With thousands of families set to embark on Disney cruises when they return to Australian ports from October 2024, Compare the Market warns holidaymakers of a little-known rule that catches many out who go on cruises.
While many of Disney’s sailings don’t technically leave Aussie waters when they set sail from Australia’s ports, people may not realise that the regular protections and safeguards offered by Medicare, private health insurers and some domestic travel insurance policies won’t apply as soon as you set foot on the cruise ship.
Compare the Market’s Executive General Manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor, said it was vital to find a travel insurance policy that offers cruise cover as an inclusion or to purchase it as an additional add-on if you want to be covered while on one of the Disney cruises.
“This is only the second time in history that Disney’s cruises will be returning to Australia and while it’s an exciting time for the thousands of families who have secured their ticket, it’s also a timely reminder that cruising is a unique type of holiday,” Mr Taylor said. “You may need to tick a few extra boxes to be adequately protected when you step on the Disney Wonder, because Medicare and your private health insurance won’t cover you from the moment you step on board the ship.
“Domestic travel insurance policies, which are those that typically cover Australians while travelling around Australia, will not provide cover for medical or hospital bills. If you are going on a cruise, you’ll need the same cover as if you were travelling overseas; International Travel Insurance.
“There’s a misconception that you’ll have the normal protection provided by Medicare or your private health insurer if you’re not travelling to international waters, but this isn’t true when it comes to cruises.”
Mr Taylor said finding a travel insurance policy that includes cruise cover is vital – especially because anything can happen on a cruise.
“While no one anticipates getting sick or injured on their dream cruise, it’s unfortunately a reality that can come true,” Mr Taylor said. “Without holding a valid travel insurance policy that includes cruise cover or a policy where you’ve added it on as an optional extra, you will be liable for any bills you incur for medical expenses, evacuations or emergency assistance.
“It’s a good idea to understand a travel insurance policy’s inclusions and exclusions when comparing, as they can vary between insurance providers. If in doubt, all the information will be in a policy’s Product Disclosure Statement.”
Common inclusions for travel insurance with cruise cover include:
- Overseas and onboard hospital and medical fees
- Medical evacuations at sea
- Cabin confinement if you become ill
- Cancellation fees for pre-booked arrangements
- Delays or rescheduling fees
- Missed departures or pre-paid onshore trips
- Personal belongings you lose or that suffer damage, theft of luggage and personal belongings.
- Additional expenses
- 24-hour emergency assistance
- Marine rescue diversion
Common exclusions can include:
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Lost, damaged or stolen belongings you leave unattended in a public place
- Loss or injury caused by intoxication, drug use or risky/unlawful behaviour
- High-risk sports or activities
- Travelling against government advice (check smartraveller.gov.au for updates)
- Acts of war, terrorism or natural disasters.
Meanwhile, rules around COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines have changed, which is something to keep in mind. You’re no longer required to prove your COVID-19 vaccination status when travelling on a Disney Cruise or to produce a negative COVID-19 test.
However, Smartraveller advises that an outbreak of COVID-19 on a ship could result in a ship not being able to dock or passengers may be asked to quarantine while on board.
“There’s plenty of fun to be had on board, but it’s a good idea to be aware of the risks and possibility of contracting illnesses like COVID-19, influenza, gastro and other infectious diseases,” Mr Taylor said. “You may choose to lock in travel insurance that also covers COVID-19, so you have cover if you contract COVID-19 on board or prior to departure and you need to alter your plans..
“And while we have around a month or so until the first cruise Disney cruise departs, it could be a good idea to lock in your insurance sooner rather than later. This will ensure you’ll have cover for insurance incidents that may occur on your ship, as well as offering protection if you need to alter, cancel or change your plans before a cruise’s departure due to illness or injury, subject to your policy’s conditions, inclusions and exclusions.
‘Of course, there are many other cruises setting sail in the coming months and into the New Year. No matter which type of cruise you’re heading on or booking, ensure you’re covered with travel insurance.”
For more information, please contact:
Phillip Portman | 0437 384 471 | [email protected]
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