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The Best Cruise Insurance in July 2024

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Table of Contents

What to look for in cruise insurance

Factors we considered when picking the best cruise insurance companies, an overview of the best cruise insurance, best cruise insurance options, more resources for cruise travel insurance shoppers.

Cruising is back, but many travelers are still reluctant to board ships alongside thousands of other travelers. Cruise insurance has you covered if:

You need to be reimbursed for canceling your trip.

Your flight to the port gets delayed.

You need to pay for medical care if you get sick on board.

You need to fly home in case of an emergency.

Of course, there's much more than just this list that cruise insurance can cover.

No matter the reason you might be looking for coverage, here are some of the best cruise insurance companies available to help bring you peace of mind on your next experience at sea:

World Nomads .

Berkshire Hathaway .

Travelex Insurance Services .

Travel Guard by AIG .

When shopping for cruise insurance, make sure to look for coverage that offers the following:

Trip delay and cancellation.

Medical expenses, including emergency evacuation.

The option to cancel for any reason (including COVID-19).

Adventure activities if you’re planning certain onshore excursions.

Cruise insurance isn’t much different than traditional travel insurance. Any good travel insurance should cover cruises in addition to travel by air or car.

After our analysis, we've determined these are some of the best cruise insurance options available.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

We used the following factors to choose top insurance providers to highlight:

Specifics of coverage: Including what coverage plans include and whether they offer useful coverage and benefits for cruises specifically.

Amount of coverage: Including the maximum payouts for trip cancellation and trip interruption claims.

Cost: We compared prices to determine average costs across basic plans.

Customizability: We checked to see if policies allow users to customize options to suit their specific needs.

» Learn more: The guide to cruise travel insurance

We searched for quotes from several companies for a seven-day trip in February 2023 from the U.S. to Mexico. The traveler was 35 years old, from Georgia, and planned to spend $2,500 total on the whole trip, including airfare.

The average price of each company’s most basic coverage plan was $124. These policies didn't include optional add-ons, such as Cancel for Any Reason coverage or coverage for pre-existing medical conditions .

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

Here’s a closer look at our five recommendations for cruise insurance and what makes them unique.

Allianz Global Assistance

What makes allianz global assistance a top choice for cruise insurance:.

Multiple policies are available for international and domestic travel.

Plans offer trip cancellation and interruption coverage for COVID-19.

Offers emergency medical and transportation.

For our test trip, Allianz Global Assistance’s basic plan cost $106, slightly below average.

World Nomads

What makes world nomads a top choice for cruise insurance:.

Adventure activities like mountain biking and scuba diving are covered, perfect for land-based experienced (though which sports are covered varies from plan to plan).

Offers comprehensive travel insurance plans for domestic and international travel.

Larger-than-average coverage for baggage loss and delays.

For our test trip, World Nomad’s basic plan cost $63, well below average. But the actual trip cost isn’t taken into consideration for trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

What makes berkshire hathaway travel protection a top choice for cruise insurance:.

A wide range of comprehensive plans cover cancellation, emergency medical and transportation coverage, and emergency travel assistance.

A cruise-specific plan includes some compensation for cruise disablement and the most emergency medical and evacuation coverage of any of these plans.

There are many plans available, including plans that cover adventure activities.

A Berkshire Hathaway WaveCare cruise-specific plan was $202, quite a bit more than average, but with the most medical evacuation coverage.

Travelex Insurance Services

What makes travelex insurance services a top choice for cruise insurance:.

Three comprehensive plans are available.

Kids-included pricing is available with the Travel Select plan.

There's an option to add accidental death and dismemberment coverage to the basic plan.

The Travel Basic plan from Travelex Insurance Services cost $116 for our sample trip; just below the average for plans listed here.

Travel Guard by AIG

What makes travel guard by aig a top choice for cruise insurance:.

Cancel For Any Reason coverage is available as an optional upgrade on two plans.

A pre-existing condition waiver is also available as an add-on.

Travel Guard by AIG offers a basic Essential plan for $133, just a little higher than average, but adding coverage may raise that price.

Bookmark these resources to help you make smart money moves as you shop for cruise travel insurance.

The best travel insurance companies.

The best credit cards for cruises .

What is travel insurance?

Is travel insurance worth getting?

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance .

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

Cruise Insurance: Why You Need It + 4 Best Options for 2024

Seven Corners »

Travelex Insurance Services »

AXA Assistance USA »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Cruise Insurance Plans.

Table of Contents

• Seven Corners
• Travelex Insurance Services

Cruise vacations come with the same considerations as any other trip, including the potential for trip cancellations, trip interruptions, unforeseen medical expenses and even a need for emergency medical evacuation. Add in the potential for unruly weather during hurricane season , and it's easy to see why cruise insurance plans are so popular and recommended.

Read on to find out which cruise travel insurance plans U.S. News recommends and how they can protect the investment you made in a cruise when something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions:

All cruise insurance plans are unique, and some have different coverages than others. However, most travel insurance plans for cruises cover the following:

• Trip delays, interruptions and cancellations: This kind of coverage is essential any time of the year, but especially during hurricane season when storms can impact your travel plans. 
• Protection for medical emergencies: This type of coverage can help pay for unexpected medical bills if you're injured on board the ship or hurt during a shore excursion. You can also choose a cruise insurance plan that covers emergency medical evacuation from the ship or to the nearest hospital.
• Coverage for lost or delayed baggage: Coverage for baggage is important for cruises just like any other trip. This type of insurance can pay for essential items you need to buy if your bags are lost or stolen and don't make it on the ship. 

With each of these protections, a coverage limit is listed with your plan. This means you may get reimbursed for your losses or prepaid travel expenses up to this limit, but only when a covered reason applies to your claim.

One of the main reasons to buy cruise insurance is for medical emergencies. Note that, once you're on a cruise ship or visiting a destination outside the United States, your own U.S. health insurance plan will not apply. The same truth applies if you have government health coverage like Medicare.

You can purchase cruise insurance through your cruise line, but these plans are often very basic with low limits for medical expenses and other coverages. For example, cruise line travel insurance policies often come with just $25,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses and up to $50,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation, which may not be enough.

Fortunately, you can buy cruise insurance from any travel insurance provider when planning this type of trip. By buying coverage from an independent travel insurance provider instead of your cruise line, you get to select the exact coverages and limits you need for the best protection possible.

• Seven Corners: Best Overall
• Travelex Insurance Services: Best for Families
• AXA Assistance USA: Best for Medical Emergencies
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best Cost

Plan is cruise-specific

Get coverage for missed cruise connections and tours

Medical expense coverage is secondary if you opt for lower-tier Basic plan

• Up to 150% in reimbursement for trip interruption
• Up to $250 per person, per day in trip delay coverage ($2,000 maximum)
• Up to $250 per day in missed tour or cruise connection coverage ($1,500 maximum)
• Primary emergency medical expense coverage worth up to $500,000
• Medical evacuation and repatriation of remains coverage worth up to $1 million
• Political and security evacuation coverage worth up to $20,000
• Up to $2,500 in protection for baggage and personal effects (limit per item of $250)
• Up to $100 per day ($500 maximum) in coverage for baggage delays of six hours or more

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Travel Select plan offers coverage with pricing for kids included

Customize your plan with additional medical coverage, adventure sports coverage and more

Only $1,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects

$200 maximum coverage for baggage delays

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of total trip cost (maximum $50,000)
• Trip interruption coverage worth up to 150% of trip cost (maximum $75,000)
• $2,000 in trip delay coverage for a delay of at least five hours ($250 per day)
• $750 in coverage for missed connections (delay of at least three hours required)
• Emergency medical expense coverage worth up to $50,000 (dental emergency sublimit of $500 included)
• Emergency medical evacuation coverage worth up to $500,000
• $1,000 in protection for baggage and personal effects
• Up to $200 in coverage for baggage delays (at least 12-hour delay required)
• Travel assistance services

Provides comprehensive coverage for all aspects of cruising

High policy limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuation

Does not offer cruise-specific travel insurance

• Trip cancellation coverage up to 100%
• Trip interruption protection up to 150%
• $1,250 in travel delay coverage ($300 per day)
• $1,500 in protection for missed connections
• Emergency accident and sickness coverage up to $250,000
• Emergency medical evacuation coverage up to $1 million
• Nonmedical emergency evacuation coverage up to $100,000
• $50,000 in accidental death and dismemberment coverage
• Baggage and personal item coverage up to $3,000
• Baggage delay coverage worth up to $600

Comes with enhanced medical and luggage benefits, protections for cruise ship disablement, and more

Cruise delay coverage kicks in after five hours

Baggage delay coverage is only for $200 and doesn't kick in for 24 hours

No option to purchase CFAR coverage

• Up to $75,000 in protection for emergency medical care
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains coverage worth up to $750,000
• Cruise cancellation coverage for 100% of trip cost up to $25,000 per person
• Cruise interruption coverage for 150% of trip cost up to $37,500 per person
• Cruise delay coverage worth up to $1,000 ($200 per day for delays of five hours or more)
• Missed connection coverage worth up to $500 (for delay of three hours or more)
• Cruise ship disablement coverage worth up to $500
• Up to $1,500 in coverage for baggage and personal effects

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered international travel, travel insurance and cruises for more than a decade. Johnson has researched and compared all the top travel insurance options for her own family for trips to more than 50 countries, some of which have included cruises all over the world. Johnson lives in Indiana with her two children and her husband, Greg – a travel agent who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states.

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9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

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How Much Does a Cruise Cost in 2024?

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Use this guide to learn more about cruise pricing and how to figure out the total cost of a cruise.

Cruise Packing List: 56 Essentials Chosen by Experts

Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross

This cruise packing list includes all of the essentials – plus items you didn't know you needed.

The 12 Best All-Inclusive Cruises for 2024

When most of the extra costs are paid before you sail, you can truly enjoy your cruise.

• Best overall
• Best for affordability
• Best for seniors
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for exotic locations
• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Cruise Travel Insurance of July 2024: Top Coverage Tips for Cruises

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

A cruise vacation can take much of the stress out of planning a vacation. With a pre-set itinerary on the high seas, you don't have to worry about how you're getting to your destination and what you're going to do there. However, an unexpected emergency can take the wind out of your sails and money out of your travel budget. So you'll want to ensure you have the best cruise insurance plan that won't leave you high and dry in an emergency.

Best Cruise Insurance Plans of 2024 Summary

• Best overall: Nationwide Travel Insurance
• Best for affordability: AXA Assistance USA
• Best for seniors: Seven Corners Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic locations: World Nomads Travel Insurance

Top Cruise Travel Insurance Company Comparison

While booking a cruise takes off much of the pressure when coming up with itineraries, your trip can still encounter several hitches, which is where cruise travel comes in. The best cruise travel insurance will have high coverage limits on emergency medical evacuations, as sea to land evacuations can be expensive. They'll offer coverage for baggage delay, trip interruption, and it might be a good idea to have some adventure sports coverage if you plan on participating in any outdoor activities like snorkeling or scuba diving. 

Here are our picks for the best cruise travel insurance companies in 2024.

Best Cruise Insurance Overall

Nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide is a long-standing and reputable brand within the insurance marketplace that offers cruise insurance plans with solid coverage and reasonable rates.

It has three cruise insurance options: Universal, Choice, and Luxury. The Nationwide Choice plan, for example, offers $100,000 in emergency medical coverage and $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage.

The right plan for you depends on your budget and coverage needs. But each plan offers cruise-specific coverages like ship-based mechanical breakdowns, coverage for missed prepaid excursions if your cruise itinerary changes, and covered service disruptions aboard the cruise ship.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review .

Best Cruise Insurance for Affordability

Axa assistance usa.

AXA offers three comprehensive coverage plans: Gold, Silver, and Platinum. Each of these plans offers coverage for issues like missed flights, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more.

The highest-tier Platinum plan provides $250,000 in medical emergency coverage and $1 million in medical evacuation coverage. The baggage loss coverage is $3,000 per person, and their missed connection coverage is $1,500 per person for cruises and tours.

In addition, travelers can take advantage of AXA's concierge service, which provides an extensive network of international service providers. They'll be able to assist you with things like restaurant reservations and referrals, golf course information, and more. This service could come in handy if you're stopping at a variety of unfamiliar destinations during your cruise.

The coverage limits on AXA's policies are on the higher end compared to other providers. And you can buy coverage for a little as 4% of your trip cost depending on your age, travel destination, and state of residence.

Read our AXA Travel Insurance review .

Best Cruise Insurance for Seniors

Seven corners travel insurance.

Seven Corners Travel Insurance lets cruisers enjoy traveling in their golden years with the knowledge they're covered in the event of an accident or emergency. While other providers do offer coverage to those 80+ years old, Seven Corners is known for its affordable premiums while offering above-average medical expenses and medical evacuation coverage limits — two areas of travel insurance coverage that are even more important as we get older.

Seven Corners also offers the option of a pre-existing conditions waiver and CFAR insurance at an additional cost, plus "Trip Interruption for Any Reason" coverage, which you won't find on many policies.

You can choose between the Trip Protection Basic or Trip Protection Choice plans, with the higher-tier Choice plan costing more but providing more coverage.

Read our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review . 

Best Cruise Insurance for Expensive Trips

Hth worldwide travel insurance.

HTH Worldwide offers three levels of trip protection: TripProtector Economy, Classic, and Preferred. The higher the tier, the more coverage you'll get for things like baggage delays, trip delays & cancellations, and medical expenses. But their premiums remain reasonable even at the highest tier of coverage.

Not only does the HTH Worldwide Trip Protector Preferred plan offer higher-than-average medical emergency and evacuation coverage limits ($500,000 and $1 million, respectively), but you'll also get a baggage loss coverage limit of $2,000 per person and coverage for trip interruption of up to 200% of the trip cost. You also have the option to add CFAR coverage for an additional cost, as long as you purchase within 21 days of your initial trip deposit.

Read our HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance review .

Best Cruise Insurance for Exotic Locations

World nomads travel insurance.

World Nomads has been a top choice for comprehensive travel insurance for many years now. And it's a great option when it comes to cruise coverage, too.

Even the most basic Standard Plan comes with $100,000 in medical emergency coverage and $300,000 in emergency evacuation coverage. And you'll get higher coverage limits with their Premium Plan. Plus, unlike many other providers, World Nomads trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage include COVID-19-related issues.

What sets World Nomads apart from many other insurance companies is that its policies cover 200+ adventure sports. This can be important for adventurous cruisers who plan to take part in activities like jet skiing, scuba diving, or parasailing during their cruise. Additionally, World Nomads is one of the few travel insurance providers that sells policies to people who have already departed for their trip. However, you'll have to wait 72 hours before the policy kicks in.

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review .

Introduction to Cruise Insurance

Cruise insurance may offer unique coverage like missed port of call and medical evacuation coverage. You might not need the flight protections of a regular travel insurance plan if you're catching a cruise at a port near you, but medical and cancel for any reason coverage could be critical. The best travel insurance plans will provide flexibility to add coverage options to fit your travels needs.

Understanding the Basics of Cruise Insurance

At its core, cruise insurance is your financial lifeboat, designed to protect you from unforeseen events that could disrupt your sea voyage. Whether it's a sudden illness, adverse weather, or other unexpected occurrences, having the right insurance can make a world of difference.

Why Cruise Insurance is Important

Picture this: You're all set for your dream cruise, but a sudden family emergency means you can't set sail. Or worse, you fall ill in the middle of the ocean. Without cruise insurance, you're not just missing out on an adventure, but also facing potentially huge financial losses. That's why securing cruise insurance isn't just recommended; it's a crucial part of your cruise planning.

Types of Cruise Insurance Coverage

Cruise insurance isn't a one-size-fits-all life jacket. There are various types of coverage, each tailored to protect different aspects of your cruise experience.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage

This coverage is like your safety net, catching you financially if you need to cancel your trip last minute or cut it short due to emergencies, be it due to personal, health-related, or even certain work conflicts. Interruption coverage should also include coverage for missed stops on your cruise.

Medical Coverage

Being on a cruise shouldn't mean being adrift from medical care. Travel medical coverage ensures that if you fall ill or get injured, your medical expenses won't sink your finances. 

When you purchase travel medical insurance, be sure to note whether your coverage is primary or secondary. Secondary insurance means you'll need to file a claim with your primary insurance provider before filing with your travel insurance provider. 

Emergency Evacuation Coverage

In the rare case that you need to be evacuated from the ship due to a medical emergency or severe weather, this coverage ensures you're not left adrift in a sea of expenses. You'll want high coverage limits for emergency evacuation, as sea-to-land evacuations can be costly. 

Baggage and Personal Effects Coverage

Imagine reaching your dream destination only to find your luggage lost at sea. This coverage ensures that lost, stolen, or damaged baggage doesn't dampen your cruise experience. It'll reimburse you for any money you spent replacing items while traveling. 

Adventure Sports Coverage

Cruises often offer activities that can be classified as adventure sports, such as snorkeling and scuba diving. Medical treatment for injuries sustained while participating in these activities isn't normally covered under normal travel medical coverage. You'll want to ensure that your policy explicitly includes these policies or offers an add-on for adventure sports coverage. 

Tips for Buying Cruise Insurance

Securing the best cruise insurance isn't just about finding the best price; it's about ensuring it covers all your potential needs. 

When to Purchase Cruise Insurance

It's always best to purchase cruise insurance soon after placing the initial deposit on your cruise. The sooner you buy your insurance, the quicker your trip is protected against a sudden cancellation. Additionally, most travel insurance plans have optional riders you can add to your policy as long as you purchase your policy within a certain window.

For example, cancel for any reason coverage often needs to be purchased within a purchasing window, which can last anywhere between a few days to three weeks from your initial trip deposit. You can also get your pre-existing conditions covered under the same conditions. 

That said, most companies will let you buy travel insurance up until the day before your departure. There are some limited policies that you can purchase after you've left for your trip, such as Allianz OneTrip Emergency Medical  policy.

How to Find the Best Deals on Cruise Insurance

Keep a lookout for deals, but remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best. Balance cost with coverage, and ensure you're getting the protection you need at a price that doesn't rock your financial boat. A travel insurance comparison site like VisitorsCoverage and InsureMyTrip are good places to compare multiple quotes from all of the major carriers at once.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Cruise Insurance Plans

When comparing cruise travel insurance providers, we evaluated them based on the following criteria to come up with our list of top picks:

Customer Satisfaction

We look at ratings from JD Power and other industry giants to see where a company ranks in customer satisfaction. We also look at customer review sites like Trustpilot, SquareMouth , and InsureMyTrip to see what customers have to say, particularly about claims experience.

Policy Types

The most important part of any travel insurance company, we look at all the policies a company offers. While we looked at coverage limits, we also looked at options for multi-trip plans, travel medical insurance, and pre-existing condition coverage. We also considered policy flexibility and add ons that a company offers.

Average Premiums

We compare average premiums per trip. Some companies also offer annual plans, and we compare policies accordingly.

Claims Paid

How frequently do companies pay claims easily and quickly? We check customer reviews and other resources to see which companies honor policies most effectively.

We look at the company's overall behavior. Is it operating ethically? Companies can earn additional points for such behaviors.

You can read more about how Business Insider rates insurance here.

Best Cruise Travel Insurance FAQs

As a rule of thumb, you can expect to pay between 5% and 10% of your total trip cost for cruise insurance coverage. However, your premiums will vary depending on factors like your age, your travel destination, length of travel, and any add-ons. 

Cruise insurance typically covers trip cancellations, interruptions, medical emergencies, emergency evacuations, and lost or damaged baggage, though coverage can vary based on the policy

Your options for travel insurance is severely limited after your trip starts, but you still have a few options. World Nomads offers policies to people who have already departed on their cruise. However, once you buy coverage, you'll have to wait 72 hours before it kicks in.

The difference between traditional travel insurance and cruise insurance is that cruise insurance offers more specialized coverage, for situations such as missing a departure port and more coverage for medical evacuations, since it's more expensive to evacuate someone at sea than on land. 

Most cruise insurance includes coverage for missing a departure port, so you should be able to claim for a missed port. Just make sure you check the details of your policy before you file a claim and before you travel, so you know what compensation you're entitled to.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

8 travel insurance mistakes to avoid before your next cruise

The potential for unexpected and disruptive mishaps during your cruise is not something to ignore. Flight delays can lead to missed embarkations . A sudden medical emergency can result in passengers getting abandoned during port stops. Cruise lines can go bankrupt and strand travelers abroad.

As a consumer advocate, I receive hundreds of help requests each year from distraught cruisers whose trips didn't go as planned. Each time, I'm struck by how different their situation might have been if they'd only purchased an insurance policy. Cruise travel insurance can often save the day if you get hit by a surprise calamity before or during your cruise.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Of course, though, that's only true if you have a policy with the correct type of insurance coverage. Travel insurance mistakes and misunderstandings are common among cruise ship passengers and can lead to travelers finding themselves uninsured or under-insured when they encounter a problem on their trip.

That's something TPG wants to help you avoid. Here are the most common cruise travel insurance mistakes I've encountered so you will know how to make better choices for your next vacation at sea.

Not buying travel insurance because you expect to take the cruise

Not even considering travel insurance is by far the top mistake I see made by cruise ship passengers. I'm always surprised when a cruiser tells me they didn't buy travel insurance because they didn't expect to cancel their trip.

This is a common defense offered by travelers caught in expensive situations that travel insurance would have easily covered.

The idea that you don't need travel insurance because you don't expect to cancel your cruise is flawed at its most basic level. The fact is, travel insurance is meant to protect you from unexpected events that cause you to cancel or interrupt your cruise.

Before you reject the idea of travel insurance to protect your next cruise, consider what will happen if:

• You get sick or injured before or during the trip.
• You lose your job and can't afford to go.
• You or a family member is hospitalized or dies.
• Your flight is canceled or delayed and you miss embarkation.
• The airline loses your bags on the way to the cruise ship.

That's just a sampling of surprise events that comprehensive travel insurance could cover (depending on the policy). However, if you don't have a policy protecting you and you're in your cruise contract's penalty zone, you will miss your vacation and won't get your money back.

Related: Is travel insurance worth it?

Not budgeting for travel insurance

Another frequent excuse I hear from cruise ship passengers about why they didn't purchase travel insurance is the cost. That can be a short-sighted decision, though; if something goes wrong, an uninsured traveler can end up owing far more than the price of a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

Consider what would happen if you had an accident during a shore excursion and needed to be medically evacuated. Those emergency services can easily cost $50,000 or more, depending on your location. During a recent cruise to Antarctica, I was required by Aurora Expeditions to have $250,000 of medical evacuation insurance. Traveling to remote locations — or even not-so-remote locations — without medical evacuation coverage could be life-altering if you end up in a catastrophic emergency.

If you intend to spend thousands of dollars to take a cruise, it's always a good idea to budget some of your vacation funds for a travel insurance policy that minimally covers medical care and evacuation home. If you don't, you leave yourself wide open to medical bills, cancellation penalties and more.

Related: Should you get travel insurance if you have credit card protection?

Buying travel 'protection' from your tour operator

A handful of tour operators and cruise lines sell something called "Travel Protection" or "Travel Waiver," which a sales rep will offer to you when you purchase your cruise. If you're booking online, a pop-up will appear before you complete your reservation. It will say something like "Warning! Protect your investment with our Travel Protection Plan" or "Get peace of mind with Travel Protection."

This product isn't called travel insurance because it isn't travel insurance — it's a hybrid product.

The travel insurance industry is highly regulated. If you buy a policy through an actual travel insurance company, you will be protected by specific laws and regulations. If you have a complaint about your travel insurance policy or claim, you can escalate your problem to your state's insurance board .

Most importantly, travel insurance companies have underwriters, so consumers have a safety net if something goes catastrophically wrong with the travel insurance company.

If you purchase travel protection instead, many safety protocols meant to protect consumers who buy travel insurance will not apply to you.

Before buying one of these policies, it's critical to understand what you're purchasing. Travel Protection has two parts:

Part A: This is predeparture cancellation protection (the passenger's cancellation) and is a self-insured product provided entirely by the cruise line or tour operator. There is no underwriter. This is often advertised as a "cancel for any reason" policy, but that moniker is often misunderstood by the travelers who buy this product. I'll explain further below.

Part B: This is post-departure protection and will be an actual travel insurance policy provided by a third-party insurance company. That part of the plan will provide medical coverage, emergency evacuation protection, trip interruption and more.

Because Part A is not a travel insurance product, passengers are putting their "investment" in a precarious situation should the cruise line or tour operator go out of business or become insolvent. If the operator has no money to pay the claims, there is no safety net without an underwriter. Thus, the customers will be left empty-handed.

That's the unfortunate situation that many Vantage Deluxe World Travel customers found themselves in last June. When the tour operator canceled all future tours and filed for bankruptcy , it owed $108 million to roughly 10,000 customers. Many of those would-be travelers had approved Part A (predeparture) Vantage Travel Protection claims and were waiting for payment when the company went belly-up.

Other Vantage customers erroneously believed that Part B of the pricey travel protection plan would protect them under all circumstances — including bankruptcy.

Far too late, these stunned travelers read through their policies and discovered the truth about that expensive protection: It was worthless if the company had no money to pay its bills, and neither part of the plan had an insolvency or bankruptcy clause.

Of course, that is an extreme case. A typical cruise ship passenger is much more likely to encounter a less dramatic issue with this type of travel protection, usually regarding "cancel for any reason" coverage .

Travel protection policies are often advertised as having "cancel for any reason" coverage, but the fine print reveals that only a few specific circumstances allow a traveler to cancel and receive a cash refund. For anything not listed as a legitimate reason to cancel for a monetary payment, the cruiser will receive a future travel voucher.

If you choose to buy a travel protection product instead of a travel insurance policy, make absolutely certain you read through the entire document and understand what you're buying.

Related: The 5 best cruise travel insurance plans

Assuming your health insurance will cover you on the ship

Hopefully, you'll never discover through experience that shipboard medical care can come at an astronomical cost. Many cruise passengers have learned this lesson only after falling ill during their trip. But the worst news comes after the bill arrives: Most domestic health insurance plans — including basic Medicare — do not provide international coverage.

That means as soon as your cruise ship sails into international waters, you're medically uninsured. Any healthcare bills you accrue during your trip will be your responsibility.

It's not hard to imagine just how expensive and devastating it could be for an uninsured cruiser who becomes sick or injured on vacation. To make matters worse, cruise lines and foreign hospitals expect payment at the time services are rendered. No matter the circumstances, you'll be expected to pay immediately.

And I do mean no matter what the circumstances. A widow once contacted me soon after her husband had suddenly died aboard Holland America 's Eurodam.

The shock of losing her spouse was made even worse by what she viewed as the callous attitude of the crew member who handed her a bill for her husband's failed treatment — and expected her to pay before she was disembarked at the next port of call.

Unfortunately, that couple had assumed their Medicare plan was protecting them during their Caribbean cruise. It wasn't. (Note: There are supplementary Medigap plans that can provide international health care benefits for Medicare beneficiaries. These policies come at an additional cost and have coverage limitations and caps. Before using one, travelers should review all the details of the plan.)

While this woman's situation was extreme, accidents and illnesses happen all the time on fun-filled cruises. You don't want a lack of insurance to make those events more catastrophic than they are.

A comprehensive travel insurance policy can provide not only healthcare coverage abroad but also medical evacuation and repatriation — services that can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Related: What happens if you get sick on a cruise?

Not reading and understanding the travel insurance policy

Travel insurance policies are many pages long and often contain confusing terms. Many travelers buy policies that seem acceptable, and they gloss over the details. However, if you don't review and understand the travel insurance policy you've purchased, that mistake can have giant repercussions.

A one-size-fits-all travel insurance policy does not exist. The choices of travel insurance products available for cruise ship passengers are extensive, with options from basic to full coverage.

To know exactly which protections you've purchased, you must thoroughly read all the details of your plan. Each policy will have a list of named perils. If something on that list causes the cancellation or interruption of your trip, you can claim coverage. If the circumstances you're facing are not on that list, you're out of luck.

Not only should you pay attention to the named covered events, but equally important are the exclusions — conditions that can invalidate your policy. For instance, if you're planning on zip lining, bungee jumping, rock climbing or participating in any other extreme adventure, you'll want to make sure your policy doesn't exclude risky activities.

The travel insurance industry provides a generous lookover period, usually 10 to 15 days after purchase. Always use that two-week window to carefully review your policy. Do not skim over details you don't understand and hope for the best. If you need help understanding the fine print, contact the travel insurance company for clarification.

If you determine during that time that the policy doesn't provide the coverage you want and need, you can request a refund and continue your search. After that lookover period, your travel insurance policy is neither refundable nor changeable.

Related: The best travel insurance policies and providers

Waiting too long to purchase travel insurance for the cruise

A common mistake some cruise ship passengers make is waiting too long to buy travel insurance.

The general rule of thumb is that if you intend to insure your trip, you should purchase that protection at the same time you start to make prepaid, nonrefundable reservations. That includes airfare, excursions, pre- or post-cruise hotels and anything else for which you will not receive a refund if you need to cancel the trip.

Travel insurance coverage typically begins to protect you the day after you purchase the policy. So, at any time after that, if a covered event happens to you and causes you to cancel your trip, you'll be protected from financial penalties. Of course, if you wait too long to purchase your travel insurance for your cruise and an unexpected event occurs, you won't be able to buy a retroactive policy.

If you enter the cancellation penalty phase of your cruise contract, you've waited too long to buy travel insurance. In fact, some companies won't allow you to purchase travel insurance after that date.

Not disclosing a preexisting condition

Not disclosing a preexisting condition is a travel insurance mistake that can have devastating consequences. Although buying a policy that covers a preexisting condition is possible, it's a bit more complicated.

Cruise ship passengers with preexisting conditions should be aware that their window to purchase travel insurance is abbreviated. Most travel insurance companies require travelers with preexisting conditions to purchase travel insurance within 14 to 21 days after making their initial trip deposit.

If you've been diagnosed with any medical problems in the 12 months preceding your trip or have a persistent condition, you must be certain to:

• Buy a policy that specifically names coverage for preexisting conditions.
• Make your travel insurance purchase within the first 14 to 21 days after putting a deposit down on your trip.

Cruisers who file a travel insurance claim for a medical problem related to a preexisting condition will be at great risk of having that claim rejected.

Underinsuring the cost of the entire cruise package

Travel insurance can significantly increase the cost of your cruise vacation. Prices vary based on the level of protection you choose, the age of all travelers on the policy, the length of the trip and the state where you live. If you wish to be fully protected, it's critical not to undervalue your trip.

If you lowball the cost of your cruise and something goes wrong, your claim will only be paid based on the value of what you insured. Passengers who have purchased an annual insurance plan should pay careful attention to the limits on their policy. It can be easy to accidentally underinsure your cruise if you're relying on an annual travel insurance policy with a per-trip or per-year cap.

Cruise ship passengers should always insure every nonrefundable, prepaid part of their itinerary. That includes the cruise, airfare, hotels and third-party excursions.

Bottom line

Cruise travel insurance can provide peace of mind and protection from the repercussions of unexpected events that could ruin your vacation and wreck your wallet.

Purchasing travel insurance does not have to be a chore. Follow these easy steps for success:

• Use a website like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth to compare various policies and cruise travel insurance providers.
• Read your policy and ensure you understand what's covered and how to file a claim if needed.
• Carry a copy of your travel insurance card during your cruise, which will have a toll-free number if you need help.
• Enjoy your cruise.

If you have a problem with a travel insurance company, cruise line, airline, car rental agency or hotel, send your request for help to [email protected] , and I'll be happy to investigate.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
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• Top ways cruisers waste money
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Do I need travel insurance for my summer vacation? It's complicated.

• Travel insurance can be complicated, but it's worth it if you have travel expenses that insurance would cover.
• You might not need travel insurance if you're taking a driving vacation and staying in a place where lodging is free.
• If you're leaving the country, you'll likely need travel insurance.

Get more news like this delivered to your inbox by signing up for our Travel newsletter here .

If you're planning to travel somewhere this summer, you're probably thinking of buying travel insurance.

Kingsley Hopkins is. He's headed to Portugal and Iceland with his girlfriend, and he wants to make sure he's covered for things like medical emergencies or trip disruptions, "or if a volcano erupts," he said.

Check out   Elliott Confidential , the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone!

But getting the right travel insurance can be complicated. There's no one-size-fits-all policy, and Hopkins, an assistant editor at a book publishing company in New York, has been spending a lot of time thinking about how to protect his summer vacation.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Chances are, so have you.

Why finding the right travel insurance is so hard

Most surveys suggest this will be a record summer for travel. How much of a record? Demand is so high that some airlines are afraid they will run out of planes. Now that's busy.

At the same time, danger and uncertainty are lurking everywhere – wars in Europe and the Middle East, the usual slate of natural disasters like hurricanes and maybe a volcano or two. It's no wonder people are giving some serious thought to insurance. 

Older travelers are particularly worried. And they should be, said PK Rao, CEO of INF Visitor Care . Claims by travelers over age 50 spike during the summer months.

Warning: American tourists are being profiled. Don't be one of them.

Try this pro trick for an affordable and stress-free summer vacation

"According to our claim data, medical emergencies tend to uptick during the summer, especially for those going on trips that involve outdoor activities," he said.

But there are so many choices out there, including credit card coverage, medical evacuation membership programs and stand-alone travel insurance. What should you get?

You need peace of mind 

But don't just reflexively start shopping for a travel insurance policy this summer. Instead, look for peace of mind – knowing that if something goes wrong, you'll be taken care of.

"Knowing you're protected from unforeseen travel mishaps – like delays, lost baggage and even medical emergencies – can make the trip that much more enjoyable,” said Daniel Durazo, a spokesman for Allianz Partners USA .

As it turns out, there are several ways to get the peace of mind you need. And there are times when you can safely skip travel insurance.

This is when you don't need insurance

Here's when you can skip travel insurance, according to experts:

◾ If you already have coverage. "You may already have travel coverage through your benefits at work, your credit card, or through group benefits with an organization," said Jiten Puri, CEO of PolicyAdvisor.com. If you do, there's no need to buy more coverage. You're all set.

◾ If you're not traveling far. If you're taking a driving vacation and staying in a place where lodging is free, like a relative's sofa, then there's not much to insure. "If you already have health insurance, it may cover you for a domestic trip, so you don't need to think about health insurance coverage," said Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance .

◾ If your trip isn't insurable. Traditional travel insurance covers conventional trips with prepaid, nonrefundable components like airline tickets and hotel stays. You might find that you either already have coverage through your medical insurance, or the trip is essentially uninsurable.

So think twice before saying "yes" to optional travel insurance that your online travel agency may offer you when you're booking a trip. You might not need it.

Here's when you need travel insurance

But most travelers should consider some kind of travel insurance coverage this summer. Here's when you need the extra coverage:

◾ If you have travel expenses that insurance would cover. "If you have many prepaid, nonrefundable expenses, it's best to take out travel insurance," said Lauren Gumport, a spokeswoman for Faye Travel Insurance ."This includes things like flights, hotel rooms, tickets and activities." The more conventional your vacation, the likelier travel insurance is to cover almost every aspect of your summer vacation.

◾ If you're leaving the country. "Your regular medical insurance might not extend coverage beyond your home borders," said John Rose, chief risk and security officer at ALTOUR . Also, many countries require travel insurance for entrance. They include Bermuda, Qatar, Sri Lanka, and some European countries.

◾ If you can't afford to lose your trip. "When considering travel insurance for your summer trip, evaluate whether you can afford to lose your vacation investment due to unforeseen circumstances like illness, weather disruptions, or emergencies," explained Robert Gallagher, president of the US Travel Insurance Association (USTIA). "Can you afford the financial risk if you miss your cruise departure because of covered flight delays? What if you have to cut your trip short because of illness?"  

One of the most common mistakes travelers make is assuming their credit card will cover them. For example, I found that my credit card only covered my rental car as secondary insurance, which made it completely useless when I rented a car in Tampa recently. I had to buy a standalone policy from Allianz to cover the vehicle.

Should you repeat your vacation? Let's settle this once and for all.

Junk fees: Travelers are drowning in junk fees during the summer of surcharges

How one traveler insured his summer vacation

So, how did Hopkins handle his travel insurance needs? Well, as I mentioned – it's complicated.

Hopkins said he always buys some travel insurance before he takes a trip, "but how much, and what I cover, varies," he explained.

He decided that his path to peace of mind in this case was to spend a few extra dollars: He made fully refundable flight and hotel reservations, just in case something went wrong. That would eliminate a lengthy claim with his travel insurance company or credit card.

But he still needed at least $50,000 in medical coverage with emergency evacuation because of his active schedule.

"We’re going to be doing a lot of hiking in Iceland," he said. "And you just never know." 

At the beginning of the year, he decided to buy an annual Medjet Horizon plan, a membership that would get him from a hospital in Portugal or Iceland to a hospital at home, in case something happened. 

For insurance, Hopkins checked TravelInsurance.com to find an affordable travel insurance policy. He found coverage through Trawick International that pays up to $50,000 in medical expenses and up to $200,000 for an evacuation.

"I’ve heard good things about them," he said. "Hopefully, we won’t need any of it."

How do I insure my trips?

I'm on the road about 360 days a year, so I'm always thinking about peace of mind. I currently use a Wells Fargo credit card with lots of travel benefits, and I have long-term policies through Faye and Cigna, which have worked fairly well. I also am a long-time Medjet Horizon member. If I rent a car, I turn to Allianz for my primary coverage.

I know – that's a lot of peace of mind. 

But I've also run into trouble and had to use many of those benefits. Medjet got me back home during the pandemic. Cigna covered me after a serious ski accident in Switzerland. My old Allianz policy took care of my medical expenses when I had to see a doctor in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a few years ago.

Like I always say, when it comes to having enough insurance, better safe than sorry.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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Home Aussie travellers advised to ensure they are properly insured

Aussie travellers advised to ensure they are properly insured

News release

Thursday, 4 July 2024

As millions of Australians head to warmer countries for the July school holidays, a new survey has provided a timely reminder for holidaymakers to ensure they have the right travel insurance for their plans – particularly when it comes to alcohol consumption.

Travel insurance provides protection against unforeseen accidents, damage or loss, and should be as essential for travellers as their boarding pass and passport.

Travel insurance policies list the exclusions that may apply when a policyholder is under the influence of alcohol when an accident or loss occurs.

Many policies will cover accident or loss that occurs when the policyholder has a blood alcohol reading up to 0.19 per cent – about four times the legal limit to drive in Australia.

Despite this, the survey of 1,007 Australians who travelled overseas in the past year found:

• Of the 87 per cent of Australians who took out travel insurance on their last overseas trip, 69 per cent said they drank alcohol on that trip. • Forty per cent of travellers were aware that alcohol consumption requirements in travel insurance policies can vary from insurer to insurer. • Fifty-five per cent of those who took out travel insurance, knew about policy variations, and drank alcohol, were unsure about how their own travel insurance treated alcohol consumption in the event of an accident. • One in eight Australians (13 per cent) were not covered by travel insurance at all on their most recent overseas trip. • Younger Australians, those from low-income households, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds had higher than average propensity to travel uninsured.

The survey was undertaken by Quantum Market Research for the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller.

Quote attributable to ICA CEO Andrew Hall:

When you are planning your overseas holiday travel insurance is a must-have, as is ensuring that you are covered for the activities you have planned.

While enjoying a drink or two is a key part of holidaying for millions of Australians, travellers should be aware of what they are covered for so that a broken bone doesn’t lead to a broken bank account.

Travellers should make sure they read their policy documents so they understand what they’re covered for, whether that involves drinking alcohol, going for a hike or riding a motorcycle.

Shop around, compare options, and ask questions to find the right coverage so the trip of your dreams doesn’t become a nightmare.

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The town left waiting years for millions in 'levelling up' cash

Family's holiday horror after £20 mistake 'cost them £10,000'.

A British holidaymaker has warned others they could have to fork out thousands of pounds if they don’t take out travel insurance. A family faced medical bills of up to £10,000 after failing secure cover for their trip.

Debbi Stewart, 53, has urged others to make sure they obtain travel insurance after her brother Dennis, 58, was left unconscious and fighting for his life in hospital following an accident while on holiday. Dennis fell backwards down a flight of stairs while he was away in Durban, South Africa.

Dennis, who works in security, cracked his skull and lost all recollection of the accident and urgent treatment which followed, the Mirror reported in March. He and his sister both forgot to secure his travel insurance, which Debbie says would have been just £20, and the mistake left the family facing bills of up to £10,000.

READ MORE: Travel expert warns of holiday mistake which could cost £25,000

Now Dennis is back home and has even returned to work, less than four months after his ordeal. It is all due to the help of kind-hearted strangers and work colleagues, who donated to Dennis's fundraiser.

Speaking to the Mirror , mum-of-two Debbie said: "We had to rely on complete and utter strangers. We were humbled, very humbled for the support. So it shows the world is a good place and strangers can be so kind. We couldn't have done it without the help of strangers.

"Work colleagues we had not met before, or met once or twice donated so much. Dennis' colleagues were great; one colleague who he had only ever spoken to once donated £100 alone, which was overwhelming.

"Dennis will never forget to sort out insurance before he goes on holiday again. He actually wants to go back to Durban, but I've said he's not, unless he gets that insurance booked first. It would have cost him £20, and instead it nearly cost him his life. He said he forgot and I did, I had an extremely busy week when he booked the trip, I remember.

"It is a lesson learned the hard way but he has realised the importance of insurance. He could have died but now he knows the importance of it. He realises as well that he is not invincible. It has brought him way back down to Earth in some ways, and now he appreciates a lot more things.

"Regardless of where you are going, or if you know the area or not, my message is you must always sort travel insurance, before you even book a holiday. You have to prepare. If you can't afford insurance, which often is something like £20, then you shouldn't go on holiday really. Don't leave the country until you have that, because it nearly cost my brother his life."

Debbie's stark warning comes with school summer holidays approaching and many families prepare to enjoy breaks abroad. Her message echoes that of Thelma Francis, a gran from Hullbridge, Essex, who last year told the Mirror travel insurance is crucial - after Ryanair initially refused to refund or reschedule her flight to Murcia , Spain, following her heart attack.

Dennis's plight was more severe as, after medics in South Africa told him the scheduled flight to London Heathrow would "probably kill him", he anticipated costs of private healthcare, accommodation and other charges to amount to £10,000. After encouragement from friends, Debbie reluctantly created a fundraising page to help cover her family's bleak costs.

Debbie, who lives in Stonehouse, South Lanarkshire, said: "It was a frightening to go through this experience. The journey back was a test. It was one hour to Johannesburg, and then a ten-and-a-half hour journey to Heathrow. Dennis felt like he had no life left when we got to Heathrow but we were told to expect that.

"It really took it out of him. It then took him probably around one month to get his stamina back and now he's, I'd say, 99.9% back to his former self. He is back at work, which is great news because we thought he might not be able to go back to work at all. His work have been very supportive, so he is very lucky in that he has the option to reduce duties until he gets his stamina for work completely back.

"He was able to regain his strength over time because he was very fit before the accident. He still has no memory of what exactly happened. He has no recollection of that night, or the first few days in hospital. So it's nearly one week of nothing, and I doubt he will ever get that back. This frustrates him, but I tell him 'Dennis, it could have been a lot, lot worse'. He does get frustrated but it is what the brain does. We are human beings; we break, and he is still alive."

Dennis, who lives in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, has been back at work for two weeks and has reduced duties as he recovers. He still has regular appointments with doctors but the long-term impact of the injuries doesn't appear as bleak as it was first feared in March.

When a British pensioner went to Marmaris, Turkey with out travel insurance recently , he fell ill and was eventually put into into an induced coma. Malcolm Stocker's family, from Weymouth, Dorset, said they were being forced to pay a £40,000 "ransom" to free their father from the hospital.

His daughter, 33-year-old Emma-Jane Stocker, said: "The hospital are holding him and demanding payment. Everyday they have him the bill goes up. It is like they are holding him hostage and won't release him until the first £20,000 is paid. The bill is currently £41,000 but they won't give us an itemised bill or any paperwork. It seems like it is all made up.

"We know he shouldn't have gone and we can't be held accountable for his choice but he is our dad and we need to do everything we can to get him home."

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We Went On A Viral Mystery Holiday – And Here Are Our Honest Thoughts

Journee aims to take out the stress of holiday planning by booking your flight, hotel, and activities; and then surprise you with the destination at the airport. Read on for our unfiltered experience.

Picture this: you arrive at a London airport, with no idea where you’re going, but the anticipation of a trip of a lifetime. This is what Journee does. The London-founded company send holidaymakers and adventurous travellers on surprise trips – with flights booked, hotels secured, and activities you’ll love reserved all without you lifting a finger. You only find out where you’re going once you’re at the airport. Intrigued?

Here at Secret London, we were most definitely intrigued. When we’re not writing about London-based activities and restaurants , you’ll find many of us on annual leave, travelling the world. Two of us decided to book a Journee trip for ourselves to see whether this viral concept was all it was cracked up to be.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Secret London (@secret.london)

The questionnaire

The start of your journey – sorry, journee – is a 10-minute questionnaire . It’s totally free to fill out, and no commitment is required at this stage. Tom (from our Secret London video team) and I filled out the questionnaire on a rainy April afternoon, dreaming of sunnier climes.

The questions were far more thorough than I expected, taking into consideration every aspect a traveller might face. Of course, there are the standard questions about budget, style of travel, and preferred weather (um, sun?!), but there were more thoughtful questions too. One section acknowledges some countries’ hostile attitudes toward different races or sexual orientations; Journee gives the space to travellers to reflect on these and their own circumstances, so it’s not a worry when a mystery holiday is booked.

We received our Journee Proposal in 24 hours – I was impressed! The proposal outlines key aspects, like flight details and typical weather predictions, as well as vague descriptions of activities. This document, presented beautifully with cool illustrations and digestible information, is further reassuring to any anxious traveller, or simply those who may have a problem relinquishing control.

The lead-up to the trip

Once we were happy with the proposal, we hit book – then the real fun began! Journee sent clues about our upcoming trip via WhatsApp, and there was info in the online ‘Journee Passport’ too. Our initial thoughts were that we were heading somewhere in Italy; however, a few clues threw us off. If the trip isn’t too soon, you can pay in instalments or altogether; it’s totally up to you.

The Journee pack arrived four days before departure – you can open the postal envelope, but not the individual envelopes inside. Word of warning though, if you click on the boarding pass element of your ‘Journee Passport’ on your phone, you will see your intended destination. Avoid opening it until after you open the envelope at the airport for maximum effect.

But how will I know what to pack for my Journee mystery holiday?!

Three weeks before your trip, a packing list and daily-updating weather report unlock on your Journee Passport. This will have all the info you need to pack for your Journee mystery holiday adequately.

How do you book travel insurance for a Journee trip?

Travel insurance isn’t included in the Journee booking, but they recommend purchasing coverage that excludes the US, Canada, and the Caribbean (ooo, another hint there to narrow down your guesses!) Alternatively, you can contact the Journee team with the email address of someone you trust, and the team will share information about your destination, so they can book travel insurance for you.

The Journee trip itself: our Secret London review

After much anticipation, and an early 5am arrival at Gatwick Airport, all was revealed: we were going to Bilbao , northern Spain! I was so excited as it was an area I’d never been to before, and knew little about; already I was reaping the benefits of the mystery holiday.

Alongside our Reveal Postcard, our Journee pack included a guidebook with restaurant recommendations, sights to see, and even handy Spanish phrases, plus a comprehensive document with information on the hotel and tours booked for us. Any questions we had were answered between the two; this guidebook was a great, reassuring touch from Journee, given the fact we had no idea where we’d be.

Bilbao was a very walkable city, so we made good use of this guide, checking out many of the suggestions listed, as well as stopping at places that simply caught our eye. My particular favourites were the palm-lined Plaza Nueva, which we revisited at least once a day, and the funicular above the city for stunning city views of the terracotta rooves and lush green mountains.

As previously mentioned, we had a selection of pre-booked, and already paid-for, activities sorted by Journee on our mystery holiday, which I felt truly allowed us to immerse in local culture and gain an understanding of the Basque Country. I learnt a lot about the people and the area’s history and current situation.

My particular trip highlights included the humbling visit to Guernica, the difficult but rewarding climb up to Gaztelugatxe (Dragonstone in Game of Thrones, FYI), and the pintxos and wine walking tour. The latter not only introduced me to some incredible food (hello, peanut duck!) but I tried things I probably wouldn’t have (like olive oil collagen on cod and bread). As these were small group activities, there was great camaraderie, laughter, and the chance to meet other travellers.

So, is a Journee trip worth it?

In short, yes. I absolutely loved it. Of course, booking a package trip instead of booking each element individually yourself will always come at a slightly higher cost, but Journee is worth it – it’s reasonably priced, and for what you pay, you get a lot in return (plus they plan the trip to your budget in the first place, anyway!)

The care this company have taken to not only give you that Instagram-worthy “surprise moment” but also cater to the very real, offline experience of travelling is second to none. They take great care to ensure you not only see the sites, but have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the location’s culture. I would have overlooked Bilbao as a destination, had it not been chosen for me by Journee, and it’s now somewhere I can see myself returning to again in future.

Start your Journee and fill out the questionnaire for your own surprise trip here .

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Don’t let this one mistake ruin your summer holiday

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Look, you may not be able to control the weather, or whether or not your flight is cancelled, but there is one simple thing travellers can do to *try* and make their summer holiday go as swimmingly as possible.

As Europe’s largest tour operator goes bust just as the holiday season kicks off, it’s perhaps no better time for holidaymakers to protect their hard-earned summer plans in advance.

To take the grunt work out of such an endeavour, the travel insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk have taken a look at travel delays, cancellations and even provider collapses to help London holidaymakers get the upper hand on travel hiccups.

The short of it is, financial and legal protections for travellers differ greatly depending on what has been booked and where the purchase was made – so Quotezone has compiled reminders on the protections offered by Air Travel Organisers’ Licence (ATOL) and other relevant regulations.

Nine airlines filed for bankruptcy last year, as the travel industry still tries to find its feet (or, rather, wings) in the Covid aftermath – one of which was London favourite Flybe.

ATOL is a financial protection scheme managed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the UK and is designed to protect consumers who’ve purchased package holidays or flights from UK-based travel companies in the event that the company ceases trading, or goes ‘bust’.

However, holidaymakers’ level of protection varies depending on whether they’ve booked a package holiday or made their own arrangements.

Flight delays and cancellations also play a major part in ruining holidays and, especially seeing as most travellers can probably relate, is something London holidaymakers must make sure they have protection for.

Of the London airports, 1,080 flight cancellations were reported in the latest data from the Civil Aviation Authority – the sample was taken during the month of April 2024 – with 434 flights reporting significant delays between 2-3 hours or more. At Heathrow alone, 643 flights were cancelled.

If the flight is cancelled, passengers legally have the right to request a full refund from the airline, or a replacement flight which will allow travellers to get to their final destination.

How to save on travel insurance

Metro Finance has teamed up with Quotezone to help readers save money on their travel insurance.

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For delays of three hours or more, travellers can also request compensation directly from the airline. However, the airline will rarely give out compensation if a delay was caused due to reasons beyond their control – such as adverse weather conditions.

Most standard travel insurance policies cover compensation for cancellation or curtailment if the traveller has to cancel or cut short the holiday for reasons out of their control.

It will also normally cover them for missed or delayed departure, covering any expenses they may face if the flight is postponed or if they miss it through no fault of their own.

CEO and travel insurance expert at Quotezone, Greg Wilson said: ‘As holiday season approaches and holiday itineraries are finalised, we wanted to remind Londoners of their rights in case of travel delays, cancellations or even bankrupt holiday partners.

‘With the current financial struggles in the UK, 15% of holidaymakers are searching for cheaper deals online and booking with sites and tour operators that aren’t as well-known to help find savings.*’

Wilson added: ‘This makes it crucial that travellers do additional research before booking, ensuring they are protected by recognised travelling bodies and have a travel insurance policy in place as soon as they make the booking.

‘Holidaymakers need to make sure they look for the ATOL logo and check the specifics of the travel insurance, for example, if the flights are booked directly with the airline, it’s sensible to add airline failure or end supplier failure insurance, for protection in case they go bust.’

How can London travellers protect themselves before holiday mayhem hits?

Find out if your booking is atol protected.

ATOL protection applies to most air trips abroad that are booked with UK travel companies. If you are covered by ATOL, your travel company should have given you an ATOL certificate when you booked. Under the ATOL scheme, if a firm goes out of business and you can no longer take your trip, your booking will be refunded. If it happens when you are abroad, don’t panic. You will be able to finish your holiday and fly home as you originally planned.

Look at package holidays

A package holiday is when you book more than one part of your holiday through the same travel agent or website – for example, your hotel and plane tickets. Fortunately, package holidays have both financial and legal protection, and the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 require organisers of package holidays to provide protection for your money and to bring you home if necessary. This means that all companies selling package holidays must offer the same level of protection. This protection will prevent you from losing money and will also help you sort out any practical problems should they or the airline you’re flying with go bust.

Consider linked travel arrangements

A linked travel arrangement is when you buy one part of your holiday and then are prompted to buy another part via a click-through within 24 hours. For example, if you buy a flight and then are prompted to purchase car hire through the same website. Linked travel arrangements aren’t covered by ATOL but they do benefit from other insolvency protections. A linked travel arrangement only has financial protection – and this is at a lower level than if you bought a package holiday. The financial protection provides some cover if the company that arranged your linked travel arrangement goes out of business. As there is no legal protection covering the whole linked travel arrangement, any complaints about the provision of the services must be directed to the service providers themselves.

Think about independent travel

The Civil Aviation Regulations 2012 (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) are overseen by the CAA and require tour operators who sell flight-only arrangements to provide protection for your money and to bring you home if necessary. However, this protection does not apply to flights that are bought directly from an airline. If you book a flight directly with an airline, unfortunately you will not be covered by ATOL. This means that if the airline you booked with goes bust while you’re abroad, you will need to book a return flight with another airline. However, if you’ve scheduled airline failure or end supplier failure insurance added to your travel insurance policy, you should be able to get any additional flight or hotel expenses refunded.

Get travel insurance – but check the fine print

Not all travel insurance policies include insolvency protection either, so it’s crucial to check the specifics of your policy. Insolvency protection ensures that if your travel provider goes bust, your policy will cover things like refunds for paid expenses, repatriation costs, and alternative travel arrangements. Travel insurance comparison can help holidaymakers find real savings, by comparing travel insurance quotes for annual versus single trip policies, there could be savings to be found. Also review worldwide versus travel insurance for Europe to ensure all your destinations booked throughout the year are accounted for on the cheapest possible policy.

Take advantage of credit card bookings

If you have paid for your holiday with a credit card, you may have additional protections under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This legislation makes your credit card issuer jointly liable if something goes wrong, offering another avenue for refunds.

For other helpful holiday preparation, read European holiday tax increases before jetting off.

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* Quotezone.co.uk’s findings are based on a randomised survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK during June 2024, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.

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Travel insurance is a must this season after Hurricane Beryl created 'giant mess' for travelers

Hurricane beryl offered an early hurricane season reminder that a tropical system does not care how early you booked your trip. experts recommend including travel insurance and working with pros to help when a natural disaster strikes..

'A giant mess:' Hurricane Beryl sends travelers scrambling across Caribbean

Tropical Travelers CEO Jennifer Byrne said Hurricane Beryl created "a giant mess" for travelers across the Caribbean. While travel is usually a safer bet early in the hurricane season, Byrne said this year is already "unprecedented."

Many travelers in the Caribbean were caught off guard when Hurricane Beryl formed earlier and further east than previous storms this early in the season.

Travel agents were handed a doozy of a task this week as they helped hundreds of people attempting to get out of Caribbean islands or make new travel plans. Major cruise lines changed their sailing plans instead of canceling cruises to avoid Beryl's impact, The Cruise Guy told FOX 35 Orlando. 

Tropical Travelers CEO Jennifer Byrne said they had to help clients in St. Lucia, Grenada and Barbados all trying to find flights out before Hurricane Beryl brought 150 mph winds to the islands.

Damaged fishing boats rest on the shore after the passing of Hurricane Beryl at the Bridgetown Fish Market, Bridgetown, Barbados on July 1, 2024. (Photo by Randy Brooks / AFP) (Photo by RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

"We had so many people down there. We had so many people heading down there. It was kind of a giant mess," Byrne said. "We have to go case by case. We have to look at the track of the storm. We have to look at what the airlines are telling us. We have to look at what the hotels are recommending, which island they're on, how many flights there are to get out."

SEE IT: HURRICANE BERYL RIPS APART CARIBBEAN ISLANDS IN FIRST LANDFALL

The National Hurricane Center is forecasting an aggressive 2024 hurricane season , and Beryl has kicked off the season with a bang. Hurricane Beryl was historic because it became a major hurricane quickly and formed early in the season. 

Traditionally, the Caribbean is a popular travel destination during winter, but post-COVID, Byrne said people travel nonstop to the islands throughout the year.

Several travel agents said travel insurance is helpful if or when a natural disaster crashes your vacation. 

People visit a pier during a high tide after the passage of Hurricane Beryl in Oistins near Bridgetown, Barbados on July 1, 2024. Hurricane Beryl brought devastating winds and heavy rain to several Caribbean islands on July 1, 2024 as the earliest-ever Category 4 storm churned westward. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP) (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

"People think insurance is a bad bet. When it comes to travel insurance, it is not a bad bet. I've been through this. I've been in this industry for 30 years. I have definitely been through my fair share of hurricanes, and you absolutely should have insurance," Byrne said.

Christine Hardenberger, owner of Modern Travel Professionals, said not all travel insurance policies are the same but will generally cover disruptions because of a hurricane. 

Tips for traveling to Caribbean during hurricane season

Christine Hardenberger, owner of Modern Travel Professionals, said travel insurance is a must when booking trips during hurricane season. Hurricane Beryl caught some travelers off guard.

"Many travel insurance companies have policies that include hurricane protection. So it's really important to read the policy that you purchase and make sure that hurricane protection is included," Hardenberger said. "Most airlines in events like these do offer waivers where they'll allow you to change flights without any sort of additional fees in order to help people move around."

Hardenberger recommends purchasing travel insurance early in your travel plans, well before a tropical storm or hurricane forms. 

HURRICANE BERYL BECOMES UNWELCOME GUEST TO COUPLE'S ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN STORM'S PATH

Victor and Terri Cochran, of Mississippi , own a travel company and were in Grenada when Beryl brushed the island with its Category 4 strength. 

"The reason we booked Grenada was to be below the latitude of where the hurricanes normally come this time of year. We're very hurricane aware, and we try to plan our trips around that," Victor Cochran said. "We've had this plan for some time, but, no, we did not expect this."

Even with their knowledge, the couple could not leave in time for the storm. Victor Cochran recommends working with a travel professional because, even if you can't leave, they can help accommodate hiccups. 

HURRICANE SEASON 2024: HERE’S WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN THE TROPICS THIS YEAR

Views of Hurricane Beryl's wind and rains from Victor and Terri Cochran's resort balcony in Grenada. 

(Terri Cochran/Family )

"If you use somebody planning it, they have hundreds and hundreds of people that have already been there … all these connections that they can stay in contact with and stay up to date with all the possibilities or the things that may happen while you're there," he said. "To know that is priceless."

Beryl offered a summer reminder that a hurricane does not care how early you booked your trip.

"This is unprecedented. They keep using this word. But it's absolutely true. This does not happen this early in the season," Byrne said. "We don't really understand why this is happening. Is it just because the waters are warmer in the Caribbean? We don't know. But it's not great for vacationers."

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Cancel-for-any-reason insurance may be unwise for travelers.

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Concerned about illness or an unforeseen event, many vacationers buy cancel-for-any-reason travel insurance when booking an expensive trip. Such coverage is costly and often unnecessary, a travel insurance expert says.

Cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) insurance is an optional upgrade for travelers who buy trip-cancellation insurance, says Jenna Hummer, the public relations director for Squaremouth , an online travel insurance marketplace. The most common cancellation reasons, however, are covered by the basic trip-cancellation policies, she says.

Hurricanes, such as the one that struck St. Petersburg, Florida, last August, can cause vacation ... [+] cancellations, but think twice, an insurance expert says, before you buy a cancel-for-any-reason travel insurance policy. (Photo: Juan Manuel Barrero Bueno/Bloomberg)

“CFAR is only useful if you're worried about having to cancel your trip for a specific reason not covered by your trip-cancellation benefit,” Hummer says. “Such reasons are a border closure at your destination, fear of traveling to your destination and loss of enjoyment at your destination because of closed beaches, gross weather or a changed itinerary.”

The No. 1 reason for trip cancellations is death or illness of the insured traveler, she says. The second-most prevalent reason is death or illness of a family member, and the No. 3 reason is death or illness of a traveling companion.

In 2024, according to Squaremouth data, the average cost of a trip-cancellation policy was $404. Policies with the additional CFAR benefit had an average cost of $633, a 57% increase over the basic trip-cancellation policy.

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Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024.

“This percent increase varies from policy to policy, depending on the provider,” Hummer says. “The benefit comes at an added cost due to the increased risk to the insurance provider and the added peace of mind for travelers who want the flexibility to cancel no matter what and still recoup part of their costs.”

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