Adventures at sea without the risk with 1Cover

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For travellers who have already done the classic cruise routes, expedition cruising offers something a little more adventurous. Designed to take passengers well beyond busy ports and familiar coastlines, these cruises travel to some of the most remote and striking destinations on the planet.

Think the frozen seascapes of Antarctica, the rugged coastlines of Alaska, the northern wilderness of Canada and the ice-covered waters of the Arctic.

Although these cruises may be big on adventure, they can also be pricey and unpredictable compared to mainstream cruising, which is why cruise travel insurance is a must. Here’s how 1Cover Travel Insurance protects travellers on expedition voyages.

Pre-trip cancellation

The financial commitment to an expedition cruise extends well beyond the cruise fare. Flights to remote departure ports and pre- and post-cruise accommodation can add thousands to the total trip cost. And if illness, injury or unforeseen events force you to cancel or miss ports, you could lose that entire investment.

That’s why it’s important to check that your travel insurance includes the correct amount of cancellation cover to cover your entire trip. 1Cover’s policies protect travellers if they need to cancel for unforeseen events such as severe weather, illness or injury, covering both the cost of the cruise and related travel expenses.

Case in point: When Jane Peeters was stranded in Auckland due to major flooding and missed her Antarctic cruise departure, she stood to lose $28,000 in non-refundable voyage fees. Thankfully, she had a cruise policy with 1Cover, which covered her entire claim. She ended up recovering more than $35,000 for the missed cruise, missed flights and accommodation.

Medical costs onboard

Medical treatment on board an expedition ship – even for minor issues – can be surprisingly expensive. A simple over-the-counter medication that costs a few dollars on land can run into hundreds of dollars at sea. And, unlike traditional cruises, they don’t dock regularly at major ports with hospitals just a stone’s throw away. 1Cover’s Cruise Travel Insurance covers overseas medical expenses, including treatment received onboard, ensuring travellers aren’t left with huge medical bills on and off the ship.

Cabin confinement

Beyond medical emergencies and cancellations, expedition cruising brings its own unique risks. Cabin confinement due to illness isn’t just an inconvenience; it can mean missing Zodiac landings, wildlife encounters and guided excursions that make these voyages worth taking in the first place. The financial impact goes beyond just the cruise fare. It’s about losing access to those once-in-a-lifetime moments you’ve travelled across the world to experience.

That’s why cruise-specific travel insurance matters. 1Cover’s Travel Insurance includes cabin confinement cover if you’re too sick to leave your cabin, ensuring travellers are protected for scenarios unique to life at sea, not just the risks that apply to any holiday.

Emergency evacuations

Expedition cruises operate far from major ports and cities, with ships purpose-built to navigate challenging environments. Days often involve travelling through regions with limited infrastructure, meaning minor medical issues can escalate quickly when the nearest hospital is days away. In regions like Antarctica, northern Canada or the Arctic, this can involve multiple transfers and specialist support, and costs can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars.

Having travel insurance that covers overseas medical expenses and emergency evacuation is a must. 1Cover Travel Insurance provides protection for illness or injury requiring treatment on board or on shore, and for complex heli-evacuations. The bottom line is that having the right travel insurance means travellers can fully embrace their adventures at sea, without worrying about the unexpected.

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