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 ‘Australia’ or ‘Australia (domestic)’ 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.