Cruise Travel Insurance: What's Covered and What's Not

MFAT's SafeTravel advice for cruises says to make sure your policy covers cruises, or to buy a policy specifically for a cruise, and that it should also cover each destination country, any activities planned on shore, and medical evacuation (SafeTravel (MFAT): Going on a cruise). It warns that if you become sick or need to be evacuated, your cruise company won't pay your medical and evacuation expenses.

ACC covers injuries caused by accidents, not illness (ACC: Injuries we don't cover). For overseas visitors, ACC also says it does not cover travel around New Zealand in the craft they arrived in, such as a cruise ship (ACC: If you're a visitor injured in New Zealand). Even on a New Zealand itinerary, check how your travel policy treats cruises and medical care on board.

• Whether cruising is included, needs an add-on, or is excluded.
• Medical cover on board: whether treatment in the ship's medical centre is covered, and the evacuation and repatriation cover.
• Missed departures: whether you are covered for the cost of catching up with the ship if you miss a port departure, and the conditions.
• Cabin confinement or itinerary change benefits, if the policy has them, and what triggers them.
• Shore excursions and activities, particularly scooter or motorbike riding and water sports.
• Pre-existing medical conditions, and the cancellation cover if you have to cancel before sailing.

• Pack more medication than you need in case your plans change.
• Lock your cabin and use the safe for valuables.
• Book shore activities through the cruise operator or a reputable tour company.
• Wear safety equipment such as a helmet on scooters or motorbikes, and check your insurance covers them.
• Respect departure times so you do not miss the ship.

Source: SafeTravel (MFAT): Going on a cruise.