferred to hospital, please contact our 24-hour Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible.
In what instances would I need to be medically evacuated?
Cruise ships are only equipped to offer basic medical assistance. If you require medical attention to prevent long-term medical illness or death, you will need to be evacuated from the ship. One of our Cover-More customers fractured their leg onboard a cruise ship and had to be evacuated via Air Ambulance back home for surgery. The total claim cost was $86,000.
Can I still get cover for pre-existing medical conditions on a cruise?
Yes, you will go through the same medical assessment process that exists for general travel. If your online medical assessment is approved, and you pay the extra premium to us, we will be able to offer you cover. If you choose to declare some medical conditions and not others, you run the risk of a claim being denied. Visit our existing medical cover page to view a comprehensive list of conditions we cover.
Please note, if you are not approved for your existing medical conditions, we can still provide cover for lost luggage and travel documents, and any illness or injury not relating to your existing medical condition.
Are there age restrictions on the cruise travel insurance cover?
If you are over 70 and unable to get a quote online, please call our service and sales team on 0800 500 225 to discuss your cruise travel insurance cover options.
