This article addresses the insurance that covers an individual when going on a cruise. It provides detail on what the insurance covers including: medical emergencies; trip cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances; inability to get on a ship due to missed connecting flights, etc… and baggage loss.
Other topics covered are how to determine what type of insurance is best for you as well as what types of things are typically excluded from coverage by most cruise lines. There are multiple methods available for providing yourself with complete coverage when going on a cruise.
Traveling by cruise line gives passengers an opportunity for adventure, relaxation, and the ability to visit several ports in a single vacation.
Most vacation plans are carefully crafted; however, it is not uncommon for unexpected things to happen while you are on your cruise, including becoming sick while on board, missing your scheduled port stop, or losing your personal belongings.
With a cruise insurance policy, you will have extensive coverage in case of any of these unforeseen events. You will have coverage for any financial losses incurred as a result of any of these problems plus you will have peace of mind knowing that your trip is covered.
Understanding how cruise insurance works will help you rest easy and prepare yourself to take advantage of all of the opportunities available to you during your cruise vacation.
What is cruise travel insurance?
Cruise ship insurance provides coverage for the unique risks associated with cruising. This type of policy provides coverage for all prepaid (non-refundable) travel expenses associated with your cruise, including but not limited to tickets, excursions and transfers.
In addition to covering your prepaid (non-refundable) travel costs, cruise ship insurance also provides coverage for a variety of cruise-related issues. Some examples that are covered include missed embarkation, limited medical facilities on board, and early disembarkation.
Because many cruise itineraries will cross multiple national borders (and travel between them) as well as through international waters, cruise ship insurance will typically provide worldwide coverage for all three main components of your cruise travel (air travel to/from the cruise destination, hotel accommodation during the duration of the cruise, and the cruise itself).
Why do you need travel insurance when going on a cruise?
Travel insurance for cruises protects against potential interruptions and unanticipated expenses that could happen during your cruise. Some of the more frequent coverages included in travel insurance for cruise passengers include:
- Medical Emergencies at Sea – Health care costs can be exorbitant if you’re at sea and need treatment or evacuation due to limited facilities on board.
- Trip Cancellations and Interruptions – If you have to cancel or reduce your trip due to illness or other situations, you will receive compensation for purchased items that are not refundable.
- Missed Ports of Call/Embarkation – If you miss getting on a ship or miss a port of call because of delays, you will incur additional costs.
- Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Luggage – If your luggage or belongings are lost, delayed, or damaged, you’re eligible for compensation.
- Loss of Passport/Documentation – If you lose your passport or have an issue with documentation while you are traveling internationally, you will receive assistance replacing the required documents.
- Liability Protection – You will have liability protection if you accidentally injure someone or cause damage to property while aboard your cruise. This is not a complete list, and coverage will vary by underwriter and policy.
Note: This is an indicative list. Actual coverage varies by insurer and policy. Always read the policy wording for complete details.
How to get the best cruise travel insurance?
When selecting a cruise insurance plan, ensure that it has comprehensive coverage. Make sure to compare various cruise insurance plans that offer cruise-specific features, as compared to standard travel insurance which may not have coverage for missed port stops or confinement to your cabin (in the case of illness or injury).
Be sure to verify that both the amount covered and any limits on benefits apply for any medical evacuation under your policy. Look at any additional benefits you may want to include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) and review very carefully what is covered and not covered, particularly regarding pre-existing conditions and any high-risk activities you may participate in while on the cruise.
Try to purchase your cruise travel insurance early enough to provide coverage for any risk that may occur prior to your departure. Be sure to find out and understand how to make a claim under the policy and what 24/7 support is included. In addition, review any existing insurance policies or credit cards you have that may provide you with additional coverage.
What does a cruise travel insurance cover?
Travel insurance is an essential protection for cruise passengers. Major risks are covered, including medical bills and hospitalisation, emergency evacuation and repatriation, and cancellation due to circumstances such as an emergency situation before or while on a cruise. Other additional coverages may cover items such as lost or delayed baggage and/or damage to baggage. In addition, you will be covered for any personal liability you may incur as a result of an accidental injury or damage to property of another.
Some travel insurance policies provide additional coverages, such as 24-hour assistance and cabin confinement payment for incidents while on a cruise, etc. If you plan to participate in recreational activities (such as adventure sports) and/or pre-purchase excursions during your cruise, be sure to investigate your policy’s add-on coverage.
Caution should be used when comparing coverage or pricing between travel insurance companies and their respective policies. Policy wording and coverage differ widely between companies and policies and therefore requires careful review prior to purchase.
Exclusions of a cruise travel insurance policy
Coverage for cruise travel insurance does have limitations. Some of these exclusions are for pre-existing health conditions that were not specifically listed or covered by the company, injuries caused by you to yourself, engaging in extreme sports or other hazardous activities without an upgrade, and losses that result from illegal actions, alcohol or drug use, epidemics, wars, civil commotion and piracy.
Other factors that would be excluded from your cruise travel insurance policy would include missing connections caused by negligence on your part, damage of a normal nature caused by wear and tear, loss of items left unattended or taken off the ship and days you spent away from the ship unless your policy included an extension for your overall trip.
Note: This is an indicative list. Actual exclusions vary by insurer. Always check your policy wording.
Conclusion
Purchasing travel insurance on the internet allows users to review and evaluate multiple travel insurance plans and select the most suitable option for their specific travel needs while giving the traveler peace of mind. A travel insurance plan provides financial help in the event of a medical emergency, missing the depart time for a scheduled flight, cancellation of flight, and missing luggage.
For those who do not travel often, buying a one-time travel insurance plan is a viable option, while frequent cruise passengers may prefer to purchase an annual travel insurance policy that gives you multi-trip travel insurance coverage throughout the year. By selecting the right plan for your cruise costs and risks, you will be able to take advantage of your cruise experience without worrying about unexpected issues ruining your vacation.
FAQs
Is cruise ship insurance necessary for short trips?
Benefits will differ from one insurer to another and between policies for short cruise itineraries. The easiest way to ascertain your coverage options is to either look at your policy documents or contact your insurer directly.
How is cruise insurance different from standard travel insurance?
Depending on the type of coverage provided, cruise holiday insurance may provide specific types of coverage associated with cruies holidays, such as missed port coverage or cabin confinement. The actual types of coverage provided are dependent on the insurer and policy you have.
Can travel insurance cruise cover be customised?
Certain insurers will provide options that can be added to your policy, such as coverage for adventure sports or pre-paid shore excursions. Each insurer will dictate if they offer these optional add-ons, along with terms associated with each of them. Be sure to thoroughly review the wording contained within your policy documents.
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