Cruise Travel Insurance

What is cruise insurance and why is it important?

Cruise insurance is a specialised form of travel insurance cover designed specifically for holidays on a ship. While it includes the basics you would expect from any travel policy - like protection for lost luggage or cancellation - it goes much further to address the unique scenarios that can occur at sea.

The high cost of medical care at sea

The primary reason cruise specific cover is vital comes down to medical expenses. If you fall ill on land, an ambulance takes you to the nearest hospital. If you fall ill in the middle of the Atlantic, the situation is far more complicated.

Cruise ships have medical centres, but they are private healthcare facilities. A simple consultation can cost hundreds of pounds, and more complex treatments can run into the thousands. However, the real financial risk is medical evacuation. If you suffer a serious health event, such as a heart attack or stroke, you may need to be airlifted from the ship to the nearest hospital on land. This involves helicopters and specialist medical teams. The cost for an air ambulance evacuation can easily exceed £20,000 to £50,000 depending on your location. Without adequate insurance, you would be personally liable for this bill.

Cruise lines require it

Beyond the financial risk, there is a practical requirement. Most major cruise lines now insist that passengers have valid travel insurance before boarding. They may ask to see proof of your policy at the check-in desk. If your policy does not explicitly cover cruising, or if the medical limits are too low, you could be denied boarding without a refund.

Cruise holidays aren't cheap

Regardless of whether you're opting for a brief cruise around the UK, indulging in a Caribbean adventure or treating yourself to a luxurious worldwide cruise, it is likely, that your cruise holiday was not cheap. Meaning that for starters, you will require a policy that has higher cover for cancellation and curtailment (which means cutting your trip short), to make sure the cost of your holiday and any pre-paid excursions, can be recovered should you not be able to travel, or continue to travel. 

You can find out more by reading our post on why you should consider cruise insurance for your next holiday.

Do I need specialist cruise travel insurance?

The short answer is yes. Standard travel insurance policies often exclude cruising or offer insufficient cover for the specific mishaps that can ruin a voyage. When you compare cruise insurance, you are looking for a policy that includes specific "cruise extensions."

Here are the key areas where specialist cover steps in:

Cabin Confinement

On a standard holiday, if you get a stomach bug, you stay in your hotel room by choice. On a cruise, if you contract a contagious illness (like Norovirus), the ship's doctor may order you to remain in your cabin for 24 to 48 hours to prevent spreading the infection.

Cabin confinement cover compensates you for this. It usually pays a set amount (e.g., £50–£100) for every 24 hours you are confined. While it doesn't give you back your lost holiday time, it provides financial recognition for the inconvenience.

Missed Port Departure

Cruise ships run on tight schedules. If your flight to the departure port is delayed, or if a shore excursion runs late and you miss the ship's departure, you could be stranded. Specialist policies include cover to help pay for accommodation and travel expenses to catch up with the ship at the next port of call.

Itinerary Changes

One of the joys of cruising is the itinerary, but weather or mechanical issues can force the captain to skip a scheduled port. If you miss a port due to high winds or rough seas, specialist insurance can offer a small compensation payment for each missed stop.

Unused Excursions

Shore excursions are often booked and paid for months in advance. If you are confined to your cabin for medical reasons and cannot attend a pre-booked excursion, standard policies might not cover the loss. Cruise-specific policies often include provision to reimburse these costs.

How much does cruise insurance cost?

Like all travel insurance policies, the price of the policy will depend on several factors, that are unique to your own situation. For cruise travel insurance, insurance providers will usually consider the following:

1. Destination: Where you are sailing matters. A cruise around the British Isles or the Mediterranean will typically cost less to insure than a trip to the USA or the Caribbean. This is largely due to the cost of healthcare in those regions. Medical treatment in the US is among the most expensive in the world, so insurers must charge higher premiums to cover that potential risk.

2. Duration: The longer you are away, the higher the premium. A 7-night cruise poses less risk of cancellation or illness than a 90-day world voyage.

3. Age: Insurance premiums tend to rise as we get older. However, specialist providers, like those on our panel, are often more competitive for travellers aged 50+ compared to generic insurers.
4. Health: Your medical history is an important factor. If you have pre-existing conditions, the insurance provider will need to assess your unique circumstances.

Once the providers on our panel have assessed this information, they will then provide you with a price. Make sure you take the time to compare not just the price, but the levels of cover as well. You may find that for a few pounds more, you could have a policy with higher cover limits and reduced excesses.

Is travel insurance more expensive for a cruise?

Generally, you will find that a policy including cruise cover costs slightly more than a standard travel insurance policy. This price difference reflects the increased risks and potential costs we discussed earlier.

Think of it as value rather than just cost. A standard policy might be cheaper, but if it doesn't cover the £30,000 air ambulance fee or the £2,000 lost when you cancel due to illness, it offers very poor value. The "extra" premium for cruise cover unlocks unique benefits like missed port compensation, which are tailored to protect the specific investment you have made in your holiday.

How many days can cruise travel insurance cover me for?

Cruise durations vary wildly, from 3-night mini-cruises to 100-day circumnavigations of the globe. Your insurance policy needs to match your itinerary exactly.

Single Trip Policies

For a one-off holiday, a single trip policy is usually the best fit. Most standard providers will cover trips up to 30 or 45 days. If you are planning a longer voyage, such as a 60-day sector of a world cruise, you may need a specialist long-stay policy.

When getting a quote, ensure your policy start date covers the day you leave your home, not just the day the ship sails, and ends when you walk back through your front door.

Annual Multi-Trip Policies

If you are lucky enough to be planning multiple holidays in a year, an annual multi-trip policy can be more cost-effective. However, you must check the "maximum trip duration" limit.

Standard annual policies often cap individual trips at 31 days. If your cruise is 35 days long, a standard 31-day annual policy will not cover any of the trip - not just the final 4 days. You would need to find an annual policy with a 45 or 60-day trip limit, or opt for a single trip policy for that specific holiday.

Do I need a single or annual policy?

This is a common dilemma for frequent travellers. Here is a simple way to decide:

Choose a Single Trip Policy if:

• You only have one cruise planned for the next 12 months.
• Your cruise is very long (over 45 days), as annual policies rarely cover individual trips of this length.
• You are over 75 or 80. Annual policies often have stricter age limits than single trip policies.

Choose an Annual Multi-Trip Policy if:

• You plan to take two or more holidays in the year (including non-cruise holidays).
• Your trips are all within the standard duration limits (e.g., under 31 days).
• You want the convenience of being covered instantly for any last-minute bookings.

Why should I compare insurance quotes with a specialist?

When you book a cruise, the travel agent or cruise line might offer you their own insurance policy. While convenient, this is rarely the most cost-effective option, and the cover might not be tailored to your specific needs - especially if you have medical conditions or are over a certain age.

Comparing quotes allows you to:

• Save Money: Prices can vary significantly between providers for the exact same level of cover.
• Tailor Your Cover: You can filter for policies that cover your specific medical conditions or trip duration.
• Understand the Market: Seeing multiple options gives you a clear baseline of what constitutes good value.

Using a specialist comparison platform like Compare Your Cruise Insurance means you are only looking at policies designed for the job. You don't have to sift through fine print to check if "missed port" is included—our quotes include cruise cover as standard.

Secure your peace of mind today

Cruising is about relaxation, exploration, and leaving your worries on dry land. The right insurance policy is the key to that relaxation. It ensures that if the unexpected happens - whether it's a missed port, a bout of seasickness, or a medical emergency - you have a safety net in place.

Don't leave your dream holiday to chance. Take a few minutes to compare specialist quotes today, ensuring you have the comprehensive protection you need at a price that leaves plenty of budget for shore excursions.