10 Essential Tips for Choosing Cruise Travel Insurance
Understand Why You Need Cruise Travel Insurance
Usually, cruise lines call for travel insurance. Medical treatment onboard is costly; your health insurance might not cover you at sea. Upwards of $100,000 can go toward evacuations. Strict cancellation rules for cruise lines could cause a loss of thousands of dollars. Your safety against these financial hazards is travel insurance. Emphasizing its need, the US State Department advises evacuation insurance.
Know What Cruise Insurance Covers
Cruise insurance covers trip cancellals and interruptions (sickness, family emergencies, medical expenditures, evacuations, lost or delayed luggage, and missing connections). Specific plans include "cabin confinement" reimbursement should illness limit you to your cabin. Others provide coverage for itinerary changes in case of missed ports. Among these policies are financial default of the cruise line and resolution of identity theft. Search for coverage on hurricanes and other storms.
Check for COVID-19 Coverage
Verify that your policy covers required quarantines, cancellous or interruptions resulting from a COVID-19 diagnosis, and medical treatment for COVID-19 while on vacation. Specific insurance provides extra trip delay coverage for costs connected to quarantine.
Consider 'Cancel for Any Reason' (CFAR)
Typically 50%- 75%, CFAR offers the flexibility to cancel for any reason—fear of travel, altered plans, etc.—and reimburse some non-refundable trip expenses. Usually, CFAR has to be bought fourteen days before the first travel deposit. Know deadlines and restrictions on refundable policies.
Evaluate Medical and Evacuation Coverage
Typical cruise travel insurance usually offers only minimal medical coverage. Search for insurance that includes at least $250,000 for medical evacuations and $100,000 in medical coverage. Higher limits are advised for international cruises since location significantly affects medical evacuation expenses. While evacuations can reach $100,000+ abroad, an essential evacuation can cost $20,000 or more.
Check Baggage and Personal Belongings Coverage
More bags are usually involved on cruises than on other travels. Make sure that lost, damaged, or delayed baggage gets enough coverage. Note restrictions for pricey goods (electronics, jewels) and, if necessary, consider further coverage. Some policies provide a set daily allowance for unrecorded baggage delays without receipts.
Assess Trip Delay and Missed Connection Coverage
You may miss embarkation from missed connections. Search for policies addressing airline delays, missing connections, and charges to get back on the ship. Specific plans pay you back for pre-paid trips missed by delays.
Consider Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Many policies cover pre-existing conditions if bought within 14 to 21 days of your first trip payment. Ensure you know the policy's definition of "pre-existing" and its look-back time. Seniors especially need a pre-existing condition waiver.
Compare Cruise Line Insurance vs. Third-Party Insurance
Although cruise line insurance can be handy, it often offers limited coverage, particularly for medical expenditures and evacuation. At reasonable rates, third-party insurance usually provides more coverage and significant limits. While third-party insurance covers all travel expenses—flights, hotels, excursions—cruise line insurance may only cover the cruise ticket.
Compare and Shop Around
Use internet comparison tools to compare several policies side-by-side. Consider elements, including coverage restrictions, deductibles, exclusions, and premium rates. Purchase the least expensive policy, but be sure it satisfies your needs by carefully reading the fine print. Review consumer comments on claims handling. View AM Best ratings to learn the insurance company's financial situation.
| Provider | Plan Name | Trip Cancellation | Trip Interruption | Trip Delay | Medical Expenses | Medical Evacuation | Baggage Loss | Baggage Delay | Missed Connection | Pre-Existing Conditions Waiver | Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) | Specific Cruise Coverage | 24/7 Assistance | Other Notable Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travelex | Essential | 100% of trip cost ($10,000 max) | 100% of trip cost ($10,000 max) | $600 ($200/day max) | $25,000 | $200,000 | $750 ($500/item limit) | $200 | $150 | Purchased within 21 days & full trip cost insured | No | Missed connection coverage if the delay is caused by a common carrier. | Yes | Six optional upgrades available, including adventure activities and rental car damage. |
| Travelex | Advantage | 100% of trip cost ($10,000 max) | 125% of trip cost ($12,500 max) | $1,000 ($250/day max) | $50,000 | $250,000 | $1,000 ($500/item limit) | $200 | $500 | No | No | Missed connection coverage if the delay is caused by a common carrier. | Yes | Six optional upgrades available, including adventure activities and rental car damage. |
| Travelex | Ultimate | 100% of trip cost ($50,000 max) | 150% of trip cost ($75,000 max) | $2,000 ($250/day max) | $250,000 (*$50,000 for NH residents) | $1,000,000 | $2,000 ($500/item limit) | $500 | $750 | Purchased within 21 days & full trip cost insured | 75% of insured trip cost (up to $7,500) | Trip inconvenience: $600 | Yes | Kids-included pricing |
| Travelex | Travel Med Go | Not Included | $1,000 max | $500 | $50,000 | $250,000 | $1,000 ($500/item limit) | $500 | $300 | No | No | Missed connection coverage if the delay is caused by a common carrier. | Yes | Seven optional upgrades available, including adventure activities, rental car damage, and additional medical. |
| Travelex | Flight Insure Plus | Not Included | 100% of insured trip cost (up to $10,000) | Not Included | $10,000 | $100,000 | $1,000 ($250/item limit) | $500 | $50 | No | No | Missed connection coverage if the delay is caused by a common carrier. | Yes | Accidental Death for Air Travel: Up to $1 million |
| Travelex | Flight Insure | Not Included | Not Included | Not Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not applicable | No | No specific cruise coverage | Yes | Accidental Death for Air Travel: Up to $1 million |
| Holland America Line | Standard / Platinum | Up to 80%/90% of trip cost, cancel for any reason | Not Included / Up to 150% of total cruise vacation cost | Not Included / Up to $500 | Not Included / Up to $20,000 | Not Included / Up to $75,000 | $500*/$1,000* (In addition to HAL's baggage liability) | Not Included / Up to $500* | If you miss your cruise departure due to a delay on a cruise line-booked flight, Holland America will help you get to the ship at another port. | No exclusions for either plan | Included in both plans - Up to 24 hrs prior to departure / Any time prior to departure | Covers cancellations due to missed connections from Holland America Line booked flights and some medical situations. | Not Included / 24/7 | Same price for all ages |
| Allianz Global Assistance (Example) | OneTrip Prime | Up to $100,000 | Up to $150,000 | Up to $800 ($100/person/day without receipts option) | $50,000 | $500,000 | $1,000 | $300 ($100/person/day without receipts option) | $500 | Available, conditions apply | Available, 80% cash back | Missed connection coverage for cruises is available. | Yes, including concierge | Kids 17 and under free (some restrictions) |
