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Get on board with cruise cover

MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Get on board with cruise cover

Preparing to soak up the sun and scenery on board a Kiwi cruise? You may want to consider cruise cover before you set sail.

When it comes to cruising in New Zealand waters it is a common misconception that you are eligible for medical cover as per usual. In fact, as soon as your ship leaves port, you’re no longer covered for hospital or medical expenses by ACC or your usual private health care provider.

Confusing? Perhaps, but it’s imperative that you remember this crucial detail when purchasing travel insurance for your cruise. With passengers restricted to health care on board, medical costs and doctors’ fees on a ship can be unexpectedly pricey- even when they’re just a few kilometres from your home port! Hospital bills can be as much as $5,000 per day and consultations and medications are usually charged at private, costly rates.

Natalie Ball, director of Comparetravelinsurance.co.nz advises,
“Don't base your insurance decision on the assumption of 'it won't happen to me'. Holidays don’t always go to plan and the last thing you need on a relaxing cruise is an exorbitant medical bill. Getting ill while sailing can really send your budget overboard!”

New Zealander passenger numbers have continued to swell in recent years due to the industry’s increasing affordability and the sheer option of liners on the market. However, as the number of Kiwis getting on board continues to rise; more and more travellers will set sail for the first time- potentially without insurance.

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Ball says that passengers should weigh up the merit in foregoing cover.

“The risks of sea-sickness or contracting food-poisoning on board are a stark reality of modern cruising. Unpleasant as they are, it’s worth being realistic about such calamities and evaluate any possible costs you may incur.”

In the rare and unfortunate scenario that your condition is too serious to be treated on board you may require helicopter evacuation to the nearest hospital. Travel insurance would cover these expenses ensuring you’re not out of pocket should you fall ill.

Ball adds, “It’s worth noting that cruise cover will do more than just cover you medically. Depending on your policy, you may also be covered for trip cancellation due to severe weather, or additional accommodation cover if your cruise is delayed. And should your belongings go missing, you’d be covered for that too.”

Cruise control

Ball also recommends that travellers understand the nuances of cruise cover before they click ‘buy’.

“We receive many queries from customers who are unsure as to which region a domestic cruise would fall under. As a rule, you would need to select the ‘Pacific’ region when sailing around New Zealand or to Australia, Bali, South West Pacific and Norfolk Island.”

“As well, some insurers automatically cover you while on a cruise, provided you have selected an international policy. On the other hand, some providers require you to add ‘cruise’ as an optional extra when buying your policy. Doing a comparison with comparetravelinsurance.co.nz/cruise-insurance makes it easy to compare cruise insurance quotes.

As to whether travellers require a cruise specific policy is a matter of comparing and researching your options. It pays to do your homework so you don’t get stung at sea!

ENDS/….

© Scoop Media

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