Cruise travel insurance: What to know

Insurance may not be the first thing you think of when you decide to plan a vacation. However, the peace of mind that certain travel protections can offer may make some sort of insurance a worthwhile investment for your next cruise.

What is cruise travel insurance?

Cruise travel insurance is a type of travel insurance designed to provide coverage for the unique aspects and potential risks associated with taking a cruise vacation. Of course, the specific terms, conditions and coverage limits can vary between insurance providers and policies. That can be a blessing in disguise, though. When comparing policies, you may find the right level of protection for your price point.

As with most decisions, it’s important to first read policy documents and understand what is and isn't covered.

What does cruise travel insurance normally cover?

While terms and policies vary among different insurance providers, here are some common features and coverage areas that are typically included in cruise travel insurance:

• Trip Cancellation and Interruption: This coverage can reimburse you for prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you have to cancel or interrupt your cruise due to covered reasons, such as illness, injury or unforeseen events.
• Trip Delay: This coverage can compensate you for additional expenses incurred due to trip delays, such as missed cruise departures, resulting from reasons like airline delays, bad weather or other covered events.
• Emergency Medical Coverage: It covers medical expenses for illnesses or injuries that occur while you're on the cruise, including medical evacuation if necessary. Depending on the policy, some cruise travel insurance plans may offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met, such as purchasing the insurance within a specific time frame after booking the cruise.
• Emergency Evacuation: If you require emergency evacuation from the cruise ship, this coverage can help with the associated costs, such as transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility.
• Baggage and Personal Belongings: This coverage provides protection for your belongings in case they are lost, stolen or damaged during your cruise. It can also include coverage for delayed or lost luggage.
• Cruise-Specific Concerns: Some policies offer coverage for specific cruise-related issues like missed ports of call, itinerary changes and cruise line financial default.
• Cancel for Any Reason: Some policies offer an optional add-on which allows you to cancel your cruise for any reason not covered by the standard policy. This typically comes at an additional cost.

How much does cruise travel insurance cost?

At the time of writing, cruise travel insurance typically costs anywhere from 4% to 10% of your total cruise cost. The cost of cruise travel insurance can vary widely depending on several factors, including:

• The age of the travelers: Older travelers may pay higher premiums.
• Trip cost: The total cost of your cruise can affect the insurance premium.
• Trip duration: Longer cruises may result in higher premiums.
• Coverage limits and deductibles: Higher coverage limits and lower deductibles may increase the premium.

As you shop around, compare quotes from different providers. Carefully review policy details to ensure you're getting the coverage you need at a price you're comfortable with.

Is cruise travel insurance worth it?

Whether cruise travel insurance is worth the price depends on various factors, including your individual circumstances, the cost and duration of your cruise and your risk tolerance.

Here are some considerations to help you decide if cruise travel insurance is worth it for you:

• Consider the potential risks associated with cruising, such as adverse weather conditions, missed ports of call and cruise line defaults. Insurance can provide coverage for these contingencies.
• Weigh the potential risks and benefits and consider your own risk tolerance. Some travelers are more risk-averse and prefer to have the financial protection that insurance offers, while others may feel comfortable assuming the risks and costs themselves.
• Assess your financial situation and whether you can afford to lose the money you've invested in your cruise in case of unforeseen events.
• If your cruise represents a significant financial investment and you'd be financially burdened by losing the money you've paid for the trip in the event of a cancellation or interruption, insurance can provide peace of mind.
• Review any existing medical coverage and emergency assistance you have. If your health insurance doesn't provide adequate coverage for medical emergencies outside your home country, cruise travel insurance can be essential. Medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation can be extremely costly.

In summary

Cruise travel insurance can be worth the price for some travelers, especially if they have significant non-refundable expenses, are concerned about medical emergencies or other cruise-related risks and want the peace of mind that insurance provides. Compare quotes from different insurance providers to find the best value for your needs. Ultimately, the decision should be made after careful consideration of your individual circumstances and preferences.