Set sail with MSC World America
Find a cruise and book cruises direct - no booking fee!
  • Book Now
successmsg

errormsg


Need Multi Cabin? Click Here

Should I Buy Cruise Insurance?

Getting cruise insurance is very important. Read the article to know the benefits of cruise insurance.

By Cruise Booking Team

For many, cruising is the quintessential vacation of a lifetime. However, unexpected scenarios like medical emergencies, cancellations of trips, and missed connections change a dream into a financial nightmare. Cruise insurance aims to cover these risks so that you don't lose thousands of dollars for any unforeseeable reason.

Many travelers think that their credit card company or their basic health insurance will cover them, but that is usually far from the truth. This is especially true when you are cruising internationally. For you to make an informed decision, we will explain why cruise travel insurance is necessary, what it covers, and how to pick the best policy.

What Is Cruise Insurance & Why Do You Need It?

It is an insurance type whose objects are a trip for any cancellation, medical emergencies, evacuation, lost luggage, and interruptions with special reference to cruise trips. Since medical facilities aboard cruise ships are mostly out-of-network with respect to insurance, and Medicare does not provide cover for foreign medical expenses, it is very important to possess cruise travel insurance.

Because of the high-stakes nature of cruise vacations, cruises are advised to take out travel insurance by the U.S. State Department The possible reasons could include:

  • Heavy medical expenses for high-sea treatment
  • An emergency evacuation that could cost easily north of $100k*
  • Trip cancellation due to malaise, occupational emergency, or bad family situation
  • Missed connections from flight delays or bad weather
  • Lost luggage, and theft of luggage-that happens more than often.
  • Anything without cruise vacation insurance incurs the risk of you paying out-of-pocket for some heavy hits.

Also ReadWhat Is the Best Travel Insurance for a Cruise?

What Does Cruise Trip Insurance Cover?

1 Medical Emergencies happen on Cruise Ships

Medical emergencies are commonplace and expensive on cruise ships. Treatment on board can range from hundreds to several thousands of dollars, depending on severity. Cruise trip insurance covers doctor fees, hospital charges, prescription medications, and emergency dental care.

Example: While on a cruise in the Caribbean, a traveler suffered a heart attack and required immediate hospitalization in the Bahamas. Bill was over $50,000*, and his expenses were completely covered due to having cruise trip insurance.

2. Medical Evacuation and Emergency Transportation

The cost of getting seriously injured or sick to the nearest medical facility can run into six figures, depending on the location. Since cruise ships do not have full-fledged hospitals, serious cases warrant evacuation via helicopter or speedboat in the event of a medical emergency.

Example: A woman fell and broke her hip while on an Alaskan cruise. Because there were no orthopedic specialists onboard, she needed a medical evacuation to a hospital in Seattle, which cost $150,000*. Her cruise travel insurance for seniors covered the entire amount.

Mini Cruise Deal & Offers!
Escape on a perfect mini cruise! Enjoy unbeatable deals, breathtaking destinations, and a relaxing getaway at sea. Book now and set sail on an unforgettable adventure!
Mini Cruise Deals
Photo by Celebrity Cruises

3. Cruise Cancellation and Trip Interruption

A last-minute emergency-such as a sudden illness in a family member, layoff from work, or severe weather-may force you to cancel your cruise. Most cruise lines offer a limited refund, and without cruise holiday insurance, you stand to lose thousands of dollars of your non-refundable costs.

Example: A family had to cancel their European cruise due to sudden hospitalization. Their best travel insurance for cruises compensated them for $8,000* in pre-paid and non-refundable expenses.

4. Missed Connections and Travel Delays

Your delayed flight won't delay the cruise ship. If you miss the cruise departure, rebooking a last-minute flight to reach the next port could be too costly.

Example: A couple's flight was delayed and they missed their cruise departure from Miami. Their cruise trip insurance covered the cost of the new flight to catch up to the ship in Mexico.

5. Lost, Stolen, or Delayed Luggage

A cruise trip involves multiple flights, buses, and transfers, offering good chances for the luggage to go missing. Several cruise travel insurance plans cover the cost of buying essential items in case luggage is delayed, lost, or stolen.

Example: On a flight going to her cruise departure, a senior traveler's suitcase with all her medications went missing. Her cruise travel insurance for seniors compensated her for costs incurred to replace clothes and procure urgent medication.

Also Check: What Kind of Cruise Travel Insurance Do You Need?

What Cruise Insurance Does NOT Cover

Not everything is covered, of course. Some of the common exclusions are:

  • Pre-existing conditions (unless a special waiver includes them).
  • Accidents resulting from alcohol or drug use.
  • Self-inflicted injuries or behavior undertaken in the spirit of recklessness.
  • Missed departures due to personal negligence (i.e., coming late).
  • Disruptions to cruises caused by civil unrest, war, or terrorism.

To avoid surprises, read your policy before you buy.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy Cruise Insurance?

It's easy: Get cruise travel insurance. From a weekend in the Caribbean to an extravagant cruise across the world, cruise travel insurance protects your health, finances, and vacation investment.

Don't risk losing thousands of dollars because of an unforeseen incident. Compare the best cruise travel insurance today and set sail with peace of mind!

Pro Tip: When you do your comparison shopping, consider all major companies, such as Allianz, Travel Guard, and Berkshire Hathaway, so that you may determine which plan is best suited to meet your needs.

FAQs for Cruise Insurance

1. Is cruise insurance worth it?

For sure! Even a small medical emergency and travel delay can run thousands of dollars. So, paying 5 to 10 percent of the cost of the cruise itself for insurance gives one peace of mind and financial protection.

2. Which travel insurance is best for cruises?

The best cruise insurance will cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, missed connections, and medical evacuations. Some top-rated cruise policies are offered by Berkshire Hathaway, Allianz, and Travel Guard.

3. When do I need to buy cruise travel insurance?

You should purchase cruise trip insurance as soon as you book your cruise. Many policies offer pre-existing condition waivers if purchased 14 to 21 days after booking.

4. Does Medicare cover medical expenses for a cruise?

No. Medicare does not provide treatment coverage outside the U.S. and onboard cruise ships further than six hours from a U.S. port. Hence, cruise travel insurance for seniors is very crucial.

5. How do I choose from the best cruise insurance policy?

Observe the policies for medical coverage of over $100,000* and emergency evacuation in the range of $250,000* which include trip cancellation, missed connections, and loss of baggage insurance.

What is the difference between a cruise and an expedition?

Book A Cruise Cruise holidays have grown in popularity over the previous decades, and corporations are extending their fleets and building mega-ships capable of carrying over 6,000 people. These [...]

January 11, 2024

Is there a dress code on cruise ships?

First-time cruisers often feel confused about packing the right clothes, as different cruise lines might have different dress codes. The best thing to do here is to learn about the specific dress [...]

October 23, 2024

Which deck is better on cruise ship?

Book A Cruise Now You are planning a dream cruise vacation with your favorite cruise line but are confused about which deck would be ideal for your stay. Choosing a deck is very personal and [...]

April 12, 2023

What documents do you need to go on a cruise?

Cruising around with your family and friends feels amazing, but when it comes to preparing for the same, you should be aware of the documents to carry along on your trip. There are several important [...]

October 23, 2024

Our cruise experts will help you to plan your perfect cruise vacation!
phone number with country code (hyphen allowed)
0 / 500

Cruise Inquiry