travel insurance pacific cruise

• Cruises Travel Insurance
• Best Ocean Criuses
• Pacific Cruises

Travel insurance for Pacific cruise, Best cruise insurance

Cruise travel insurance quote form, importance of the best travel insurance for cruises.

Going on a cruise vacation is truly exciting, however one must take precautions to ensure that the cruise vacation is not a disappointment. Vacationers are likely to pay for the cruise well in advance of the actual travel date, and it is possible that one is not able to travel on the cruise as initially planned.

While most cruises companies offers some cruise protection it does not provide the coverage benefits as provided by trip insurance for cruises. While cruise companies protection usually gives cruise vouchers to vacationers if they miss the cruise, cruise travel insurance provides significantly more benefits such as coverage for trip cancellation, trip delay, baggage loss, baggage delay, medical evacuation and medical insurance for the traveler. Vacationers can further shield themselves by adding Cancel for any reason travel insurance benefit which gives flexibility of cancelling the cruise vacation for any reason, and still get reimbursed up to 75% of non-refundable trip expenses.

Cruise Travel Insurance protection timelines

Going on a cruise vacation can be an expensive and a simple delay or missing a flight can spoil the entire vacation. Given the constant changes in the weather conditions, delays with airline and airport chaos, factors like covid pandemic in famous cruise destinations, travelers should have good Cruise travel insurance to protect the money spent on the cruise.

Cruise travel insurance provides coverage well before the start of the cruise, continues with the coverage during the cruise at Sea till the Cruise journey is completed. Given below are the coverage details at different stages of the Cruise.

Cruise insurance protection before the commencement of the Cruise

Cruise insurance offers protection against the traveler’s monetary investment on the cruise from the time the cruise travel insurance has been purchased and the initial booking for the Cruise has been made. The cruise insurance will reimburse the trip expenses if anything goes wrong before the start of the trip. If the travelers are unable to reach their cruise or got delayed for some covered reason like illness or bad weather then the trip expenses can be reimbursed.

Cruise insurance will reimburse all of the trip expenses under the Trip Cancellation cover if the cruiser is not able to reach the cruise in time for any covered reason. Covered reasons like bad weather, illness, injury, or death can be insured. If the insurance includes Cancel for any reason, then the traveler can simply decide not to take the cruise and still get reimbursed up to 75% of the non-refundable cruise expenses.

Cruise insurance coverage during the journey

Many cruisers are not aware of the high healthcare cost on a cruise ship. The basic diagnosis and treatment of regular health conditions can cost thousands of dollars on board a cruise ship. In case the passenger has to be evacuated to the nearest port the cost of evacuation can be astronomical. Cruise insurance offers travelers medical insurance coverage for unanticipated illness or injury during the cruise.

Most policies offer benefits for on-board medical treatment, as well as additional coverage for an evacuation in case of an emergency. Cruisers whose primary domestic health insurance does not offer coverage outside of the US borders or to any inaccessible locations should choose comprehensive cruise insurance.

Vacationers who are concerned about the medical emergency that can arise while on the cruise should choose to buy a comprehensive cruise insurance policy that covers Emergency Medical treatment and Medical Evacuation. There are also a few Cruise travel insurance plans that offer coverage for acute onset of Pre-existing conditions.

Cruise insurance for bad weather conditions like a hurricane

Most of the vacationers plan for a cruise trip during the summer which ironically is the hurricane season. This makes cruising risky as it is exposed to cancellations due to bad weather conditions. Cruise travel insurance offers coverage for Hurricane & adverse weather, where cruisers can reimburse the cost of the trip in case the trip gets cancelled due to extreme weather, a storm at their destination or any delays due to weather.

Following are some Cruise health insurance plans

Img trip insurance for cruises, trip cancellation cruise insurance coverage highlights:.

• Covers medical expenses up to $100K
• Medical evacuation up to $1 million
• Search and rescue up to $10K
• Missed connection up to $500
• The trip cancellation benefit is determined by the amount of your trip you elect to protect
• IMG trip plans provides Covid Quarantine coverage.
• Cancel for Any Reason only purchase at the time the base policy is purchased and within twenty (20) days of the initial trip deposit.

Trawick International Trip protection Insurance

Trip protection insurance plans:.

Safe Travels Trip protection insurance plans for trip cancellation expenses from Trawick International offer coverage for non refundable trip expenses incurred when a trip is cancelled.

For plans that offer Cancel For Any Reason(CFAR)- you must purchase the benefit within the specified time frame from the initial deposit date and you must insure all prepaid non-refundable trip costs. Please note that we do not have any plans that offer CFAR in NY, WA, or NH.

International Medical Group - Cruise medical insurance

• Available for ages up to 99years
• Maximum trip length 180 days
• Medical coverage of $500K (may vary by state)
• Trip Cancellation maximum benefit up to 100% of insured trip cost (min $500)
• Trip interruption maximum benefit up to 150% of insured trip cost
• $2K maximum benefit for travel delay
• $500K maximum benefit for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
• US Residents on domestic and worldwide trips.
• Medical coverage of $250K (may vary by state)
• Trip Cancellation maximum benefit up to 100% of insured trip cost (min $300)
• Trip Interruption maximum benefit up to 150% of insured trip cost
• $2500 maximum benefit for travel delay
• $1 million maximum benefit for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
• Cancel for Any Reason add-on benefit available

How does cruise travel insurance offer coverage for medical illness and evacuation?

The travellers on cruises are not aware of the expensive healthcare cost while on a cruise ship. The basic diagnosis and treatment of regular health conditions can cost thousands of dollars on board a cruise ship. In case the passenger has to be evacuated to the nearest port the cost of evacuation can be astronomical.

Cruise insurance offers travelers medical insurance coverage for unanticipated illness or injury during the cruise. Most policies offer benefits for on-board medical treatment, as well as additional coverage for an evacuation in case of an emergency.

Cruisers whose primary domestic health insurance does not offer coverage outside of the US borders or to any inaccessible locations should choose comprehensive cruise insurance. There are also a few Cruise travel insurance plans that offer coverage for acute onset of Pre-existing conditions.

Can you buy cruise trip protection insurance to cancel trip due to Hurricane?

Most of the travelers plan a cruise vacation during the summer which happens to be the hurricane season. This makes cruising risky as it is exposed to cancellations due to bad weather conditions.

Cruise travel insurance offers coverage for Hurricane & adverse weather, where cruisers can reimburse the cost of the trip in case the trip gets cancelled due to extreme weather, a storm at their destination or any delays due to weather.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Highlights of trip cancellation insurance coverage benefits

Compare travel Insurance with cancel for any reason benefit.

Best trip cancellation insurance with quarantine coverage.

Rental car Insurance for damage, theft, repair of rented cars.

Trip cancellation insurance for trip expenses if the trip is cancelled.

Trip interruption insurance for travel expenses when a trip is Interrupted.

Travel insurance coverage due to lost, damaged, delayed or stolen luggage.

Emergency medical evacuation travel insurance coverage.

Cost of travel insurance factors

Factors to consider while buying travel insurance.

Travel insurance cost calculator

Travel Insurance cost calculator, Trip cost calculator

What does travel insurance cover?

• Trip cancellation

Expenses due to pre-paid, non-refundable and unused payments.

Medical evacuation

Emergency medical evacuation expense to medical facility.

Reimbursement of additional expenses due to trip delay.

Lost baggage

Reimbursement for loss of checked in baggage expenses.

• Baggage delay

Expense due to delay in arrival of baggage during travel.

Medical expenses

Medical treatment for sickness or injury during your vacation.

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Pacific ocean.

The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean and occupies one-third of the globe! The Pacific Ocean is popular as a cruise destination for its volcanoes, natural landscapes, beautiful city views, whale watching and the architectural icons combined with superb restaurants, activities, casino and entertainment. The Pacific Ocean offers a variety of expeditions in the different ports that it visits. On the Pacific Ocean cruise the travelers sail to Alaska, Hawaii, or alongside the Pacific Coast of North America. The best time to go cruising on the Pacific Ocean is during the months from May to October.

A cruise ship is a destination in itself that offers a holiday of a lifetime thus it’s a huge investment and for some it’s a long awaited vacation. Travelling on a trip on a Pacific Ocean cruise is undoubtedly a most beautiful and unforgettable experience for travelers. However given the risks involved in the travel it’s recommended that travelers on Pacific Ocean cruise buy Best travel insurance to the Pacific Ocean.

While purchasing cruise insurance to Pacific Ocean cruise travelers should keep in mind that the Pacific Ocean cruise insurance provides complete coverage for their Pacific Ocean travel.Pacific Ocean travel insurance offers medical coverage for emergency medical services in the event of an illness or injury during the trip .The coverage includes doctors’ services, ambulance expenses and other costs of treatment.

Compare and Buy Cruises Travel Insurance with cancel for any reason for senior citizens.

Trip Delay Cover:

Sometimes the departure of the cruise may be affected due to the bad weather conditions and huge Pacific ocean waves . The Trip delay covers reimbursement for the additional expenses due to trip delay. Most Cruise insurance to Rhine River typically covers up to US$500 for trip delays.

Trip Cancellation Cover:

Travelling to various destinations on a cruise there is an increased chance of uncertainties due to its weather. Sometimes the departures may not go well as planned. The best cruise insurance coverage pays a complete refund for valid reasons like the accidental death or injury of the traveler or a non-traveling family member. The Cancel for any reason benefit in cruise cancellation insurance gives additional flexibility and provides 75% refund of the non-refundable expenses for not taking the cruise for any reason.

Trip interruption cover:

The trip interruption benefit may pay up to 150% of the trip cost in the event that the traveler has to reduce the number of days on the cruise holiday due to an emergency. This coverage reimburses the cost incurred with buying flight tickets should they need to buy tickets in an emergency.

Medical Evacuation cover:

While travelling to Hawaiian Island on a cruise with various activities onboard and on shore travelers are advised to include the best medical evacuation insurance coverage in their Hawaiian Island cruise travel insurance. The medical evacuation cover can pay up to $1,000,000/- , in an event the insured need to be evacuated to get better access for medical treatment.

Some cruise insurance plans also offer up to $50,000 for non-medical evacuation. Evacuation is very expensive from a cruise ship. A basic hospital treatment may cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Medical Evacuation coverage will also cover for the transport of the insured to the home country if need be as directed by the physician.

On-shore and Off-shore Activity Cover:

Travelers to Hawaiian Island should ensure their Hawaii Island cruise travel insurance offers coverage for the activities planned. There are few insurers who offer cover for activities like kayaking, skiing, camping and climbing. Travelers need to check for more details while purchasing the policy.

Baggage Loss, Theft and Delay cover:

Loss or delayed baggage while going to an exotic destination like Hawaii is very distressing . In an event if the traveler’s baggage is lost or delayed it brings in a certain amount of hassle. Losing an expensive item from the baggage may end up in a bad experience in a long awaited vacation.

The baggage loss benefit by the best insurance for cruises offers up to $2,500 with a $250 maximum per item for baggage loss and $500 after initial delay of 12 hours. It is important for cruise travelers to buy the best Hawaiian Island cruise travel insurance given the relative low cost of cruise insurance.

Getting the correct cruise insurance coverage for Pacific Ocean travel

Travelling to Pacific Ocean via a cruise, travelers need to get a Pacific Ocean travel insurance to ensure that any emergency instances like illness, injury, delays or trip cancellations are covered in an event that occurs. The changes in the Cruise are often due to the weather conditions or any mechanical delays of the ship. Delays caused due to weather conditions are beyond one's control. Thus it is very important to have Trip insurance for Pacific Ocean including trip delay, trip interruption and trip cancellation.

Pacific Ocean Cruises insurance - FAQs

01. what happens if i miss the pacific ocean cruise.

Travelers to Pacific Ocean via cruise can get coverage for missed connections for the reason that is covered under the policy for up to $500. Travelers need to check in details for all the benefits in the policy.

02. Will the cruise insurance cover me for the Pacific Ocean Activities?

Most of the Pacific Ocean Cruisers are planned for passengers to get a once in a lifetime experience. Not all insurance providers offer coverage for all activities that one may have on the itinerary on their visit to Pacific Ocean. While buying cruise travel insurance travelers should ensure to check if the activity will be covered under the policy purchased.

03. What insurance do you need for a cruise ship?

Travelling on a cruise ship on the sea is often at a risk due to the weather conditions. On the ship there will be no access to big hospitals in case the travelers need an upgraded treatment in case of a medical emergency the traveler may land up in huge financial loss.

Due to these factors it's best to get cruise insurance with coverage for any medical emergency and evacuation that satisfies the travel plans to Pacific Ocean travel.

04. Can you add trip insurance after booking a cruise?

Yes, typically travelers can buy trip insurance whenever they can before the actual date of the trip. However it’s advisable to buy coverage as soon as the booking for the cruise is made.

05. When should I buy cruise insurance?

Travelers should consider buying travel insurance a week to two weeks in advance of booking the cruise or soon after the date when the first payment was made for the trip. This will allow the traveler to enjoy few benefits like trip cancellation or trip interruption if included in the policy.

06. What does travel insurance on a cruise cover?

Cruise travel insurance covers accidental and medical expenses for an unexpected illness or injury. Trip cancellation and inability to go on the cruise for valid reasons will be covered and travelers can also include Cancel for any reason travel insurance benefit up to 75% refund of the non-refundable expenses for not taking the cruise for any reason. Trip interruption benefit of a travel insurance for cruise trip can pay up to 150% of the trip cost in the event that the traveler has to cut short his/her cruise vacation and return home in an emergency.

Medical Evacuation covers for up to $1,000,000/- if the passenger has to be evacuated to get access to proper medical treatment in the event of a medical emergency. Missed connection cover provides a missed connection benefit that provides up to $500 additional transportation costs to join the cruise or tour for any delay of the stipulated time of travel. Repatriation of remains benefit pays for the repatriation expenses in the event of death of the insured for any reason. Loss and delay of Baggage benefit offers up to $2,500 with a $250 maximum per item for baggage loss and $500 after initial delay of 12 hours.

Pacific Cruise

What countries are part of pacific cruise, when is the best time to take the pacific cruise .

Trip cancellation insurance

Is it worth buying trip cancellation plans.

Any planned holiday is often a once in a lifetime experience involving both valuable time and money. A vacation involves expenses from airline tickets, cruise reservations, hotel bookings all of which are often done many months in advance. Given the uncertainties of work, and health, one cannot predict what can happen in the future and can sometimes result in cancelling an expensive vacation or being forced to change trip arrangements.

Sometimes an emergency medical situation may arise while on the vacation which can result in hospitalization and huge medical bills. Other risks involved can include baggage loss, flight delay, trip interruption, loss of passport, all of which can cripple your savings. These cost of these uncertainties can be reduced by insuring the financial risks by Trip cancellation insurance. Know more »

Travel insurance plans for older US travelers with Medicare coverage

US senior citizens and pensioners with Medicare need international travel insurance as Medicare offers limited or no coverage outside USA. Traveling overseas involves risks especially for older travelers and costs of medical evacuation and health care outside the United States is expensive. Buying Medicare Supplemental international Travel insurance coverage for older US travelers is strongly recommended. Know more »

Long term Europe visa insurance

US citizens are rarely required to buy insurance while they travel abroad. However, for Americans who wish to stay in Europe for a longer stay, they have requirements similar to other citizens for "Schengen visas".

These travel insurance plans are very affordable and can be purchased easily once you choose the one that's right for you. Compare Popular travel health insurance plans for long term Europe Visa. One requirements for being issued a Schengen long term visa is to have proper health insurance in Europe.

How to buy best travel insurance for cruises?

  1: finding all available cruise trip insurance plans.

Complete the cruise insurance coverage quote form by providing details - traveler’s age, residence, trip cost, destination and travel dates.

  2: Compare different trip insurance for cruises options

Compare prices and the benefits of the cruise cancellation insurance options to find the best plan. Look also for cancel for any reason benefits and covid coverage.

  3: Buy the best insurance for cruises you like best and review documents

Buy the plan that fits your needs and budget by using a credit card and completing the online application.

  4: Review the cruise medical insurance documents & download visa letter if required

Review the trip cancellation insurance documents & download coverage or visa letter if required as required by the destination country.

CruiseLine Insurance vs travel insurance

Is Cruise insurance different from travel insurance?

Reasons to buy cruise insurance

What are the reasons for buying cruise travel insurance?

Cruise travel insurance benefits

Some of the other important benefits available with the best travel insurance for cruises include:

One might believe that the regular health insurance covers your health while on a cruise and might question the need for cruise medical insurance. However one might be rudely shocked as many US health insurance plans do not cover you outside the US borders (including Medicare). The travel insurance for cruise trip pays for the medical treatment for any sickness or accident that one can encounter during the trip. The cruise health insurance coverage varies on the cruise insurance chosen, but can provide coverage up to $500k.

Trip cancellation and inability to go on the cruise Given the uncertainties involved in planning vacations very early, it is likely that one cannot go on a cruise as planned. The best cruise insurance coverage pay a complete refund for valid reasons like the accidental death or injury of the traveler or a non-traveling family member. The Cancel for any reason travel insurance benefit in a cruise cancellation insurance gives further flexibility and provides 75% refund of the non-refundable expenses for not taking the cruise for any reason.

Trip interruption The trip interruption benefit of a travel insurance for cruise trip can pay up to 150% of the trip cost in the event that the traveler has to cut short his/her cruise vacation and return home in an emergency. This benefit takes in to consideration the high costs that one can incur for flight tickets should they need to buy tickets in an emergency. This benefit provides peace of mind to the vacationer during the cruise holiday.

Medical Evacuation The best travel insurance for cruise trip also provides coverage for medical evacuation up to $1M if the vacationer has to be evacated to get access to proper medical treatment in the event of a medical emergency. Some cruise insurance plans also offer up to $50K for non medical evacuation.

Missed connection The missed connection benefit provides up to $500 additional transportation costs to join the cruise or tour for any delay of the stipulated time of travel.

Repatriation of remains The repatriation of remains benefit pays for the repatriation expenses in the event of death of the traveler for any reason. The best cruise insurance offers up to $1M as part of this benefit. There is also another repatriation benefit in the event of an accident during the vacation. These benefits are for the death, loss of sight or loss of limbs due to an accident that occurs during the cruise holiday.

Baggage loss and baggage delay This baggage loss benefit by the best insurance for cruises offers up to $2,500 with a $250 maximum per item for baggage loss and $500 after initial delay of 12 hours. Given all these benefits, it is important that cruise vacationers buy the best cruise travel insurance given the relative low cost of cruise insurance. The cruise insurance protection offered by cruise lines provides very little benefits given their cost, this is particularly important for Seniors cruise vacationers who are most vulnerable and likely to need the benefits offered by the best cruise travel insurance plans.

Cruises Insurance, Cruises cancellation insurance - FAQs

Travelling outside of one’s home country always requires some good recommendations and tips for a smooth and safe trip. Here is some information that may be helpful while you plan an international trip.

01. Is Cruise Insurance worth it?

Having good cruise insurance can make all the difference for a memorable vacation should a vacationer face any adverse situation during the cruise. The cost of cruise travel insurance varies depending on the coverage benefits included, but they typically cost between 5 to 10% of the non-refundable cruise trip costs.

Given the cruise health insurance coverage benefits, this additional cruise insurance expense is definitely worth it. Some of the benefits provided by cruise insurance include coverage for cruise cancellation expense, any additional expense due to flight or travel delay, baggage loss or baggage delay, expense due to medical evacuation to healthcare facility as well as the healthcare costs if one falls ill or is injured during the cruise.

02. What coverage does Cruise travel insurance provide?

Most cruise travel insurance plans provide the following coverages :

• Emergency medical evacuation
• Baggage loss
• Medical coverage

Some add-on coverage available with some plans include - Cancel for any reason cancellation. Please look at the plan brochures for details of the coverage.

03. Do you need to buy Cruise insurance?

There are many coverage benefits provided by Cruise insurance which are very important while going on a cruise vacation. Cruise insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation, trip delay, flight delay or missed connections resulting in missed cruises and any additional expenses related to making the cruise, baggage loss, baggage delay, medical evacuation if needed to healthcare facility as well as covering the medical expenses of the traveler.

All of these cruise insurance coverage benefits are very important given the nature of traveling on a cruise. Given the Covid pandemic, some cruise lines are recommending cruise travel insurance, especially for unvaccinated travelers.

Irrespective of whether cruise insurance is mandated or not, given the relatively low cost of cruise insurance when compared to the coverage benefits provided, buying the best cruise travel insurance is strongly recommended. Cruise health insurance provides peace of mind and can make all the difference in making in one’s cruise vacation memorable.

04. When should I buy the Cruise Insurance

It is best to buy the cruise insurance as soon as you make the first payment for the trip. The Cruise cancellation insurance benefit starts as soon as you buy the insurance well before the actual cruise start date.

It is possible that you cancel the trip for valid reasons well before the journey and if you have cruise insurance, you are eligible to get the benefit of this coverage. Some benefits such as the ‘Cancel for any reason’ is also time sensitive and usually needs to be bought within 21 days of the first payment. However travelers can buy cruise insurance later as well and can be bought just before the cruise starts. Some plans are even available post-departure of the cruise.

05. Does Cruise travel insurance provide coverage for Covid19?

Cruise insurance plan coverage vary depending on the insurance plan and the underwriting companies. At American Visitor Insurance, we do have cruise health insurance plans which cover Covid19 as any other illness.

This implies that you will be covered for health expenses incurred due to treatment of Covid19 as well as medical evacuation expenses if you need to be evacuated to a healthcare facility.

06. What should travelers consider while buying the best cruise travel insurance?

While purchasing a good cruise insurance policy travelers can look for a complete coverage with benefits like cancellations and medical emergencies, in addition to standard coverage included in the travel insurance. A comprehensive cover generally offers full coverage that can save some extra money for the travelers. Some of the benefits that are included in Cruise cancellation insurance are:-

• Trip Cancellation: Offers a reimbursement for the traveler's prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses, including their airfare, cruise, excursions, and tours. Hurricane & Weather coverage is included in most policies with Trip Cancellation coverage.
• Emergency Medical: The cost of routine medical checks have increased hence its advisable that travelers travelling by cruisers buy a travel insurance policy a minimum of $100,000 for Emergency Medical.
• Medical Evacuation: Cruisers should purchase a policy with a minimum of $250,000 for Medical Evacuation coverage as the chances for evacuation is higher on the cruise.

Apart from the coverage for cancellations and medical emergencies, a good travel insurance plan will include travel delay, missed connections, and luggage. There are few policies that offer coverage for Itinerary Change, where a reimbursement can be claimed by travelers for missed events in the event of their travel supplier changing their itinerary.

07. What is the best time to buy the travel insurance for cruise cancellation policy?

Travelers can choose to purchase the travel insurance until the day before the cruise begins the trip. However it is advisable that travelers should purchase a travel insurance policy at the earliest to enjoy the benefits for unexpected events that impact the trip.

For example, if a traveler is planning a cruise and if there is a forecast of a storm then it would be too late to buy a policy for that storm. Few add-on benefits like Cancel For Any Reason or Pre-Existing Condition coverage are time-sensitive which are available within 10-21 days of the initial trip payment like cruise down payment.

08. How much is the cost of cruise cancellation insurance?

There are various factors that affect the cost of the cheap cruise travel insurance. A standard policy with Trip Cancellation coverage will cost between 5% and 10% of a traveler’s total trip cost.

• Age of the traveler: The cost of travel insurance is directly proportional to the age of the traveler. The older the traveler and greater will be the cost of the visitors health insurance.
• Type of travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance which provide exhaustive coverage are more expensive than fixed benefit travel insurance
• Medical maximum coverage and deductible options: The price of visitors' medical insurance is directly dependent on the maximum medical coverage and inversely proportional to the deductible of the plan chosen.
• Region of coverage: Travel insurance depends on the coverage region. The cost for visitor health insurance for the United States is most expensive.
• Duration of travel insurance: The longer the duration of visitor medical insurance required, the higher will be the cost.

Travelers can check with the cruise if they will provide a refund or voucher if you cancel. If yes, then travelers do not need to insure the cost of the cruise to make the travel insurance policy a little cheaper.

10. Where can I buy the Cruise travel insurance policy?

There are multiple platforms that travelers can buy the cruise medical insurance policy .And one such platform is American Visitor Insurance works with reputed US travel insurance providers to give international travelers a wide range of travel insurance options. Our company has two decades experience in understanding the diverse requirements of international travelers and in offering appropriate travel insurance options to them.

Our typical customers range from international travelers visiting family in the US, international students, J visa holders, H1b Visa holders, US travelers going overseas, travelers to Schengen countries who need travel insurance to satisfy visa requirements, Cruise travelers ,trip cancellation customers to insurance their trip expenses, travelers looking for Covid19 travel insurance with quarantine coverage as mandated by certain countries, corporate professionals and business travelers who travel internationally regularly as well as other diverse traveling groups with unique needs.

Our licensed dedicated customer support team provides service at all times helping customers find the most appropriate travel insurance for their needs as well as guide them when using the insurance in the event of a medical or travel emergency.

We also provide answers to all international cruise travel insurance questions , reviews of different cruise travel insurance products, testimonials for customers as well as provide an user-friendly travel insurance comparison tool where travelers can compare different products based on price as well as the coverage benefits. All of these tools help travelers make an informed decision while buying travel insurance.

11. What coverage should a cruiser include in the policy?

Cruisers can choose to insure all of their trip expenses when booking a cruise. It’s always best for travelers to insure non-refundable deposits. This includes down payment, excursions, travel expenses, airfare and hotel accommodations.

12. My cruise will go to several countries/ islands, how can I enter my destination if I only get to put one entry?

Don't worry! Your coverage will be worldwide, so you don't have to enter each and every port of call on your itinerary. If one of your stops will be in the US (besides the start or end of the cruise), then you should enter the United States as your destination so that you get a vacation travel insurance that includes domestic travel. Otherwise, you can enter your first port of call and you will be covered for your entire cruise!.

13. I already insured my trip with the cruise line, do I really need more insurance?

That depends. Did you look over their policy carefully? The cruise insurance may be focussed on getting your money back for what you paid for the cruise. What about your plane tickets to get you to the initial port and home from the last port? What if your luggage is lost on the way? What if you get sick or hurt during your cruise? Be sure that you have cruise health insurance that is good while you are away from home.

Going abroad or even out of state can increase deductibles and/or coinsurance or you may not even be covered. Find out ahead of time! Know the limitations of the cruise medical insurance and figure out if you would like to be more secure in your purchase. Finally, trip cancellation insurance companies are experts at helping travelers and they have thought of a lot of things going wrong that you may not have! So, consider your options carefully.

Countries as part of the Pacific cruise

New Zealand

Papua New Guinea

Marshall Island

Trip Cancellation insurance for Cruise travel or vacation

Trip cancellation insurance not only offers coverage for trip investment expenses, but also covers medical expenses while on a cruise trip. In case a traveler missed a cruise because a flight was delayed, or had to cancel a cruise vacation because he/she fell sick or for any other reason, the Trip Cancellation insurance will cover non-refundable trip investment expenses. It will also cover medical expenses while the traveler is on the cruise, such as falling sick and needing medical assistance.

Some cruises have medical treatment facilities to treat minor injuries, however if the injury or sickness is severe the traveler may be asked to get off the ship at the nearest port to get immediate medical care. If adequate healthcare treatment is not available at the place you got off the cruise, then you may have to get transported or evacuated to the nearest hospital, the trip protection insurance would cover these expenses.

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Smooth Sailing Ahead: Your Guide to Cruise Travel Insurance [2024]

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Table of Contents

The 5 best cruise travel insurance policies, what is cruise insurance, is cruise insurance worth it, cruise insurance costs, what cruise insurance covers, how to get cruise insurance, final thoughts.

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Taking a cruise is one of the easiest ways to travel, but cruising isn’t immune to unexpected hiccups. Sudden illness, travel delays, or other unforeseen events could cancel or interrupt your cruising plans — you might even need medical coverage. 

With cruise insurance, you’re covered for unexpected issues that can interfere with your travel plans . Read on to learn what cruise insurance is, how to get it, and how to find the best cruise insurance policies, whether you’re buying directly from the cruise line or a third-party insurance company.

The right cruise insurance policy offers the coverage you need at a good price, but policies aren’t one-size-fits-all. We’ve run quotes for various coverage scenarios — from seniors to adventure tours — to find the best cruise insurance policies . 

Consider these travel insurance policies for your next cruise:

Best Cruise Travel Insurance for Seniors: Seven Corners

Seniors cruising the world can get comprehensive coverage from Seven Corners Travel Insurance . We were quoted $89 for a 70-year-old cruising Mexico . The Seven Corners Trip Protection Basic policy offers trip cancellation and interruption, medical coverage, and medical evacuation, along with COVID-19 cancellation and medical coverage.

Comprehensive travel insurance, regardless of your age, is widely available and relatively affordable. Check out our complete guide to travel insurance for seniors .

Best Cruise Travel Insurance With COVID-19 Coverage: battleface

If you’re concerned about COVID-19 derailing your cruise travel plans, getting cruise travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is essential. The battleface Discovery Plan covers COVID-19 cancellation and medical expenses, along with regular trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and medical emergency coverage. We were quoted $36.54 for a 35-year-old cruising Italy on this plan.

Best Cruise Travel Insurance for Young Travelers: Aegis

Young travelers often have the lowest-priced travel insurance policies. We got a quote for just $30.27 from Aegis for a 22-year-old cruising the Bahamas . The Aegis Go Ready Choice policy covers COVID-19 medical and cancellation, trip cancellation and interruption, medical evacuation, and medical expenses.

Best Cruise Travel Insurance for Adventure Tours: IMG

Are you planning adventurous excursions on your cruise? IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Lite , with options for winter, adventure, and extreme sports, can give you the coverage you need. We were quoted $58.87 for a 40-year-old traveler cruising to Costa Rica with plans to zipline . It covers trip cancellation and interruption, medical expenses, medical evacuation, and adventure sports with some exclusions, such as diving and adventure races.

Your travel insurance might not cover everything you want to do — particularly if you plan on adventure activities. Here’s our complete guide to adventure and extreme sports travel insurance .

Best Cruise Travel Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Coverage: John Hancock Insurance Agency

If you’re especially concerned you may need to cancel your cruise, Cancel for Any Reason coverage allows you to cancel your trip and receive partial reimbursement for nonrefundable trip expenses, even if you cancel for reasons not normally covered by trip cancellation coverage. We were quoted $100.50 for a 55-year-old cruising Alaska for John Hancock Insurance Agency’s Silver plan , which reimburses up to 75% of your trip cost under Cancel for Any Reason coverage. It also offers coverage for COVID-19 medical and cancellation, trip cancellation and interruption, and medical expenses and evacuation with primary coverage.

Cruise insurance is travel insurance that covers cruises . It can help you manage all the what-ifs on your cruise. What if you need to cancel your booking? What if your flight is late? What if you get sick or hurt? Travel insurance for cruises can cover you for all of these things. 

Many travel insurance policies cover cruises, but cruise insurance may be tailored to the risks of cruises, covering transportation, accommodations, and activities. Getting travel insurance for cruises can offer peace of mind if you’re concerned about losing nonrefundable trip payments, travel delays, or covering emergency medical care.

Cruise bookings can be unforgiving, and cruise insurance can help you minimize your risk of losing the money you’ve paid for your trip. Travel insurance coverage is often a good idea if you’re concerned about losing nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses or covering emergency medical expenses . 

Because cruises are often less flexible than other types of travel, it’s generally a good idea to get cruise travel insurance. For example, you might be able to rebook a flight or hotel room, but if you cancel your cruise, you could lose your deposit or more. Often, cruise lines won’t offer any refunds if you cancel within a certain period before your cruise, such as 14 or 30 days .

Additionally, you shouldn’t expect your U.S.-based health insurance plan to cover you on your cruise, especially if you’re on an international cruise. And it’s exceptionally expensive if you need to be evacuated for a medical condition.

While everyone hopes for smooth sailing, the reality is a lot of unexpected issues could pop up on your cruise. Your flight to the cruise port could be delayed, you might get sick or injured on your cruise, or you might have to cancel the whole thing if illness or obligations prevent you from going on your cruise. A hurricane could interfere with cruising in storm hotspots such as the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. 

Cruise insurance can offer financial support for many unexpected problems you might experience with a cruise. And with a 24-hour travel assistance hotline , you can get knowledgeable help whether you need to find a local pharmacy or coordinate the replacement of lost travel documents such as your passport.

That said, you might have travel insurance coverage available with a credit card . Some credit cards offer travel insurance benefits such as trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical treatment and evacuation, and travel delay coverage. Still, you should check the details of your credit card’s coverage to ensure it’s enough for your needs. 

Looking for a credit card with travel protections? Read our guide to the best credit cards for travel insurance coverage and protection.

Generally, expect cruise insurance to cost between 5% to 10% of the total cost of your cruise . For a $3,000 cruise, you’ll typically pay between $150 to $300 for comprehensive travel insurance coverage. But keep in mind several factors influence the cost of cruise insurance, including:

• Add-ons, such as CFAR 
• Coverage options 
• Cruise cost 
• Deductibles and limits 
• Destination 
• Group policies 
• Traveler age 
• Trip duration

Learn more about travel insurance costs in our guide to the average cost of travel insurance .

Each travel insurance policy is unique, but travel insurance for cruise coverage typically includes:

• 24/7 Assistance: You can get 24/7 support for itinerary changes, rebooking, medical emergencies, and more.
• Baggage Protection: Your luggage is covered for loss, theft, or damage on your flight or during your cruise.
• Cabin Confinement: You may get reimbursement if you have to stay in your cabin during your cruise, such as a required quarantine due to COVID-19.
• Cancel for Any Reason: Usually available as an add-on, CFAR travel insurance allows you to cancel your cruise for any reason and receive a partial reimbursement of your nonrefundable travel expenses.
• Itinerary Changes: You can get covered for changes in your cruise’s itinerary, missed port calls, or extended delays beyond your control.
• Missed Connections: If you miss your cruise departure due to a flight delay or other covered reason, you can get reimbursed for your nonrefundable travel expenses.
• Medical Emergencies: Cruise insurance can cover medical treatment on the cruise and may offer coverage for medical evacuation.
• Trip Cancellation or Interruption: You can get reimbursed for your nonrefundable travel expenses if you cancel your cruise or end your trip early due to covered reasons such as illness or injury. You’re typically covered if the cruise line cancels due to mechanical issues, weather, or other unforeseen events.

Cruise-specific travel insurance may also offer reimbursement if your cruise ship is disabled. And if you want to cover shore excursions, be sure to include the cost of excursions in your total travel cost when you get quotes for cruise insurance.

While these coverage types are common among cruise insurance policies, checking the terms and conditions to confirm all coverage areas is a good idea.

Types of Cruise Insurance

There are many options for travel insurance, and you can generally choose as little or as much coverage as you’d like. You can opt for a comprehensive travel insurance policy, which may offer Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, or you might prefer to limit your costs and choose just the coverage you need. For example, you might choose standalone trip cancellation insurance or a travel medical insurance policy but decide you don’t need coverage for missed connections or baggage.

What To Look for in a Cruise Travel Insurance Policy

Consider these factors as you compare the best cruise travel insurance policies:

• Cancellation Window: Understand how many days before your cruise departure you must cancel to qualify for reimbursement.
• Coverage Availability: Travel insurance policies typically offer cruise coverage, but it’s best to confirm that a policy specifically covers cruises before you purchase it. Also, consider availability for coverages that may be important to you, such as CFAR or adventure sports. 
• Customer Reviews and Reputation: You can get insight into the insurance provider and how claims and customer service work by reading customer reviews and ratings.
• Eligibility Criteria: Cruise insurance policies may have eligibility criteria such as limits on age or trip duration and preexisting conditions. For example, some travel insurance policies max out at 90 days.
• Exclusions and Limitations: Read the policy to understand what’s excluded or limited specifically to cruise-related coverage, such as reimbursements for port closures, itinerary changes, or medical incidents on the cruise.
• Policy Cost: Get multiple quotes and compare each cost and coverage value to ensure you get a good value for your cruise insurance policy.
• Purchase Timeline: You’ll usually need to purchase your cruise insurance within a certain period of booking your trip, so be sure you’re buying your policy within that timeframe.
• Reimbursement Structure: Review the cruise insurance policy to confirm how much you can be reimbursed for under qualifying circumstances, such as if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip.

You can buy cruise insurance from the cruise line when you book, or a travel agent may offer cruise insurance plans. You also have the option to purchase cruise trip insurance independently. It’s a good idea to get multiple quotes to compare your costs and coverage and get the best deal on cruise insurance.

You should buy cruise insurance when you make your first deposit so you’re immediately covered for trip cancellation. Here are some of the options and coverages if you purchase cruise insurance directly from the cruise line:

Before you purchase cruise insurance from a cruise line, compare your third-party options. You can get quotes from multiple travel insurance companies at once using a travel insurance aggregator such as Squaremouth .

Even a meticulously planned cruise can run into unforeseen disruptions — and cruise insurance can come in handy for the unexpected.

Cruise insurance covers you for sudden illnesses, travel delays, and more, offering financial protection so you’re safeguarded against uncertainties. Whether you get cruise insurance from the cruise line or third–party insurance providers, understand your coverage and how it protects your investment in cruise travel.

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Cover for overseas cruises

Our International Comprehensive policy has an optional add-on for cruises overseas, leaving you free to sit back, relax and enjoy the view.

From unexpected changes to tours and lost bags, to health emergencies and cancellations, our cruise cover travel insurance can help you and your family feel secure with our International Comprehensive policy, should something go wrong. Remember to read your Product Disclosure Statement  carefully, to ensure you’ll be looked after by our experts when you need it most.

Our International Comprehensive insurance also includes cover for:

• Unlimited medical and evacuation expenses
• Cancellation fees and lost deposits – with the option to increase your cover depending on the cost of your journey
• Damaged or lost baggage
• Personal items if they are stolen or damaged
• Rental vehicle excess
• Emergency dental treatment
• Funeral expenses

Included in your policy, you’ll get access to our worldwide emergency assistance team who are just a phone call away, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more details, including the terms and conditions, please read our travel insurance Product Disclosure Statement  to decide if International Comprehensive is right for you and your overseas cruise trip.

Cruise travel insurance

Considering a cruise for your next holiday.

There’s nothing better than exploring exciting destinations while enjoying the comfort and luxury of a cruise ship. But like any holiday there are risks involved, and these can be particularly expensive on a cruise…so why wouldn’t you make sure you’re covered if the unexpected happens?

Why choose a cruise?

When it comes to planning your next holiday, choosing the right type of adventure can make all the difference in creating a memorable and relaxing experience. While there are numerous options available, embarking on a cruise is a fantastic choice that offers a unique blend of convenience, exploration, and leisure. We’ve outlined some reasons a cruise could be ideal for your next trip away:

• Convenience & All-Inclusive: Enjoy a hassle-free holiday with accommodation, meals, entertainment, and transportation bundled into one, simplifying your travel experience.
• Diverse Destinations, One Trip: Explore multiple destinations in a single journey, from exotic islands to historic cities, making the most of your travel time.
• Unpack Once: Say farewell to constant packing and unpacking; on a cruise, you unpack just once, waking up in new destinations without moving your suitcase about.
• Variety of Activities: Find entertainment, relaxation, and adventure on board, from world-class shows to spa treatments, catering to travellers of all interests.

Explore our range of cruising insurance policies to find the right cover for you!

Cover for domestic cruises

Perhaps you’re after a shorter trip or just want to enjoy the beautiful coastline or waterways of Australia? Our Domestic policy has an optional add-on for cruise cover, so you can relax on your next cruise adventure.

Our Domestic cruise travel insurance also includes cover for:

• Cancellation fees and lost deposits – with the option to increase your cover depending on the cost of your journey
• Pet services
• Childcare expenses

For more details, including the terms and conditions, please read our travel insurance Product Disclosure Statement  to decide if our Domestic policy is right for you and your domestic cruise trip.

Top tips for cruise insurance

For more information on choosing travel insurance for a cruise, read our cruise tips and advice:

• Make sure you select the cruise add-on when buying your policy.
• Consider the total cost of your cruise when selecting your cancellation cover amount.
• If you are planning on participating in any water sport activities during your trip, such as diving or kayaking, please check the policy conditions to ensure these are covered.
• Don’t leave your travel insurance to the last minute. Buy your policy as soon as you’ve booked your cruise to ensure there's cover for unexpected cancellations or illness before you travel.
• Carefully read all policy conditions to ensure you purchase the best cruise travel insurance for you.

What you need to know

This page includes some information about our products but, as with all insurance policies, terms and conditions apply. For our terms and conditions (including information about exclusions, excesses and sub limits) we recommend you read the relevant Financial Services Guide (FSG), Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and  Target Market Determination (TMD)  to ensure our travel insurance products are right for you.  

You can find the relevant documents here:  International Comprehensive , Annual Multi-trip ,  International Medical Only , Working Overseas ,  Domestic .

The content of this article is general and provided for information purposes only. Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) doesn’t guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness or currency of any article.

This article may contain hyperlinks to other websites owned or operated by third parties, or references to third party products or services. SCTI isn’t responsible for, and makes no recommendation about, the content or accuracy of any third party website, or for the suitability or performance of any product or service. The inclusion of a link in this article doesn’t imply that SCTI endorses the website or third party product/service.

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Cruise Travel Insurance Benefits

Protect your cruise holiday from medical expenses and more

Whether you’re on a cruise to the Pacific Islands, sailing through the Caribbean, or exploring the seas of Australia’s tropical north, cruise travel insurance benefits can help protect your trip from costs if something goes wrong.

At Cover-More, our goal is to provide you with quality cruise insurance benefits to help keep you safe. If you’re going on a multi-night cruise on the sea or ocean, you must tell us about your cruise for Cruise Cover to be added to your policy and an extra premium will apply. (This cover is not required for river cruises within Australia or international destinations.)

Still deciding whether to take a cruise or not? Read our helpful guides on how to choose the best cruise for you , and essential travel advice for your cruise . (Plus, check out our useful holiday preparation list , too.)

If you have specific questions about our Cover-More cruise insurance benefits, read our Cruise Cover benefits FAQs .

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Why do I need cruise travel insurance benefits?

Will medicare cover me for a cruise in australia, what happens if i get sick on a cruise, does cover-more travel insurance include cruise insurance benefits, what are cover-more's cruise travel insurance benefits, how do i buy cover-more's cruise cover.

• Do Cover-More's cruise travel insurance benefits cover medical costs?

Do Cover-More's Cruise Cover benefits cover emergency evacuations?

Does cover-more travel insurance cover existing medical conditions on a cruise.

Cruises are a great way to relax , bask in the sun and enjoy the sea breeze while exploring new destinations. So, it may come as a shock if your cruise experience isn’t exactly smooth sailing.

From delayed luggage to falling seasick, it can be difficult to predict what will happen on board – let alone the money you may lose if you must cancel your cruise before you even leave home.

Cruise Cover benefits can provide cover for medical costs on board, help you if you need to be medically evacuated off the ship, and provide reimbursement for lost luggage and non-refundable expenses (up to the cancellation amount you have added to your policy).

To enjoy the cruise holiday you deserve, we recommend you consider travel insurance for cruising for support when you need it most.

No. Cruise ships are not obligated to have doctors registered to practice in Australia on board. This means if you visit a doctor on board, it may not be covered by Medicare and you may end up with out-of-pocket expenses.

This is why you should consider travel insurance for any cruises you take in Australia.

At Cover-More, our International plans include overseas medical expenses cover when you enter/select “Domestic Cruising” as your travel area and when you tell us about your cruise when you purchase travel insurance.

Our Cover-More cruise insurance international plans can include cruise cover when you tell us you are travelling on a sea or ocean cruise for two or more nights.

Domestic and international cruise ships do offer onboard medical assistance, but the medical staff are only there to stabilise your condition.

If you require urgent medical attention while on a cruise, you may need to be evacuated from your cruise and taken to hospital – which can be extremely costly depending on where you are in the world.

That’s where cruise travel insurance benefits can help when cruise cover is added to your international plan.

With our Cover-More cruise insurance benefits included in your policy, we can not only assist with medical costs, but you’ll have our expert 24-hour Emergency Assistance team on hand to help if you are hospitalised.

Travel insurance benefits for cruising are automatically included in our Cover-More travel insurance plans when you tell us you are travelling for two or more nights on a sea or ocean cruise.

If you are taking a multi-night cruise (except for river cruises within Australia), you must answer “Yes” to the question “Will you be travelling on an ocean or sea cruise for two or more nights?” and pay the additional premium to be protected in the event something goes wrong on your cruise. (This cover is not required for river cruises within Australia or international destinations.)

To see full details of our cruise insurance benefits, read the PDS .

Our Cruise Cover provides travellers with many benefits to assist if an accident, mishap, or delay occurs on their cruise holiday.

Our Cruise Cover benefits and benefit limits per adult are as follows:

Please refer to the PDS for limits, sub-limits, exclusions, and conditions that may apply to our travel insurance benefits for cruising.

Ready to get a quote? You can generate one online now.

Ready to book your cruising holiday and purchase our Cruise Cover to protect it? You can buy a travel insurance policy with cruise benefits through our website or by calling us on 1300 72 88 22.

To get a cruise quote online:

• Enter the area of travel you want cover for in the quote box . For international trips with cruises, choose the country, region, or “Anywhere in the World”. For domestic trips with cruises, choose “Domestic Cruise” – not “Domestic” – and an international plan with overseas medical expenses will be available. Our Domestic plans exclude cover for any medical expenses in Australia. (See below for more details on choosing your destination.)
• Select the dates of your first trip.
• Enter in the ages of travellers.
• Click ‘Get quote’ to go to the next page.
• Select the best plan for you from the options displayed on the screen, including whether you want a Single Trip policy or an Annual Multi-Trip policy if the option is available to you.
• You’ll then be asked if you are travelling for two or more nights on a sea or ocean cruise. By selecting “Yes”, an additional premium will be added to your policy, and the cruise benefits will be included when the Certificate of Insurance is issued.
• Continue down the page to fill in the rest of your details.
• Declare any of your existing medical conditions.
• Pay for your policy.

Additional helpful information on how to choose the correct destination when getting a quote:

• If you’re cruising within Australia on an inland waterway (e.g. a Murray River cruise) or within Australian coastal waters (e.g. a Kimberley cruise where the cruise does not leave these waters), please chose or enter “ Australia ” for a Domestic Plan.
• If you're cruising from a port in Australia to another port(s) in Australia that does not stop at a port outside of Australia (e.g. a cruise from Sydney to Brisbane or a Kimberley cruise that leaves Australian waters), please choose or enter “ Domestic Cruising ” for an International plan which includes SECTION 1: Overseas Medical and Dental (including emergency repatriation/evacuation).
• If you're cruising overseas, possibly stopping in many destinations (e.g. a European river cruise, a Caribbean cruise or a cruise from Hong Kong to Sydney) or from a port in Australia to another port or ports outside Australia (e.g. Sydney/ Singapore), please enter every country you will be travelling to or enter a region.

Before purchasing our cruise travel insurance, read the PDS to ensure a Cover-More policy is right for you.

Do Cover-More's cruise travel insurance benefits cover medical costs on board?

Yes, our Cruise Cover benefits can provide cover for medical expenses incurred on board the ship and if you are offloaded from the ship. Without this type of cruise insurance benefit, you could be out of pocket hundreds or thousands of dollars for a medical incident that happens whilst on a cruise.

One Cover-More customer visited their onboard cruise doctor after a sniffle that developed into influenza. Although quick, the doctor’s visit resulted in a $700 medical fee. Luckily, they had a Cover-More policy with Cruise Cover, and we were able to settle their claim.

To find out how much it costs to protect your cruise, get a Cover-More quote online now.

Note: our claims are subject to approval.

Our cruise insurance benefits are vital in helping protect you against more serious medical claims, especially those that result in your emergency evacuation from a cruise.

It doesn’t matter if you’re on a cruise off the shores of Australia or on an overseas cruise, if you’re in the middle of the sea or ocean, it can be incredibly expensive to be transported to the nearest hospital via air or sea.

In 2016, one of our customers fractured their leg on a cruise ship in the South Pacific. The air ambulance cost to bring them back to Australia for surgery totalled $86,000.

To protect your cruise with Cover-More, get a quote online or call 1300 72 88 22.

Not all existing medical conditions are automatically included in our plans, so you will need to go through the same medical assessment process we use for general travel.

If all of your conditions do not meet the existing medical condition criteria to be automatically included, you will need to complete an online medical assessment and if the cover is approved, pay the extra premium to us for cover. Ensure you disclose all your existing conditions to ensure you have the right cover.

You can visit our existing medical conditions (EMC) page to view a comprehensive list of conditions we cover.

Please note: if you are not approved for your existing medical conditions, we can still provide cover for lost luggage and travel documents, and any illness or injury not relating to your EMC.

Got more questions? Find your answers over on our dedicated FAQs for cruise travel insurance page .

Want us to protect your cruise holiday?

Find our Cruise Cover and get ready to set sail.

~ Cover will not exceed 12 months from onset of the illness, condition, or injury.    ^Cover chosen applies per policy.    If you do not tell us about your cruise, claims in any way related to your multi-night cruise, and multi-night cruise travel or that arise while on a multi-night cruise are specifically excluded by this policy.

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Table of Contents

What is cruise travel insurance?

What does cruise travel insurance cover typically, how much is travel insurance for a cruise, do i need it if i have other travel protections, is cruise travel insurance worth it.

Cruise travel insurance covers the cruise itself, not related travel.

It's usually purchased through the cruise operator, typically before booking.

Check to make sure your credit card doesn't offer similar insurance before buying cruise insurance.

Cruising is one of America's favorite travel experiences. According to a 2021 report from Cruise Lines International Association, an industry trade association, 82% of cruisers will cruise again. As well, 62% of non-cruisers are open to the idea.

And why not? Cruises often give travelers the chance to experience multiple destinations plus enjoy onboard entertainment, activities and dining for a set, all-inclusive price . Cruises simplify budgeting in a year when travel prices have been hard hit by inflation .

But what happens if something goes wrong with your ship, or you can’t make it onboard because of health concerns? Cruise travel insurance might be the answer. It protects your payment and covers you against illness or injury.

Before you pay for a cruise travel insurance policy, here's a look at what it is, how it works and if it's worth it.

Cruise travel insurance is add-on insurance coverage that — just like travel insurance — will reimburse you for delays, interruptions, medical situations or other problems during the cruise.

Depending on which cruise line you're traveling with, you might be able to buy a travel insurance policy when booking your trip (through the cruise line directly) or at a later date (either through the cruise line or separately from a third party).

Protecting travel costs can be a smart money move. A September 2022 survey of 737 past cruisers by InsureMyTrip found that the average trip cost for an insured cruise vacation so far this year is $6,367, an increase of nearly 15% from before the pandemic.

Can you buy travel insurance after booking a cruise? It depends. Some cruise lines require the purchase of a travel insurance policy before the final payment date when charges become nonrefundable. Others require the purchase of coverage a certain number of days before departure. Read the fine print to find out the deadline to purchase and the specifics of its coverage.

Circumstances covered by cruise travel insurance vary by policy and by issuer. Many cruise lines partner with an insurance company to underwrite its policy benefits.

Some common benefits available as part of travel insurance from a cruise line include:

Trip cancellation and interruption . If you cancel your trip or unexpectedly cut it short for an eligible reason, such as severe weather or illness, you'll get back some or all of the upfront costs, depending on the policy.

Cancel For Any Reason . This coverage tends to be more flexible, forgiving and expensive at time of purchase. Policyholders can cancel for any reason not listed in the policy and still receive a portion of their trip cost back, either as cash or as a future cruise credit (assuming they meet other eligibility requirements).

Trip delay . Cruise delay insurance protection protects expenses if your trip is delayed beyond a set number of hours.

Baggage protection . This insures your luggage if it is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed, and gives money to buy necessary items until bags are recovered.

Medical coverage . If you get sick or injured during the trip, the policy covers treatment and related expenses up to a limit.

Emergency evacuation . When emergency evacuation is necessary, the policy covers the transport cost up to a limit.

COVID coverage . If your trip is canceled or interrupted due to COVID, the policy covers the unused prepaid expenses, medical treatment and emergency evacuation, up to policy limits.

When comparing policies, choose a policy that includes all of the benefits, protections and coverage limits that are important to you. While you may be tempted to choose the lowest-priced option, that policy may not have the coverage you need.

We examined cruise insurance prices for a seven-day trip in February 2023 from the U.S. to Mexico. The example traveler was 35 years old, from Georgia, and planned to spend $2,500 on the 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 .

Separately, we looked at five different cruise insurance add-ons for a similar trip. With this option, the average cost of basic coverage was cheaper than a standalone policy at $111.20. Keep in mind that cruise insurance policies offered by cruise lines typically cover the cruise portion of the trip only, but do include some Cancel For Any Reason coverage.

If you already have a standalone travel insurance policy or a credit card with travel protections, you may wonder if you need to purchase a cruise travel insurance policy.

Credit card travel insurance

Many travel credit cards include travel protections such as trip cancellation, interruption, delayed or lost luggage reimbursement, and emergency evacuation benefits. Before buying a cruise travel policy, compare the coverage benefits and limits to determine if you already have coverage with a credit card.

One benefit that cruise travel insurance policies offer that credit cards don't is the ability to cancel for any reason. Although you may not get back 100% of the cruise price, these policies allow you to cancel for any reason and get a portion of the price back as a credit toward a future trip. If the policy is priced low enough, it may be worth buying the insurance offered through your cruise line for that benefit alone.

Travel insurance policy

Standalone travel insurance policies can be purchased to cover one person or a family for a specific trip or multiple trips within a period of time. These policies are available at a variety of price points to meet a traveler's budget. When comparing policy options, you can balance price versus coverage options.

If you're traveling multiple times within a short period of time, it may be more economical to buy a more comprehensive travel insurance policy instead of separate policies for each trip.

Cruise travel insurance can be worth it to address your concerns about traveling and protect your investments. These policies offer numerous protections that will cover your expenses in case your trip is canceled, interrupted or delayed, or if you get sick during the trip.

Before buying this coverage, compare your options against your credit card benefits. You might also shop for general travel insurance policies to see if you can get a better deal than what’s offered through your cruise line.

If you’re not covered by your credit card, cruise travel insurance can be worth the added cost. It will give you peace of mind before setting sail, when signing up for that adventurous land excursion and when clicking "Book" for an expensive vacation in the COVID travel landscape.

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: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ 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.

Everything you need to know about cruise insurance

--> BY Jessica Humphries

Last updated . 16 May 2024

Before setting sail, getting the lowdown on cruise insurance is a must. Standard travel insurance might not cut it, so making sure you have the right protection is key.

If scenic ocean views and exotic ports are calling, the last thing on your mind is probably the potential pitfalls that might arise. Delays, lost luggage, unexpected illnesses – yuck. But these are just a few of the uncertainties that can turn your dream holiday into a nightmare. Finding the right insurance can be your anchor, providing you with a safety net for the challenges that can arise on the high seas. Let us help you navigate through the depths of cruise insurance, making sure you’re well prepared for a cruisey voyage.

Cruise-specific insurance matters

It’s important to recognise that not all travel insurance policies automatically cover cruising and all related activities. Reading the fine print probably won’t be the highlight of your trip planning, but it does pay off, as inclusions can vary among providers. Failure to secure the right cruise insurance may leave you exposed to risks after having wasted your money on pointless protection.

Cruise-specific insurance is essential to buy before you travel.

Do you really  need it?

We get it – you’ve already forked out your hard-earned dollars for the cruise, so the thought of shelling out more might not be music to your ears. But – like any insurance, cruise cover is, at a minimum, an investment in peace of mind.

Amidst the myriad of potential cruise disruptions, from unexpected medical emergencies to last-minute plan changes, insurance provides financial protection, sparing you from potentially hefty out-of-pocket expenses – a far less appealing scenario than not spending the money in the first place.

Even if your cruise doesn’t venture into international waters, the moment your ship bids farewell to the port, Medicare or your trusty private health insurance won’t be coming to the rescue. Cruise insurance isn’t just a fancy add-on; it’s your shield against unexpected waves of medical bills, last-minute cancellations, and other unforeseen sea shenanigans.

Common inclusions in cruise travel insurance

Cruise insurance goes beyond typical coverage to address the unique challenges of seafaring journeys. Some common inclusions are:

• Overseas and onboard hospital and medical fees.
• Medical evacuations at sea.
• Cancellation fees for pre-booked trips: Reimbursement for cancelled arrangements in unforeseen circumstances.
• Delays, missed connections, or rescheduling fees.
• Missed departures or pre-paid onshore trips.
• Coverage for lost or stolen belongings: Financial protection for your essential personal belongings.
• 24-hour emergency assistance.
• Marine rescue diversion: Assistance in redirecting the cruise for unforeseen situations.
• Legal liability: Coverage for legal responsibilities or mishaps during the cruise.

Make sure you get the cruise coverage that’s right for you. (Image: Georgy Trofimov)

What’s not covered

While most cruise insurance offers extensive coverage, it’s important to be aware of exclusions that may leave you unprotected. Some common exclusions include:

• Incidents related to terrorism or labour strikes.
• Reckless behaviour or irresponsible actions  (like losing your bag after a few too many drinks).
• Dangerous activities that are not typical for cruises.
• Government actions leading to damage or loss (such as customs confiscations).

Make sure you don’t let things get too rowdy on board. (Image: Colin Lloyd)

Things to double-check

Of course, most insurance companies offer customisable insurance options. Here are some things you may like to double-check or add to your policy:

• Activity coverage + offshore adventures.
• Disruptions and quarantine due to COVID: Australia’s rules around COVID and cruising have recently changed, so be sure to check the current regulations.
• Pre-existing medical conditions. Check out our article on travel insurance when you have a medical condition  for more information.
• Coverage for valuables.
• Travel companions/family.
• Civil unrest, war, or terrorism.

Make sure your destination is covered under your policy. (Image: David Lindahl)

Special considerations for adventure seekers

Adjusting your insurance to match your cruise plans is a must. If you’re into adventure sports, scuba diving, snorkelling, or even just having a blast on waterslides, take a moment to review and possibly amp up your policy to ensure you’re covered for all onboard and offshore activities.

Be sure to amp up your policy if you’re an adventure seeker.

Depending on your cruise itinerary and planned activities, you might need to up your coverage for specific adventure sports or activities. Think scuba diving, snorkelling, and even things like water sports and other similar activities. Ensure that both onboard and onshore activities are considered in your policy to avoid any gaps in coverage.

Water sports like snorkelling will need comprehensive coverage.

Selecting the right region

When you’re swept up in the excitement, make sure you choose the right region, so you’re adequately covered. If you’re exploring the Pacific, including New Zealand, Bali, South West Pacific, or cruising around Australia  – opt for the Pacific region. The Asia region has you covered for locations across Asia, bar Russia and Japan.

Make sure you choose the right region when you book your cruise insurance. (Image: Coco Cay in the Bahamas; Adam Gonzales)

For European adventures, encompassing Europe, Russia, and the UK, go for the Europe region. If your cruise spans across the globe, reaching destinations like Japan, the US, Canada, Africa, and the Middle East, then opt for Worldwide.

Select Europe as your region when choosing your insurance if you’re cruising to places like the breathtaking Lake Thun in Switzerland.

When to secure cruise travel insurance

Once you’ve hit the booking button on your cruise, get ready to secure your travel insurance. Doing so not only covers you during the cruise but can safeguard against deposits, alterations, or cancellations made before departure.

For more tips and advice, read our travel insurance hub  to help you navigate the ins and outs of what to do before you head overseas.

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Which travel insurers cover you for cruises?

Cruises are officially back on the cards and people are queuing up to get on board. here's how to make sure you're covered..

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Need to know

• Most travel insurers cover cruises but there are some exclusions and fine print to be aware of
• For example, you won't be able to claim for events that occur because you've had too much to drink
• You need to make sure you declare your pre-existing medical conditions

With the restrictions on cruises finally lifted post-pandemic, the industry has bounced back in a big way this year and is more popular than ever.

But some people lost thousands of dollars on cancelled cruises during the COVID-19 travel bans and some cruise lines might not even let you on board without travel insurance.

So if you're planning a cruise, read on to discover how to choose the travel insurance policy that's best for you.

On this page:

Travel insurance for overseas cruises

Which travel insurers cover international cruises, what cruise travel insurance won't cover, do i need insurance for australian cruises, when to buy travel insurance for a cruise.

Most travel insurers cover international cruises that start and end in Australia, usually as an optional extra (we haven't looked at cover for cruises that start and/or end overseas). 

Some providers also offer tailored cruise travel insurance, which can give you access to additional inclusions that are unique to cruising and that may not be covered in standard policies, such as cover for missed ports, missed departures, or cabin confinement due to illness.

When choosing a policy, it's important to make sure the region you're visiting is covered and that it suits your needs and itinerary.

Check the policy age limit, as some policies cover you up to the age of 100 but others only cover you up to 69. 

It's also worth noting that if you want cancellation coverage in case a relative in Australia becomes ill or dies, the relative will also need to meet the age limit on the policy and satisfy the existing medical condition requirements.

Australian authorities no longer require people to prove they've had a COVID-19 vaccination in order to board, but it may be required for some destinations such as New Caledonia, and cruise ships are still a higher risk setting for diseases like gastroenteritis and respiratory infections, including influenza (flu) and COVID-19. So check if you have medical and cancellation cover for COVID-19 and other illnesses.

Existing medical conditions and pregnancy

As with other types of travel insurance, some pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered, and others will need to be disclosed in order to be covered. If in doubt, contact the insurer to discuss your needs.

It's also worth noting that pregnancy is considered an existing medical condition. Some insurance policies cover pregnancy up to 30 weeks, but most cruise lines won't allow you on board if you're more than 24 weeks pregnant.

Travel insurance and alcohol

Some people liken cruises to a floating RSL club, but the combination of alcohol and a seagoing vessel can cause accidents. 

In an Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) case, Phil* fell down a flight of stairs on a cruise ship and suffered a moderate brain injury, skull fracture and right lung contusion.

All travel insurers have a clause that excludes cover for claims resulting from a person being under the influence of alcohol

Phil said the area was not well lit and the steps would have been slippery, while his wife said he was walking steadily. He was taken to a hospital in Austria and a test showed that he had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.198%.

The insurer had an exclusion for "any conduct engaged in whilst under the influence or effect of alcohol or drugs", and AFCA sided with the insurer, determining that Phil's claim for expenses should be denied.

All travel insurers have a similar clause that excludes cover for claims resulting from a person being under the influence of alcohol.

* Not their real name. Policyholder names are not disclosed in AFCA case records.

Even if you book a cruise that won't be leaving Australian waters, you may still need travel insurance as shipboard medical expenses might not be covered by Medicare. Check that your travel insurance does cover medical costs – you may need international or cruise-specific insurance. Domestic travel or health insurance won't cut it.

Doctors working on cruise ships don't need Medicare provider numbers, so check with your cruise line if they have a Medicare doctor on board. If they don't, and they treat you, you can't claim on Medicare or your private health insurance, even though you never left Australia. 

Domestic travel insurance doesn't cover medical costs, so you'd need either international travel insurance (check that it covers domestic cruises) or special 'domestic cruise' insurance, which is available from a few select insurers.

Cruises are often booked well ahead of time, so you could be forgiven for forgetting or delaying the purchase of your travel insurance. But if your cruise is cancelled ahead of time and you don't yet have cover, you could lose your money. The earlier you buy the policy, the better.

On the flip side, there aren't many insurers that cover you more than a year out from starting your trip. If you book your trip more than a year out, shop around for a policy that will cover you.

Stock images:  Getty, unless otherwise stated.

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Cruise travel insurance benefits

Protect your cruise holiday from medical expenses and more

Whether you’re on a cruise to the Pacific Islands, sailing through the Caribbean, or exploring the seas of Australia’s tropical north, cruise travel insurance benefits can help protect your trip from costs if something goes wrong.

At Cover-More, our goal is to provide you with quality cruise insurance benefits to help keep you safe. If you’re going on a multi-night cruise on the sea or ocean, you must tell us about your cruise for Cruise Cover to be added to your policy and an extra premium will apply. (This cover is not required for river cruises within New Zealand or international destinations.)

If you have specific questions about our Cover-More cruise insurance benefits, read our Cruise Cover benefits FAQs .

Skip to read:

Why do I need cruise travel insurance benefits?

What happens if i get sick on a cruise, does cover-more travel insurance include cruise insurance benefits, what are cover-more's cruise travel insurance benefits, how do i buy cover-more's cruise cover.

• Do Cover-More's cruise travel insurance benefits cover medical costs?

Do Cover-More's Cruise Cover benefits cover emergency evacuations?

Does cover-more travel insurance cover existing medical conditions on a cruise.

Cruises are a great way to relax, bask in the sun and enjoy the sea breeze while exploring new destinations. So, it may come as a shock if your cruise experience isn’t exactly smooth sailing.

From delayed luggage to falling seasick, it can be difficult to predict what will happen on board – let alone the money you may lose if you must cancel your cruise before you even leave home.

Cruise Cover benefits can provide cover for medical costs on board, help you if you need to be medically evacuated off the ship, and provide reimbursement for lost luggage and non-refundable expenses (up to the cancellation amount you have added to your policy).

To enjoy the cruise holiday you deserve, we recommend you consider travel insurance for cruising for support when you need it most.

Domestic and international cruise ships do offer onboard medical assistance, but the medical staff are only there to stabilise your condition.

If you require urgent medical attention while on a cruise, you may need to be evacuated from your cruise and taken to hospital – which can be extremely costly depending on where you are in the world.

That’s where cruise travel insurance benefits can help when cruise cover is added to your plan.

With our Cover-More cruise insurance benefits included in your policy, we can not only assist with medical costs, but you’ll have our expert 24-hour Emergency Assistance team on hand to help if you are hospitalised.

Travel insurance benefits for cruising are automatically included in our Cover-More travel insurance plans when you tell us you are travelling for two or more nights on a sea or ocean cruise.

If you are taking a multi-night cruise (except for cruises that remain within New Zealand Internal Waters or the Territorial Sea of New Zealand), you must answer “Yes” to the question “Will you be travelling on an ocean or sea cruise for two or more nights?” and pay the additional premium to be protected in the event something goes wrong on your cruise. (This cover is not required for cruises that remain within New Zealand Internal Waters, the Territorial Sea of New Zealand or for travelling on a river cruise.)

To see full details of our cruise insurance benefits, read the Policy Wording . 

Our Cruise Cover provides travellers with many benefits to assist if an accident, mishap, or delay occurs on their cruise holiday.

Our Cruise Cover benefits and benefit limits per adult are as follows:

Please refer to the Policy Wording for limits, sub-limits, exclusions, and conditions that may apply to our travel insurance benefits for cruising.

Ready to get a quote? You can generate one online now.

Ready to book your cruising holiday and purchase our Cruise Cover to protect it? You can buy a travel insurance policy with cruise benefits through our website or by calling us on (0800) 500 225.

To get a cruise quote online:

• Enter the area of travel you want cover for in the quote box. For international trips with cruises, choose the country or countries based on where you will spend most port days on your trip.  Note: If 20% or more of any journey will be spent in the Americas or Antarctica, you must nominate the area including these countries as the main destination. 
• Select the dates of your first trip.
• Enter in the ages of travellers.
• Click ‘Get Quote’ to go to the next page.
• Select the best plan for you from the options displayed on the screen, including whether you want a Single Trip policy or an Annual Multi-Trip policy if the option is available to you.
• You’ll then be asked if you are travelling for two or more nights on a sea or ocean cruise. By selecting “Yes”, an additional premium will be added to your policy, and the cruise benefits will be included when the Certificate of Insurance is issued.
• Continue down the page to fill in the rest of your details.
• Declare any of your existing medical conditions.
• Pay for your policy.

Additional helpful information on how to choose the correct destination when getting a quote:

• If you’re cruising within New Zealand Internal Waters (e.g. the Bay of Islands or Milford Sound , please chose or enter “New Zealand” for a Domestic Plan.
• If you're cruising overseas, possibly stopping in many destinations (e.g. a Caribbean cruise or a cruise from Hong Kong to Sydney) or from a port in New Zealand to another port or ports outside New Zealand (e.g. Auckland / Singapore), please choose or enter the main destination orcountry based on where you will spend the most port days on your trip.

Note: If 20% or more of any journey will be spent in the Americas or Antarctica, you must  nominate the area including these countries as the main destination. 

Before purchasing our cruise travel insurance, read the Policy Wording to ensure a Cover-More policy is right for you.

Do Cover-More's cruise travel insurance benefits cover medical costs on board?

Yes, our Cruise Cover benefits can provide cover for medical expenses incurred on board the ship and if you are offloaded from the ship. Without this type of cruise insurance benefit, you could be out of pocket hundreds or thousands of dollars for a medical incident that happens whilst on a cruise.

To find out how much it costs to protect your cruise, get a Cover-More quote online now.

Note: our claims are subject to approval.

Our cruise insurance benefits are vital in helping protect you against more serious medical claims, especially those that result in your emergency evacuation from a cruise.

It doesn’t matter if you’re on a cruise off the shores of New Zealand or on an overseas cruise, if you’re in the middle of the sea or ocean, it can be incredibly expensive to be transported to the nearest hospital via air or sea.

To protect your cruise with Cover-More, get a quote online or call (0800) 500 225.

Not all existing medical conditions are automatically included in our plans, so you will need to go through the same medical assessment process we use for general travel.

If all of your conditions do not meet the existing medical condition criteria to be automatically included, you will need to complete an online medical assessment and if the cover is approved, pay the extra premium to us for cover. Ensure you disclose all your existing conditions to ensure you have the right cover.

You can visit our existing medical conditions (EMC) page to view a comprehensive list of conditions we cover.

Please note: if you are not approved for your existing medical conditions, we can still provide cover for lost luggage and travel documents, and any illness or injury not relating to your EMC.

Got more questions? Find your answers over on our dedicated FAQs for cruise travel insurance page .

Want us to protect your cruise holiday?

Find our Cruise Cover and get ready to set sail.

~ Cover will not exceed 12 months from onset of the illness, condition, or injury.    ^Cover chosen applies per policy.    If you do not tell us about your cruise, claims in any way related to your multi-night cruise, and multi-night cruise travel or that arise while on a multi-night cruise are specifically excluded by this policy.

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:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• 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
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
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• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Travel Insurance. Stay worry-free at sea.

There’s nothing like a cruise to feed the soul and broaden the mind. And nothing like the unexpected to put a dampener on your plans.

With over 30 years’ experience in travel insurance, covering more than 3.8 million journeys every year, cover-more is the perfect travel (and cruising) companion. cover-more helps you explore the world with confidence by ensuring you are covered for general medical expenses overseas, existing medical conditions, hospitalisation and medical evacuations~., if something goes wrong, you want expert help fast so you can keep travelling., travel insurance for all your cruising needs, budget plan.

• Our most affordable insurance especially for cruises
• On-trip cover if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19*
• Up to $5 million of emergency overseas medical expenses~*
• Missed cruise departure cover
• Amendment or cancellation costs*

Comprehensive Plan

• On-trip cover if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 (including cabin confinement)*
• Up to $10 million of overseas emergency medical expenses~*
• Missed cruise departure, port and connections cover*
• Up to $8,000 luggage cover⬩
• Amendment or cancellation costs^
• Existing medical conditions cover available.

(To ensure your Existing Medical Condition is covered, read page 21 of the PDS )

Premium Plan

• Pre-trip cover if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19#*
• $Unlimited overseas emergency medical expenses~*
• Up to $15,000 luggage cover⬩
• Amendment or cancellation costs^*

~Cover will not exceed 12 months from onset of the illness, condition or injury. To ensure your Existing Medical Condition is covered, read page 21 of the PDS .  ^Cover chosen applies per policy. Read page 14 of the PDS for more information.  *Sub-limits apply. Read the PDS for more information.  #If you bought the policy within the 21 days before your scheduled trip departure date, we will only cover the travel costs that you paid for in the 48 hour period before buying your policy and after buying this policy. ⬩ Sub-limits and item limits apply. You may wish to increase these items limits, read the PDS for more information.

Doing more than relaxing?

If you plan on participating in sports such as scuba diving or parasailing, a premium may apply..

Special Note For New Caledonia

Guests traveling on a South Pacific cruise that calls on New Caledonia must hold a valid international travel insurance policy and present printed proof of this travel insurance at time of check-in. Guests may also be requested to present it during the cruise. Any guest who is unable to provide proof of holding suitable travel insurance will be denied boarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not all domestic cruise ships have access to a Medicare accessible doctor on board. If you need to see a GP while on a domestic cruise, the cost won’t be covered by Medicare in these cases and – you may have to pay for it yourself in full.

At Cover-More, we can provide cover for these expenses when you tell us you are travelling on a cruise for two or more nights (except for river cruises within Australia). An additional premium will need to be paid and cruise cover benefits will then be available on your policy.

When generating a Cover-More travel insurance quote – the first step in buying our cover – you will be asked if you are travelling on a cruise for two or more nights (except for river cruises in Australia). An additional premium will be applied to your policy and the cruise cover benefits will be available once the premium is paid and the Certificate of Insurance issued.

To buy cover for a domestic cruise in Australia, select “Domestic Cruise” as the destination in the quote box, and answer the cruise question when prompted. To buy cover for an international cruise, select the country or region or “Anywhere in the World” as your destination, and answer the cruise question when prompted. Before protecting your trip with our Cover-More cruise insurance benefits, please read the PDS  to ensure our product is right for you.

No. For cruise cover to apply, your travel insurance policy must include our Cruise Cover and must be purchased before you leave home. This also includes before you catch any flights or transportation required to get to your departing port.

Our Cruise Cover benefit includes cover for onboard emergency medical and dental expenses and ship-to-shore medical expenses incurred by travellers on multi-night cruises. If you fall ill with COVID-19 while on board a cruise, we can help you financially and provide emergency assistance support if required.

For more information on what is and isn’t covered regarding COVID-19 while you’re on a multi-night cruise, please read the PDS . For Cover-More’s COVID-19 FAQs you can read here .

If for some reason you change your mind about your insurance purchase, Cover-More policies give you peace of mind by offering a ‘cooling off period’ of 21 days. During this time, you can obtain a full refund if you haven’t made a claim and your departure date has not passed. If you need to cancel your policy, please phone  1300 72 88 22

Your claim will be managed by Cover-More. You can make a claim online  or call Cover-More, 8am-5pm Mon – Fri and 9am-4pm Sat (Sydney/Melbourne time)

Within Australia: Call Cover-More on 1300 467 951

From overseas: Call Cover-More on +612 8907 5060  (call charges may apply)

For more information, please see the Department of Foreign Affairs website at smartraveller.gov.au.

Disclosure: Carnival Cruise Line has a referral arrangement with Cover-More and may receive a fee or commission if you choose to purchase an insurance product from Cover-More. Limits, sub-limits, conditions and exclusions apply. Insurance administered by Cover-More Insurance Services Pty Ltd (ABN 95 003 114 145, AFSL 241713) on behalf of the product issuer, Zurich Australian Insurance Limited [ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507). Any advice is general advice only. Please consider your financial situation, needs and objectives and read the Combined FSG/PDS before deciding to buy this insurance. For information on the Target Market and Target Market Determination for these products, contact Cover-More on 1300 77 88 22

With over 30 years’ experience in travel insurance, covering more than 3.8 million journeys every year, Cover-More is the perfect travel (and cruising) companion.

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TRAVEL INSURANCE

Why is travel insurance important?

It is important that all guests take out appropriate international or cruise-specific travel insurance policies once a reservation has been made.

Australian Medicare, New Zealand ACC and private health insurance will not cover you for any medical costs or emergency evacuations on board, even on domestic cruises. Insurance policies may also protect your personal possessions and valuables; provide cancellation cover if you miss the cruise or a pre-paid tour; and provide other forms of protection.

We recommend guests purchase travel protection to cover any interruptions to their travel plans such as illness and travel delays. Ongoing costs for medical treatment post disembarkation remains the responsibility of the guest.  We recommend you contact  Cover-More Insurance , or alternatively your travel advisor, or an independent insurance broker for details of suitable policies. Further information can be found at  smarttraveller.gov.au .

NEW CALEDONIAN REQUIREMENT

New Caledonian immigration authorities have advised that guests who do not hold international travel insurance that covers medical costs, repatriation and other expenses, could be refused entry. We strongly recommend that guests purchase adequate international travel insurance for your cruise.

We recommend you contact Cover-More Insurance.

Alternatively contact your travel advisor, or an independent insurance broker for details of suitable policies. Further information can be found at smarttraveller.gov.au .

COVER-MORE INSURANCE

Cover-More has over 35 years of experience in travel insurance and covers millions of travellers a year. Cover-More supports travellers when medical, travel or security emergencies arise and proudly provides access to round-the-clock help through an in-house medical team.

Cover-More have developed three unique Cruise Travel Insurance products. Premium cover, Comprehensive cover and Budget cover for cruising . All products include generous cover for overseas medical expenses including, onboard medical, ship to shore medical and cover for sea sickness◊.

The Comprehensive product includes up to $10 million­~ for overseas medical and dental expenses. It also includes cancellation cover, cover for luggage and personal items, rental car insurance excess and much, much more. The Budget cover includes up to $5 million­~ for overseas medical expenses as well as some other basic benefits to protect you while you cruise.

Get a Cover-More Travel Insurance Quote

Limits, sub-limits, conditions and exclusions apply. Insurance administered by Cover-More Insurance Services Pty Ltd (ABN 95 003 114 145, AFSL 241713) on behalf of the product issuer, Zurich Australian Insurance Limited [ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507). Any advice is general advice only. Please consider your financial situation, needs and objectives and read the Combined FSG/PDS before deciding to buy this insurance. For information on the Target Market and Target Market Determination for these products, contact Cover-More on 1300 77 88 22.

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• What's Covered
• Get a Quote
• Travel Alerts

• Worldwide (Excluding USA and Nepal) Worldwide

Snow Sports

Medical condition, already overseas, annual multi trip, child/children, coronavirus travel costs, covid-19 medical.

An existing medical condition is any medical condition which:

• chronic; or, 
• displaying symptoms; or, 
• under investigation; or, 
• pending follow-up, consultation, treatment or surgery; or where these are recommended or planned; 
• or metastatic; 
• or terminal; or
• treatment by a medical practitioner; or 
• medication prescribed; or 

Please refer to  existing medical conditions  that meet the criteria for automatic cover. 

Do you want to complete a medical screening? 

After entering your trip details (Age, Destination, Dates) to get a quote first. Please click on the "Continue" button to be redirected to nib to complete a medical screening. You will need to enter in details such as name & email, the medical screening will be on the following page. 

If you are participating in Snow sports on your trip you need to add this option to be provided cover for snow sports related events.  Snow Sports cover  is only available on the International Comprehensive, Annual Multi trip and Australian Travel plans.

By selecting this option, you’ll be charged an additional premium. You can uncheck this box if you do not wish to purchase this additional cover.

Snow sports are defined as Snow skiing and snowboarding on and off piste, back country skiing and snowboarding, snowmobiling, tobogganing, cross-country skiing, telemark skiing. Click the link to find out more about  Snow Sports travel insurance .

By selecting this option, you’ll be charged an additional premium. You can uncheck this box if you don't want to reduce your excess. Different excess options are available when you "Get a Quote".

Variable excess option. An excess is the amount that is deducted from your claim payout. A standard excess of $250 applies to most claims. By selecting this option, you can reduce your policy excess amount to $0 on some plans. An additional excess may apply to specific medical conditions. This excess cannot be removed.

Cruising is covered as standard. If the cruise only stops in one country, just select that country. If the cruise stops at multiple destinations, add each destination. 

• If you are travelling to 'New Caledonia', please also add in 'South Pacific Cruise' so cruise is displayed on your Certificate of Insurance. 
• If the cruise only visits stops within Australia, make sure you select ‘Australian Waters’ option and NOT just Australia.

If you get sick aboard a cruise while traveling under one of our international policies, we can offer overseas medical cover on board, including if you contract Coronavirus during the trip. Make sure you’re following all relevant government and official advice. All policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply, and you should be aware there are things we don’t cover, such as your cruise being cancelled by the provider due to an epidemic or pandemic. Click the link to find out more about  travel insurance for cruising .

• Start and end at your home in Australia, and 
• Be to a destination of at least 200km from your home in Australia, and 
• Include travel by either pre-paid scheduled public transport or hire car, or include at least one night of pre-booked publicly available accommodation
• under 25 years of age, and
• working less than 30 hours per week.

Destinations

Travel insurance for cruising, cruising is covered as standard on all international travel insurance plans offered by travel insurance saver.  .

Looking for Cruise Travel Insurance?

All international policies include travel insurance for cruising as standard. If you are cruising to multiple destinations, enter all destinations into the quoting panel. If you are cruising to several destinations but travelling by air to several other destinations, similarly, just enter all the destinations you will be travelling to, from the time you depart from your home in Australia, until the time you return to your home in Australia.      

Cruise Holiday – Looking to go on a cruise and need travel insurance?

Australian waters – cruise destination.

If you are planning a cruise around Australia, please select ' Australian Waters ' on the Travel Insurance Saver website as a destination to display products that include cruise cover in Australian Waters. If you are cruising around Australia but have entered ‘Australia’ as your destination, you will not be covered for cruising. You must select ‘Australian Waters’ rather than ‘Australia’ if you are cruising in Australian waters. 

Heading away and wanting to take out Cruise Travel Insurance?

Cruising is covered as standard on all international travel insurance policies. Please include all international destinations in your quote. 

Travel Insurance for Cruising  is listed in the PDS in definitions under scheduled public transport

• publicly available flights, cruises, rail services, bus services, ferries that run to a published timetable.

Please get a  travel insurance quote  for cruising from Travel Insurance Saver to view prices, benefits, and the Product Disclosure Statement.

Taking a Cruise to New Caledonia

If you are travelling to New Caledonia (Noumea) you may be required to inform custom that you have Covid-19 medical and Cruise Travel Insurance. 

• Covid-19 medical is automatically included under  Overseas Medical Expenses . 
• Travel Insurance for cruising is automatically applies as standard on international policies. Please include “South Pacific Cruise” as a destination so both requirements are listed on your Certificate of Insurance. 

Domestic travel insurance Comprehensive travel insurance Travel insurance when backpacking

Contact Travel Insurance Saver

If you have any question's please fill in the form below and one of our friendly team members will get in touch soon.

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Our customers rated their claim experience 4.7 out of 5.

Multiple award winning travel insurance company

• nib Travel Insurance
• nib International Assistance
• Worldwide Travel Insurance

Insurance Saver Pty Ltd, ABN 18 624 919 366, AR 001263726 is an authorised representative of nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461 and act as nib's agent and not as your agent. This is general advice only. Before you buy, you should consider your needs, the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from us. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193.

RACQ Travel Insurance

Members save 15% on travel insurance

Get your quote

Enjoy happy holidays with RACQ Travel Insurance

Enjoy the freedom of trekking around New Zealand, witness the beauty of Japan's cherry blossoms or cruise the South Pacific. Finally go on that epic outback adventure or visit family or friends overseas. RACQ Travel Insurance can help protect from the unexpected when you’re away from home. See more of the world knowing that you’re covered with RACQ.

• Our members can enjoy 15% discount on policies
• We’re chosen by over 70,000 travellers each year*
• We’re available to help 24/7, wherever you are in the world
• We offer a choice of excess from $0 to $1,000 depending on your plan type
• We provide coverage for the important things like lost, stolen, or damaged luggage, smartphone, tablets, and computers^^

Be prepared for the unexpected with RACQ Travel Insurance.

International travel insurance

• Feel prepared when you adventure overseas

Unlimited** overseas medical and hospital cover Unlimited means that generally there is no cap on the maximum dollar amount which may be paid out for this benefit, subject to the specific terms and conditions, sub-limits and exclusions that apply to this benefit.

Domestic travel insurance

• Experience uninterrupted enjoyment Australia-wide

Lodge your claim or request the answers you need online.

Choose from a range of excess options and add optional extras to your travel insurance.

RACQ Travel Insurance won the 2023 and 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Award for Exceptional Quality.

Manage your insurance

Get more out of your next trip with racq member perks ~ ~, explore more with racq.

Travel insurance FAQs

Need help or would like to know more? RACQ offers many convenient ways for you to get in touch with us.

Things to note

*Figure based on 70,435 passengers on new policies issued in FY23.

^^Limits (including sub-limits), conditions and exclusions apply. This insurance is issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd (Tokio Marine & Nichido) ABN 80 000 438 291, AFSL 246548. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a decision about this product and read the Target Market Determinations (TMDs)  before determining whether this product is suitable for your circumstances. 

** ‘$Unlimited’ means that generally there is no cap on the maximum dollar amount which may be paid out for this benefit, subject to the specific terms and conditions, sub-limits and exclusions that apply to this benefit. This benefit covers reasonable overseas medical and hospital costs as a result of an injury (including that arising from a terrorist act) or illness occurring which first shows itself during your period of insurance. Benefits may be paid up to 12 months from the time you received treatment for the injury or illness, but only for reasonable expenses incurred during that time. Medical treatments must be provided by a legally qualified medical practitioner. You must notify us as soon as practicable of your admittance to hospital.

Specific terms and conditions, limits (including sub-limits) and exclusions apply to each of our policies and the different benefits. Please read the ' RACQ Travel Insurance- Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement ' for full details. 

RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)  and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs)  that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found  here .

Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents  for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.

Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.

~~ Terms and conditions apply to all offers. View the individual offer for full details. Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

# Conditions apply. Offer available at participating Caltex and Puma Energy service stations. Visit racq.com/caltex for details.  

Quick Links

• Cancel Policy
• Make a claim

Cruise travel insurance

Considering a cruise for your next holiday.

There’s nothing better than exploring exciting destinations while enjoying the comfort and luxury of a cruise ship. But like any holiday there are risks involved, and these can be particularly expensive on a cruise…so why wouldn’t you make sure you’re covered if the unexpected happens?

Why choose a cruise?

When it comes to planning your next holiday, choosing the right type of adventure can make all the difference in creating a memorable and relaxing experience. While there are numerous options available, embarking on a cruise is a fantastic choice that offers a unique blend of convenience, exploration, and leisure. We’ve outlined some reasons a cruise could be ideal for your next trip away:

• Convenience & All-Inclusive: Enjoy a hassle-free holiday with accommodation, meals, entertainment, and transportation bundled into one, simplifying your travel experience.
• Diverse Destinations, One Trip: Explore multiple destinations in a single journey, from exotic islands to historic cities, making the most of your travel time.
• Unpack Once: Say farewell to constant packing and unpacking; on a cruise, you unpack just once, waking up in new destinations without moving your suitcase about.
• Variety of Activities: Find entertainment, relaxation, and adventure on board, from world-class shows to spa treatments, catering to travellers of all interests.

Explore our range of cruising insurance policies to find the right cover for you!

Cover for overseas cruises

Our International Comprehensive policy has an optional add-on for cruises overseas, leaving you free to sit back, relax and enjoy the view.

From unexpected changes to tours and lost bags, to health emergencies and cancellations, our cruise cover travel insurance can help you and your family feel secure with our International Comprehensive policy, should something go wrong. Remember to read your policy document  carefully, to ensure you’ll be looked after by our experts when you need it most.

Our International Comprehensive insurance also includes cover for:

• Unlimited medical and evacuation expenses
• Cancellation fees and lost deposits – with the option to increase your cover depending on the cost of your journey
• Damaged or lost baggage
• Personal items if they are stolen or damaged
• Rental vehicle excess
• Emergency dental treatment
• Funeral expenses

Included in your policy, you’ll get access to our worldwide emergency assistance team who are just a phone call away, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more details, including the terms and conditions, please read our travel insurance policy document  to decide if International Comprehensive is right for you and your overseas cruise trip.

Cover for domestic cruises

Perhaps you’re after a shorter trip or just want to enjoy the beautiful coastline or waterways of New Zealand? Our Domestic policy has an optional add-on for cruise cover, so you can relax on your next cruise adventure.

Our Domestic cruise travel insurance also includes cover for:

• Pet services
• Childcare expenses

For more details, including the terms and conditions, please read our travel insurance policy document  to decide if our Domestic policy is right for you and your domestic cruise trip.

Top tips for cruise insurance

For more information on choosing travel insurance for a cruise, read our cruise tips and advice:

• Make sure you select the cruise add-on when buying your policy.
• Consider the total cost of your cruise when selecting your cancellation cover amount.
• If you are planning on participating in any water sport activities during your trip, such as diving or kayaking, please check the policy conditions to ensure these are covered.
• Don’t leave your travel insurance to the last minute. Buy your policy as soon as you’ve booked your cruise to ensure there's cover for unexpected cancellations or illness before you travel.
• Carefully read all policy conditions to ensure you purchase the best cruise travel insurance for you.

What you need to know

This page includes some information about our products but, as with all insurance policies, terms and conditions apply. For our terms and conditions (including information about exclusions, excesses and sub limits) we recommend you read the relevant policy documents to ensure our travel insurance products are right for you.

You can find the relevant documents for all our policies here:  International Comprehensive , Annual Multi-trip ,  International Medical Only ,  Domestic ,  Working Overseas ,  Visiting New Zealand ,  International Student  

The content of this article is general and provided for information purposes only. Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) doesn’t guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness or currency of any article.

This article may contain hyperlinks to other websites owned or operated by third parties, or references to third party products or services. SCTI isn’t responsible for, and makes no recommendation about, the content or accuracy of any third party website, or for the suitability or performance of any product or service. The inclusion of a link in this article doesn’t imply that SCTI endorses the website or third party product/service.

We're here to help

We know how important it is to be able to talk to someone when you need help, that’s why we are available via email, phone and live chat Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 7pm, and Saturday, 9am to 6pm, excluding public holidays. And if you find yourself in a medical emergency our Emergency Assistance team are available 24/7 to help, wherever you are in the world.

Get in touch with the team and we'll be happy to help.

Call us Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 7.00pm.

You can reach our team on: +64 9 979 6593

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Top 6 Best Cruise Insurance Plans of August 2024

• Based on the  MarketWatch  Guides industry-wide review of the travel insurance policies,  Nationwide, Faye and Allianz offer the best cruise insurance.
• Cruise insurance can help protect your vacation by reimbursing prepaid, nonrefundable expenses in unexpected situations such as emergency medical bills and costs related to baggage loss.
• Our team evaluated 64 cruise plans to identify the top options for your next cruise. We score plans based on cruise-specific options, average cost, policy coverage, medical coverage and evacuation limits.

Alex Carver is a writer and researcher based in Charlotte, N.C. A contributor to major news websites such as Automoblog and USA Today, she’s written content in sectors such as insurance, warranties, shipping, real estate and more.

Kelly Larson is a senior editor with 14 years of experience creating and optimizing data-driven, reader-focused digital content. Kelly enjoys running and exploring the outdoors with his sons.

Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best travel insurance companies

The Best Cruise Insurance Plans for 2024

To determine the best cruise insurance options for our review, we collected several sample quotes, carefully examined policy and coverage details, and evaluated providers with specialized cruising plans. Our thorough research found that the following travel insurance companies provide the best cruise insurance plans in the industry.

Here are our top picks for the best cruise insurance companies:

• Nationwide Travel Insurance: Our top pick
• Allianz Global Assistance: Best for concierge services
• AIG Travel Guard: Best for families
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection : Best for luxury travelers
• Travelex Insurance : Best for budget travelers
• Trawick International : Best for student travel insurance

How We Picked the Best Cruise Insurance Companies

To recommend the best providers to our readers, we looked for the following factors when evaluating coverage options for cruise insurance:

• Cruise-specific plan options: Our team sought out travel insurance providers that offer cruise-specific plans with coverages not found on standard policies, such as shipboard service disruption coverage, prepaid excursion reimbursement and more.
• Medical coverage: This protection helps pay for medical care at a local facility if you’re injured on your cruise. Companies with more generous medical coverage limits ranked higher in our roundup.
• Medical evacuation: We prioritized companies offering higher medical evacuation coverage, which can benefit you depending on how long and far you are from a port while on the cruise ship.
• Coverage maximums: We considered whether a provider offered higher-value coverage options for travelers planning longer trips or opting for an all-inclusive luxury package.
• Cost: We requested sample quotes from dozens of travel insurance providers and compared price and coverage options to determine the insurer offering the best values.

Nationwide Travel Insurance

Why We Picked Nationwide for Cruise Insurance

After earning 4.6 out of 5 stars when rated using our travel insurance methodology, we chose Nationwide as one of the best cruise insurance options for these reasons:

• Nationwide offers plans specifically for cruises with benefits such as shipboard service disruption, prepaid excursion reimbursement and missed connection benefits.
• Cruise-specific policies include medical and non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Nationwide covers up to 100% of your total trip costs for a covered cancellation and up to 150% of your total costs for trip interruption.

Pros and Cons

Allianz global assistance.

Why We Picked Allianz for Cruise Insurance

Allianz earned 4.1 out of 5 stars when rated using our travel insurance methodology, and we chose it as one of the best cruise insurance options for these reasons:

• Allianz extends free coverage for children 17 and under when you choose the OneTrip Prime plan, which can be ideal for families cruising together.
• Epidemic coverage includes trip cancellation, interruption, travel delays, emergency medical care and emergency transportation.
• Trip change protector coverage can reimburse you the fees or extra expenses incurred if you need to change your cruise itinerary for a reason listed in your policy.

AIG Travel Guard

Why We Picked AIG Travel Guard for Cruise Insurance

AIG Travel Guard earned 4.6 out of 5 stars when rated using our travel insurance methodology, and we chose it as one of the best cruise insurance options for these reasons:

• If you or your traveling companion lose your life or limbs during your cruise, AIG Travel Guard offers non-flight accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• AIG’s Preferred Plan includes one free child aged 17 and under with each paying adult on your policy.
•  You’ll find an array of policy add-ons with AIG such as CFAR coverage, adventure sports coverage, pet coverage and more that can offer you additional protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Why We Picked Berkshire Hathaway for Cruise Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway earned 4.6 out of 5 stars when rated using our travel insurance methodology, landing a spot on our best cruise insurance due to the following:

• WaveCare® covers up to 100% of your total trip costs for covered cancellations and 150% of your total trip costs for covered interruptions.
• Berkshire Hathaway’s cruise-specific plan offers coverage beyond the norm, including cruise disablement, cruise diversion and river cruise diversion coverage.
• WaveCare® provides coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation up to $750,000.

Why We Picked Travelex for Cruise Insurance

Travelex earned 4.7 out of 5 stars when rated using our travel insurance methodology — the highest score out of all providers we’ve reviewed. It landed a spot on our best cruise insurance list for the following reasons:

• Travelex offers some of the most affordable plans of the providers on our list, and allows parents to extend coverage to their children for a slightly higher rate.
• Add-on coverages available through the Travel Basic plan include car rental collision coverage and flight accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D).
• The Travel Basic policy has no deductible and is considered a primary coverage plan.

Trawick International

Why We Picked Trawick International for Cruise Insurance

We awarded AXA Assistance USA a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. We’ve included it on our list of the best cruise insurance providers for these reasons:

• The Safe Travels Voyager plan, marketed as Trawick’s most popular cruise insurance coverage, includes 30 covered reasons for trip cancellation.
• Trawick offers various optional add-on benefits, such as CFAR coverage, 24-hour AD&D, trip interruption for any reason (IFAR) coverage and more.
• Trawick provides a stipend for a hospital companion to evacuate with you during a medical emergency.

What To Look For in Cruise Insurance

According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) 2023 State of the Cruise Industry Report , cruising continues to be one of the fastest-growing sectors of tourism, with a projected 36 million people choosing a cruise vacation in 2024. While purchasing travel insurance to cover your cruise vacation is a personal decision, there are some coverages to look for that can enhance your policy.

• Travel medical insurance : If you’re worried about illnesses or potential injuries during your cruise, travel medical insurance covers medical expenses up to a maximum amount.
• Emergency medical evacuation coverage : If you suffer a medical emergency and require transport to a hospital while at sea, emergency medical evacuation coverage can help cover expenses associated with transport.
• Trip cancelation insurance : If you’d like to recoup any prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if you need to cancel your trip, trip cancelation insurance can reimburse you if the event is covered under policy terms.
• Trip interruption insurance : If your trip is cut short for a reason covered with your travel insurance policy, trip interruption coverage can provide reimbursement for any unused travel expenses.
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage : If you’re concerned about canceling your trip for a reason not listed under a policy’s coverage terms, consider cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage , which allows you to cancel your trip for virtually any reason.

Travel medical insurance is especially worth considering if you’re cruising abroad, as domestic healthcare may provide limited to no coverage out of the country.

If you’re looking at plans explicitly marketed for cruises, you may find unique benefits like cruise diversion, disablement and prepaid excursion reimbursement. Other benefits to look for with a cruise insurance policy include travel delay coverage, baggage insurance and missed connection coverage. If you’re worried about coverage for pre-existing conditions or COVID-19, check if a plan offers these protections as you shop around.

Compare The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

See the table below for a direct comparison of our picks for the top cruise insurance plans, including average costs, our recommended plan and CFAR coverage amounts.

What Is Cruise Insurance and How Does It Work?

Cruise insurance is synonymous with travel insurance, and it can be any policy that offers the coverage you’re looking for to protect your trip expenses. While some providers offer plans marketed toward cruisegoers, many standard, comprehensive travel insurance policies provide coverages worth considering for cruise protection.

A cruise insurance policy works just like travel insurance. Your policy will cover you for the duration of your cruise and can cover a single person or a whole family. When a covered event occurs, you’ll file a claim with your chosen provider for reimbursement of expenses or financial losses. Note that all cruise insurance policies have exclusions, so read the fine print of your plan before you purchase it.

What Does Cruise Insurance Cover?

Depending on your choice of plan, cruise insurance can provide the following coverages:

Created with Sketch Beta. Medical expense coverage : Travel medical insurance can cover your medical bills if you get ill or injured on your cruise and need medical attention.

Created with Sketch Beta. Emergency medical evacuation coverage : Emergency medical evacuation coverage can provide transportation or evacuation to a medical facility from your cruise ship.

Created with Sketch Beta. Trip cancellation protection : Trip cancellation coverage can compensate you for non-refundable expenses if you cancel your trip for a reason covered by your policy.

Created with Sketch Beta. Trip interruption coverage : If you need to cut your cruise short, trip interruption coverage can provide reimbursement for any unused, non-refundable expenses.

Created with Sketch Beta. Trip delay protection : If your travel carrier delays your trip, you can receive reimbursement up to a set amount as outlined in your policy. 

Created with Sketch Beta. Baggage loss and delay coverage : If your baggage is damaged, stolen, missing or delayed during your trip, baggage loss and delay coverage can reimburse you for the items you packed in your luggage.

In addition, some cruise insurance plans offer coverages exclusively tailored to cruisegoers, such as cruise disablement coverage, prepaid excursion reimbursement, missed connection benefits and non-medical evacuation coverage. 

According to our research, you’ll also likely have access to a 24/7 hotline for travel emergencies — we’ve found this is a standard provision among travel insurance companies. If you’re looking for pre-existing condition coverage, many providers offer a waiver if you buy your coverage within a specific time frame from your initial trip deposit.

Is Cruise Insurance Required?

While cruise insurance isn’t typically legally required, it can be worth considering if you don’t want to risk your investment in your cruise booking. However, it’s best practice to check with your specific cruise line about any outstanding requirements around travel insurance. Even if travel insurance isn’t required, having coverages such as travel medical, trip interruption and trip cancellation cruise insurance can give you the peace of mind to enjoy your cruise fully.

When You Should Buy Cruise Insurance

If you plan on purchasing cruise insurance, it’s worth considering as soon as possible. For example, if you’d like emergency medical coverage through your cruise insurance policy to cover any pre-existing conditions, most travel insurance providers require you to purchase a policy within a certain number of days from when you make your first payment toward the cruise. You may not qualify for this waiver if you wait until the last minute to purchase your plan.

If your cruise is fast approaching and you’d still like to buy a policy, our research has found that some providers offer plans that can be purchased as late as 24 hours before your trip.

How Much Does Cruise Insurance Cost?

According to our analysis, the average cost of cruise insurance is $242. However, we found that the cost ranges from $81 to $500 and heavily depends on the total trip cost and age of the traveler.

The cost of cruise insurance can vary between customers. Your age, trip length, trip cost, plan type, number of travelers and destination all impact the overall premium you will pay. According to our research, trip cost, and age impact cost the most, with older travelers typically paying much more than younger travelers for the same trip.

The best way to determine what you will pay for your coverage is to get a quote. According to data from Berkshire Hathaway, you can expect to pay between 5% and 10% of your total cruise vacation price for insurance.

To help you get a better idea of what you might pay for cruise insurance, we requested multiple quotes from the providers in our review using various sample traveler profiles. The table below summarizes our findings:

To calculate costs, we collected quotes for each of the following trips and traveler profiles:

• 70-year-old couple taking a $3,000, seven-day cruise in Mexico
• 65-year-old taking a $1,200, five-day cruise in the Bahamas
• 34-year-old couple taking a $6,000, seven-day cruise in Greece
• 21-year-old taking a $900, five-day cruise in the Caribbean

How To Buy Cruise Insurance

You can purchase cruise insurance online and at your convenience. If you’d like to speak with a customer service representative about any questions or concerns about a policy, most travel insurance companies provide a phone number and contact information at the top of their website.

To start gathering quotes, head online to the quote portal of the company of your choice. For this example, we’ll walk you through getting a quote with Nationwide, our top pick for cruise insurance. We were asked to provide some trip details and personal information right away, such as our cruise line, destination, travel dates, total trip costs and more.

Once you’ve provided the information needed, you’ll be taken to your plan choices and their associated costs. Like many other cruise insurers, Nationwide offers a sample plan contract for you to read through, as well as coverage details to help you fully understand what’s covered or excluded with your policy.

After making your plan choice, you’ll need to provide more information on you and your traveling companions. From there, you’ll be able to finalize your purchase and be ready to cruise with protections in place that can help you navigate unexpected situations. While every cruise insurer’s purchasing process won’t look exactly the same, most follow the same format and will require the same information to purchase a policy.

Can You Buy Cancel For Any Reason Insurance for Cruises?

In short, yes, you can purchase travel insurance with cancel for any reason (CFAR) add-ons for a variety of travel insurance companies and plans. Cancel for any reason, coverage often time won’t cover the full value or price of your trip, but if you need to cancel for whatever reason, it is better to have some degree of coverage and get a partial refund than have to lose out on a trip and the monetary value behind it. Below is a list of CFAR coverage amounts for our recommended cruise travel insurance providers.

Is Cruise Insurance Worth It?

Determining whether cruise insurance is worth it is a personal decision. Cruises can get expensive quickly, so if you’re embarking on a 14-day international cruise that you’ve spent months saving up for, you may prefer to protect your investment. Spending a fraction of your total cruise expenses on insurance can help prevent you from forfeiting the entire cost of a non-refundable trip should the worst happen.

According to our 2024 travel insurance survey, of the 165 respondents who bought a policy for an upcoming cruise, 97% claim that travel insurance is worth it, with the majority citing peace of mind as the reason.

Angela Borden, a product marketing specialist at Seven Corners, noted that “When you’ve made a financial investment in your trip or need to protect your health when you travel, travel insurance is 100% worth it.” She also pointed out that coverage can help you recoup your expenses if the unexpected happens. 

“Travel insurance can also reimburse you if your belongings are lost, stolen, or damaged and you need to replace them during your trip,” she added. “Again, that’s a financial savings you would have missed out on if you didn’t have travel insurance.”

If you are unsure whether cruise insurance is worth it, we recommend getting a quote from our highlighted insurance providers before you set sail.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Insurance

What should cruise insurance cover.

Cruise insurance should provide you with 100% coverage for trip cancellation and at least 100% trip interruption coverage. Your policy should also include baggage loss, trip delay coverage, medical care and emergency evacuations. 

When should I buy trip insurance for a cruise?

While your trip insurance cost might not increase if you buy a policy at the last minute, it’s best to buy coverage as soon as you make your initial trip deposit. Most insurance companies only allow you to add CFAR coverage a few days after you make your first trip payment. If you’re considering this insurance add-on, buy coverage as soon as possible. 

Do I need special insurance for a cruise?

Whether you need travel insurance specifically for cruises depends on the provider. While some travel insurance companies specify that policies provide coverage even if you’re on a cruise, others may exclude cruises from standard travel plans. For this reason, it’s best to check the terms of your coverage before purchasing a policy. 

Some companies, like Nationwide and Berkshire Hathaway, offer cruise-specific protection plans in addition to standalone travel insurance policies.  

What are the benefits of cruise insurance?

There are multiple benefits to investing in a cruise insurance policy. Cruise insurance provides you with money back for nonrefundable trip expenses, which can help you recoup a portion of your costs if you need to cancel at the last minute. Cruise insurance also provides protection when you’re on a boat and visiting international ports of call, with medical insurance coverage and compensation for travel expenses if you’re forced to evacuate during your vacation.

Does cruise insurance include COVID-19 coverage?

Travel insurance policy purchases have spiked since the COVID-19 pandemic. Most travel policies consider COVID-19 the same as any other illness, which means you may be entitled to use your insurance benefits if you’re hospitalized or cannot travel due to COVID-19. However, this also means that the fear of catching a new COVID strain will not entitle you to use your cruise insurance. 

If you’re concerned about the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on your vacation plan, consider upgrading to CFAR coverage.

More Travel Insurance Guides

• Best COVID-19 travel insurance companies
• Best travel insurance companies
• Cheapest travel insurance
• Best group travel insurance companies
• Health insurance for visitors to USA
• Best senior travel insurance
• Best travel insurance for families
• Best student travel insurance plans
• Travel insurance for parents visiting the USA
• Best travel medical insurance plans
• How much does travel insurance cost?

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides. com .

MarketWatch Guides may receive compensation from companies that appear on this page.
The compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear, but it does not influence the recommendations the editorial team provides. Not all companies, products, or offers were reviewed.

• What is travel insurance?
• Average cost
• When to buy travel insurance
• Average cost by age
• What does travel insurance cover?

Travel Insurance Cost: Average Travel Insurance Prices in 2024

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 travel insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

• The average travel insurance premium this week is $297.42, down about 0.38% compared to last week.
• For travel in the United States, the average premium is $175 to $350.
• Travel insurance protects against delayed baggage, trip cancellation, and more.

The average cost of travel insurance fluctuates throughout the year, based on demand and whether or not school's in session. Also keep in mind that where you're traveling and how many people are taking the trip will affect your exact premium.

Understanding Travel Insurance

Travel insurance plans can cover both domestic and international travel. It could protect against something as familiar as delayed baggage (experts estimate 85% of lost luggage is returned to its owner within 48 hours) or as complicated as trip cancellation.

The benefits and limitations of travel insurance vary based on the company and plan. Above all else, this insurance coverage offers peace of mind.

Some credit cards offer a limited amount of travel insurance annually. If you need clarification on what your credit card offers, contact your provider to verify. These plans are great for cancellations and interruptions but may not cover more costly losses associated with unexpected medical expenses or emergency evacuations.

Individual travel insurance plans include this and much more. Travel insurance protects travelers from the unexpected when away from home.

Average Cost of Travel Insurance by Destination

Some countries are naturally more expensive travel destinations due to higher flight and lodging costs, which could increase travel insurance costs. Travel insurance will generally cost 5% to 10% of your total trip price, according to SquareMouth travel insurance .

Here's how the prices stack up:

Source: SquareMouth

How Far in Advance to Purchase Travel Insurance

According to an AAA travel survey , 88% of travelers say that reimbursement after a trip cancellation is the most valuable benefit of trip insurance.

According to data gathered by SquareMouth in the last six months, travelers tend to purchase trip cancellation travel insurance 53 days before their trip. Meanwhile, travelers without trip cancellation insurance will buy a policy approximately 16 days before their trip. Regardless of when you buy, cancellation protection can kick in to protect you against the unexpected.

Average Cost of Travel Insurance by Age

A traveler's age is a significant factor in determining the cost of travel insurance. The older a traveler is, the higher travel insurance premiums are. For instance, a senior traveler may need more insurance for health-related emergencies than a millennial.

When calculating your travel insurance premium, travel insurance providers consider the likelihood of a medical emergency.

Get your free travel insurance quote with SquareMouth »

Travel Insurance Rate Tips

Travel insurance rates through most providers fall between 4% and 8% of the total trip cost. Like the cost of flights, cruises, etc., rates may vary substantially based on the season, your original location, your destination, and other factors. This week, the average cost of a policy was close to $300.

To save money on travel insurance, tailor your policy to your specific needs and avoid unnecessary extras. You should also shop around to compare quotes from multiple insurers. Opting for an annual plan if you're a frequent traveler, checking existing coverages from other insurance policies or credit card benefits, and choosing a policy with a higher deductible can significantly lower your premiums. Always read the fine print to understand your coverage fully, ensuring you don't pay for redundant or irrelevant features.

To find affordable travel insurance, consider using online comparison websites like SquareMouth or InsureMyTrip to see rates from various providers. Other ways to save include purchasing directly from insurance companies, exploring package deals from travel agencies or airlines, utilizing included coverage from credit card benefits, and checking for discounts through membership organizations such as AAA or AARP.

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.

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Protect Your Trip »

The 5 best kids sail free cruises for 2025 & beyond.

Save on your family cruise with these kids sail free deals.

The Best Kids Sail Free Cruises

Getty Images

If you're angling for an affordable family cruise , you'll be happy to know that several major cruise lines let children sail for free (either regularly or during special promotions). Read on to discover which lines cater to families with kids sail free offers.

Cruise lines where kids sail free

Holland america line, norwegian cruise line, royal caribbean international, costa cruises, msc cruises.

Find your perfect cruise

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Deal: Holland America Line is offering a "Kids Cruise Free" promotion on select itineraries in 2025. The offer applies to several itineraries including Hawaii , the Caribbean and the Panama Canal; to qualify, children must be 18 or younger and cruising as third and/or fourth guests in the same cabin as adults. As with similar promotions, taxes and port fees are still required for each child's sailing.

Additionally, kids ages 12 and under eat for half off in specialty restaurants or for free from a dedicated kids menu. Reduced children's rates for shore excursions are also available.

Family-friendly perks: Amenities onboard Holland America ships include kids clubs and youth programs, as well as shore excursions oriented to families with little ones in tow. Plenty of stateroom options can also accommodate larger bookings. The Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam ships, in particular, feature oversized staterooms with beds for four, a large sitting area and a spacious veranda.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Deal: Norwegian Cruise Line often lets third and fourth guests cruise free on select itineraries. During other promotions, the cruise line will let the third through eighth passengers sail free. Cruises to which this promotion applies are offered all over the world, including Bermuda , the Caribbean and Canada .

Some of the itineraries that qualify for free third and fourth guests also come with complimentary amenities like an unlimited open bar, specialty dining, shore excursions and/or complimentary Wi-Fi. Additionally, some of the itineraries include generous discounts on the total cruise cost , as well as free airfare for a second guest (when booked through the cruise line).

Family-friendly perks: With Norwegian's all-ages kids clubs, family dining, entertainment and activities included in one bundled rate, planning a kid-approved vacation with the cruise line is a breeze. Many Norwegian ships also feature an array of family-friendly staterooms with plenty of extra space. For example, the luxurious Norwegian Prima offers a two-bedroom family villa with a large balcony in "The Haven" – its exclusive area for VIP guests.

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Deal: Royal Caribbean offers a "Kids Sail Free" deal several times each year, allowing children 12 or younger to cruise free provided they are the third guests (or beyond) staying in the same cabin as at least two paying adults. Typically, the deal applies to sailings of four nights or longer. The only catch is that blackout dates apply – typically during holiday and school breaks.

Family-friendly perks: There's a reason so many families choose Royal Caribbean ; kid-friendly amenities range from age-specific programming to zip lining at sea. The line's  exclusive island for cruisers , Perfect Day at CocoCay in  the Bahamas , is also a big hit with young passengers thanks to its waterslides and splash areas.

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Courtesy of Costa Cruises

Deal: Costa Cruises may not be as popular as some other cruise lines on our list, but it's a worthwhile option for cruisers looking to sail through Europe, the Middle East or South America. The cruise line allows kids traveling as third or fourth guests to sail for free with two adults in the same cabin, and this promotion applies to passengers ages 2 to 17. This offer is valid on all sailings offered by the line, many of which feature destinations in desirable ports along the Mediterranean such as Barcelona , Marseille and Rome .

Family-friendly perks: Costa Cruises vessels offer abundant family-friendly amenities, from water parks to arcades to mini golf. Kids clubs are available for children ages 3 to 11, and they provide entertainment like arts and crafts, themed parties, and games galore. A teen zone also hosts cruisers ages 12 to 17 who want to mingle, sing karaoke and play group sports when ships aren't in port.

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Deal: MSC Cruises lets children 17 and younger cruise for free on select itineraries, depending on the ship's capacity. (Other exclusions or eligibility requirements may apply.) Kids must be the third or fourth guests traveling in the same cabin as their parents (at least two adults) for the deal to be valid; note that any port fees and taxes still apply to children's fares.

Family-friendly perks: MSC Cruises offers a variety of leisure activities and amenities designed specifically for kids. On board, youngsters can take advantage of perks from water parks with slides and swimming pools to Broadway-style shows and interactive dinners. The line also hosts a variety of exclusive Lego experiences, including Lego-themed parades and a Lego Family Game Show. In addition, there are a myriad of amenities for parents to enjoy while the youngest passengers are occupied by a variety of dedicated kids clubs.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a seasoned travel writer who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. Johnson has traveled with her family to more than 50 countries, and her many trips have included cruises all over the world. Johnson lives in Indiana with her two children and her husband, Greg.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruises for Teens
• The Top Cruises for Babies & Toddlers
• Do You Need a Passport to Cruise?
• How to Get Your Child a Passport
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Top Resorts Where Kids Stay Free

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Family Vacations

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