Medical claims from New Zealanders on cruises averaged about $3,200, compared with $2,100 for non-cruise medical claims, according to new analysis from Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI).
The insurer reviewed paid New Zealand cruise claims from 2025 and 2026 through October 20. It paid about $1.9 million across 925 claims. Medical and evacuation payments totalled about $809,000, while cancellation and disruption - the most common claim category - accounted for about $810,000. The medical averages exclude dental claims.
Respiratory illness made up almost 10% of cruise medical claims, compared with 2.9% of non-cruise medical claims. Gastroenteritis accounted for 15% of claims, with an average payment of about $1,300 against $1,100 on land. Trips and falls made up about 8% of cruise medical claims versus 6% on land, with average payments of $7,500 and $2,900 respectively.
Older travellers featured heavily. Customers aged 65 and over accounted for just over half of cruise medical claims, compared with about one in six non-cruise medical claims, and they made up 79% of cruise medical payments.
SCTI said the comparisons describe the mix of claims, not a traveller’s likelihood of becoming ill or injured.
Travel insurance does not always include cruise cover, SCTI said. It offers cruise cover as an add-on to selected domestic and international policies, with terms differing by policy and trip type. Clients who assume their standard travel policy covers all scenarios at sea may find gaps at the point of a claim.
Pre-existing conditions are a particular area of risk. SCTI chief customer officer Jess Strange (pictured) said: “If you have a pre-existing medical condition, please declare it when arranging your insurance. If you’re unsure what you need to tell us, get in touch. We can talk through your travel plans and cover needs, explain the assessment process, and help you understand what cover may be available, including any exclusions. That way you can make informed decisions before you set sail.”
Strange also urged travellers to verify their cover before departure. “Before you leave, read your policy wording and any other policy documentation to check whether cruise cover is included or needs to be added. Make sure your destinations and shore excursions are covered and declare any pre-existing medical conditions as required by your insurer. Save your insurer’s emergency assistance number in your phone too, so you know who to call if something goes wrong.”
For advisers with clients booking cruises, the SCTI data provides concrete talking points on three fronts: checking whether cruise cover is included or requires a separate add-on, ensuring pre-existing conditions are declared, and understanding how claims involving shore excursions and onboard medical services are handled under the policy wording.
Tourism and hospitality minister Louise Upston said in an August 29 release that close to 200,000 cruise passengers are expected in New Zealand this season.
In earlier SCTI reporting, the insurer noted that respiratory illnesses have been particularly difficult for older travellers and young children, often linked to cruise ships, resorts and shared transport.
