Travel Insurance
Your Whitsunday escape is something to look forward to, and the right travel insurance means you can do just that, with confidence. All charter fees become non-refundable 90 days before your charter starts, so we strongly recommend arranging travel insurance as soon as you book.
To make it easier, we’ve sourced policies from trusted Australian insurers for the main charterer and crew. Each policy is different, so read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to make sure it suits your needs.
Your security bond and travel insurance
A security bond is a condition of the boat owner’s insurance. It’s taken as a credit card pre-authorisation on arrival, so funds are held but not withdrawn unless the boat is damaged. Your maximum liability is $4,000.
The bond is a condition of your charter and can’t be waived by buying travel insurance. However, some policies offer optional boat hire deposit protection, so you can claim back your bond if it’s used after an accident.
No damage waiver fee. We don’t charge a non-refundable damage waiver. Instead, we encourage you to put that money towards travel insurance that protects your whole trip, including your flights, accommodation and charter fees, not just the boat.
Weather and your charter
The Whitsundays enjoy great boating weather for most of the year, but conditions can change. Our team watches the forecast closely and will always put your safety first. Rain, wind and strong wind warnings don’t qualify for a refund, so travel insurance is the best way to protect your holiday and your travel costs.
Cyclone season runs from December to April. Cyclones are slow-moving and usually give several days’ warning, so if one approaches, we’ll bring your boat safely back to Coral Sea Marina or Hamilton Island Marina.
Disrupted travel
Occasionally, flooding or low cloud can close Whitsunday Coast Airport, and flooding can affect roads into Airlie Beach. Alternatives include flying into Mackay or Hamilton Island, or using Strathdickie Road if the Proserpine to Airlie Beach road is closed.
Important information
Under the Financial Services Reform Act, Whitsunday Escape can’t give advice on insurance. For questions about a policy, please contact the insurer directly and read the PDS before you buy.
Insurance Options
| Policy | Who it’s for | Covers | Security bond cover | Get a quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yachties Travel Insurance (Topsail Insurance) | Main charterer | Charter fees, domestic flights and more | Yes, optional. Select “Boat or car hire deposit protection” and enter your bond amount | yachtiestravel.com.au or
(02) 9188 7828 |
| Domestic Comprehensive (Cover-More) | Crew | Charter fees, domestic flights and more. Optional COVID-19 cancellation cover | No | covermore.com.au or
1300 728 822 |
| Australian Comprehensive Travel (nib) | Crew | Charter fees, domestic flights and more | No | nib.com.au |
Crew members who want security bond cover can take out a Topsail crew policy.
Weather and Refunds
| Situation | What happens |
|---|---|
| Rain, wind, strong wind or gale warnings | No refund. You may be asked to stay in a sheltered anchorage or marina |
| Weather stops you travelling to Airlie Beach | No refund |
| You decide not to travel | No refund |
| Ports closed by the Regional Harbour Master | Pro rata refund of charter fees, for the time the ports are closed only |
| Cyclone warning issued | Return to Coral Sea Marina as advised. You may need to leave the boat and arrange other accommodation |
| Flights, accommodation or provisioning costs | Not covered by Whitsunday Escape. Travel insurance is strongly recommended |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need travel insurance for a bareboat charter? It’s not compulsory, but we strongly recommend it, as charter fees are non-refundable from 90 days before your charter starts.
Does travel insurance replace the security bond? No. The bond is a condition of your charter. Some policies offer optional deposit protection so you can claim it back if it’s used.
Will I get a refund if the weather is bad? Not for rain or wind. A pro rata refund applies only if the Regional Harbour Master closes the ports.
When is cyclone season in the Whitsundays? December to April. Mid-April to mid-December is generally considered a safe time to holiday.
Can Whitsunday Escape recommend a policy? We’ve sourced policies for your convenience, but we can’t give insurance advice. Please contact the insurer and read the PDS.
Do you charge a damage waiver? No. We don’t charge a non-refundable damage waiver. We’d rather you put that money towards travel insurance that covers your whole trip, not just the boat.
Before You Buy a Policy
- Does it cover your charter fees if you need to cancel?
- Does it cover flights and accommodation if your travel is disrupted?
- Does it include boat hire deposit (security bond) protection?
- Does it cover every member of your crew?
- Have you read the PDS?
Book with confidence. Escape with peace of mind.
Check Availability Get a Quote
Talk to our team on 07 4946 5222, available 7 days a week.