Travel alert
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.
Travel insurance for domestic or international cruises
Consider protecting your cruise trip and cruise easy across the seas.
15% off travel insurance for nib Health members*
Cover for adventures on the high seas
Cruises are one of the best ways to see the world — or Australia’s own stunning coastlines — but even the calmest seas can bring surprises. From medical emergencies to lost luggage in port, nib Travel Insurance helps you stay protected so you can focus on enjoying every moment.
Learn how our travel insurance plans may help before you set sail into the sunset.
What countries are covered for my next cruise?
When you get a quote, you can choose a specific destination like’ Australian waters’ or if you’re going global you can choose multiple regions. If you’re unsure where you’ll be cruising, you can also choose ‘Worldwide’ and be covered for all your destinations.
Here’s some destinations you can select for your next cruise:
✔ Australian Waters
✔ South Pacific Cruise
✔ Mediterranean Cruise
✔ European River Cruise
✔ Caribbean Cruise
✔ Alaskan Cruise
✔ Worldwide
Why consider nib travel insurance for your cruise?
Our travel insurance policies offer coverage for when you’re on a cruise, including, but not limited to:
Sudden illness or injury: If your holiday is ruined by sea-sickness or you’re injured being tossed around in rough seas, our policies may cover overseas emergency medical treatment, both onboard and onshore. There is no cover for medical expenses incurred in Australia.
Medical evacuation: We offer cover if you need to be evacuated to medical assistance, or if you need to return to Australia. Keep in mind that once you’re home in Australia, we’re not able to cover ongoing medical costs.
Severe weather: Cover may be available for cancellation or trip interruption due to an insured severe weather event.
Lost stolen, or damaged luggage: If your bags are accidentally lost, stolen or damaged we may cover replacement or repair of your items.
Cancellation: If your pre-paid shore activity is cancelled because of severe weather, natural disaster, strike and other events, we may cover the non-refundable portion.
Traveller tip: When you get a quote, you’ll be covered whether you’re in international waters*, docking at ports, or enjoying excursions onshore.
The features and benefits described are a summary of cover only. Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions outlined in the combined Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)/Financial Services Guide (FSG).
What do we mean by international waters?*
We define international waters as, “the open seas of the world outside the territorial waters of any nation”. In case you were wondering, travelling in international waters in a private sail vessel or privately registered sail vessel is not covered.
Why overseas medical cover matters most at sea
Healthcare on cruise ships isn’t cheap. Onboard doctors often require immediate payment, and if you need emergency evacuation by air, the costs can skyrocket. With nib, you may be covered for:
✔ Overseas emergency medical expenses.
✔ Hospitalisation on board or in an overseas port.
✔ Medical evacuation and repatriation if necessary and agreed by us.
This isn’t just about saving money — it’s about having support when you need it most. You can always contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team for any urgent matters.
Real-life cruise scenarios where our travel insurance cover could help
Medical emergency mid-ocean
Emergency medical evacuation or onboard treatment costs covered (up to limits).
Trip cancelled before departure
Reimbursed for pre-paid cruise costs if you can’t sail due to illness or injury.
Luggage lost in transit
Your essentials replaced so you can keep enjoying your trip.
Travel insurance plans
Our range of plans means you can choose the level of cover you need to suit the trip you're taking.
International Travel Insurance
From a week in Bali to a month in Europe, we may offer cover for all types of overseas adventures.
Domestic Travel Insurance
Cover for a weekend up the coast, a campervan trip across the country, or somewhere in between.
Annual Multi-Trip
Year-round cover for overseas and domestic travels from your home in Australia for trips of up to 45 days.
Tips for Aussies planning a cruise trip
Take essentials in your carry-on: Delayed luggage at your departure port? Having medications, documents, and clothes handy is a lifesaver.
Know your excursions: Planning snorkelling in Fiji or zip-lining in Vanuatu? Make sure your chosen activities are covered under your travel insurance plan.
Declare any existing medical conditions when you buy travel insurance: This helps avoid surprises if you need medical care onboard.
Check your itinerary: Some cruises visit multiple countries — our travel insurance policies will cover you for the destinations you have selected when getting a quote.
Cover that takes you across the seasˆ
Cruise cover
Cover for publicly available cruises, including international ocean or river cruises, and domestic river cruises depending on the plan.
Existing medical conditions
Get automatic cover for more than 40 existing medical conditions, provided all criteria for the condition are met.
Luggage and personal effects
Cover for accidental damage, theft or permanent loss of your luggage and personal effects.
Cancellation costs
Cancellation or holiday deferment costs are included in all plans. Select the limits that suit your holiday.
^ Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions for each policy, as contained in the Product Disclosure Statement. This is a brief summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. Please read the international and domestic Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
What’s not covered?
While we offer extensive coverage, these are just some exclusions, which include:
Travelling against medical advice or while unfit to travel.
Incidents related to excessive alcohol or drug consumption.
Engaging in reckless behaviour that puts you in danger.
Leaving luggage or personal items unattended.
Failing to seek refunds or compensation from service providers before claiming expenses.
Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions outlined in the PDS. Read your policy carefully and contact us if you have any queries.
Does my policy have cruise cover?
Frequently asked questions about cruise cover
Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions outlined in the PDS. Read your policy carefully and contact us if you have any queries.
Need more information?
We're here to answer any questions and clarify any doubts you might have. If you have any questions, contact us.
nib Travel Insurance Distribution Pty Limited, ABN 40 129 262 175, AR 336467 is an authorised representative of nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461 and act as nib's agent and not as your agent. This is general advice only. Before you buy, you should consider your needs, the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from us. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193.
We are a signatory to the General Insurance Code of Practice developed by the Insurance Council of Australia and enforced by the Code Governance Committee, an independent body whose purpose is to drive better Code compliance and help the insurance industry improve its service to consumers. The Code is designed to promote good relations and insurance practice between insurers, authorised representatives and consumers. The Code sets out what we must do when dealing with you. You can obtain a copy of the Code from codeofpractice.com.au.
*The discount applies to the total nib travel insurance premium and is for customers that currently hold an Australian health insurance product, or an Overseas Student Health Cover product with nib. The discount is not available to customers who hold an Overseas Visitors Health Cover product. Discounts do not apply to the rate of GST and stamp duty or any changes you make to the policy. nib has the discretion to withdraw or amend this discount offer at any time. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer or discount.