Cruises are a fun and convenient way to travel with your family, your friends, or even by yourself. When taking a cruise, be aware that you face risks such as medical emergencies that may not be covered by U.S. health insurance, potential trip cancellations and interruptions, travel delays, and unexpected expenses.
That’s why having the right cruise travel insurance is essential for a worry-free venture on the seas. Use this guide to explore your coverage options and make informed decisions for peace of mind during your cruise.
Coverage For The Whole Family
Cruises are a fantastic family option, offering an all-inclusive experience with entertainment and activities that everyone will enjoy. Here's a free tip: Look for plans that cover one or more children at no additional cost.
Book Early For Maximum Coverage
Purchase a cruise travel insurance policy at the same time as your cruise to ensure those sudden and unexpected cancellations are covered. Plus, get access to purchase optional upgrades like Cancel for Any Reason and Pre-Existing Condition Waivers.
Coverage From Cruise Companies Is Limited
While cruise lines may offer some form of travel insurance, it often lacks essential coverage. Instead, opt for comprehensive cruise travel insurance that fills in the gaps and provides the protection you truly need.
Missed Connection Coverage
You’ll want to make sure your travel insurance plan provides coverage for lodging, meals, and transportation to rejoin the cruise if your flight is delayed because of weather or an accident, causing you to miss the initial departure.
Example: While heading out on that Mediterranean cruise you’ve been saving for, a tropical storm delays your flight, and you miss the cruise’s departure out of Rome. Missed connection coverage would provide reimbursement for that unexpected hotel stay, meals, and your flight to the next port town to rejoin the ship.
Emergency Medical Evacuation
Sometimes the cruise ship or even the nearest hospital isn’t equipped to provide the proper treatment you need while suffering an injury or illness. Medical Evacuation coverage would provide transportation to a nearby facility that offers appropriate medical care.
Example: On a Disney Cruise through the Bahamas, you stumble while chasing your son poolside and break your arm. You call the 24/7 emergency assistance number associated with your travel insurance plan, and you are immediately airlifted from the next port to a nearby hospital for treatment. Your transportation back to the ship is arranged by your policy’s emergency service provider, so you can rejoin your family for the remainder of the cruise — ideally with a waterproof cast.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption
Make sure your non-refundable trip costs (such as flights, hotels, and cruise deposits) are protected if you become ill, a family member passes away, or there’s a natural disaster at your destination, and you’re forced to cancel your cruise this time around.
Example: After booking a much-anticipated Nile River Cruise, a family member falls ill the week of your departure, and you need to cancel. Thankfully, you booked a comprehensive travel insurance policy with Trip Cancellation coverage. You’ll receive reimbursements for those non-refundable trip payments so you can begin rescheduling your trip for a better time.
Medical Expense Coverage
Illness and injuries can happen to anyone, even on a cruise. Ensure your plan has coverage for medical expenses that may arise onboard or at one of your scheduled ports.
Example: A few days into your week-long cruise through Southeast Asia, you pick up a virus and need to visit the cruise’s in-ship doctor. After receiving a prescription and taking a couple of days to rest, you’re back in action. The cruise company will bill you for the medical treatment, but with Medical Expense Coverage you can file a claim with your travel insurance provider and receive reimbursement for those medical costs within a few weeks.
