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Cruise getaways offer a blend of leisure, adventure, and convenience, making them ideal for seniors. Whether you’re sailing across Europe, basking in the sun of the South Pacific, or cruising around Australia, comprehensive cruise insurance can provide added peace of mind for your voyages.

Canstar Award-winning travel insurance provider Insure&Go offers comprehensive cruise insurance for senior Australians, covering events such as missed ports and emergency evacuations. Cruise policies with Insure&Go are available for sailors up to the age of 79.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Pre-existing medical conditions shouldn’t limit you from cruising. Many insurance providers offer comprehensive policies that include coverage for pre-existing conditions, ensuring you have access to necessary medical care and support while on your journey. Be sure to disclose all relevant medical information to your insurer to secure the appropriate coverage and fully enjoy your cruise.

For instance, Insure&Go consider all pre-existing medical conditions, sometimes at no additional cost. Their simple medical screening, available online or by phone, simplifies the process and doesn't require upfront medical certificates.

Emergency Medical Assistance

Medical emergencies on a cruise can be more complex than those on land. In the event of a serious medical emergency, patients may need to be evacuated to the nearest hospital on land. Travel insurance's emergency assistance services provide crucial support, including transportation and communication with healthcare specialists.

Insure&Go, for example, offers 24/7 assistance through a global network of 750,000 providers across 200 countries.

Comprehensive Medical Coverage

When booking a cruise, it is crucial to consider medical coverage. Fortunately, numerous insurance providers offer coverage for unlimited overseas medical expenses, providing peace of mind both onboard and onshore.

While Australia’s reciprocal health agreements cover some costs abroad, including New Zealand and the UK, they often exclude prescription medication, which can be expensive in countries like the United States. This makes travel insurance critical in such situations.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Senior travellers may be more susceptible to illnesses or unforeseen events that could prevent them from embarking on their cruise or requiring them to cut their trip short. In instances where it is necessary and unavoidable to cancel your cruise, Cruise insurance can reimburse non-refundable expenditures and cover unexpected travel interruptions and cancellations as per the coverage offered with the policy.

Missed Departure

If you miss your departure due to unforeseen events, such as weather, some insurers cover accommodation and transportation costs to help you re-join your ship at a later port. For instance, Insure&Go offers coverage for reasonable and necessary additional travel expenses if you miss the scheduled departure of your pre-booked cruise from Australia due to specific events, allowing you to continue with your original journey.

Shore Excursions and Cabin Confinement

Insurance for missed shore excursions covers activities missed due to a missed port or other unforeseen circumstances, such as cabin confinement.

Likewise, if your cruise is cancelled or shortened, insurers such as Insure&Go, can reimburse certain pre-paid shore excursion costs.

If for medical reasons, like COVID-19, confine you to your cabin, coverage can compensate you for each day of confinement.

Personal Belongings

If your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged at sea, cruise insurance can offer coverage up to the policy limit. Having this insurance ensures that you can manage unexpected disruptions to your travel plans with greater ease and financial protection.

For example, Insure&Go provides coverage throughout your cruise or up to 72 hours before departure, including reimbursement for essential items if your baggage is delayed, ensuring you're not left without the basics.

Age Considerations

When choosing cruise insurance, consider the coverage choices depending on your age. Review the policy limits and any exclusions carefully. Ensure that the coverage limits are adequate for your needs and that there are no exclusions that might affect you due to your age.

Taking out travel insurance can be straightforward. To understand your options and coverage levels, read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or contact your provider.

Insure&Go is offering a 15% discount on premiums for Seniors Card members with code SENSA15 online or call 1300 401 177.

Disclaimer

This insurance is underwritten by Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Limited (MSI), ABN 49 000 525 637, AFSL 240816. Europ Assistance Australia Pty Ltd, ACN 140 219 594, AFSL 552106, trading as InsureandGo and other brands, holds a binding authority from the insurer, MSI to issue contracts of insurance and to deal with or settle claims on MSI’s behalf and as MSI’s agent.

Any recommendations made about the insurance is general advice only and doesn’t take account of your particular needs and circumstances.  For full details of the benefits, terms and conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions that may apply, please refer to the relevant Combined Product Disclosure Statement and Policy Wording and Financial Services Guide (PDS) available here and consider the PDS in light of your personal circumstances, prior to making any decision to acquire the product.