As the peak of cruising season comes to a close Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) shares common claims and cruising insights (May 2024 to April 2025).

 Claims for cruises are more likely from travellers hailing from Tasmania (16%), followed by Victoria (11.2%) and Queensland (10.1%).

SCTI operates in Australia and New Zealand so the team can see how different travellers use their insurance. It's interesting to note that Aussies are 42% more likely than Kiwis to make a claim while cruising.

The types of claims related to cruising are for incidents that happen onboard the ship or illnesses. The costs for treatment can be hugely expensive. Amongst other costs, one customer was charged:

• $5,465 USD ($8,500 AUD) for 'medical services', which include consultation costs, catheterization and tests.
• $565 USD ($878 AUD) for 'medical supplies', which are medical equipment such as bandages, drips, and syringes.
• $786 USD ($1,222 AUD) for medication

Another claim totalled more than $11,000 AUD, including $900 AUD for a telehealth consultation and more than $1,600 for 17 hours of medical care.

The average cruising claim cost is $1,329, which is only 2% less than the average cost of overseas travel insurance claims ($1,359).

Jess Strange, Chief Customer Officer at Southern Cross Travel Insurance, says the high costs of medical treatment on cruise ships should be a valuable reminder to Aussie travellers to purchase cruise cover as part of their travel insurance before they set off on their adventure, in fact when they make their booking to protect their investment.

 “We've seen claims for prescription paracetamol on US flagged cruise ships sometimes in the region of USD200, so it definitely pays to have travel insurance, says Strange.

 “We know Aussies are a nation of cruise enthusiasts and while it's a fabulous way to travel, there are some drawbacks that could result in costly medical bills if you choose not to take out travel insurance for your voyage.

 “Often cruise ships are in remote places far out at sea, therefore if repatriations need to occur the remoteness and complexity of the repatriation process can make it more costly. In addition to this, cruise ships can be in locations where access to high quality medical care is not always possible, in which case transporting the customer to the nearest centre of medical excellence may involve an air ambulance, which is expensive”.

 SCTI provides specialist cruise cover as an add-on to their International Comprehensive and Domestic travel insurance policies. Visit the website for more information: www.scti.com.au