Cruise Medical Claims Average 50% Higher for New Zealand Travellers
Southern Cross Travel Insurance paid about $1.9 million across 925 cruise claims, with cancellation and disruption accounting for roughly $810,000.
Medical claims from New Zealand cruise travellers averaged about $3,200, roughly 50% above the $2,100 average for non-cruise medical claims, according to Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI). The insurer reviewed claims paid in 2025 and 2026 through October 20, excluding dental claims from the medical averages.
Travellers aged 65 and over accounted for just over half of cruise medical claims but 79% of medical payments. Their share of non-cruise medical claims was about one in six. SCTI cautioned that the comparisons describe the composition of claims, not an individual traveller’s likelihood of illness or injury.
The wholly New Zealand-owned insurer paid approximately $1.9 million across 925 cruise claims during the review period. Cancellation and disruption was the most frequent claim category, accounting for about $810,000 in payments, while medical and evacuation claims totalled approximately $809,000.
Falls carry higher average payments
Trips and falls represented about 8% of cruise medical claims, compared with 6% for non-cruise travel. The payment gap was wider: $7,500 for cruise claims against $2,900 for non-cruise claims.
Respiratory illness accounted for almost 10% of cruise medical claims, compared with 2.9% of non-cruise medical claims. Gastroenteritis represented 15% of cruise medical claims, with an average payment of about $1,300, versus $1,100 for non-cruise travel.
Cruise cover requires a policy check
SCTI warned that a standard travel insurance policy does not necessarily include cruise cover. It sells cruise protection as an optional addition to selected domestic and international policies, and conditions vary by policy and type of trip.
Pre-existing medical conditions are a particular concern. SCTI chief customer officer Jess Strange said: “If you have a pre-existing medical condition, please declare it when arranging your insurance.”
Strange encouraged customers uncertain about disclosure requirements to contact the insurer before travelling. She said staff could discuss travel plans, explain the medical assessment process and clarify what protection might be available, including any exclusions.
“Before you leave, read your policy wording and any other policy documentation to check whether cruise cover is included or needs to be added,” she said.
For advisers handling cruise bookings, the policy checks extend to destinations, shore excursions and how claims for onboard medical services are treated. Strange also recommended saving the insurer’s emergency assistance telephone number so it is readily available during the trip.
New Zealand’s cruise season is under way, with close to 200,000 cruise passengers expected, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said in an August 29 release.
