Between the added cost, the hassle of deciphering plan coverage and simply wondering, “do I really need it,” cruise travel insurance can be a tricky topic. It’s a subject many vacationers have questions about, and rightly so as, choosing to opt into or out of a coverage plan is a literal gamble with your getaway on the water. And while we recommend working with a trusted travel advisor to ensure you fully understand the ins and outs of cruise travel insurance (and which plan — if any — is a good fit for you), we’ve answered a few common questions to help you get your bearings.
Do I Need Travel Insurance for a Cruise?
If you’re considering a vacation at sea, you might be wondering, “is cruise travel insurance worth it?” The truth is, that’s a question every individual needs to ask themself as the answer is different for everyone. While it’s always good to be prepared, one’s personal risk-level can vary greatly from one person to the next. From health complications and family emergencies to unexpected weather events and whatever else life decides to throw at us, when you’re booking a big trip far in advance it can be difficult to foresee what’s on the horizon, and cruise insurance is a lifesaver for just that: the unexpected. When considering travel insurance for a cruise, some vacationers might feel comfortable enough to risk going without, while others wouldn’t dare take the chance — at the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide what’s right for you.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover On a Cruise?
Sickness, career changes, flight delays, lost baggage, nasty weather, even mechanical problems with the ship … there are many situations where cruise insurance comes in handy. And, while there are an unlimited number of things that could go wrong on any vacation — not to be a negative Nellie — a few of the most common issues sailors encounter that are covered by cruise travel insurance include: missing an embarkation, medical emergencies and cancellations. So, when posed with the question “is cruise travel insurance worth it,” in these instances, the answer is absolutely!
Further breaking down the potential perks of cruise ship travel insurance, these plans can make it easier and faster getting back home in the case of an emergency. The company’s representatives specialize in arranging flights and other transportation needs for clients when they’re in a bind, and nothing comes as more of a relief than having a well-thought-out “escape plan” when worse comes to worse. Similarly, cruise travel insurance can help when dealing with medical costs that pop up when traveling outside the United States, it can also aid in footing the bill when dealing with financial discrepancies between travelers and travel brands.
What Isn’t Covered by Cruise Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance policies don’t cover everything, and the same can be said when it comes to cruise travel insurance. To avoid getting caught in a pickle, it’s always recommended vacationers review policies carefully, taking the time to read over the coverage description and clear up any questions they may have with the insurer before committing. While every policy is different, a few things that aren’t typically covered in cruise insurance policies include: disease outbreaks and CDC advisories, rainy or dreary weather — omitting hurricanes — changes to your cruise itinerary, travel for medical care like dental work or minor surgeries and, lastly, airline tickets purchased using frequent flyer miles or other reward programs.
How To Get Travel Insurance for a Cruise
When it comes to how and when to buy travel insurance for a cruise, there are a few ways to go about it. First, there’s the obvious option of turning directly to your cruise line of choice to take advantage of their travel protection packages as many offer and encourage their sailors to purchase it. Alternatively, you can work with a travel advisor for help selecting a reputable third-party provider as their knowledge of the industry’s various travel insurance companies and policies is invaluable.
Regarding when to purchase travel insurance for a cruise, you can technically wait as long as up to 24 hours before departure — although it’s not recommended. Instead, best practices advise vacationers to buy their plan at the time of booking or shortly after. And, while it’s ok to buy cruise insurance after booking, it isn’t recommended to wait more than 15 days after making the initial deposit as it allows vacationers to make the most of their associated plan benefits.
Click here to learn more about how much cruises cost
How Much Is Travel Insurance for a Cruise?’
Unfortunately, there’s no set cost for cruise travel insurance, it’s one of the reasons shopping for it on your own can be so frustrating which is once again why we highly recommend working with a travel advisor to determine which plan is right for you. Generally, insurance for shorter trips will cost a bit less, and this is especially true if you’re younger in age and are traveling close to home. On the flip side, if you’re eyeing a longer itinerary, are traveling far away or somewhere “dangerous,” are older in age and have pre-existing health conditions, you can expect to see a higher price tag.
About the Author
comments