Do I really need cruise insurance for a cruise around New Zealand?

Yes, absolutely. Even on domestic New Zealand cruises, your ship enters international waters where public healthcare no longer applies. ACC only covers accidents, not illness. Once at sea, you're personally responsible for all onboard medical treatment, which can cost thousands of dollars. Emergency evacuation from a cruise ship to a New Zealand hospital can cost $10,000-$30,000. Cruise insurance covers these expenses plus trip cancellation, cabin confinement, and missed ports—making it essential protection even for short coastal voyages.

What's the difference between cruise insurance and regular travel insurance?

Cruise insurance includes specialized coverage that regular travel insurance excludes or inadequately covers. Standard policies often don't provide sufficient protection for onboard medical treatment, emergency evacuation from sea, cabin confinement compensation, missed port departure, itinerary disruption, or shore excursion cancellations. Cruise insurance is specifically designed for the unique risks of sea travel, ensuring you have adequate medical coverage (most cruise lines require minimum $1 million), evacuation provisions, and cruise-specific benefits that standard policies don't offer.

How much does cruise insurance cost?

Cruise insurance typically costs 3-7% of your total trip investment, depending on your age, destination, trip duration, and medical history. As a guide: a 7-day Pacific Islands cruise for a healthy couple in their 50s costs approximately $280-$450, while a domestic New Zealand cruise for the same couple costs $180-$250. Seniors aged 70+ and travellers with pre-existing conditions pay higher premiums. The cost is minimal compared to potential medical bills—a single medical evacuation can cost $50,000+, making insurance excellent value for money.Insurance prices fluctuate and vary by insurer so let us quote you.

Will my cruise insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?

Yes, pre-existing conditions can be covered if you declare them during the application process and the insurer accepts them (typically with an additional premium). Common conditions like controlled hypertension, stable diabetes, asthma, and arthritis are often coverable. You must disclose all medical conditions honestly—failure to do so voids your entire policy, not just pre-existing condition claims. We specialize in finding coverage for travellers with medical histories, and most stable conditions can be insured with appropriate premium loading.

When should I buy cruise insurance?

Purchase cruise insurance immediately after making your first cruise payment or deposit—ideally within 7-14 days of booking. Many benefits, particularly trip cancellation coverage for pre-departure illness, only apply if insurance is purchased early. Buying at the time of booking also protects you if health issues develop between booking and departure. Don't wait until close to your departure date, as you'll lose valuable coverage benefits and any health changes could affect your eligibility or pricing.

What happens if I need to cancel my cruise?

If you cancel for a covered reason—serious illness or injury (yours or immediate family), death of a family member, redundancy, jury duty, or home emergency—your cruise insurance reimburses non-refundable costs including cruise fare, flights, accommodation, and pre-paid excursions. You must have cancellation coverage that meets or exceeds your total trip investment. Note that cancelling simply because you changed your mind or due to known circumstances at booking time is not covered. Documentation (medical certificates, death certificates, etc.) is required for all cancellation claims.

Am I covered if I'm confined to my cabin due to illness?

Yes, cruise insurance includes cabin confinement benefits if you're ordered to remain in your cabin due to illness—either your own contagious condition or exposure to someone else's infectious disease. You typically receive $100-$200 compensation per 24-hour period of confinement, covering lost activities, missed meals, and shore excursions. You'll need written confirmation from the ship's doctor ordering the confinement. This benefit is particularly valuable given recent experiences with norovirus outbreaks and COVID-19 protocols on cruise ships.

Does cruise insurance cover medical emergencies onboard?

Yes, comprehensive cruise insurance covers unlimited medical treatment received onboard the ship, including doctor consultations, medications, procedures, and hospitalization in the ship's medical center. More importantly, it covers emergency medical evacuation from the ship to shore if you need specialized treatment—evacuations can cost $50,000+ depending on your location. Your policy should include at least $1 million in medical coverage (most cruise lines require this minimum), and we recommend unlimited medical coverage for international cruises, especially to high-cost destinations like the USA.

What if my flight is delayed and I miss my cruise departure?

Cruise insurance covers missed departure if flight delays, cancellations, or other covered events (airline strikes, severe weather, mechanical failure) prevent you from boarding at your departure port. Your policy pays for additional transportation costs to join the cruise at the next port, accommodation while catching up to the ship, and communication expenses. You must allow reasonable connection time initially (typically 3-4 hours for domestic, 6+ hours for international connections). Keep all receipts and obtain written confirmation from the airline regarding the delay reason.

Can I get cruise insurance if I'm over 70 years old?

Yes, cruise insurance is available for seniors, with coverage typically offered up to age 85 or older depending on the insurer and your health status. Premiums are higher for older travellers due to increased medical risk, but comprehensive cover is definitely obtainable. Many cruise passengers are retirees and mature travellers, so insurers have specific policies designed for seniors. Pre-existing medical conditions are assessed individually, and we specialize in finding appropriate coverage for over 70s. The key is applying early, being honest about your health, and obtaining medical clearance from your doctor confirming you're fit to cruise.

Our cruise insurance specialists are here to help. Get a free quote online in just 2 minutes—no obligation required.

Cruise Insurance NZ | Insurance for All Cruise Types

Cruise Insurance the Easy Way.

Cruise Insurance NZ specializes cruise & river cruise insurance for all Kiwi’s. From Solo travellers, Couples, Over 50’s and travellers with Pre-Existing medical conditions we find you the best cruise insurance to suit your requirements.

Get your cruise insurance quote today & see what you can save.

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Our team of experts will provide you with the best cruise insurance to suit you.

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Cruise Insurance New Zealand: Complete Protection for Your Voyage

Cruising offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation—waking up in new destinations without repacking, enjoying all-inclusive luxury, and creating unforgettable memories at sea. But cruise holidays come with unique risks that standard travel insurance doesn’t adequately cover. From missed ports and cabin confinement to medical evacuations costing tens of thousands, the right cruise insurance protects your investment and gives you complete peace of mind from booking to disembarkation whether you are cruising the South Pacific, Americas or Europe. River Cruising, International Cruises, we have you covered.

As cruise insurance specialists, we understand that every traveller is different. Whether you’re a young couple embarking on your first Pacific Island cruise, a family planning an Australian adventure, or over 50s with pre-existing medical conditions exploring New Zealand’s stunning coastline, we’ll find comprehensive cruise insurance tailored to your specific needs and budget.

Get A Quote Today

Why Cruise Insurance is Essential for New Zealand Travellers

Cruising is one of the fastest-growing holiday types among Kiwis, with thousands sailing domestically and internationally every year. But many travellers don’t realize that cruise holidays carry specific risks that regular travel insurance policies often exclude or inadequately cover.

The Critical Difference Between Cruise Insurance and Standard Travel Insurance

Standard travel insurance policies are designed for land-based holidays. They may not provide adequate coverage for:

**Medical treatment onboard cruise ships** – Even on domestic NZ cruises, once you’re at sea, public healthcare doesn’t apply
**Emergency medical evacuation from ship** – Helicopter or boat evacuation from remote locations can cost $10,000-$50,000+
**Missed port departure** – Flight delays causing you to miss embarkation can leave you stranded
**Cabin confinement** – Quarantine requirements due to illness mean lost holiday time
**Itinerary changes** – Weather or mechanical issues causing missed ports
**Shore excursion cancellations** – Pre-booked tours cancelled due to illness or ship delays
**Onboard incidents** – Slip and fall injuries, food poisoning, and other cruise-specific claims

Real Costs Without Cruise Insurance

Consider these actual expenses New Zealand cruise travellers have faced:

Medical evacuation from Pacific cruise to Auckland hospital: $47,000
Onboard treatment for heart attack on Australian cruise: $28,000
Missing cruise departure due to flight delay, joining at next port: $3,200
Cabin confinement compensation for 7-day quarantine: $2,100 (with insurance)
Lost excursions and cruise fare due to pre-departure illness: $8,500

These typical costs demonstrate why cruise-specific insurance isn’t optional—it’s essential financial protection. let us quote you, it only takes a few minutes.

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Understanding New Zealand Cruise Insurance: What’s Covered

Comprehensive cruise insurance provides specialized protection addressing the unique risks of sea travel. Here’s what quality cruise insurance covers:

Onboard Medical Treatment – Unlimited medical expenses for treatment received on the cruise ship, including consultations, medications, procedures, and hospitalization in the ship’s medical centre. This applies even on domestic New Zealand cruises once you’re in international waters. **Emergency Medical Evacuation** Cover for emergency helicopter or boat evacuation from the ship to the nearest adequate medical facility.
This includes:
– Air ambulance from ship to shore
– Medical repatriation to New Zealand if required
– Medical escort if you’re unable to travel alone
– Emergency dental treatment up to specified limits

**Important:** Many cruise lines require passengers to have at least $1 million in medical coverage. We ensure your policy meets or exceeds these requirements..

Cruise-Specific Coverage Benefits

Missed Port Departure – If flight delays, cancellations, or other covered events prevent you from boarding at your departure port, cruise insurance covers:

Additional transportation costs to join the cruise at the next port
Accommodation expenses while catching up to the ship
Communication costs coordinating with the cruise line

Cabin Confinement Benefit – If you’re confined to your cabin due to illness (yours or a shipmate’s infectious disease requiring quarantine), you typically receive:

Daily compensation for each 24-hour period confined (typically $100-$200 per day)
Coverage for missed shore excursions during confinement
Compensation for unused cruise facilities and amenities

Itinerary Disruption – When the cruise line changes the itinerary, misses scheduled ports, or cuts the voyage short due to:

Mechanical breakdowns – Severe weather conditions
Port closures – Security concerns You’re covered for alternative transportation, accommodation, and reasonable additional expenses.

Missed Shore Excursions – If you’re unable to participate in pre-booked shore excursions due to:

Illness or injury – Ship arriving late or departing early from port
Medical treatment preventing participation

Various policies will reimburses non-refundable excursion costs. it is important you get the right cruise insurance to best suit your requirements.

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Standard Travel Insurance Benefits Included

Comprehensive cruise insurance also includes all standard travel insurance benefits:

Trip Cancellation and Curtailment – Cancel before departure due to serious illness, injury, death of immediate family, redundancy, jury duty, or home emergency – Cut your trip short and return home early for the same covered reasons – Reimbursement of non-refundable cruise fare, flights, and pre-paid expenses – Cover typically ranges from $10,000 to $50,000+ (based on total trip cost)

Luggage and Personal Effects – Lost, stolen, or damaged baggage up to policy limits – Emergency replacement of essential items if luggage is delayed 12+ hours – Cover for specific high-value items (cameras, jewelry, electronics) with appropriate declarations – Formal wear replacement if luggage containing formal attire is delayed (important for cruise dress codes where applicable)

Travel Delays and Additional Expenses – Accommodation and meal expenses if departure is delayed 6+ hours – Replacement of spoiled medication or perishable items – Communication costs to notify family, employers, or cruise line – Transport to catch up with itinerary if possible (we’ve all seen those YouTube videos showing passengers running for their cruise ship)

Personal Liability – Coverage if you accidentally injure someone or damage property – Legal expenses if claims are made against you – Typically $2-5 million in liability protection.

24/7 Emergency Assistance – Worldwide emergency assistance hotline – Medical advice and referrals – Help co-ordinating evacuation and medical care – Translation services – Lost passport assistance – Emergency cash advances. This is essential regardless of where your travel or which cruise company you are with.

Get Your Personal Cruise Insurance Quote Now

Comprehensive cruise insurance covers these unique risks plus missed ports, cabin confinement, itinerary changes, and trip cancellations—protecting both your health and your holiday investment.

Our team of experts can provide you with a bespoke cruise insrance policy or wider travel insurance option to cover all eventualities. Its certainly worth talking to the experts or get a quote online.

Get a Quote

Types of Cruise Insurance We Offer

We provide specialized cruise insurance for every type of voyage and traveller profile whether youre on a traditional cruise ship around the Carribean or a River cruise down the Danube we have you covered. Don’t overpay for cruise insurance you don’t need, let us quote you for the best suited insurance that suits you.

International Cruise Insurance:-
Comprehensive protection for cruises departing from or visiting international ports including:
Pacific Islands (Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Samoa)
Australian ports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Tasmania)
Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand)
Caribbean and Americas
Mediterranean and European waters – World river cruises and extended voyages eg: Round The World including positioning cruises.

Key Features:
– Unlimited overseas medical expenses
– Emergency medical evacuation from anywhere in the world
– Pre and post-cruise accommodation if flight delays affect embarkation/disembarkation
– Coverage for all ports of call (must be declared when purchasing)
– Multi-currency support for international claims
– 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance

Domestic Cruise Insurance:-

New Zealand Coastal and Waterway Cruises with essential coverage for cruises within New Zealand waters including:
– Bay of Islands cruises
– Milford Sound and Fiordland voyages
– Cook Strait crossings
– Around-New Zealand coastal cruises
– Inter-island cruise experiences

Why You Need Domestic Cruise Insurance:
Many Kiwis mistakenly believe public healthcare covers them on domestic cruises.
The truth: once your ship enters international waters (which happens even on NZ coastal cruises), public healthcare entitlements cease. Onboard medical treatment becomes entirely your financial responsibility.

Domestic Cruise Cover Includes:
– Onboard medical treatment and emergency evacuation
– Trip cancellation and curtailment
– Luggage and personal effects
– Cabin confinement compensation
– Missed port departure
– Personal liability
– 24/7 emergency assistance within NZ

New Zealand cruise insurance starts from only $89 for a 3-day domestic cruise.

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Cruise Insurance for Families:

Comprehensive insurance cover for families cruising together often costing less than individual insurance policies:
Dependent children typically covered at no extra cost (up to 3-4 children under 18-21)
One premium covers entire family unit making it easy to manage
Childcare expense coverage if parent hospitalized
Lost comfort items replacement (favorite toys, blankets)
Supervision coverage if both parents need medical care
Activities and entertainment reimbursement if children confined to cabin

Popular Family Cruise Destinations:
P&O Pacific Explorer (Australia/Pacific Islands)
Royal Caribbean (Various destinations)
Disney Cruise Line (Pacific/International)
Princess Cruises (New Zealand/Australia)

Pricing: From $320 for family of four on 7-day Pacific cruise. Get a quote

Cruise Insurance for Singles

Solo Traveller Protection that is tailored cruise insurance cover for independent cruise travellers:
Same comprehensive benefits as couples/families
Competitive single supplement pricing
No discrimination against solo travellers
Emergency contact support if you become ill abroad
Single cabin confinement compensation

Pricing: From $145 for solo traveller on 7-day domestic cruise. Get a quote

Cruise Insurance For Couples

Partner Travel Coverage offering comprehensive dual cover for couples cruising anywhere together:
Both partners covered under one policy
Shared benefits and combined claim limits
Travel companion coverage if one partner needs to cancel
Joint emergency assistance coordination
Better value than two separate policies

Pricing: From $280 for a couple on 7-day Pacific cruise. Get a quote

Cruise Insurance for Over 50’s and Seniors:

Specialised Senior Cruise Cover – We specialize in cruise insurance for mature travellers however active you are:

Coverage available for travellers up to 85+ years
Realistic Premiums—we don’t age-gouge like many insurers
Comprehensive medical screening for accurate quotes
Experience handling age-related health concerns
Understanding of mobility needs and cruise accessibility
Complete Peace of Mind from the cruise insurance experts.

Senior-Specific Benefits:
Pre-existing medical condition coverage (see below)
Extended trip duration options (up to 18 months under 70, 6 months over 70)
Assistance with pre-trip medical documentation
Emergency family notification and coordination
Flexible cancellation policies understanding health uncertainties

Pricing: From $420 for couple aged 60-69 on a 7-day Pacific cruise (no pre-existing conditions).

Cruise Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions:

One of our specialties is providing cruise insurance for New Zealanders with pre-existing medical conditions. We believe your medical history shouldn’t prevent you from experiencing the joy of cruising regardless of where you are exploring around the World and without limitations on excursions you decide to undertake maybe except sky diving with a heart condition) so take a look below:

A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or medical condition for which you’ve received medical advice, treatment, or medication. The condition would need to have existed before purchasing insurance whether diagnosed or not. You may or may not currently be symptomatic, common examples include:

Heart conditions (angina, heart attack, stents, bypass surgery)
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
Respiratory conditions (asthma, COPD, emphysema)
Cancer (current or previous)
Joint conditions (arthritis, hip/knee replacements)
Mental health conditions
Thyroid disorders
Digestive conditions (Crohn’s, colitis, diverticulitis)

Not sure what to do ? Simply get a quote from our team of cruise insurance experts, complete the online form or call us.

The Benefits Outweigh The Cost

You’ve been planning this cruise for months (possibly years), dreaming about waking up in exotic ports and creating memories that’ll last a lifetime. But here’s what most Kiwis don’t realize: the moment your ship enters international waters—even on a domestic NZ cruise—you’re on your own financially.
Medical emergencies at sea cost tens of thousands, and one unexpected illness could wipe out your savings and ruin years of planning. Getting a free, no-obligation quote takes just 2 minutes and costs you nothing. But not having insurance when something goes wrong?
That could cost you everything. See what protection actually costs before you decide—you might be surprised how affordable peace of mind really is.

Get Started

Cruise Insurance FAQs

Do I really need cruise insurance for a cruise around New Zealand?

Yes, absolutely. Even on domestic New Zealand cruises, your ship enters international waters where public healthcare no longer applies. ACC only covers accidents, not illness. Once at sea, you're personally responsible for all onboard medical treatment, which can cost thousands of dollars. Emergency evacuation from a cruise ship to a New Zealand hospital can cost $10,000-$30,000. Cruise insurance covers these expenses plus trip cancellation, cabin confinement, and missed ports—making it essential protection even for short coastal voyages.
What's the difference between cruise insurance and regular travel insurance?

Cruise insurance includes specialized coverage that regular travel insurance excludes or inadequately covers. Standard policies often don't provide sufficient protection for onboard medical treatment, emergency evacuation from sea, cabin confinement compensation, missed port departure, itinerary disruption, or shore excursion cancellations. Cruise insurance is specifically designed for the unique risks of sea travel, ensuring you have adequate medical coverage (most cruise lines require minimum $1 million), evacuation provisions, and cruise-specific benefits that standard policies don't offer.
How much does cruise insurance cost?

Cruise insurance typically costs 3-7% of your total trip investment, depending on your age, destination, trip duration, and medical history. As a guide: a 7-day Pacific Islands cruise for a healthy couple in their 50s costs approximately $280-$450, while a domestic New Zealand cruise for the same couple costs $180-$250. Seniors aged 70+ and travellers with pre-existing conditions pay higher premiums. The cost is minimal compared to potential medical bills—a single medical evacuation can cost $50,000+, making insurance excellent value for money.Insurance prices fluctuate and vary by insurer so let us quote you.
Will my cruise insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?

Yes, pre-existing conditions can be covered if you declare them during the application process and the insurer accepts them (typically with an additional premium). Common conditions like controlled hypertension, stable diabetes, asthma, and arthritis are often coverable. You must disclose all medical conditions honestly—failure to do so voids your entire policy, not just pre-existing condition claims. We specialize in finding coverage for travellers with medical histories, and most stable conditions can be insured with appropriate premium loading.
When should I buy cruise insurance?

Purchase cruise insurance immediately after making your first cruise payment or deposit—ideally within 7-14 days of booking. Many benefits, particularly trip cancellation coverage for pre-departure illness, only apply if insurance is purchased early. Buying at the time of booking also protects you if health issues develop between booking and departure. Don't wait until close to your departure date, as you'll lose valuable coverage benefits and any health changes could affect your eligibility or pricing.
What happens if I need to cancel my cruise?

If you cancel for a covered reason—serious illness or injury (yours or immediate family), death of a family member, redundancy, jury duty, or home emergency—your cruise insurance reimburses non-refundable costs including cruise fare, flights, accommodation, and pre-paid excursions. You must have cancellation coverage that meets or exceeds your total trip investment. Note that cancelling simply because you changed your mind or due to known circumstances at booking time is not covered. Documentation (medical certificates, death certificates, etc.) is required for all cancellation claims.
Am I covered if I'm confined to my cabin due to illness?

Yes, cruise insurance includes cabin confinement benefits if you're ordered to remain in your cabin due to illness—either your own contagious condition or exposure to someone else's infectious disease. You typically receive $100-$200 compensation per 24-hour period of confinement, covering lost activities, missed meals, and shore excursions. You'll need written confirmation from the ship's doctor ordering the confinement. This benefit is particularly valuable given recent experiences with norovirus outbreaks and COVID-19 protocols on cruise ships.
Does cruise insurance cover medical emergencies onboard?

Yes, comprehensive cruise insurance covers unlimited medical treatment received onboard the ship, including doctor consultations, medications, procedures, and hospitalization in the ship's medical center. More importantly, it covers emergency medical evacuation from the ship to shore if you need specialized treatment—evacuations can cost $50,000+ depending on your location. Your policy should include at least $1 million in medical coverage (most cruise lines require this minimum), and we recommend unlimited medical coverage for international cruises, especially to high-cost destinations like the USA.
What if my flight is delayed and I miss my cruise departure?

Cruise insurance covers missed departure if flight delays, cancellations, or other covered events (airline strikes, severe weather, mechanical failure) prevent you from boarding at your departure port. Your policy pays for additional transportation costs to join the cruise at the next port, accommodation while catching up to the ship, and communication expenses. You must allow reasonable connection time initially (typically 3-4 hours for domestic, 6+ hours for international connections). Keep all receipts and obtain written confirmation from the airline regarding the delay reason.
Can I get cruise insurance if I'm over 70 years old?

Yes, cruise insurance is available for seniors, with coverage typically offered up to age 85 or older depending on the insurer and your health status. Premiums are higher for older travellers due to increased medical risk, but comprehensive cover is definitely obtainable. Many cruise passengers are retirees and mature travellers, so insurers have specific policies designed for seniors. Pre-existing medical conditions are assessed individually, and we specialize in finding appropriate coverage for over 70s. The key is applying early, being honest about your health, and obtaining medical clearance from your doctor confirming you're fit to cruise.
Have more questions?

Our cruise insurance specialists are here to help. Get a free quote online in just 2 minutes—no obligation required.

Some Latest Articles For You

See all articles

Cruise Insurance the Easy Way.

Our team of experts will provide you with the best cruise insurance to suit you.

We Proudly Partner With The Following Insurers;

Cruise Insurance New Zealand: Complete Protection for Your Voyage

Why Cruise Insurance is Essential for New Zealand Travellers

The Critical Difference Between Cruise Insurance and Standard Travel Insurance

Real Costs Without Cruise Insurance

Understanding New Zealand Cruise Insurance: What’s Covered

Cruise-Specific Coverage Benefits

Standard Travel Insurance Benefits Included

Get Your Personal Cruise Insurance Quote Now

Types of Cruise Insurance We Offer

Cruise Insurance for Families:

Cruise Insurance for Singles

Cruise Insurance For Couples

Cruise Insurance for Over 50’s and Seniors:

Cruise Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions:

The Benefits Outweigh The Cost

Cruise Insurance FAQs

Do I really need cruise insurance for a cruise around New Zealand?

What's the difference between cruise insurance and regular travel insurance?

How much does cruise insurance cost?

Will my cruise insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?

When should I buy cruise insurance?

What happens if I need to cancel my cruise?

Am I covered if I'm confined to my cabin due to illness?

Does cruise insurance cover medical emergencies onboard?

What if my flight is delayed and I miss my cruise departure?

Can I get cruise insurance if I'm over 70 years old?

Have more questions?

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