From the mighty Murray to the wilds of Kakadu, Australia’s rivers are rich in history and full of natural wonders, backed by breathtaking landscapes.
Whether you’re planning to float down one of the world’s longest navigable rivers—the Murray River stretches more than 2,500kms—or marvel at the craggy ochre cliffs steeped in 50,000 years of Indigenous history in Kakadu, if things get choppy along the way, it helps to know you may be covered.
Do you cover river cruises in Australia and abroad?
Cruising is one of the most-fun ways to experience a new—or favourite—destination. That’s why our travel insurance can cover you for both domestic and international river cruising.
Our domestic travel insurance plans provide cover for inland river cruises within Australia, however, if ocean cruising beckons to you like a siren, you should consider our international travel insurance plans—even when cruising just off the coast of Australia.
As part of our cruise cover, we offer cover for publicly available international river cruises, and ocean cruises within Australian waters or International waters*.
Stopovers while cruising
If you also plan to make any stopovers while on your cruise you will need to let us know if you decide to stop at a destination for more than 72 hours.
What do we mean by International waters?
When setting of on your next cruise please be aware that we define International waters as, “the open seas of the world outside the territorial waters of any nation”. In case you were wondering, travelling in international waters in a private sail vessel or privately registered sail vessel is not covered.
While we hope your cruise holiday is smooth sailing, at nib, we’re no stranger to cruise-related mishaps like unexpected delays, lost luggage, and medical evacuation. That’s why we’re here to help you navigate your way if things get choppy.
Grab your nib travel insurance today.
Why you should consider travel insurance for your river cruise holiday
When you take a nib travel insurance policy with you on your holiday, we can help get you back on track if the unexpected takes you off course. Such as:
You suddenly become unwell
Suddenly realise all that rocking back and forth turns your tummy? Travel insurance can help when Medicare can’t. Like when you need on-board medical treatment while cruising Australia’s spectacular coastline.
If the weather impacts your cruise
Whether you can’t go on a pre-paid shore excursion because of severe weather, or your cruise is delayed because a cyclone has other plans for your itinerary, weather can impact a cruise in all sorts of ways. You may also be covered even before you get on your cruise if severe weather ruins your cruising plans. We offer cover if:
- You’re unable to arrive at your departure point due to start your trip due to a natural disaster causing road closures.
- You’re unable to start your trip due to severe weather or natural disaster causing damage to your home or business within 72 hours of your trip departure date.
If you’re impacted by COVID-19
Since the pandemic, boats are notorious hotspots for an outbreak of COVID-19. Our plans offer cover for a range of coronavirus-related events (excl. Cancellation and Additional Expenses Plan); however, the benefits and limits vary depending on the level of cover you choose.
If you need medical evacuation
Our plans cover medical evacuation and repatriation if you need to disembark early because it’s medically necessary.
With Comprehensive and Essentials Plans, you can compare and choose the cover that’s right for your cruising holiday.
What’s not covered
Our travel insurance plans are there to help when the unexpected happens while you’re on holiday. But they’re not designed to cover everything. Some things we don’t cover include:
- Medical treatment on-board an ocean-based cruise if you’ve chosen a domestic travel insurance policy, even if you’re just off the coast of Australia
- Changing your mind: If you decide not to travel because you’ve changed your mind
- If your luggage is lost or stolen because you left it unattended, or did not take reasonable care to look after it
- Any medical, hospital, dental or ambulance expenses you incur in Australia if you’ve purchased an international plan
- Any existing medical condition where your plan does not include it, or an additional premium has not been paid
It’s always a good idea to run over the terms and conditions with a fine-toothed comb, so you’re comfortable with your level of coverage.
Get a quote
Sound like your trip would benefit from some protection? Get your nib travel insurance quote today.
Already cruising? You can still purchase travel insurance while travelling.
Need to know more?
If you’re still unsure which travel insurance policy is right for you, or you’re unsure what to do if things go wrong while you’re on your cruise, we’re here to help. Get in touch and we’ll answer your questions.
In case of emergency, the experienced Emergency Assistance Team is available 24/7 to help you out with any medical issue you may have.
The above features and benefits are a summary of cover only. Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions outlined in the Product Disclosure Statement.
FAQs
If your cruise trip is unexpectedly cancelled by your cruise operator because of severe weather or natural disaster, we may be able to help cover any pre-paid costs of your planned trip.
If your cruise is rescheduled or cancelled due to an unforeseen reason outside your control and you’re subsequently delayed for at least 6 hours you may be able to claim as part of our travel delay benefit.
In the case of a travel agent’s cancellation fees, you will not be able to claim more than the limit outlined in your Schedule of benefits.