What are the benefits of cruise travel insurance?

Welcome aboard, fellow adventurers! As we set sail on the vast open seas of cruise travel, it's important to navigate our way through the (sometimes-confusing) waters of insurance policies. In this guide, we will be shedding light on the ins and outs of cruise travel insurance. Brace yourself for the discovery of the six key benefits that come with this unique type of policy. From protection against unforeseen circumstances to peace of mind as you embark on your journey, we'll delve into the depths of what a cruise travel insurance policy offers. So, hoist the anchor and let's embark on this exciting voyage together!

Navigating the waters of cruise travel insurance policies

When it comes to planning a relaxing cruise, the last thing you want to be thinking about is, what if the worst happens? Which is why cruise travel insurance is so important. Most cruise providers will not allow their passengers to board, unless they can prove that they have adequate insurance in place - as should the worst happen, hefty medical or repatriation costs can escalate quickly. 

Usually, cruise travel insurance is an additional cover option, that you'll need to request to be added to your standard travel insurance policy. This extension of cover can increase the premium of your travel insurance, however, the slight increase in premium is nothing when compared to the potential costs you could be expected to pay following an unfortunate event. All of the insurance options we'll show you on Compare Your Cruise Insurance, come with cruise cover automatically selected. 

With so many different policies out there, it can be hard to find the right one that suits you and your needs. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you need to locate a policy that will provide cover for your conditions, perhaps even, a policy with higher emergency medical cover? Planning to take your expensive valuables for the black-tie dinners in the evenings? Then you will want to make sure that the cover limit on valuables is enough to cover the cost of replacing or fixing these items, should they be damaged, lost or stolen.

Cruise travel insurance doesn’t come without its caveats and exclusions. As such, it is always recommended that you carefully read your policy documentation and understand the covered and not covered section of your policy.

Key Benefits and exclusions of Cruise Travel Insurance

As cruise cover is usually an add-on that is applied to a travel insurance policy, the additional benefits that are applied to your travel insurance, have been tailored made for passengers heading off on the cruise holiday. Along with the usual benefits found in travel insurance (Emergency Medical and Repatriation, Cancellation and Personal Possessions), cruise cover offers a wide range of additional benefits.

Whilst these additional benefits can differ between provider and policy, we have provided the typical benefits you can expect to find within cruise travel insurance. We have also provided some of the usual exclusions that come with these benefits. Always check your documents to see what your travel insurance policy covers.

Missed Port Cover

This benefit provides cover in a circumstance where the cruise ship is unable to make a scheduled port stop. Insurance providers will usually offer you compensation for each stop not made, due to bad weather or timetable restrictions. Providers will not usually offer compensation if an alternative port stop was made or if you were offered on-board compensation (including on-board credit).  

Cabin Confinement Cover

In the unfortunate situation where the medical officer on board has confined you to your cabin, due to illness or injury – your insurance provider will usually provide you with compensation for each day you are confined to your cabin. You would not be able to claim, if you decided to remain in your cabin because you felt poorly or if you were not instructed by the medical officer, to remain there. 

Missed Excursions

This benefit extends on from the cabin confinement cover. You will be covered for any pre-booked and paid excursions that you are unable to participate in, due to being confined to your cabin under the direction of the medical officer, due to a bodily injury or illness. You would not be able to make a claim if you simply changed your mind and no longer wanted to participate.

Cruise Interruption Cover

If you do find yourself temporarily on dry land for hospital treatment, you may be able to get back on-board with the cruise Interruption benefit. This benefit only comes in to play if you have a valid medical claim in place with your provider and will help you recoup the costs of transport for you to be able to get back on-board the ship, getting your holiday back on track. In most cases, you will need to speak with the provider before making any transport arrangements and to check that any additional expenses are covered. 

Evening Wear Cover

When voyaging on a cruise, it is likely that you will need to take with you formal evening attire, to be able to attend captain dinners and events. As such, this benefit is in place to cover your evening attire for loss, theft or damage. The provider will either cover the costs of hiring a replacement, or for the cleaning and or repair of your evening wear. However, they will not cover these costs if you have in your possession a suitable, undamaged alternative. 

Increased Cover Limits

In most cases, when cruise cover is included with your travel insurance, it is likely that some standard travel insurance benefits will also receive an increase in the total sums insured or single item limit. For instance, by adding cruise cover, in most cases, providers will increase the cover limits in place for your Personal Possessions – as they know passengers on a cruise are likely to pack and take more items with them.