As the world starts to open up after the pandemic, the cruise industry is gearing up for a resurgence in 2024. With more and more people eager to set sail on luxury liners, it’s crucial to have the right travel insurance in place. Cruise vacations can be expensive investments, and unforeseen circumstances like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage can quickly turn your dream voyage into a nightmare.
That’s where cruise travel insurance comes into play, providing a safety net and peace of mind for your hard-earned holiday. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 5 domestic cruise travel insurance options for 2024, their costs, coverage, and how to choose the best plan for your needs.
Best Travel Insurance for Cruises for 2024
- Heymondo Premium
- IATI Standard
- IATI Star
- Oasis Insurance
- Post Office Insurance
How Much Does Cruise Insurance Cost?
The cost of cruise travel insurance can vary depending on several factors, including the length of your cruise, your age, the level of coverage you require, and the insurance provider. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from 4% to 10% of your total trip cost for a comprehensive cruise insurance policy.
Here’s a rough breakdown of typical costs:
- Short Cruises (3-5 days): £20 – £50 per person
- Week-long Cruises: £40 – £100 per person
- Extended Cruises (10+ days): £80 – £200 per person
It’s important to note that while cruise insurance may seem like an additional expense, it can potentially save you thousands of pounds in the event of trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances.
What Benefits Does the Best Travel Insurance for Cruises Include?
The best cruise travel insurance policies typically offer a comprehensive range of benefits, including:
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: Reimbursement for non-refundable expenses if your cruise is canceled or interrupted due to covered reasons.
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and evacuation while on your cruise.
- Baggage Loss/Delay: Reimbursement for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage.
- Travel Delay Coverage: Compensation for additional expenses incurred due to travel delays, such as accommodation and meals.
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance: Access to a dedicated helpline for support and guidance during emergencies.
Additionally, some policies may offer optional add-ons like cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) coverage, which allows you to cancel your cruise for reasons not covered by standard policies.
Comparison of the best insurance for cruises
To help you make an informed decision, here’s a comparison of the top cruise travel insurance options for 2024:
| Policy | Best For | Key Features | Limitations |
| Heymondo Premium | Digital Nomads | – Adventure sports coverage<br>- Long-term travel (up to 18 months)<br>- COVID-19 coverage | – Limited pre-existing condition coverage<br>- High excess fees |
| IATI Standard | Solo Travelers & Couples | – Affordable individual/couple plans<br>- 24/7 emergency assistance<br>- Lost passport coverage | – Limited pre-existing condition coverage<br>- High excess fees |
| IATI Star | Families | – Family plans with child coverage<br>- Emergency evacuation<br>- Lost document coverage | – Limited pre-existing condition coverage<br>- High excess fees |
| Oasis Insurance | Short Cruises | – Budget-friendly for 3-7 day cruises<br>- Medical/evacuation coverage<br>- Baggage protection | – Limited trip cancellation coverage<br>- High excess fees |
| Post Office Insurance | Adventure Travelers | – Covers adventure activities<br>- Emergency medical/evacuation<br>- Travel delay coverage | – Limited pre-existing condition coverage<br>- High excess fees |
Heymondo Premium: the best for digital nomads
Key Features:
- Comprehensive coverage for adventure sports and activities
- Electronic equipment coverage (laptops, cameras, etc.)
- Long-term travel coverage for up to 18 months
- COVID-19 coverage included
Pros:
- Ideal for digital nomads and remote workers
- Competitive pricing for long-term travel
- Covers a wide range of adventure activities
Cons:
- Limited coverage for pre-existing medical conditions
- Excess fees can be high for certain claims
IATI Standard: the best for solo travellers and couples
Key Features:
- Affordable premiums for individual and couple plans
- Comprehensive medical coverage, including emergency evacuation
- Coverage for lost or stolen passports and travel documents
Pros:
- Budget-friendly option for solo travellers and couples
- Flexible coverage options, including annual multi-trip plans
- 24/7 emergency assistance hotline
Cons:
- Limited coverage for pre-existing medical conditions
- Excess fees can be relatively high for certain claims
IATI Star: the best for families with children
Key Features:
- Affordable family plans, including coverage for children under 18
- Comprehensive medical coverage, including emergency evacuation
- Coverage for lost or stolen passports and travel documents
Pros:
- Budget-friendly option for families
- Flexible coverage options, including annual multi-trip plans
- 24/7 emergency assistance hotline
Cons:
- Limited coverage for pre-existing medical conditions
- Excess fees can be relatively high for certain claims
Oasis Insurance: the best for short cruises
Key Features:
- Affordable coverage for short cruises (3-7 days)
- Medical expenses and emergency evacuation coverage
- Baggage loss/delay protection
Pros:
- Budget-friendly option for short cruises
- Simple, straightforward coverage options
- Quick and easy claim process
Cons:
- Limited coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions
- Excess fees can be relatively high for certain claims
Post Office Insurance: the best for adventure travellers
Key Features:
- Comprehensive coverage for adventure sports and activities
- Emergency medical and evacuation coverage
- Baggage loss/delay and travel delay protection
Pros:
- Ideal for adventure travellers and thrill-seekers
- Competitive pricing for adventure-focused coverage
- Covers a wide range of adventure activities
Cons:
- Limited coverage for pre-existing medical conditions
- Excess fees can be high for certain claims
Is it compulsory to take out cruise travel insurance?
While cruise travel insurance is not legally mandatory, it is highly recommended. Cruise lines often require passengers to have adequate medical coverage and emergency evacuation insurance as a condition of boarding. Additionally, the potential costs of medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost baggage can be staggering without proper insurance coverage.
Key cruise travel insurance coverage
When selecting a cruise travel insurance policy, it’s essential to understand the key coverage areas:
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption: This covers non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel or cut your cruise short due to covered reasons like illness, injury, or death.
- Medical Expenses: This covers the cost of emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and evacuation while on your cruise.
- Baggage Loss/Delay: This reimburses you for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage during your cruise.
- Travel Delay: This covers additional expenses like accommodation and meals if your cruise is delayed due to covered reasons.
- Emergency Assistance: Most policies provide 24/7 access to a dedicated helpline for support and guidance during emergencies.
How much does cruise travel insurance cost?
The cost of cruise travel insurance can vary depending on several factors, including the length of your cruise, your age, the level of coverage you require, and the insurance provider. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from 4% to 10% of your total trip cost for a comprehensive cruise insurance policy.
Here’s a rough breakdown of typical costs:
- Short Cruises (3-5 days): £20 – £50 per person
- Week-long Cruises: £40 – £100 per person
- Extended Cruises (10+ days): £80 – £200 per person
It’s important to note that while cruise insurance may seem like an additional expense, it can potentially save you thousands of pounds in the event of trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances.
How to take out cruise insurance
Taking out cruise travel insurance is a straightforward process:
- Determine your coverage needs: Assess your travel plans, activities, and potential risks to determine the level of coverage you require.
- Compare policies and providers: Research different insurance providers and policies, comparing coverage, exclusions, and pricing.
- Provide trip details: When you’ve chosen a policy, you’ll need to provide details about your cruise, travel dates, and travellers.
- Purchase the policy: Once you’ve reviewed the policy details and pricing, you can proceed with purchasing the insurance online or through a travel agent.
- Review the policy documents: Carefully review the policy documents, coverage details, and any exclusions or limitations.
It’s recommended to purchase cruise travel insurance as soon as you book your cruise, as some policies may provide additional benefits or coverage if purchased within a certain timeframe.
Are cruise ships safe?
While cruise ships are generally safe and well-regulated, incidents can still occur. Here are some key safety considerations:
- Medical Facilities: Most large cruise ships have basic medical facilities and staff on board, but serious emergencies may require evacuation to a shoreside hospital.
- Onboard Illnesses: Norovirus and other contagious illnesses can spread quickly in close quarters. Proper hygiene and reporting any symptoms is crucial.
FAQs
Is Allianz travel insurance good?
Allianz Travel can be a solid choice if you’re looking to purchase travel insurance.
Can travel insurance cover a cruise?
Credit card travel insurance usually covers cruise trips and the travel you book to and from your port of call
Can I add travel insurance to my cruise?
You can purchase cruise insurance through your cruise line
Conclusion
As the excitement for cruise vacations builds in 2024, it’s essential to prioritize protection alongside your travel plans. Cruise travel insurance offers a vital safety net, safeguarding your investment and providing invaluable peace of mind. From comprehensive coverage for digital nomads and adventure seekers to budget-friendly options for families and short getaways, there’s a policy tailored to every traveler’s needs.
By carefully considering factors like trip length, activities, and coverage requirements, you can select the best cruise insurance to suit your unique circumstances. Embark on your next voyage with confidence, knowing that unexpected hurdles can be navigated with the right policy in place. Safe and happy cruising awaits in 2024!
