Cruise Travel Insurance: Is It Really Necessary?

You’ve just booked your dream cruise vacation with Culture Discovery Cruises, and you can’t wait to set sail. But before you do, there’s one more decision to make: should you purchase cruise travel insurance? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of getting cruise travel insurance, the best brands to consider, and how to choose the right policy for your needs.

The Importance of Cruise Travel Insurance

Cruise travel insurance is a specialized type of insurance that covers you for potential mishaps and unexpected events that may occur during your cruise vacation. It can provide coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, and more.

Imagine this scenario: you’re on your way to your departure port when you suddenly fall ill and need to seek medical attention. Unfortunately, this means you’ll have to cancel your cruise. Without cruise travel insurance, you could be left footing the bill for the entire cost of your vacation. With the right policy, however, you could be reimbursed for your non-refundable expenses.

So, is cruise travel insurance worth it? Let’s dive into the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

To Insure or Not to Insure?  That is the Question.

When people ask if I personally think it is worth it, my answer is always to say “It depends on your personal risk tolerance”. There are a few questions I believe people need to ask themselves:

1. Look at the total cost of your trip.  Can you afford to lose that without feeling a pinch?  If not, cruise travel insurance is probably a really good idea.
2. How is your health and that of others traveling with you?  If question #1 caused you to say you don;t need cruise travel insurance, and your answer this question #2 is that you are young and in top physical condition, then maybe it is a worthwhile risk to not get the insurance.

Some Stories of Caution:

I don’t want to beat a dead horse here, but we have personal experience, and we own a tour company overseas. So we have many examples of people that really needed travel insurance but opted out.  Here are just a few:

• Pandemics:  When Covid-19 hit the world, we had countless people suddenly need to cancel their travel plans.  Those that had insurance were taken care of easily.  Those that did not either had to postpone their trips or lose their entire investment.
• Emergency Medical Flights: My own mother was on a cruise when she suddenly fell ill and was hospitalized on a Caribbean island.  There were heart complications such that she needed to be flown home.  The emergency flight was nearly $100,000.  Fortunately, she had insurance that took care of it.  We have seen this with other guests of ours that had to be flown home on private medical transport from Europe with significantly higher costs.
• Natural Disasters: We have seen it happen where people simply could not get to where they are going and had to cancel last minute without a refund.  We remember the month that no flights could get to Europe because of a volcano eruption, or when an earthquake caused that airport to be closed, or when that hurricane hit and there was no way to travel.  These things happen.

Pros and Cons of Getting Cruise Travel Insurance

Pros:

1. Medical coverage: If you or a family member experiences a medical emergency while on your cruise, travel insurance can help cover the costs of treatment, hospitalization, or even medical evacuation if necessary. This is particularly important when traveling internationally, as your domestic health insurance may not provide coverage abroad.

2. Trip cancellation and interruption: Cruise travel insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to a covered reason, such as illness, injury, or a family emergency.

3. Baggage protection: If your luggage is lost, damaged, or delayed, cruise travel insurance can help you recover the costs of replacing or repairing your belongings.

4. Travel assistance services: Many policies offer 24/7 assistance, including help with rebooking flights, arranging medical transportation, or providing emergency cash advances.

Cons:

1. Cost: Cruise travel insurance can add to the overall cost of your vacation. Depending on your policy and coverage, it could cost anywhere from 4% to 10% of your total trip expenses.

2. Exclusions and limitations: Some policies may have specific exclusions or limitations, such as pre-existing medical conditions, high-risk activities, or certain destinations.

3. Overlapping coverage: You may already have some coverage through your credit card, homeowners insurance, or existing health insurance, so it’s important to review these policies before purchasing additional coverage.

After weighing the pros and cons, you might decide that cruise travel insurance is worth the investment. But how do you choose the right policy and provider? Let’s explore some of the best cruise travel insurance brands and what to consider when making your decision.

Is it Better to Get the Insurance Offered by the Cruise Line, or Get It Separately?

When planning your cruise vacation, the question of whether to purchase travel insurance through the cruise line or get it separately from a third-party provider is a common dilemma. Both options have their pros and cons, and the best choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Let’s take a closer look at each option to help you make an informed decision.

Cruise Line Insurance

Pros:

1. Convenience: Purchasing insurance through the cruise line is often the most convenient option, as it can be easily added to your booking during the reservation process, and simply added on immediately after.
2. Integration: Since the insurance is offered by the cruise line, they may be more familiar with handling claims and coordinating assistance in case of any issues during your trip.  If you used a travel professional like Culture Discovery for both the cruise and the insurance, this is not an issue.

Cons:

1. Limited options: Cruise line insurance typically offers limited policy options, which may not be customizable to suit your specific needs.
2. Cost: Insurance offered by cruise lines are usually more expensive than third-party policies and has lower coverage.
3. Coverage limitations: Cruise line insurance generally has more exclusions and limitations compared to third-party policies, such as restrictions on pre-existing conditions or coverage for non-cruise-related portions of your trip (e.g., flights or hotel stays).

Third-Party Insurance

Pros:

1. Greater flexibility: Third-party providers offer a wider range of policy options and coverage levels, allowing you to tailor your insurance to your specific needs.
2. Cost savings: In most cases, third-party insurance policies can provide better coverage at a lower cost compared to cruise line insurance.
3. Comprehensive coverage: Third-party policies often include coverage for all aspects of your trip, not just the cruise portion, giving you more comprehensive protection.

Cons:

1. Less integration: Since third-party providers are not directly affiliated with the cruise line, there may be less coordination in case of a claim or assistance request during your trip.  However, if you plan your cruise and insurance with an agency like Culture Discovery, that integration will be there since we have access to both resources and will help on your behalf.

Best Cruise Travel Insurance Brands

When it comes to cruise travel insurance, there are several reputable providers to choose from. Here are some of the best brands to consider:

• Allianz Global Assistance: A well-known travel insurance provider, Allianz offers a variety of plans to suit different needs and budgets. Their coverage options include medical, trip cancellation, and baggage protection.

• Travel Guard: With a range of customizable plans, Travel Guard is a popular choice for cruise travelers. They offer comprehensive coverage, including medical, trip cancellation, and baggage protection, as well as 24/7 assistance services.

• Travelex: Travelex is another top provider, offering flexible and comprehensive cruise travel insurance policies. Their plans include medical, trip cancellation, and baggage protection, as well as additional optional coverages like “Cancel for Any Reason” and “Cancel for Work Reasons.”

• Generali Global Assistance: Known for their excellent customer service, Generali offers comprehensive cruise travel insurance plans that include medical, trip cancellation, and baggage protection. They also provide 24/7 emergency assistance services.

Now that we’ve covered some of the best cruise travel insurance brands, let’s discuss how to choose the right policy for your needs.

How to Choose the Right Cruise Travel Insurance

When selecting a cruise travel insurance policy, consider the following factors:

1. Coverage needs: Determine the types of coverage you need based on your specific trip and personal circumstances. This may include medical, trip cancellation, baggage protection, or additional coverages like “Cancel for Any Reason.”

2. Policy cost: Compare the costs of different policies and providers. Keep in mind that more comprehensive coverage will generally be more expensive. However, it’s important to find a balance between affordability and adequate protection.

3. Exclusions and limitations: Review the policy’s terms and conditions to understand any exclusions or limitations that may apply. This is particularly important if you have pre-existing medical conditions or plan to participate in high-risk activities.

4. Customer reviews: Research customer reviews and ratings to get an idea of the provider’s reputation and customer service.

5. Travel assistance services: Consider whether the policy includes 24/7 assistance services, which can be invaluable in case of an emergency during your trip.

As a travel agency specializing in cruises, Culture Discovery Cruises can help you find the best coverage and rates available. While we have relationships with the other insurance companies, our absolute preference is Allianz.  When it is all said and done, they have some of the most competitive rates, and best coverage. To get started, simply check for a quote.

In conclusion, cruise travel insurance can provide valuable protection and peace of mind during your vacation. By carefully considering the pros and cons, evaluating your coverage needs, and comparing the best brands, you can make an informed decision about whether cruise travel insurance is worth it for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Travel Insurance