Misleading info regarding travel insurance

We are a group of 6 ladies, first time travelers going on a 10 day Mediterranean cruise. After months of booking and paying we are ready to apply for visas. The travel agent said the 25 000 rand includes everything except drinks on board. We were under the impression that travel insurance (very important) was included,. Now receiving our documents 1 week prior to our visa appointment ,,, no travel insurance!!!! Really? She said I declined insurance??? As a travel expert and we,,,, first time travelers...shouldnt she have helped us??? Now we suddenly have to fork out R990 each ???