Must-do task to tick off as soon as you book a cruise
Cruise ships are back in Australia for the bumper summer season, with a host of new ships coming Down Under for the first time.
But once you book your floating holiday, there's another important arrangement to do straight away.
Get your travel insurance.
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For a cruise you need to get a certain kind to ensure you're covered in case anything goes wrong. Getty
And not just any insurance.
Because for a cruise you need to get a certain kind to ensure you're covered in case anything goes wrong.
Even if you're only sailing around Australia.
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Nine/Tara Blancato
Compare the Market is warning 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 ship.
Executive General Manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor, said it's vital to find a travel insurance policy that offers cruise cover as an inclusio,n or to buy it as an add-on.
"You may need to tick a few extra boxes to be adequately protected," he said.
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"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.
"While no one anticipates getting sick or injured on their dream cruise, it's unfortunately a reality that can come true."
Adrian said you could face hefty bills if you make the risk and don't buy it and something happens.
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 and missed departures or pre-paid onshore trips.
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Crown Princess is one of the ships heading to Australia for the first time. Supplied
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"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," Adrian said.
"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."
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