When it comes to cruise insurance, comprehensive coverage is crucial to protect against various issues that can disrupt your plans during the vacation. A good cruise insurance policy specifically focuses on providing excellent benefits for the common problems encountered on a cruise trip.
Among the vital aspects of cruise insurance is the coverage for medical expenses and medical evacuation. Medical emergencies on a cruise ship may require expensive helicopter evacuation, which can result in substantial costs. Having this coverage ensures you won’t have to worry about the financial burden in such situations. Another essential feature is missed connection coverage, which helps cover the expenses if you happen to miss the cruise embarkation.
Compare the best cruise insurance plans of 2023
| COMPANY | BEST CRUISE PLAN | OUR RATING | EMERGENCY MEDICAL | MEDICAL EVACUATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trawick International | Safe Travels First Class | 5.0 stars | $150,000 (secondary coverage) | $1,000,000 |
| WorldTrips | Atlas Journey Preferred | 4.5 stars | $100,000 (optional upgrade to primary coverage | $1,000,000 |
| AXA Assistance USA | Platinum | 4 stars | $250,000 (primary coverage) | $1,000,000 |
| Cat 70 | Travel Plan | 4 stars | $500,000 (primary coverage) | $500,000 |
| John Hancock Insurance Agency | Silver | 4 stars | $100,000 (primary coverage) | $500,000 |
| Nationwide | Cruise Choice | 4 stars | $100,000 (secondary coverage) | $500,000 |
| Seven Corners | RoundTrip Basic | 4 stars | $100,000 (secondary coverage) | $250,000 |
| Tin Leg | Gold | 4 stars | $500,000 (primary coverage) | $500,000 |
| Travel Insured | Worldwide Trip Protector | 4 stars | $100,000 (primary coverage) | $1,000,000 |
| TravelSafe | Classic | 4 stars | $100,000 (primary coverage) | $1,000,000 |
| USI Affinity | Ruby | 4 stars | $250,000 (primary coverage) | $500,000 |
| Generali Global Assistance | Preferred | 3.5 stars | $150,000 (secondary coverage) | $500,000 |
| GoReady | Choice | 3.5 stars | $50,000 (secondary coverage) | $250,000 |
| HTH Travel Insurance | TripProtector Classic | 3.5 stars | $250,000 (primary coverage) | $1,000,000 |
| IMG | iTravelInsured Travel SE | 3.5 stars | $250,000 (primary coverage) | $500,000 |
| Travelex | Travel Select | 3.5 stars | $50,000 (primary coverage) | $500,000 |
| Arch RoamRight | Pro Plus | 3 stars | $50,000 (primary coverage) | $500,000 |
| Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection | ExactCare | 2.5 stars | $25,000 (primary coverage) | $500,000 |
What is cruise insurance and how does it work?
Cruise insurance is often referred to as travel insurance or trip insurance. If you’re planning a cruise, you might specifically search for cruise insurance. However, what you truly need is a comprehensive travel insurance policy that offers strong benefits to safeguard your travel plans, especially during cruising.
The way cruise insurance operates is by reimbursing a certain percentage or fixed dollar amount of the non-refundable prepaid travel expenses in case you encounter any issues covered by the plan. This coverage is designed to protect you from potential financial losses.
While cruise lines do offer travel insurance, it’s essential to exercise caution while choosing this option. Experts advise against solely relying on the coverage provided by the cruise line, as it may not offer the same level of comprehensiveness as separate travel insurance policies offered by third-party providers. Opting for a policy from such providers, like those featured in our best cruise travel insurance rating, could be a more prudent choice.
Typical cruise travel insurance coverages
Cruise travel insurance plans provide comprehensive coverage to travelers. One crucial aspect is trip cancellation insurance, which reimburses nonrefundable expenses in case you have to cancel your trip due to covered reasons like illness, family emergencies, or natural disasters.
For those seeking additional flexibility, there’s the option of “Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage. CFAR allows you to cancel your trip for reasons not covered by your standard policy, though it may increase the overall cost and requires cancellation at least 48 hours before departure.
Trip interruption insurance comes into play if you need to alter your travel plans after departure. It can reimburse a significant portion of your prepaid, unused expenses, including last-minute flights home in emergencies.
Some policies offer “Interruption for any reason” (IFAR) as an upgrade, allowing you to change travel plans for reasons not typically covered. This coverage also includes the cost of last-minute flights home.
Travel medical insurance is crucial for covering non-routine healthcare expenses during your trip, with most policies excluding pre-existing conditions unless you qualify for a waiver by meeting specific criteria.
Emergency medical evacuation coverage ensures you receive proper medical care by covering the cost of transportation to the nearest suitable facility or even back to the United States if necessary.
Missed connections coverage reimburses you for additional expenses incurred due to transportation delays, ensuring you can catch up with your itinerary.
Baggage loss insurance compensates you for lost, damaged, or stolen personal items, though reimbursement is often at depreciated value and typically requires filing a claim with the common carrier or homeowners insurance first.
Baggage delay coverage provides funds for essential items you need while waiting for your delayed bag.
Travel delay insurance covers additional expenses, such as meals and lodging, when faced with an unforeseen travel delay of a certain number of hours.
When selecting a cruise travel insurance plan, carefully consider which coverage options best suit your needs and travel circumstances.
How to choose the best cruise travel insurance for you
When choosing the best cruise travel insurance, it’s essential to assess your existing coverage from various sources. Start by examining the coverage provided by the credit card used to pay for your trip, your health insurance, and homeowners insurance. These might offer some protection, but they may not be sufficient for all the risks associated with your travel, especially when abroad.
Comparing your current coverage to standalone trip insurance policies is crucial. Travel insurance tends to be more comprehensive and can cover risks that you might not have considered before.
It’s vital to have both cancellation and interruption coverage in your policy. Additionally, post-departure problems such as lost or delayed baggage and serious medical emergencies should be included. Verify that the level of coverage and benefits offered suits the specifics of your trip. Travel insurance provider Allianz Partners USA recommends these considerations.
Average cost of cruise travel insurance policies
| COMPANY | TOP-SCORING PLAN | AVERAGE COST |
|---|---|---|
| Trawick International | Safe Travels First Class | $294 |
| WorldTrips | Atlas Journey Preferred | $316 |
| AXA Assistance USA | Platinum | $409 |
| Cat 70 | Travel Plan | $360 |
| John Hancock Insurance Agency | Silver | $346 |
| Nationwide | Cruise Choice | $330 |
| Seven Corners | RoundTrip Basic | $280 |
| Tin Leg | Gold | $360 |
| Travel Insured | Worldwide Trip Protector | $336 |
| TravelSafe | Classic | $384 |
| USI Affinity | Ruby | $366 |
