One travel insurer is urging agents to ensure that clients are adequately covered before departing for a cruise, as new data reveals cruise medical claims from New Zealand averaged around $3200 over 2025/2026.
Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI), says it paid nearly $1.9 million across 925 paid cruise claims lodged by New Zealand customers in 2025 and 2026 year to date.
And it wasn’t freak accidents that saw these costs add up, but rather colds and chest infections. The insurer’s data shows respiratory illness made up roughly three times the share of cruise medical claims compared with non-cruise medical claims, accounting for almost 10% of cruise medical claims.
It does pay to watch where you step as well, with trips and falls accounting for 8% of its claims, behind gastro, which accounted for 15% of Kiwi claims.
Cancellation and disruption was the most common claim theme, with around $810,000 paid to customers, with other noteworthy data including the over 65 demographic making up just over half of cruise medical claims.
SCTI’s chief customer officer Jess Strange says these findings highlight the importance of looking at personal health needs before travelling. “Whatever your age, understanding how your health needs fit with your travel plans is an important part of preparing for a cruise.”
Her advice is to ensure any pre-existing medical conditions are declared, read the policy wording and any other policy documentation to check whether cruise cover is included or needs to be added, and make sure all destinations and shore excursions are covered.
She also urges agents to ensure that clients save their insurer’s emergency assistance number in their phone too, so they know who to call if something goes wrong.
