Key Features to Look for in Cruise Travel Insurance:
- Medical Coverage: Ensure high enough limits to cover potential onboard or overseas treatments.
- Cancellation Coverage: Protection against unforeseen events that might cause you to cancel your trip.
- Baggage and Personal Belongings: Coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
- Missed Departure: If you miss the ship’s departure due to unforeseen circumstances.
- End Supplier Failure: In case the cruise line goes bankrupt or fails to provide the promised service.
Top Travel Insurance Providers for Cruises in the UK:
- Staysure:
- Overview: Staysure is a well-known provider in the UK, especially for its coverage for older travelers.
- Pros: Comprehensive coverage options, no upper age limit, and coverage for many pre-existing medical conditions.
- Cons: Might be pricier than other options.
- Cost: Varies based on the specifics of the trip and the traveler.
- InsureandGo:
- Overview: InsureandGo offers a range of travel insurance policies, including specific ones for cruises.
- Pros: Coverage for missed port departure, cabin confinement, and unused excursions. They also offer coverage for kids for free.
- Cons: Some restrictions based on age and pre-existing conditions.
- Cost: Varies based on policy details.
- Saga:
- Overview: Saga specializes in insurance for those over 50 and offers a range of travel insurance options.
- Pros: High medical coverage limits, coverage for many pre-existing conditions, and no upper age limit.
- Cons: Exclusively for those over 50.
- Cost: Depends on the specifics of the trip and traveler.
- Columbus Direct:
- Overview: Columbus Direct has been a staple in the UK travel insurance market for years.
- Pros: Offers a specific cruise cover add-on, which includes missed port, cabin confinement, and itinerary change benefits.
- Cons: Some age and medical condition restrictions might apply.
- Cost: Varies based on policy and add-ons chosen.
- LV= (Liverpool Victoria):
- Overview: LV= is a well-established insurance provider in the UK with a range of insurance products.
- Pros: Offers cruise-specific coverage, including missed port and cabin confinement. Known for good customer service.
- Cons: Might have some age and medical condition restrictions.
- Cost: Depends on the specifics of the trip and traveler
Cruise holiday insurance policies differ among providers, but they generally cover:
- Cruise Cancellation or Curtailment: Compensation if unforeseen events, like a close relative’s death or redundancy, disrupt your trip.
- Missed Departure: Coverage if issues like car breakdowns or strikes prevent you from boarding on time.
- Cruise Interruption: If illness necessitates treatment ashore, you can claim travel expenses to the next port.
- Cabin Confinement: Compensation if the ship’s doctor confines you due to sickness.
- Unused Excursions Protection: Refunds if you miss pre-booked excursions due to injury or illness.
- Missed Port Cover: Compensation if bad weather or scheduling issues cancel a planned stop.
- Personal Baggage: Coverage for lost or stolen luggage and its contents.
- Emergency Medical Treatment: Including helicopter transfers, hospital fees, and repatriation.
- Support from Friends or Relatives: Coverage for someone to stay with or fly out to you during treatment.
It’s crucial to ensure your insurance meets the cruise line’s minimum requirements, especially regarding COVID-19. When considering coronavirus coverage, check for:
- Cancellation: If COVID-19 or self-isolation affects your departure.
- Curtailment: If the virus impacts a relative, necessitating an early return.
- Medical Costs: If you contract the virus while traveling.
For those with pre-existing conditions, honesty with providers is vital. Some specialized providers can offer quotes for severe conditions.
Choosing the Right Cover:
Ensure your insurance covers the trip’s duration, visited places, and activities. While cruise insurance includes standard travel protections, it also offers specific cruise-related benefits. When comparing, consider:
- Destination: Countries with pricier healthcare, like the USA or Spain, might increase insurance costs.
- Luggage: Cruises might entail more baggage, especially elegant attire. Ensure adequate coverage.
- Activities: Some excursions involve water or extreme sports. Check if your policy covers these or if you need additional protection.
Why Cruise Travel Insurance is Different:
- Isolated Medical Facilities: Onboard medical facilities might not be as comprehensive as those on land.
- Evacuation Costs: Medical evacuations from a ship can be expensive.
- Missed Port Coverage: Compensation for missed ports due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Cabin Confinement: Compensation if you’re confined to your cabin due to illness.