Cruise travel can be an exciting and unforgettable experience. You get opportunity to explore new destinations while enjoying all the amenities and entertainment that a ship has to offer. But it’s not always smooth sailing – which is exactly why you should buy cruise travel insurance.
Don’t let unexpected events such as illness, injury, or trip cancellations turn your dream vacation into a nightmare.
Buying travel insurance for a cruise provides you with peace of mind and financial protection against the unforeseen.
In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of where to buy cruise travel insurance, cover the top reasons why it is a must-have for any cruise vacation, and take you through how to buy travel insurance for a cruise.
What Exactly Is Cruise Travel?
Cruise travel involves taking a voyage on a ship that offers various amenities and services, including accommodation, dining, entertainment, and activities. Cruise ships come in different sizes and types, ranging from small river cruises to large ocean liners that can carry thousands of passengers.
Cruises are a popular way to explore different destinations while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a floating hotel. Passengers can visit multiple ports during a single trip, allowing them to experience different cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. Plus, cruise ships offer a wide range of things to do onboard, such as swimming pools, spas, theaters, and casinos, making the journey itself an enjoyable part of the vacation.
But as with any type of travel, there are risks associated with cruise travel, such as illness, injury, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events. This is why people buy cruise travel insurance – to receive coverage for these risks and get peace of mind to fully enjoy their vacation.
Does Regular Travel Insurance Cover Cruise Travel?
If you already have travel insurance, you may wonder: why should I buy travel insurance for a cruise?
While some regular travel insurance policies may cover cruise travel, it’s important to check the policy’s terms and conditions to ensure it provides adequate coverage for your specific needs.
To find out if your regular travel insurance covers cruise travel, the first step is to review the policy’s documents and look for any exclusions or limitations related to cruise travel. Some insurance policies may not cover cruise travel or may require additional coverage for specific situations that are more likely to occur on a cruise, like medical evacuation or trip interruptions due to missed ports of call.
If you’re unsure about whether your current travel insurance policy covers cruise travel, it’s best to contact your insurance provider and ask them directly. They can advise you on the coverage provided by your policy and any additional options that may be available to enhance your coverage for cruise travel.
Alternatively, you can also buy cruise travel insurance, which is specifically designed to cover the unique risks associated with cruise travel.
What Does Cruise Travel Insurance Cover?
Before you ask yourself, “should I buy travel insurance for cruise?” – you should first know what these policies cover so you can decide, is it worth buying travel insurance for a cruise.
Depending on the type of policy, cruise travel insurance typically covers the following:
- Trip cancellations or interruptions due to unexpected events, such as illness, injury, or death of the insured or a family member.
- Emergency medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospitalization, and medical evacuation.
- Pre-existing medical conditions, if the policy includes pre-existing medical condition coverage.
- Baggage loss, theft, or damage.
- Trip delays, including additional expenses incurred due to missed connections or other travel disruptions.
- Missed ports of call due to bad weather, mechanical issues, or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Emergency assistance services, such as 24/7 travel assistance, concierge services, and translation services.
- Optional coverage for activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and other adventure sports.
- Emergency medical transportation services, such as air ambulance or repatriation services, if the insured requires medical attention while on the cruise.
It’s essential to review the policy’s terms and conditions carefully to understand the specific coverage provided and any exclusions or limitations that may apply. Some policies may also offer additional optional coverage for specific situations, such as cancel for any reason coverage or pre-existing medical condition coverage. Although it is always advisable to buy cruise travel insurance with cancel for any reason coverage so you can ensure you are covered financially.
7 Reasons Why You Should Buy Cruise Travel Insurance:
If you’re still wondering, should you buy travel insurance for a cruise, this section has every reason you should. Here are 7 compelling reasons why you should consider buying cruise travel insurance:
1. Medical Emergencies Happen Unexpectedly.
Before you ask yourself, “do I need to buy travel insurance for cruise?” – remember that insurance is never needed until you need it. Cruise travel insurance can provide coverage for unexpected medical emergencies during your trip, including hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, and other unforeseen medical expenses that may give you a nasty surprise (and a costly bill).
2. Trip Cancellation – CFAR is a Must.
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) is more expensive, but it’s worth it in the end. Cruise travel insurance can provide coverage for trip cancellations due to unexpected events such as illness, injury, or death of the insured or a family member, but make sure you opt for the more expensive CFAR coverage to ensure you can cancel if you need to, without the financial repercussions. This coverage can help you recover your non-refundable expenses such as airfare, accommodations, and tour fees.
3. In Case You Miss Your Port Call.
Even if you don’t plan on it – you might miss your port of call. If you buy cruise travel insurance, you’ll have coverage for missed ports of call due to bad weather, mechanical issues, or other unforeseen circumstances. This coverage can help you recover any expenses associated with missed shore excursions or other pre-booked activities.
4. For Peace of Mind.
If you buy travel insurance for cruises, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are protected against unexpected events that could otherwise ruin your vacation. This coverage can provide you with financial protection and assistance services to help you navigate any challenges that may arise during your trip.
5. To Cover Pre-existing Medical Conditions.
If you have pre-existing medical conditions, cruise travel insurance may offer coverage for medical emergencies related to these conditions. It’s important to be upfront about this because your insurance provider may not cover you for anything related to this condition if you don’t disclose it beforehand.
6. Because Medical Evacuations at Sea Are Costly.
If you or a family member requires medical attention while on a cruise, medical evacuation services can be extremely expensive. Especially when you’re in the middle of the ocean. In some cases, a medical evacuation by helicopter or air ambulance can cost tens of thousands of dollars. But if you have cruise travel insurance, you’ll have coverage for emergency medical evacuations, which can help you avoid significant out-of-pocket expenses.
7. To Insure You Against Unpredictable Weather.
While cruise ships are equipped to handle a wide range of weather conditions, storms at sea can be unpredictable and could cause significant disruptions to your cruise itinerary. Cruise travel insurance can provide coverage for missed ports of call or trip cancellations due to inclement weather, which can help you recoup your non-refundable expenses and avoid the added stress of navigating unexpected travel disruptions.
In summary, buying travel insurance for cruise can provide essential coverage for a wide range of unexpected events that can quickly turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. It’s essential to review your policy’s terms and conditions carefully to ensure that you have the coverage you need to fully enjoy your cruise vacation.
How To Buy Travel Insurance For Cruises:
Getting cruise travel insurance is a relatively simple process.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Research: Start by researching different travel insurance providers and comparing their policies and prices. Look for policies specifically designed for cruise travel and that offer coverage for the types of risks you are most concerned about.
- Choose a Policy: Once you have identified several travel insurance providers, choose a policy that best fits your needs and budget. Make sure to read the policy’s terms and conditions carefully and ask questions if you have any doubts or concerns.
- Purchase the Policy: After you have selected a policy, purchase it online or over the phone. You will need to provide information about your trip, including the dates of travel, the cost of the trip, and the names and ages of any travelers you wish to include in the policy.
- Review the Policy: Once you have purchased your policy, review the confirmation documents carefully to ensure that all the details are correct and that you understand the coverage provided.
- Contact Your Travel Provider: Let your cruise line or travel agent know that you have purchased travel insurance and provide them with the details of your policy. They can assist you in the event of a covered emergency or help you file a claim if necessary.
With a little bit of research and planning, you can find the right travel insurance policy to help protect you against the unexpected while on your cruise vacation.
Important Things To Know About Cruise Insurance:
When it comes to finding the best cruise travel insurance company, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Buy insurance right after booking your cruise: It’s always best to buy cruise travel insurance as soon as you book your cruise. It’s best to be covered in case something happens before you leave the port. If you want Cancel for Any Reason coverage, buy it within 21 days of making your initial trip deposit.
- Know what your plan covers and what it doesn’t: This all depends on the policy you buy. A comprehensive plan protects the financial investment you’ve put into your trip and helps to cover any expenses incurred due to unexpected events, like bad weather or illness.
- Look for Missed Connection coverage: If your flight is delayed for three or more hours due to bad weather you could miss the boat. So Missed Connection coverage can help save the day and your investment. Make sure to choose a plan that covers additional expenses like transportation, accommodation, and meals.
- Insure all prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses: It’s important to insure all prepaid non-refundable expenses like cruise transfers, transportation to and from the airport, airfare, cruise fare, and excursions. If you paid for it ahead of time and it’s non-refundable, you can and should insure it to ensure the funds are protected in case the trip is cancelled.
- Consider optional benefits like Cancel for Any Reason and Trip Delay coverage: CFAR (Cancel for Any Reason) typically offers up to 75% reimbursement if your trip is cancelled for a reason not listed in the policy. While Trip Delay offers benefits for additional expenses should there be a common carrier delay.
- Avoid buying cruise line insurance: While you can buy travel insurance sold by cruise company – they’re typically more expensive and only offer coverage while on the cruise or for expenses purchased directly through the cruise line. When you buy cruise travel insurance from a third-party insurance company its often always more comprehensive coverage.
- Compare costs and benefits offered by different insurance companies: It’s important to compare costs and benefits offered by difference insurance companies and policies to find the best coverage for you and your needs. Since cruise travel insurance costs depend on age, trip cost and duration – this is an added reason to compare.
- Check the reputation of the company: When you buy cruise travel insurance, it’s important to choose a reputable insurance provider that has experience.
- Evaluate customer service: Choose an insurance company with excellent customer service and a 24/7 emergency hotline.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can find the best cruise travel insurance company for your needs and enjoy your cruise with peace of mind.
Leading Companies That Sell Cruise Travel Insurance:
There are several leading companies that you can buy cruise travel insurance from. Some of these insurance providers are partnered with Air Doctor – which means you can access the Air Doctor service as part of your coverage – to find a local doctor anywhere, anytime. Plus you don’t need to pay out-of-pocket (since your insurance provider covers the cost), and you don’t need to deal with the hassle of filing a claim.
Note: All policy information is taken from each insurance provider’s respective website.
Allianz Partners:
Allianz is a reputable insurance company that offers cruise travel insurance policies. They offer different plans with varying levels of coverage to meet the specific needs of each traveler. Some of the basic coverage options that Allianz cruise travel insurance policies may include are:
- Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
- Emergency medical and dental coverage
- Baggage loss, damage, and theft coverage
- Emergency medical transportation coverage
- 24/7 travel assistance services
Here’s more info about how Air Doctor’s service works with Allianz Partners.
DR-WALTER:
DR-WALTER offers cruise travel insurance. Some of the basic coverage options that DR-WALTER cruise travel insurance policies may include are:
- Cancellations, trip interruptions, and medical emergencies
- Coverage can also be added for trip delay, baggage loss, and other benefits
- Policies can be purchased for individuals, families, or groups
- Various deductible options are available
- 24/7 hotline for emergencies and online claims submission
Here’s more info about how Air Doctor’s service works with DR-WALTER.
ERGO Reiseversicherung & ERGO Seguros de Viaje:
ERGO Reiseversicherung and ERGO Seguros de Viaje are leading travel insurance companies that both form part of the ERGO Group. While both companies do provide cruise travel insurance, coverage may vary depending on the specific country and policy.
It is best to contact them directly to determine if they offer cruise travel insurance in your location and to learn about the coverage options available.
Here’s more info about how Air Doctor’s service works with ERGO Spain and ERGO Germany.
Travel Guard:
Travel Guard offers several travel insurance plans that offer cruise cover. Some of the basic coverage options that Travel Guard cruise travel insurance policies may include are:
- Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
- Emergency medical and dental coverage
- Baggage loss, theft, and damage coverage
- Trip delay coverage
- Missed connection coverage
- Accidental death and dismemberment coverage
- 24/7 travel assistance services
Trawick International:
Trawick International provides comprehensive travel insurance that covers the cruise, excursions taken during the cruise, and any pre- and post-cruise arrangements, such as airfare and transfers. The policy also covers:
- Trip cancellation
- Trip interruption
- Emergency medical expenses
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Optional benefits include cancel for any reason coverage and additional trip delay benefits.
Remember to use the Air Doctor app if you need to find a trusted, local doctor abroad.
You can use the app to browse and book consultations with local doctors – even if your insurance provider isn’t partnered with Air Doctor. But if you want to ensure that the cost of your consultation is fully covered (and you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket) be sure to check with your provider to see if they are partnered with Air Doctor or if they are willing to cover the cost of the consultation.
Our easy-to-use app lets you browse local doctors (who speak your language) to set up either a clinic, at-home, or virtual consultation with a doctor of your choice – anywhere, anytime.
