Understanding Cruise Insurance
Third Party Cruise Insurance vs. Cruise Line Travel Protection
Frequently Asked Questions
Cruise Travel Insurance Plans
Cruise travel insurance helps protect the unique parts of a cruise, like strict departure times, tight schedules, and limited medical access at sea. A cruise-specific plan usually includes emergency medical and evacuation benefits, trip interruption protection, baggage coverage, and optional upgrades like Cancel for Any Reason. It gives you confidence to travel even when plans change unexpectedly.
What is Cruise Insurance?
Cruise insurance protects your whole trip; from the moment you leave home until you return. It covers medical emergencies, evacuations, missed ports, itinerary changes, travel delays, lost luggage, and other cruise-specific disruptions. With cruise insurance, you’re covered on land, at sea, and everywhere in between.
Do I Need Travel Insurance for Cruises?
Yes. Cruise insurance is strongly recommended. Cruises involve flights, multiple ports, and time at sea where medical care may be limited. Insurance helps protect your trip costs and provides medical and evacuation benefits that many U.S. health plans don’t cover abroad.
What Does Cruise Insurance Cover?
Most plans include emergency medical coverage, evacuation, trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage protection, and weather-related benefits. Some also include cruise-specific features like missed ports, itinerary changes, or reimbursement for missed shore excursions.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Cruise Cancellation?
Yes, trip cancellation reimburses your prepaid, nonrefundable costs if you cancel for a covered reason, such as illness, injury, or severe weather. You can also add Cancel for Any Reason (when eligible) for even more flexibility.
Does Cruise Travel Insurance Cover Missed Ports, Departures, or Connections?
Often. Many plans include missed connection coverage, which helps you catch up to your ship after a covered delay. Some policies also cover missed ports or itinerary changes due to weather or mechanical issues.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Itinerary Changes on a Cruise?
Some cruise-specific plans do. If your cruise changes course due to weather or other covered reasons, certain policies offer compensation for missed ports or prepaid activities. Coverage varies, so review plan details before purchasing.
Why Third-Party Cruise Insurance Beats Cruise Line Protection
Third-party cruise travel insurance usually offers more robust, more flexible coverage than the trip protection sold by cruise lines. Here’s why many cruisers choose to buy through a third-party like InsureMyTrip instead of the cruise line.
- Higher Medical & Evacuation Protection
Third-party plans usually offer much higher medical and evacuation limits; crucial when you’re at sea or far from medical care. - More Robust Trip Cancellation and CFAR Options
Cruise line plans offer only credits or limited cancellation reasons. Third-party plans offer more covered reasons, cash reimbursement, and optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) for maximum flexibility. - Better Overall Value and Flexibility
Cruise line plans often cover only the cruise. Third-party insurance protects your entire trip, flights, hotels, and pre- or post-cruise travel, and typically offers more benefits for delays, connections, and baggage issues.
This is a general representation of coverage and some benefits may differ based on your quoted information or not be available if all eligibility requirements aren’t met. Please read your state specific policy for full coverage details. Coverage may not available in all states. Cruise Line coverages are based on platinum (not standard) policies.
InsureMyTrip researchers evaluated popular cruise lines and found while many plans offer basic travel insurance perks, few offer robust trip cancellation insurance or expansive emergency medical care coverage.
The findings suggest that cruisers should review the travel insurance coverage advertised by their cruise line to understand what exactly it covers – and what it doesn’t.
InsureMyTrip recommends that cruisers compare coverage with a travel insurance comparison website before choosing a plan offered by their cruise line.
Cruisers will likely discover that comprehensive travel insurance plans aka 3rd party travel insurance available on InsureMyTrip will offer far more coverage options, often at a lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does travel insurance cover missed shore excursions?
Yes, some plans reimburse prepaid, nonrefundable excursions if your cruise itinerary changes for a covered reason.
Does cruise travel insurance cover flights?
Yes. Your flights are part of your trip, so coverage can apply to delays, missed connections, cancellations, lost bags, and medical emergencies while flying.
Does it cover mechanical breakdowns on a cruise ship?
Some plans include shipboard service disruption coverage, which may reimburse you if a mechanical breakdown cuts your cruise short.
Does travel insurance cover emergency evacuation from a cruise ship?
Yes. Emergency medical evacuation can help arrange and pay for transport from the ship to the nearest adequate medical facility – critical when you’re far from land. Some plans also include rare ship-to-shore evacuation assistance.
Will it cover quarantine on a cruise?
Coverage varies, but some plans may reimburse you under trip interruption or travel delay if you’re quarantined for a covered reason.
Does travel insurance cover bad weather that alters my cruise route?
Yes, severe weather may trigger benefits like trip cancellation, interruption, or itinerary change coverage.
How much is travel insurance for a cruise?
Cruise insurance generally costs about 4%–10% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip cost. Age, trip length, and optional upgrades affect price.
Is travel insurance more expensive for a cruise?
Not necessarily. Coverages are usually priced similarly to other trip types. However, cruisers often add optional protections, like missed connection or excursion reimbursement, which can affect the total premium.
Can you add travel insurance after booking a cruise?
Yes, but buying early gives you access to time-sensitive benefits like CFAR or pre-existing condition waivers.
Does annual travel insurance cover cruises?
Annual travel insurance often covers medical, evacuation, and baggage benefits for cruises, but trip cost protection usually requires an upgrade.
Is cruise insurance worth it?
For most travelers, yes. It protects prepaid costs and provides medical and evacuation coverage – especially important at sea.
Does travel protection through a credit card cover cruises?
Credit cards may offer limited coverage, but typically less than a third-party comprehensive travel insurance plan. Most don’t provide strong emergency medical or evacuation benefits, two of the most important protections for cruisers.
What is the best travel insurance for a cruise?
The best cruise insurance plan is one that includes robust emergency medical coverage, evacuation protection, missed connection benefits, and cruise-specific features like missed port or excursion reimbursement. Comparing plans helps you find the best fit.
Is cruise insurance mandatory?
No, but it’s highly recommended because of medical costs at sea, strict cruise schedules, and the financial risk of cancellations or delays.
Can I join a cruise late if I miss departure?
Some cruise lines may not allow late embarkation. If you can’t rejoin the ship, missed connection benefits may not apply – so review your cruise line’s policy carefully.
Does cruise insurance cover COVID-19?
Many plans treat COVID-19 like any other illness. Depending on the plan, coverage may include emergency medical care, evacuation, trip interruption, or cancellation if you’re diagnosed or ordered to quarantine.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article serves as a general overview of benefits and should only be used for informational purposes. Refer to your individual certificate of insurance for specific coverages, exclusions and benefits. When in doubt, please contact one of our licensed agents for additional assistance.
Question
If you have a non-refundable hotel booked, would it be covered by trip insurance?
By Sheila - March 27, 2018
Answer
Yes, our comprehensive policies do cover prepaid non-refundable hotel arrangements.
By MattG - March 28, 2018
Question
When insuring my cruise vacation, should I include the hotel stays while traveling to and from the cruise? We typically drive to the ports.
By JohnieD - November 15, 2018
Answer
As long as the hotel arrangements are prepaid and non-refundable prior to departure, you can insure the cost of these arrangements as well as the cost of the cruise.
By MattG - November 17, 2018
Question
We are taking two cruises this year. One in Feb for 21 days and one in Aug. for 30 days. Is there a way to insure for both at the same time or do we purchase two separate plans?
By SallyG - January 3, 2019
Answer
If you are looking for comprehensive coverage such as Trip Cancellation and other travel protection benefits, you would need to purchase a separate policy for each trip. Comprehensive Plans are the most widely known form of coverage and are often called package plans. Typically, a Comprehensive Plan will offer a variety of benefits for travelers, covering a wide range of concerns. Most provide coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip interruption, Baggage loss, Medical, Dental, Emergency Evacuation, 24 Hour Traveler Assistance, Baggage Delay, Travel Delay, and Accidental Death.
By MattG - January 5, 2019
Question
Is there any insurance that would cover a cruise if I have to cancel due to the sickness or medical emergency of an elderly parent
By LaTonyaJ - May 17, 2019
Answer
The number one covered reason for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption is the unforeseen illness or injury of you or a traveling companion that deems you unfit to travel, by order of a licensed physician; or the unforeseen hospitalization or death of a family member. To see all of the covered reasons to cancel or interrupt your trip, please click on the dollar amount that appears under the words "Trip Cancellation" when viewing a quote. This applies to all comprehensive policies and it extends to non-traveling Family Members. Trip Cancellation reimburses 100%.
By MattG - May 18, 2019
Question
We are booked on two consecutive cruises. Do I insure them separately or as one?
By Mike - July 29, 2019
Answer
If you are not returning back to your home in between each cruise, this is viewed as a single trip and you would only need to obtain one policy to cover you from the time you leave home until the time your return back to your home. You can insure all prepaid non-refundable travel arrangements associated with both cruises.
By MattG - July 30, 2019
Question
Just put down a deposit on a cruise in March, 2020. The deposit is non-refundable. Is this covered through the Trip Insurance I am planning to purchase?
By Lee - October 14, 2019
Answer
Yes, you can insure a non-refundable cruise deposit with all other prepaid non-refundable travel arrangements paid for prior to departure. Most providers will allow you to insure just the deposit now and once you make the final payment towards the trip prior to departure, you can update the amount you insured with your existing policy at that time.
By MattG - October 14, 2019
Question
How long do I have to purchase insurance for my cruise? I already booked my cruise and paid my deposit. My cruise date is set for June 15th
By JohnC - March 7, 2020
Answer
You can purchase most comprehensive insurance policies up until the day before departure, however; you may not be eligible for some time sensitive benefits if you do not purchase within 10-21 days of the initial trip deposit/payment. Some time sensitive benefits are, but not limited to: Pre-Existing Condition Waiver, Financial Default, Terrorism, Cancel For Any Reason and Cancel For Work Reasons.
By Meghan - March 10, 2020
Question
We have booked an Alaskan Cruise in July. The flight to Vancouver arrives the night before the ship leaves. If the flight is cancelled or not available for some reason and we can not board on time, is our entire trip insured?
By George S - March 8, 2020
Answer
If your concern is having to cancel or interrupt your trip on the day of departure or after you have started traveling, Comprehensive travel insurance plans typically have coverage if there is a complete cessation of services of your airline for a certain number of hours for a covered reason such as inclement weather, strike, or mechanical breakdown. Coverage differs by provider and by plan, so you want to read your policy which will list all covered reasons for cancelling your trip as well as any coverage exclusions. When insuring your trip, you would want to make sure that you are insuring all pre-paid non-refundable trip costs as well as from when you leave your home, until you plan to return home. Please note, as Coronavirus is now a known event and no longer considered unforeseen, flight cancellations due to this reason would not be covered on a standard comprehensive plan. It may be a good idea to check and see what types of cancellation policies your travel suppliers are offering in the event that flights/cruises are cancelled.
By Meghan - March 12, 2020
Question
What if the cruise ships is going to multiple places? What do I put for the destination?
By JaylaS - March 9, 2020
Answer
Please enter the first international port of arrival as your destination. For instance, if you're boarding your cruise in Florida and your first port is Nassau, Bahamas, you will want to enter the Bahamas as your destination.
By Meghan - March 11, 2020
Question
Can I cancel my cruise and get a refund if my doctor writes a note saying I am not medically approved for travel? Too ill to travel? Also, can my companion that was scheduled to travel with me be included in the refund?
By LisaH - March 10, 2020
Answer
The number one covered reason for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption is the unforeseen illness or injury of you or a traveling companion that deems you unfit to travel, by order of a licensed physician; or the unforeseen hospitalization or death of a family member. To see all of the covered reasons to cancel or interrupt your trip, please click on the dollar amount that appears under the words "Trip Cancellation" when viewing a quote. Trip Cancellation reimburses 100%.
By MattG - March 16, 2020
Question
Is Airfare covered if you have to cancel for a covered reason?
By StephanieL - April 10, 2020
Answer
If you included your airfare in your total insured trip cost and it is prepaid and non-refundable, it may be covered if you are cancelling your trip due to a covered reason. The travel insurance company providing coverage will make all final determinations as to what is or is not covered at the time of a claim.
By Meghan - April 21, 2020
Question
My wife and I have an Iceland cruise booked on Seabourn for July 2021. We made a deposit of $8,500 (refundable until 120 days before sailing), and the total trip cost for both of us is about $40,000 for the penthouse suite. If history holds true, that cost will adjust downward to $30,000 six to eight month before the cruise. Is there a way to just insure our deposit now (especially for financial default of Carnival Seabourn), and then increase the amount to cover the entire cruise once the fare adjusts to its final pricing? I don't want to pay a premium that covers more than we anticipate paying for the cruise, and I especially don't want to pay such a high premium for a cruise that we might cancel depending on Covid conditions 120 days out. Thanks.
By DavidH - April 30, 2020
Answer
Yes, with most plans you can insure the cost of your deposit now and then insure subsequent payments as you make them. Some plans do have time sensitive benefits, such as a pre-existing condition waiver and/or optional Cancel For Any Reason protection, that (among other eligibility requirements) require you to insure your trip within 10-21 days after making your first payment or deposit. If you are reviewing plans that have time sensitive benefits, it is important to read the full policy details as they will list all eligibility requirements. As you make future payments toward your trip, it is important to then insure that additional amount right away, within 10-21 days after making that payment, so that you don't risk becoming ineligible for any time sensitive benefits that may be on your plan. When talking about coverage for COVID-19, and potentially having to cancel your trip because you don't feel comfortable traveling, you would want to look at a plan that offers optional Cancel For Any Reason protection. Standard comprehensive travel insurance plans don't cover fear of travel. There are some eligibility requirements for Cancel For Any Reason protection, such as insuring 100% of pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs, purchasing your coverage within 10-21 days after making your initial trip payment (and insuring subsequent payments within 10-21 days after making them), and you must cancel your trip no less than 2 days prior to departure. Cancel For Any Reason can reimburse a portion, typically up to 50%-75%, of your trip cost depending on the plan purchased. A policy with Cancel For Any Reason can cost an additional 40%-60% more than a standard policy, is not available in all states, and eligibility requirements may differ by company. If you are looking at different plans and have questions, please call our Customer Care department at 800-487-4722 to speak with a licensed travel insurance representative.
By Meghan - April 30, 2020
Question
I had to rebook canceled cruises. Will my coverage switch dates automatically or should I report each to you?
By Janet - May 21, 2020
Answer
The dates on your policy will not change automatically. You will need to contact our Customer Care department at 800-487-4722 with the updated information (please have your email address, order and/or policy number available so that we can find your information in our system). We will contact the insurance company to make sure the updates are made on their end as well.
By Meghan - May 21, 2020
Question
We have 5 cruises booked for 2022, Is there a yearly plan we can purchase?
By SusanE - December 16, 2021
Answer
We do provide annual medical policies for trips that take place outside of your home country. Typically, the trips cannot be longer than 70 days per trip with most plans. To obtain a quote, please fill out the quote form with your very first trip's details and once you arrive on the results page, please click on the button labeled “medical” on the bottom left and view our plans that are labeled “multi trip". Our multi-trip medical plans provide both medical and medical evacuation coverage. If you were interested in trip cancellation and other travel protection benefits, that coverage has to be purchased on a per trip basis.
By MattG - December 20, 2021
Question
My wife has a preexisting. If she were to become ill a week before the cruise date and we have to cancel is there any insurance that would reimburse partial or cost of the trip?
By Randall H - August 23, 2022
Answer
Most Comprehensive Plans will offer a waiver of pre-existing conditions if you meet the following conditions: You purchase the policy within 10 - 21 days of making your first trip payment; insure ALL prepaid non-refundable expenses prior to your departure date; and be medically fit to travel the day you purchase the policy. Please fill out the quote form on our home page, www.insuremytrip.com with your trip details to obtain a quote. If you are interested in trip cancellation and other travel protection benefits, please click on the “Comprehensive” button on the left when you arrive on the results page, then the pre-existing conditions waiver filter below that. If you like, you can also call us at 800 487 4722 and any customer care representative will be happy to assist you with finding a policy over the telephone.
By MattG - August 23, 2022
Question
We will be doing a 12 day British Isle cruise staying in London for several days before and then flying to Munich to stay after.....do I need separate trip insurance for the cruise or can both cruise and land be covered together?
By Linda - February 3, 2023
Answer
You can cover your entire trip away from home with one policy. You are not required to obtain separate policies for each segment of your trip. Please fill out the quote form on our home page, www.insuremytrip.com with your trip details to obtain a quote. If you are interested in trip cancellation and other travel protection benefits, please click on the “Comprehensive” filter on the left when you arrive on the results page. If you like, you can also call us at 800 487 4722 and any customer care representative will be happy to assist you with finding a policy over the telephone.
By MattG - February 4, 2023
Question
Have just booked a cruise within the United States and have Medicare. Is there insurance that covers cruise and air without medical?
By Richard - August 3, 2023
Answer
Unfortunately, we do not have policies that just include trip cancellation coverage. We have comprehensive policies that include these benefits. These plans provide coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip interruption, Baggage loss, Medical, Dental, Emergency Evacuation, 24 Hour Traveler Assistance, Baggage Delay, Travel Delay, and some also offer coverage for Accidental Death. The medical coverage would essentially act as secondary to whatever your existing insurance will not cover you for, up to the policy limit.
By MattG - August 5, 2023
Question
I am going on a cruise in October. I have separately booked two connecting rooms, one for my wife and one child and one for myself and another child. (Royal Caribbean would not let me book two minor children alone in a room.) Can I buy insurance for all 4 of us on the same policy at the same time even though there are two different booking numbers?
By John - August 5, 2023
Answer
Yes, you can all be listed on the same policy together as long as you live in the same state and travel on the same dates. You are not required to be booked in the same room or have the same booking number to be able to be listed together on a policy.
By MattG - August 5, 2023
Question
I put a down payment on a cruise for February. Full payment is due in November. Can I still get full coverage for this trip? Do you offer yearly plans also?
By Paula - August 15, 2023
Answer
You can purchase most policies up until the day before departure, however; you may not be eligible for some time sensitive benefits if you do not purchase within 10-21 days of the initial trip deposit/payment. Some time sensitive benefits are, but not limited to: Pre-Existing Condition Waiver, Financial Default, Terrorism, Cancel For Any Reason and Cancel For Work Reasons. We do provide annual medical policies for trips that take place outside of your home country. Typically, the trips cannot be longer than 70 days per trip with most plans. Our multi-trip medical plans provide both medical and medical evacuation coverage. The comprehensive policies have to be purchased on a per trip basis.
By MattG - August 17, 2023
Question
We're doing a trip to Alaska that will have a land component (self-planned) and a cruise. Will a single insurance policy cover both? Or should i separate the two portions of our trip?
By Deepti - May 21, 2024
Answer
Yes, you only need to obtain one policy to cover your entire trip away from home. You can insure all prepaid non-refundable travel arrangements paid for prior to departure with one policy, including the land and cruise portion of the trip.
By MatthewG - June 1, 2024
Question
We have paid a deposit on a cruise for May, 2025 and are buying the cruise insurance now in order to get the pre-existing coverage. However, the flight portion will not be booked for two more months. Are we able to add that to our insurance we are purchasing now or do we need to purchase a separate policy?
By Shelia - May 28, 2024
Answer
You can insure what you have paid for to date and any known costs, and once you make subsequent payments towards the trip prior to departure, you can contact us and update your existing policy accordingly. So when you book airfare or any other travel arrangements for this trip, please contact us so the policy can be updated at that time.
By MatthewG - June 1, 2024