Frequently Asked Questions – Couples Cruise Insurance

Q: How much do couples save compared to two single policies?

Couples typically save 30-40% compared to purchasing two separate single policies. For example, two singles age 55 might pay $380 each ($760 total) for a 7-day Pacific cruise, while a couple pays approximately $480—saving $280 (37%). Savings increase with age, trip duration, and destination cost.

Q: Can we get couples cruise insurance if we’re not married?

Absolutely. Our couples policies cover all committed relationships: married couples, de facto partners, engaged couples, dating couples, same-sex couples, and common-law partners. No discrimination based on relationship type—if you’re cruising together as a couple, you’re covered.

Q: What if one of us is significantly older than the other?

Age difference doesn’t prevent coverage. The premium is typically calculated based on the oldest partner’s age or a weighted combination of both ages. While this means slightly higher premiums than if both were younger, it’s still significantly cheaper (30-40%) than two separate single policies.

Q: Can we add a couples policy to cover multiple cruises throughout the year?

Yes! Annual multi-trip policies are excellent value for couples who cruise or travel 2+ times yearly. One policy covers both partners for unlimited trips (typically each trip up to 60-90 days) throughout the year. This is significantly cheaper than purchasing separate single-trip policies for each cruise.

Q: What happens if only one of us gets sick or injured?

The ill/injured partner receives full medical coverage, evacuation if needed, and all treatment costs. The healthy partner receives travel companion benefits including accommodation if partner hospitalized, meals during extended stays, and coverage for both to return home together if one must cut the cruise short. Both partners’ needs are considered.

Q: Are we both covered if confined to our cabin together?

Yes. If you’re both confined to your cabin due to illness or infectious disease exposure, you receive combined cabin confinement compensation (typically $300-$500 per 24-hour period for the couple) plus reimbursement for missed shore excursions and activities for both partners.

Q: What if we need to cancel our cruise because one of us becomes seriously ill?

If either partner experiences a covered reason requiring cancellation (serious illness, injury, death in family, redundancy, etc.), both partners are covered for the full trip cost—including cruise fare for the entire cabin, both flights, accommodation, and all other non-refundable expenses. You don’t lose your investment even if only one partner is directly affected.

Q: Can we get coverage if one of us has pre-existing medical conditions?

Yes. When one partner has pre-existing conditions, that partner completes medical screening and declaration, while the healthy partner is assessed separately. The premium increase reflects only the affected partner’s additional risk (not double loading for both), making it fair and still significantly cheaper than two separate policies.

Q: What if both of us have pre-existing medical conditions?

Both partners can be covered even when both have medical conditions. Each partner is assessed individually, and the combined premium reflects both conditions. It’s still cheaper than two separate policies, and you receive comprehensive coverage with enhanced medical support for both partners managing conditions together.

Q: Will you cover us for a honeymoon cruise?

Absolutely! Honeymoon cruises are perfect occasions for couples cruise insurance. We often have special discounts for newlyweds (within 90 days of wedding). Purchase your insurance as soon as you book your honeymoon to ensure full cancellation coverage if wedding-related issues arise.

Q: What if we’re on different flights to the cruise departure port?

If you’re travelling on separate flights, make sure both flight details are included in your policy. If one partner is delayed and misses embarkation, the policy covers costs for both to catch up to the cruise at the next port—keeping you together even if travel plans are disrupted.

Q: Can one of us extend our trip while the other returns home earlier?

This depends on your specific policy, but most couples policies cover the planned duration stated in your certificate of insurance. If you plan to return at different times, inform your insurer when purchasing. If one partner needs to return early due to covered reasons, that’s included under trip curtailment benefits.

Q: What if one of us needs evacuation—does the other come too?

Yes! Our policies include partner accompaniment in medical evacuations. If one partner requires emergency evacuation from the ship, the healthy partner can accompany them, with accommodation and meal costs covered during treatment. We keep couples together whenever medically feasible.

Q: How do claims work when both of us need to claim?

If both partners need to claim (e.g., both confined to cabin, or both miss shore excursions), you submit one combined claim with documentation for both. Each partner has separate medical coverage limits, so one partner’s medical claims don’t reduce the other’s available coverage.

Q: Are anniversary cruises covered differently?

Anniversary cruises are covered the same as any couples cruise, though some insurers offer loyalty discounts for milestone anniversaries (5-10% for 25th or 50th anniversaries). Ensure you protect your investment with insurance that covers any special anniversary packages or romantic extras you’ve booked.

Q: What if my partner needs to cancel but I still want to go?

If your partner must cancel due to covered reasons (serious illness, family emergency, redundancy) but you wish to continue, your policy typically covers your partner’s cancellation costs. However, you may need to pay a single supplement for the cabin. Check your specific policy terms—some include provisions for this scenario.

Q: Do we need cruise insurance for domestic New Zealand cruises?

Yes, even for NZ coastal cruises. Once your ship enters international waters (which happens even on domestic cruises), public healthcare doesn’t apply. You’re both personally liable for all onboard medical treatment and emergency evacuation. Domestic cruise insurance is significantly cheaper than international policies but equally essential for both partners.

Q: Can we purchase insurance after we’ve already booked our cruise?

Yes, but purchase as soon as possible after booking. Many benefits (particularly trip cancellation for pre-departure illness) only apply if insurance is purchased within 7-14 days of your initial deposit. Don’t delay—get covered together immediately after booking for full protection.

Q: What documentation do we both need if we make a claim?

Both partners should keep all documentation including medical reports and invoices for each partner, cruise booking confirmations, flight tickets for both, receipts for all expenses (each partner’s), photographic evidence if relevant, and incident reports from cruise line. The healthy partner often manages documentation if one is ill.

Q: Will insurance cover romantic extras like couples spa treatments or special dinners?

If you must cancel pre-booked romantic extras (couple spa packages, specialty dining, shore excursions) due to illness or covered reasons, these are typically covered under your trip cancellation benefits. Ensure these costs are included in your total trip cost when obtaining quotes.

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