Many cruisers may not consider the need for cruise insurance when booking their holiday, but we know just how important it is to ensure you have the proper cover in place before setting off on your cruise! While it may seem like just another cost, cruise insurance is a vital precaution, and in this guide, we’ll cover why it is so important and answer all your pressing questions.

Why is Cruise Insurance So Important?

Just as it’s important to get car or pet insurance, it’s really important to get cruise insurance to make your experience the fun and carefree escape you’re looking for.

Cruising is designed to be a relaxing and an eye-opening experience, whether it be on a short break or fun-filled family holiday. But in rare instances, incidents can happen that guests need to be protected against. This is where cruise insurance steps in – guests don’t have to pay the price for errors or accidents, but simply let their insurance provider take care of the situation.

But what does cruise insurance cover? Here is our quick list of what guests are protected for:

  • Missed departure: Whether it’s due to a car breakdown, train cancellation, or airport delay, cruise insurance covers you when you miss your ship.
  • Cruise interruption: For when you need medical treatment on land, cruise insurance covers the expenses.
  • Missed port: A change in itinerary might mean the ship skips your dream destination. If this happens, cruise insurance can help you get compensation for the experiences you missed out on.
  • Cabin confinement: Stuck in your room with an illness? Again, cruise insurance can be pivotal in helping you get the money back for your missed experience.
  • Pre-booked excursion missed: If you’re too ill to attend your pre-booked excursion, you can get your money back with cruise insurance.

How is Cruise Insurance Different From Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is a popular consideration for many holidaymakers, but are cruises covered under travel insurance? What exactly is the difference between this and cruise insurance?

Simply, cruise insurance is tailored to just that. While travel insurance generally covers delays, injuries, or losses, cruise insurance considers the unique circumstances of sea travel. For this reason, it will cover things that general travel insurance might not.

For example, if a guest experiences a change in itinerary that completely reroutes their cruise – perhaps resulting in a key port along a Mediterranean cruise being missed – cruise insurance is designed to offer cover for this. Travel insurance might not be specific enough to consider this a major incident worthy of cover, leaving guests unsupported.

How Much is Travel Insurance for a Cruise?

Cruise insurance can vary in cost depending on the tier of cover you require and the kind of cruise you are going on. It can be purchased for a single trip or as an annual policy that covers your year of sailing.

Prices may be higher than other holiday insurances, but it’s important that guests consider the alternative of not having insurance. In the event of injury, medical bills overseas can be very high, leaving guests out of pocket and, depending on the treatment needed, unable to complete the remainder of their cruise.

Changes in itinerary can cost guests thousands in lost opportunities. Without cruise insurance, there is nothing to protect guests from deviations from the experience they paid for months before, so the upfront cost prevents losses in the future.

What Isn’t Covered By Cruise Insurance?

Cruise insurance ensures that guests are as covered as possible for any incidents that may occur during their cruise; however, it is not exhaustive. There are certain items that are not covered by cruise insurance, and it’s important that these are recognised before departing for a cruising holiday.

Bad Weather

If you’re expecting Caribbean sun and are faced with a storm upon arrival, this is unfortunately not covered by cruise insurance. Rain, snow, high temperatures – anything that is considered out of the cruise line’s control in terms of weather cannot be covered by an insurance provider. 

Minor Itinerary Changes

Before setting off, a cruise line will plan its daily schedule and try to keep to it as much as possible. However, small adjustments to itineraries are sometimes necessary to avoid bad weather or accommodate issues in port, and these kinds of changes cannot be covered under cruise insurance. 

Only those changes that seriously deviate from what was advertised can be considered claimable. 

Undeclared Medical Conditions

When purchasing cruise insurance, you will likely be asked to declare all medical conditions you live with for the provider to generate their cover costs. If you do not declare a condition you have experienced in the past or are likely to experience during your cruise, your provider is not obligated to provide cover should you succumb to its symptoms. 

If you are uncomfortable answering direct or personal questions from an insurance provider, there are companies that will provide cover without invasive questioning for reasonable prices.

Discover Your Perfect Cruise Getaway with Bolsover Cruise Club

Get ready to book your next getaway with all of the major cruise lines available here at Bolsover Cruise Club. If you need help booking a cruise, please don’t hesitate to contact us. A member of our team will be happy to assist you.

Emma

Recent Posts

Guide to the Best World Cruises 2026 & 2027

A world cruise is the ultimate adventure: a sweeping journey that can span 100+ days,…

6 days ago

Make Norway Your Next Cruise Destination

Discover where to visit in Norway, from UNESCO sites to trendy cities, when is the…

6 days ago

Princess Cruises Enhances Mediterranean Itineraries for Summer 2026 & 2027

Princess Cruises has announced updates to its Western Mediterranean itineraries.

7 days ago

When is the Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean? Your Ultimate Guide

When dreaming about your ideal Caribbean cruise, it’s often the picturesque locations and once-in-a-lifetime experiences…

7 days ago

When Is the Best Time to Book a Cruise?

Knowing when to book your cruise is important, as it can make a huge difference…

1 week ago

Princess Cruises Releases 2027 Canada and New England Sailings

Princess Cruises has unveiled its 2027 Canada and New England programme.

1 week ago

This website uses cookies.