cruise insurance cover tui

Travel Insurance for a Cruise

The appeal of cruises is that so many of the activities and amenities are included for you. But you may want to add cruise insurance to your packing list. 

You may not always be required to have travel insurance for a cruise, but having cruise travel insurance may ease your mind if an unforeseen event were to occur on your trip. 

  What Is Cruise Travel Insurance? 

Cruise travel insurance is an added layer of coverage to your travel plans, specifically geared toward cruise trips. It is a type of insurance you would purchase specifically geared to protect against cruise-specific incidents: 

• Port-of-call itinerary changes made by the cruise line 
• Last-minute cancellations made by the cruise line 
• Ship mechanical problems or breakdowns 
• Disruptions to shipboard services 
• Missed port connection  

Where travel insurance covers protection against injury or illness, expenses for lost luggage, or cancellations, cruise travel insurance covers those, plus events that may happen on your cruise. Cruise insurance typically covers: 

• Trip interruptions 
• Trip cancellations 
• Medical evacuations or emergencies 
• Sickness or injury 
• Ship disablement 
• Lost luggage 
• Missed connection 
• Inclement Weather 

Cruise insurance covers prepaid, non-refundable expenses such as airfare, hotels, and expedition deposits. 

Does Cruise Travel Insurance Cover My Flight? 

Yes! AXA’s Travel Protection plans can offer coverage for certain prepaid, non-refundable expenses, such as airfare, associated with your cruise. 

Is Cruise Travel Insurance Mandatory? 

Not always. Cruise insurance may not always be required; some carriers may allow you to board without it. Emergencies can occur anywhere, anytime, and you don’t want to be without coverage if any unfortunate situation arises on your cruise trip (or before it). 

Do I need Travel Insurance for Domestic Cruises? 

Your cruise line may or may not require travel insurance to cover your medical expenses and emergency evacuations, but there can be several other situations that may warrant travel insurance. These include last-minute cancellations or unforeseen events like bad weather, ship breakdowns causing significant delays, itinerary changes, or missing your ship.  

Does AXA Travel Insurance Cover Cruises? 

Yes, AXA offers  travel protection plans for cruises. AXA’s Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans offer travel protection benefits to help cruisers steer with peace of mind on their next cruise voyage. The specific coverage provided can vary depending on the plan you choose, but some of the common coverages that may be included in AXA Travel Protection Plans for cruises are: 

• Trip Cancellation:  This coverage can reimburse you for non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel your cruise due to a covered reason such as illness or injury. 
• Trip Interruption:  This coverage can provide reimbursement for unused portions of your cruise if you have to interrupt your trip due to a covered reason, such as a medical emergency. 
• Emergency Medical and Dental Expenses:  This coverage may assist with payment for medical or dental expenses incurred while on your cruise due to illness or injury due to a covered reason. 
• Emergency Evacuation:  This coverage may include payment for emergency medical transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility due to a covered reason such as illness or injury while on your cruise and require medical attention that is not available on the ship. 
• Baggage Loss or Delay:  This coverage can reimburse you for the cost of replacing lost or delayed baggage. 
• COVID coverage: If your trip is interrupted or even canceled due to COVID, our plans covers unused prepaid expenses. 
• 24/7 Assistance Services: AXA’s travel plans also include 24/7 assistance services, such as travel and medical assistance, concierge services, and emergency travel services, which can be helpful if you need assistance during your cruise. 

GET YOUR FREE QUOTE  

  Disclaimer:  It's important to note that the specific coverage and terms and conditions of each plan can vary, so it's a good idea to review the policy documents carefully to understand the coverage provided and any exclusions or limitations that may apply

How Does Crusie Travel Insurance Work? 

Like other travel insurance plans, you need to be sure you purchase cruise insurance well before your trip. Most agencies recommend you purchase within 14 days of paying for your trip deposit. The earlier you buy insurance, the greater your coverage window. 

And, like other travel insurance, you’re offered reimbursement or protection against covered incidents. Talk with a licensed agent today to get specifics for your plan’s notification window. 

How Much Does Cruise Insurance Cost? 

You can expect cruise insurance to run around 5-8% of your total trip prepaid expense cost.  

Other Things to Consider 

Like any other type of insurance, buying a policy for your cruise trip requires taking a close look at it to ensure it offers what you need. Here are a few key things you must consider: 

Does your health insurance cover medical expenses onboard a ship? 

Many people assume that their health insurance will cover any medical expenses that may be incurred on domestic cruises—but this isn’t always the rule. Some insurance providers do not offer medical coverage onboard a ship or if it is an international cruise.   Be sure to check with your healthcare insurance provider before departing. 

Do you or your traveling companion have a pre-existing condition? 

AXA offers coverage for pre-existing medical conditions with the Gold and Platinum plans. The availability and terms of coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may vary depending on the specific plan you choose, the nature of your condition, and your state of residency.     If you have a pre-existing medical condition and wish to obtain coverage under an AXA travel protection plan, you will need to meet certain criteria: 

• Your pre-existing medical condition was diagnosed 60 days prior to your effective policy date 
• Your premium for pre-existing medical coverage is received within the time-sensitive period of 14 days of the initial trip deposit date 
• You are medically able to travel on your departure date 

Travel Insurance & Credit Cards 

Many major credit card companies offer travel protections, such as trip cancellation or trip interruption reimbursement benefits. In fact, many people even redeem credit card points to fund their travel. 

However, it’s important to note that cruise travel insurance offers additional protection that isn’t covered by your basic credit card benefit. AXA’s travel protection plans offer the ability to cancel for any reason, with greater coverage protection against claims for baggage loss, medical claims, or missed connections. 

How Do I Get Cruise Insurance? 

Check out AXA’s Travel Plan Guide to see which plan is right for you. 

Need Help Choosing a Plan? 

Speak with one of our licensed representatives or our 24/7 multilingual Insurance advisors to find the coverage you need for your next trip. From Medical Coverage to Trip Cancellation protection, our team of travel experts will help you choose the right coverage.    Receive a  free quote  within minutes  Or call us at 855-327-1441 to speak with our licensed Travel Insurance Advisors.  Monday-Saturday, 8AM-7PM Central Time    Also see:  Plan Comparison Table  | Silver Plan |  Gold Plan  |  Platinum Plan   

Disclaimer 

AXA Assistance cannot guarantee the availability of assistance services everywhere or under all conditions, as there may be times when circumstances beyond AXA’s control hinder its endeavors to provide services. 

The insurance benefits in the Silver, Gold and Platinum plans are underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and affiliated companies including Nationwide Life Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio. Benefits are administered by AXA Assistance USA, Inc. (in California, doing business as AXA Assistance Insurance Services, License Number 0H74893). Non-insurance assistance services are provided by AXA Assistance USA, Inc. and are not underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.    

AXA already looks after millions of people around the world

With our travel insurance we can take great care of you too

Get AXA Travel Insurance and travel worry free!

Speak with one of our licensed representatives or our 24/7 multilingual insurance advisors to find the coverage you need for your next trip.

All Your Questions About Cruise Travel Insurance, Answered

Rarely does real life make its way into our fantasies of a dream vacation : palm trees swaying in the breeze, expertly plated meals served at whim, toes pointed toward the horizon on a sun-soaked day at sea. That vision doesn't factor in missed flights, lost bags, or medical mishaps. But life has a way of getting in the way, even when you’re trying to get away from it all. Add in an unexpected curveball like the coronavirus pandemic (and the disease it causes: COVID-19)—which has effectively wiped out cruising, for the near future, at least—and things get even more complicated.

In most instances, you can buy peace of mind in the form of a well-tailored cruise travel insurance policy, which industry experts say is nearly always a smart bet. Not only does coverage insure your financial investment in the case of a hiccup, but it can also help with access to quality medical care on the road, as well as reimbursement for any unforeseen expenses that may pop up in the face of such scenarios. In this primer on travel insurance for cruises, we break down everything you need to know so you can pick up a policy with ease—and then get back to planning your eventual lounge on the lido deck.

What does cruise travel insurance cover?

“A cruise vacation has so many moving parts, including the sheer number of destinations you visit, flights, and hotels bookings. Things can go wrong after you’ve made that final deposit, and without travel insurance, you’d likely lose that payment,” says Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of cruise review and community site Cruise Critic .

While specific policies vary in their coverage—you’ll need to review the fine print carefully before you buy—most offer recourse for commonly encountered issues like the need to cancel a trip (for approved reasons like your traveling companion falling ill, or the involuntary loss of your job) or trip delays and interruptions. “If you miss your initial embarkation of a cruise due to a flight delay or a weather event, such as a hurricane or winter storm , travel insurance could help cover the costs of you getting to the next port of call, so you can join your cruise,” says James Page, senior vice president and chief administrative officer of AIG Travel, whose subsidiaries sell policies designed to cover cruisers.

Other potential problems might include the airline losing your checked bags , getting pickpocketed in port, the cruise line canceling your sailing due to weather or mechanical issues—or, as we’ve seen of late, due to not being able to run itineraries in areas affected by the coronavirus. While the cruise line would almost certainly pay out a refund in cases of cancellation or major itinerary changes, other prepaid expenses not purchased through the line directly, such as flights or hotel nights, would be on your dime without a qualifying policy in place. “The biggest tip is to make yourself aware of exactly what your plan will cover prior to purchasing,” McDaniel says.

Weather is not covered unless it results in the cancellation of or significant interruption to the cruise. McDaniel says that you won’t get a refund if the scheduled ports visited on a cruise itinerary are changed due to bad weather. “Skipped ports would not be covered by travel insurance,” she says, in cases of inclement weather.

How is the coronavirus affecting travel insurance?

When it comes to coronavirus , it’s important to know that circumstances like epidemics and pandemics are not typically listed as covered events under most standard cancellation policies. Also worth noting: Preemptively canceling a trip out of fear for your health and safety is never part of a standard policy. Accordingly, while some insurers honored claims associated with the onset of the epidemic, almost none are paying out trip cancellation claims for travel or policies booked after late January (with specific cutoff dates ranging between January 21 and January 27, according to travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth). This is owed to the rationale that once the outbreak became a known event, risk is assumed by the would-be travelers who book.

“However, there are now some providers who do not consider contracting the virus as foreseen, even during a global pandemic like the coronavirus outbreak,” says Kasara Barto, public relations manager for Squaremouth. “In this case, trip cancellation benefits can still apply if a traveler contracts the virus or is physically quarantined and unable to travel as planned."

Economic-woe scenarios, like having to cancel if you are laid off from your job, or if a travel supplier should declare bankruptcy, are typically covered under standard plans. Squaremouth notes, however, that coronavirus-prompted impacts like travel bans and border closures are not usually covered by standard policies, nor are cases of cruise lines canceling a scheduled sailing (in which case, the cruise companies themselves would be expected to pick up the tab for reimbursement, or to offer a voucher for future travel).

Because of these exclusions, industry experts advise that a “cancel for any reason” policy upgrade will offer some level of protection even if your reason for canceling is based on fear of travel alone. With this more expensive insurance, you must meet criteria like purchasing your policy within a set time frame (typically within 14 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit) and you must also cancel your trip at least two days in advance of departure.

Keep in mind, too, that down the road, in the post-coronavirus world, industry insiders forecast that new virus-related policy inclusions will become part of standard policies. “Similar to how the September 11 attacks led to terrorism coverage to be offered standard on most travel insurance policies, we anticipate that the COVID-19 pandemic will lead the travel insurance industry to offer more policies that include coverage for pandemics, which may cover things like CDC alerts, travel advisories, and stay-at-home orders,” Barto says.

Insurance and medical incidents

Beyond trip cancellation, medical incidents while traveling present another major need for coverage, since it’s unlikely that your regular health insurance covers such expenses abroad. Most ships have onboard doctors, but visiting them isn’t cheap nor is emergency medical evacuation in the case of more serious illnesses or injuries. “Without [insurance], your out-of-pocket costs could be astronomical,” McDaniel says.

Page of AIG Travel agrees. “Even a short weekend cruise could turn costly if a traveler has an accident or becomes ill, and requires emergency medical treatment or a medical evacuation from sea,” he says, pointing out that travelers are more prone to injury since they often take risks on vacations—like jet-skiing or hiking on unfamiliar terrain —that they might not take back home. “It’s important to ensure the policy you purchase covers the things you may need, such as pre-existing medical conditions or adventure activities,” Page says.

Specific to the coronavirus, should you contract the virus while cruising, “medical coverage availability will vary per travel insurance provider,” Barto says, noting that a half-dozen insurers were offering such medical coverage as of press time. “While some providers are still providing medical benefits for newly purchased policies, others are only covering medical expenses related to the coronavirus to insureds who bought a policy prior to the outbreak.” Coverage in regards to scenarios like being denied boarding (for registering a fever at port or having recently traveled to a high-risk destination for COVID-19, for instance) or being placed in mandatory quarantines likewise can vary by insurer.

Orlando —based travel agent Kelley Lord is an avid cruiser, with nearly 40 cruises under her belt, and she has taken out a policy for every one of them. It’s proven to be a smart strategy: In 2017 alone, her family had to cancel three separate cruises at the last minute, due to medical issues. “We had a 17-night, port-intensive cruise and Europe trip planned for early June that included expensive flights, prepaid excursions, hotels, and the cruise fare,” she says of one incident. “My husband tore up both of his knees in late May playing kickball at the company picnic and had to have double knee surgery. There was no way we could make the trip.” Thankfully, in that and the other two instances that followed that year, “we filed with our travel insurance and were able to recoup most of the cost of the trip,” she says.

Where to buy cruise travel insurance

While cruise lines usually offer their own insurance policies, experts advise looking instead to an independent, third-party insurer. “Travel insurance policies from independent insurers tend to be more comprehensive than those you might purchase through a cruise line,” McDaniel says. “Cruise line insurance is usually secondary coverage, meaning you’ll first need to file through any private insurance policies [like homeowner’s or renter's] that you have before your travel insurance will kick in. This could mean needing to pay out-of-pocket to start.”

Adds Page: “The advantage of purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy through an insurance provider like Travel Guard is that the comprehensive plans may offer additional benefits, such as emergency medical evacuation, which may not be available under protection plans offered through cruise lines.”

In addition, cruise line insurance can be more limited than you might expect. “Travelers who purchase the cruise line’s policy can only insure expenses purchased directly through that cruise line," says Jenna Hummer, former director of public relations for Squaremouth. "Any outside airfare or expenses would be forfeited in the event of a cancellation.”

You can pick up a policy from your travel agent directly through a reputed individual insurance provider (like AIG Travel Guard or Allianz), or via an insurance comparison site that lets you compare plans from various insurers (like Squaremouth or InsureMyTrip).

How much does cruise travel insurance cost?

The cost of a standard policy is calculated as a percentage of your overall vacation expenses—generally anywhere from 5 to 10 percent of your total prepaid, nonrefundable trip cost, according to data provided by Squaremouth. “The premium varies by policy and provider, depending on three primary factors: total trip cost, age of travelers, and length of travel,” Hummer says. “Older travelers taking long, expensive cruises will most likely be paying more for the same policy as a younger traveler taking a cheaper trip.”

According to Squaremouth, “cancel for any reason” benefits will typically increase a policy’s premium by roughly 40 percent over the cost of a standard policy, and will only cover a portion (up to 75 percent) of the total trip cost’s reimbursement.

When to buy cruise travel insurance

Experts say to buy your travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your cruise —that will give you the biggest window of protection should anything arise before you set sail. Hummer says that coverage for preexisting medical conditions is sometimes available at no additional cost from independent insurers—but only if you purchase that policy within 14 to 30 days of your first trip payment.

Remember that you can’t purchase a policy after an event transpires that leads to a claim (say, after you get into an accident and break your leg), but you can purchase standard insurance plans as late as 24 hours in advance of your scheduled departure. As noted before, "cancel for any reason" policies typically must be purchased within 14 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit.

Though you may never use the insurance you purchase, should an issue pop up, the investment can prove to be of great benefit, both economically and psychologically. Lord says, from experience, “You never know when you will need it, but if you do, you will be so grateful that you have it.”

This story was last published in March 2020. It has been updated with new information.

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Smooth Sailing Ahead: Your Guide to Cruise Travel Insurance [2024]

Jessica Merritt

Editor & Content Contributor

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Keri Stooksbury

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Table of Contents

The 5 best cruise travel insurance policies, what is cruise insurance, is cruise insurance worth it, cruise insurance costs, what cruise insurance covers, how to get cruise insurance, final thoughts.

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Taking a cruise is one of the easiest ways to travel, but cruising isn’t immune to unexpected hiccups. Sudden illness, travel delays, or other unforeseen events could cancel or interrupt your cruising plans — you might even need medical coverage. 

With cruise insurance, you’re covered for unexpected issues that can interfere with your travel plans . Read on to learn what cruise insurance is, how to get it, and how to find the best cruise insurance policies, whether you’re buying directly from the cruise line or a third-party insurance company.

The right cruise insurance policy offers the coverage you need at a good price, but policies aren’t one-size-fits-all. We’ve run quotes for various coverage scenarios — from seniors to adventure tours — to find the best cruise insurance policies . 

Consider these travel insurance policies for your next cruise:

Best Cruise Travel Insurance for Seniors: Seven Corners

Seniors cruising the world can get comprehensive coverage from Seven Corners Travel Insurance . We were quoted $89 for a 70-year-old cruising Mexico . The Seven Corners Trip Protection Basic policy offers trip cancellation and interruption, medical coverage, and medical evacuation, along with COVID-19 cancellation and medical coverage.

Comprehensive travel insurance, regardless of your age, is widely available and relatively affordable. Check out our complete guide to travel insurance for seniors .

Best Cruise Travel Insurance With COVID-19 Coverage: battleface

If you’re concerned about COVID-19 derailing your cruise travel plans, getting cruise travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is essential. The battleface Discovery Plan covers COVID-19 cancellation and medical expenses, along with regular trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and medical emergency coverage. We were quoted $36.54 for a 35-year-old cruising Italy on this plan.

Best Cruise Travel Insurance for Young Travelers: Aegis

Young travelers often have the lowest-priced travel insurance policies. We got a quote for just $30.27 from Aegis for a 22-year-old cruising the Bahamas . The Aegis Go Ready Choice policy covers COVID-19 medical and cancellation, trip cancellation and interruption, medical evacuation, and medical expenses.

Best Cruise Travel Insurance for Adventure Tours: IMG

Are you planning adventurous excursions on your cruise? IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Lite , with options for winter, adventure, and extreme sports, can give you the coverage you need. We were quoted $58.87 for a 40-year-old traveler cruising to Costa Rica with plans to zipline . It covers trip cancellation and interruption, medical expenses, medical evacuation, and adventure sports with some exclusions, such as diving and adventure races.

Your travel insurance might not cover everything you want to do — particularly if you plan on adventure activities. Here’s our complete guide to adventure and extreme sports travel insurance .

Best Cruise Travel Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Coverage: John Hancock Insurance Agency

If you’re especially concerned you may need to cancel your cruise, Cancel for Any Reason coverage allows you to cancel your trip and receive partial reimbursement for nonrefundable trip expenses, even if you cancel for reasons not normally covered by trip cancellation coverage. We were quoted $100.50 for a 55-year-old cruising Alaska for John Hancock Insurance Agency’s Silver plan , which reimburses up to 75% of your trip cost under Cancel for Any Reason coverage. It also offers coverage for COVID-19 medical and cancellation, trip cancellation and interruption, and medical expenses and evacuation with primary coverage.

Cruise insurance is travel insurance that covers cruises . It can help you manage all the what-ifs on your cruise. What if you need to cancel your booking? What if your flight is late? What if you get sick or hurt? Travel insurance for cruises can cover you for all of these things. 

Many travel insurance policies cover cruises, but cruise insurance may be tailored to the risks of cruises, covering transportation, accommodations, and activities. Getting travel insurance for cruises can offer peace of mind if you’re concerned about losing nonrefundable trip payments, travel delays, or covering emergency medical care.

Cruise bookings can be unforgiving, and cruise insurance can help you minimize your risk of losing the money you’ve paid for your trip. Travel insurance coverage is often a good idea if you’re concerned about losing nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses or covering emergency medical expenses . 

Because cruises are often less flexible than other types of travel, it’s generally a good idea to get cruise travel insurance. For example, you might be able to rebook a flight or hotel room, but if you cancel your cruise, you could lose your deposit or more. Often, cruise lines won’t offer any refunds if you cancel within a certain period before your cruise, such as 14 or 30 days .

Additionally, you shouldn’t expect your U.S.-based health insurance plan to cover you on your cruise, especially if you’re on an international cruise. And it’s exceptionally expensive if you need to be evacuated for a medical condition.

While everyone hopes for smooth sailing, the reality is a lot of unexpected issues could pop up on your cruise. Your flight to the cruise port could be delayed, you might get sick or injured on your cruise, or you might have to cancel the whole thing if illness or obligations prevent you from going on your cruise. A hurricane could interfere with cruising in storm hotspots such as the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. 

Cruise insurance can offer financial support for many unexpected problems you might experience with a cruise. And with a 24-hour travel assistance hotline , you can get knowledgeable help whether you need to find a local pharmacy or coordinate the replacement of lost travel documents such as your passport.

That said, you might have travel insurance coverage available with a credit card . Some credit cards offer travel insurance benefits such as trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical treatment and evacuation, and travel delay coverage. Still, you should check the details of your credit card’s coverage to ensure it’s enough for your needs. 

Looking for a credit card with travel protections? Read our guide to the best credit cards for travel insurance coverage and protection.

Generally, expect cruise insurance to cost between 5% to 10% of the total cost of your cruise . For a $3,000 cruise, you’ll typically pay between $150 to $300 for comprehensive travel insurance coverage. But keep in mind several factors influence the cost of cruise insurance, including:

• Add-ons, such as CFAR 
• Coverage options 
• Cruise cost 
• Deductibles and limits 
• Destination 
• Group policies 
• Traveler age 
• Trip duration

Learn more about travel insurance costs in our guide to the average cost of travel insurance .

Each travel insurance policy is unique, but travel insurance for cruise coverage typically includes:

• 24/7 Assistance: You can get 24/7 support for itinerary changes, rebooking, medical emergencies, and more.
• Baggage Protection: Your luggage is covered for loss, theft, or damage on your flight or during your cruise.
• Cabin Confinement: You may get reimbursement if you have to stay in your cabin during your cruise, such as a required quarantine due to COVID-19.
• Cancel for Any Reason: Usually available as an add-on, CFAR travel insurance allows you to cancel your cruise for any reason and receive a partial reimbursement of your nonrefundable travel expenses.
• Itinerary Changes: You can get covered for changes in your cruise’s itinerary, missed port calls, or extended delays beyond your control.
• Missed Connections: If you miss your cruise departure due to a flight delay or other covered reason, you can get reimbursed for your nonrefundable travel expenses.
• Medical Emergencies: Cruise insurance can cover medical treatment on the cruise and may offer coverage for medical evacuation.
• Trip Cancellation or Interruption: You can get reimbursed for your nonrefundable travel expenses if you cancel your cruise or end your trip early due to covered reasons such as illness or injury. You’re typically covered if the cruise line cancels due to mechanical issues, weather, or other unforeseen events.

Cruise-specific travel insurance may also offer reimbursement if your cruise ship is disabled. And if you want to cover shore excursions, be sure to include the cost of excursions in your total travel cost when you get quotes for cruise insurance.

While these coverage types are common among cruise insurance policies, checking the terms and conditions to confirm all coverage areas is a good idea.

Types of Cruise Insurance

There are many options for travel insurance, and you can generally choose as little or as much coverage as you’d like. You can opt for a comprehensive travel insurance policy, which may offer Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, or you might prefer to limit your costs and choose just the coverage you need. For example, you might choose standalone trip cancellation insurance or a travel medical insurance policy but decide you don’t need coverage for missed connections or baggage.

What To Look for in a Cruise Travel Insurance Policy

Consider these factors as you compare the best cruise travel insurance policies:

• Cancellation Window: Understand how many days before your cruise departure you must cancel to qualify for reimbursement.
• Coverage Availability: Travel insurance policies typically offer cruise coverage, but it’s best to confirm that a policy specifically covers cruises before you purchase it. Also, consider availability for coverages that may be important to you, such as CFAR or adventure sports. 
• Customer Reviews and Reputation: You can get insight into the insurance provider and how claims and customer service work by reading customer reviews and ratings.
• Eligibility Criteria: Cruise insurance policies may have eligibility criteria such as limits on age or trip duration and preexisting conditions. For example, some travel insurance policies max out at 90 days.
• Exclusions and Limitations: Read the policy to understand what’s excluded or limited specifically to cruise-related coverage, such as reimbursements for port closures, itinerary changes, or medical incidents on the cruise.
• Policy Cost: Get multiple quotes and compare each cost and coverage value to ensure you get a good value for your cruise insurance policy.
• Purchase Timeline: You’ll usually need to purchase your cruise insurance within a certain period of booking your trip, so be sure you’re buying your policy within that timeframe.
• Reimbursement Structure: Review the cruise insurance policy to confirm how much you can be reimbursed for under qualifying circumstances, such as if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip.

You can buy cruise insurance from the cruise line when you book, or a travel agent may offer cruise insurance plans. You also have the option to purchase cruise trip insurance independently. It’s a good idea to get multiple quotes to compare your costs and coverage and get the best deal on cruise insurance.

You should buy cruise insurance when you make your first deposit so you’re immediately covered for trip cancellation. Here are some of the options and coverages if you purchase cruise insurance directly from the cruise line:

Before you purchase cruise insurance from a cruise line, compare your third-party options. You can get quotes from multiple travel insurance companies at once using a travel insurance aggregator such as Squaremouth .

Even a meticulously planned cruise can run into unforeseen disruptions — and cruise insurance can come in handy for the unexpected.

Cruise insurance covers you for sudden illnesses, travel delays, and more, offering financial protection so you’re safeguarded against uncertainties. Whether you get cruise insurance from the cruise line or third–party insurance providers, understand your coverage and how it protects your investment in cruise travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my health insurance cover me on a cruise.

Some health insurance policies offer limited coverage on cruises, but coverage often depends on where you’re cruising and your planned activities. Check with your insurance provider about coverage before you depart on your cruise. Find out if supplemental cruise insurance is available if you want to use your existing health insurance coverage.

Are cruises covered under travel insurance?

Cruises are typically covered under travel insurance , so you don’t necessarily have to buy specialized cruise insurance, such as coverage from the cruise line. Travel insurance can cover trip cancellations and interruptions, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more on your cruise trip.

Can you buy cruise insurance after booking?

You can buy cruise insurance after booking. It’s generally best to purchase cruise insurance as soon as possible after making your initial trip deposit — when you have money on the line. The sooner you purchase cruise insurance, the sooner you’re covered for trip cancellations.

Can you buy medical insurance for a cruise?

You can buy medical travel insurance to cover your medical expenses on a cruise, offering coverage such as medical emergencies, illnesses, and injuries.

How do I add travel insurance to my cruise?

You can add travel insurance to your cruise when you book with the cruise line or a travel agent. Alternatively, you can purchase travel insurance directly from travel insurance agencies.

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About Jessica Merritt

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.

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Table of Contents

What to look for in cruise insurance

Factors we considered when picking the best cruise insurance companies, an overview of the best cruise insurance, best cruise insurance options, more resources for cruise travel insurance shoppers.

Cruising is back, but many travelers are still reluctant to board ships alongside thousands of other travelers. Cruise insurance has you covered if:

You need to be reimbursed for canceling your trip.

Your flight to the port gets delayed.

You need to pay for medical care if you get sick on board.

You need to fly home in case of an emergency.

Of course, there's much more than just this list that cruise insurance can cover.

No matter the reason you might be looking for coverage, here are some of the best cruise insurance companies available to help bring you peace of mind on your next experience at sea:

World Nomads .

Berkshire Hathaway .

Travelex Insurance Services .

Travel Guard by AIG .

When shopping for cruise insurance, make sure to look for coverage that offers the following:

Trip delay and cancellation.

Medical expenses, including emergency evacuation.

The option to cancel for any reason (including COVID-19).

Adventure activities if you’re planning certain onshore excursions.

Cruise insurance isn’t much different than traditional travel insurance. Any good travel insurance should cover cruises in addition to travel by air or car.

After our analysis, we've determined these are some of the best cruise insurance options available.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

We used the following factors to choose top insurance providers to highlight:

Specifics of coverage: Including what coverage plans include and whether they offer useful coverage and benefits for cruises specifically.

Amount of coverage: Including the maximum payouts for trip cancellation and trip interruption claims.

Cost: We compared prices to determine average costs across basic plans.

Customizability: We checked to see if policies allow users to customize options to suit their specific needs.

» Learn more: The guide to cruise travel insurance

We searched for quotes from several companies for a seven-day trip in February 2023 from the U.S. to Mexico. The traveler was 35 years old, from Georgia, and planned to spend $2,500 total on the whole trip, including airfare.

The average price of each company’s most basic coverage plan was $124. These policies didn't include optional add-ons, such as Cancel for Any Reason coverage or coverage for pre-existing medical conditions .

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

Here’s a closer look at our five recommendations for cruise insurance and what makes them unique.

Allianz Global Assistance

What makes allianz global assistance a top choice for cruise insurance:.

Multiple policies are available for international and domestic travel.

Plans offer trip cancellation and interruption coverage for COVID-19.

Offers emergency medical and transportation.

For our test trip, Allianz Global Assistance’s basic plan cost $106, slightly below average.

World Nomads

What makes world nomads a top choice for cruise insurance:.

Adventure activities like mountain biking and scuba diving are covered, perfect for land-based experienced (though which sports are covered varies from plan to plan).

Offers comprehensive travel insurance plans for domestic and international travel.

Larger-than-average coverage for baggage loss and delays.

For our test trip, World Nomad’s basic plan cost $63, well below average. But the actual trip cost isn’t taken into consideration for trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

What makes berkshire hathaway travel protection a top choice for cruise insurance:.

A wide range of comprehensive plans cover cancellation, emergency medical and transportation coverage, and emergency travel assistance.

A cruise-specific plan includes some compensation for cruise disablement and the most emergency medical and evacuation coverage of any of these plans.

There are many plans available, including plans that cover adventure activities.

A Berkshire Hathaway WaveCare cruise-specific plan was $202, quite a bit more than average, but with the most medical evacuation coverage.

Travelex Insurance Services

What makes travelex insurance services a top choice for cruise insurance:.

Three comprehensive plans are available.

Kids-included pricing is available with the Travel Select plan.

There's an option to add accidental death and dismemberment coverage to the basic plan.

The Travel Basic plan from Travelex Insurance Services cost $116 for our sample trip; just below the average for plans listed here.

Travel Guard by AIG

What makes travel guard by aig a top choice for cruise insurance:.

Cancel For Any Reason coverage is available as an optional upgrade on two plans.

A pre-existing condition waiver is also available as an add-on.

Travel Guard by AIG offers a basic Essential plan for $133, just a little higher than average, but adding coverage may raise that price.

Bookmark these resources to help you make smart money moves as you shop for cruise travel insurance.

The best travel insurance companies.

The best credit cards for cruises .

What is travel insurance?

Is travel insurance worth getting?

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance .

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Unfortunately, we can only offer quotations for customers up to the age of 65 or under for our annual multi-trip cover or 85 or under for our single trip cover. You may be able to obtain an alternative travel insurance policy by contacting The British Insurance Brokers Association otherwise known as BIBA. The British Insurance Brokers Association is the UK’s leading general insurance intermediary organisation. For further details please call: 0370 950 1790 or visit their website on https://www.biba.org.uk/

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What Does Travel Insurance Cover for a Cruise? Six Key Benefits

Travel insurance can reimburse your losses if you have to cut your trip short for a covered reason.

The dreaded norovirus is every cruise passenger’s worst fear. If you catch this stubborn stomach bug, you may be quarantined in your cabin for the remainder of the voyage. It’s not quite the vacation you envisioned — so, will you get your money back? Maybe, but it’s not guaranteed. The cruise line might offer you a partial refund, a full refund, a credit toward a future trip, or nothing at all. v

Travel insurance with trip interruption benefits can save your vacation. If you must interrupt your travels for a covered reason — such as quarantine — you can be reimbursed for the unused portion of your cruise and the additional transportation costs for returning home ahead of schedule.

Travel insurance can cover the unexpected.

You shouldn’t have to shoulder the stress of a travel emergency alone. That’s why travel insurance from Allianz Global Insurance includes 24-hour access to the emergency assistance hotline . From anywhere in the world, you can call the hotline and reach a member of our Assistance team who can help you manage medical emergencies, change travel arrangements, replace lost or stolen documents, replace prescriptions, track down lost baggage, and more.

Related Articles

• Cruise Lines' Insurance Vs. Allianz Cruise Insurance
• 10 Surprising Essentials to Take on Your Cruise
• Do You Need a Passport for Your Cruise?
• CruiseCritic.com
• ConsumerReports.org
• Medicare.gov
• Stories.Avvo.com

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Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

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Cruise travel insurance: What it covers and why you need it

What does cruise travel insurance cover? And does it pay to buy cruise travel insurance?

The answer is not always clear-cut, as we'll discuss in this guide. But consider this: It's not always smooth seas when it comes to cruising. Even the best-laid plans for a cruise vacation can sometimes be thrown off course by an unexpected event.

You might need to cancel a cruise in advance due to the sudden onset of an illness, such as COVID-19 or the flu. Or, maybe you fall ill during the cruise and need emergency medical attention. Maybe your flight to your ship gets canceled, and you miss the vessel's departure. Or your ship is late arriving in port at the end of a voyage, and you miss your flight home.

In all of these situations, you might benefit from having cruise travel insurance — keyword "might."

Cruise insurance policies vary widely, and not every policy covers every type of mishap. That's why it always pays to read the fine print in a travel insurance policy before you purchase it to know what you're getting in advance.

It's also why you should read this introduction to everything you need to know about cruise insurance. It has many details, but the next time something unexpected happens on your cruise vacation, you'll be glad to be educated and covered by a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

What does travel insurance cover when you cruise?

The typical cruise insurance policy covers a wide range of circumstances that can go wrong in conjunction with a vacation at sea — both before and during the sailing.

For starters, policies often will reimburse you for the cost of canceling a cruise due to a last-minute crisis. They will also often cover costs related to an interruption of a cruise (maybe your ship breaks down, requiring you to fly home mid-voyage ). These two elements are known as trip-cancellation and trip-interruption insurance, and they are bundled into a typical travel insurance policy.

Some policies will also cover out-of-pocket costs related to a flight delay or cancellation that results in you missing your cruise departure (for instance, the cost of catching up to the ship at its next port). Expenses related to baggage delays and loss are often covered as well.

But perhaps most importantly, many travel insurance policies will cover medical expenses you incur while on a cruise. Some will even cover the cost of evacuating from a foreign destination if you are in the midst of a medical crisis.

Travel insurance giant Allianz Global Assistance reports that 53% of all cruise-related "billing reasons" for claims are because of illness for the insured person, while 14% are for an injury. Another 8% are for the illness of a family member, 4% for the death of a family member and 4% for the illness of a traveling companion, among other reasons.

Those percentages include illness and accidents that happen to cruisers just before a trip, making travel impossible. But, in many cases, such claims result from illness and injuries that occur during voyages.

"People often take risks during vacation that they might not take back home, whether riding a jet ski, zipping around on a motorized scooter in a city they don't know well or hiking unfamiliar terrain," James Page, senior vice president and chief administration officer of AIG Travel, told TPG .

Some policies also cover the financial default of a travel provider. In such cases, if your cruise line goes out of business before you sail, you could get all — or at least some — of your money back.

Cruise travel insurance policies don't cover everything. For instance, standard travel insurers generally will not reimburse you for the cost of a cruise you cancel due to worries about an outbreak of an illness. That's true even if a U.S. government agency such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issues a recommendation that you don't cruise due to an illness outbreak, as it did during the COVID-19 pandemic .

If you want the ultimate flexibility to cancel for such a reason or any other, you'll want to look into a more expensive cancel for any reason travel insurance upgrade.

Related: Avoiding outbreaks isn't covered by most travel insurance policies

Where to find a cruise travel insurance policy

You can buy a travel insurance policy directly from your cruise line when booking your trip or through your travel agent (if you're using one, which often is a good idea when booking a cruise). You also can go directly to a third-party travel insurance provider or a travel-insurance aggregator site, such as InsureMyTrip or TravelInsurance . Your credit card might even give you some travel protections.

Here's what you need to know about each type of cruise travel insurance.

Third-party insurance companies

Third-party insurance companies that specialize in writing travel insurance include AIG Travel, Allianz Travel Insurance, Travelex Insurance and American Express Travel Insurance.

One reason to use a travel agent or a travel aggregator: They can help you find a policy that offers added coverage specific to cruising.

Related: The Points Guy's guide to the best travel insurance companies

"Many plans now offer benefits that will specifically appeal to cruise travelers, such as missed connection, missed port-of-call and cruise disablement coverage," Stan Sandberg, cofounder of TravelInsurance.com, said.

Missed connection coverage reimburses cruisers for a set dollar amount if they need to rebook travel to catch up with their cruise at the next port. Missed port-of-call coverage pays a benefit if the cruise ship misses a scheduled port of call due to weather, a natural disaster or a mechanical breakdown.

Cruise disablement coverage pays a benefit if the traveler is confined on a ship for more than five hours without power, food, water or restrooms.

As noted, policies vary widely. It's a good idea to compare plans and make sure the one you buy has the elements that are most important to you. One size doesn't fit all.

Credit cards with travel benefits

Some premium credit cards offer valuable travel protections comparable to what you might get from a standard travel insurance plan. For example, the travel insurance provided when you pay for travel with select cards can reimburse you for expenses if your baggage is damaged, you're stranded overnight due to a flight delay or cancellation, or you have to return home to handle a family medical emergency.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card, for example, offers trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, emergency medical coverage and even medical evacuation coverage , among other benefits. And yes, cruise lines are considered common carriers just like airlines.

If you're planning to rely on a card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or The Platinum Card® from American Express * (among others) for travel insurance, just be sure to recheck your card's benefits and limits carefully against regular travel insurance. You must pay for at least part — and sometimes all — of the trip with that credit card to take advantage of its protections.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Find out if your credit card protection includes travel accident insurance or covers preexisting medical conditions, and figure out when it will pay you back. Other questions to ask: What are the coverage limits? Will you have to pay for a foreign hospital bill upfront and then seek reimbursement later?

Cruise lines

Cruise lines often ask consumers booking a cruise to buy the line's own protection at the time of purchase. If specifics about the coverage are lacking, always ask the line for details in advance, review coverage perks and limits; then, compare those to one or two independent travel insurance policies or your credit card's insurance benefits.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Cruise line travel insurance policies sometimes have quirks. Many cruise companies will only offer a travel voucher or credit for future use in the event of a covered cancellation, not an outright refund.

Also, financial default may not be a covered event in a cruise line-sold policy, but it's typically covered with plans from third-party travel insurance companies.

Cruise line policies also can be more restrictive.

"Cruise line insurance seems to have become better and has more widespread coverage than in the past, but it typically won't cover air or pre- and post-travel [arrangements] unless those elements are purchased through [the line]," said Debra Kerper, a Cruise Planners travel adviser from Carrollton, Texas, who books travel and sells private insurance. "This is when private insurance coverage becomes so very important."

How much does cruise insurance cost?

Expect to pay anywhere from 4% to 8% of your total prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses for a travel insurance policy. That's a wide range, we know, but it reflects the wide range of products out there.

You'll also find some basic plans that cost even less than 4% of your trip expenses, while some super-premium plans that cover just about any conceivable issue can cost as much as 12% of your trip expenses.

Related: What's included in your cruise fare?

All reputable insurance companies will offer a "free-look period" during which you can receive a 100% refund on your premium. This allows you to review the policy you've selected and return it for any reason within the period allotted — usually for a small administration fee of less than $10.

Under normal circumstances, you don't need to purchase a so-called "cancel for any reason" add-on to your cruise travel insurance policy unless you really need the flexibility. The upgrades are significantly more expensive.

You can receive a quote and purchase a policy online in minutes with any credit card. Although you may think travel insurance should code as "travel" when paid on a credit card and thus be eligible for bonus points on certain cards, that isn't always the case. Your points earnings will depend on the individual underwriter's merchant code. When in doubt, expect the purchase to fall under the insurance category for earnings.

Should I buy travel insurance for a cruise?

Whether you buy travel insurance is a personal decision that will depend on many factors. Would you be willing to absorb the loss of canceling a cruise on short notice due to an illness or accident? Could you afford an evacuation flight from a far-off port if you suddenly became seriously ill? Only you can answer those sorts of questions.

Here are some things to consider as you make that decision.

You might not be covered by regular medical insurance while cruising

If you're a U.S. citizen traveling internationally (which will be the case for most cruises), you may find that most private medical insurance plans in the U.S. won't cover you.

Additionally, Original Medicare only covers people traveling outside U.S. borders in limited circumstances.

While certain Medicare Supplement Plans do have some foreign emergency medical benefits, not all do. Be sure to talk to your Medical Supplemental Plan provider to see if you're covered, what's covered, what the limits are and how the bill is paid.

Also note that, in some countries (particularly those in Central and South America), travelers may not be discharged from a hospital until their bill is paid in full.

Related: Trip wrecked: 7 ways to prepare for any kind of travel disaster

Plus, if you have a medical incident overseas, you could find yourself stuck in a shared hospital room without air conditioning or a private bathroom. The level of care may not be what you expect.

"For people traveling internationally, it's crucial to know beforehand where to go for any treatment … and how they're going to pay for that treatment," Page said.

Getting evacuated for a medical condition is expensive

Most airlines won't accept seriously ill passengers, those carrying bulky medical equipment or those requiring a full medical team.

Even a low-cost weekend getaway on a cruise to the Bahamas out of Miami can turn costly if you suffer a serious accident or illness requiring medical treatment or an emergency medical evacuation.

Related: Do cruise ships have doctors, nurses, medical centers or hospitals?

Being flown back to the U.S. from a far-flung overseas location in a private, medically equipped aircraft, with a professional medical team on board, can run between $70,000 and $180,000, according to Mike Hallman, president and CEO of Medjet, a medical transport membership company.

"Domestic transports, which we cover as well, can cost upwards of $30,000," Hallman said.

Without proof of medical evacuation coverage, foreign providers will also want that money upfront. Hallman said that regular travel insurance will typically get you to an acceptable overseas hospital and even to a higher-level care facility if "medically necessary." Alternatively, medical evacuation coverage means you can fly home to your own hospital, doctors and family — without claim forms, cost caps on transports or surprise bills.

The tandem approach — buying both travel insurance and a separate medevac transport membership — is a good option, Hallman said.

"We always recommend travel insurance, as it covers trip interruption, which is important, as well as medical coverage for the hospital and treatment costs," he said. "We pick up where they leave off."

You can't predict the weather

Cruising is a great way to explore multiple destinations in one trip. But it's good to remember that unexpected delays, interruptions or cancellations due to weather can happen during cruises, particularly during hurricane seasons in places such as the Caribbean and Asia (where hurricanes are called typhoons).

During a typical hurricane season (June 1 to Nov. 30), Allianz pays about 6,000 claims from customers whose travel plans in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and southeastern U.S. are affected by the storms, according to a spokesperson for Allianz Global Assistance USA.

If you're hoping to insure against a storm-related disaster, it's good to buy travel insurance as early as possible. Once a storm or hurricane is named, it's too late to buy travel insurance to cover it.

Of course, cruise lines will move ships away from a weather threat. When the port lineup is adjusted or the cruise shortened, the company will offer the guest an onboard credit, onboard gift or future cruise credit rather than any refund. It depends on the circumstances of that specific voyage. You won't be able to make a claim on your cruise travel insurance policy just for a minor itinerary change .

Related: Everything you need to know about cruising during hurricane season

Costs can mount quickly when things go wrong

Even if the cruise line does provide a full or partial refund or cruise credit for an itinerary change or some other interruption, travelers could have to swallow the cost of other travel elements not purchased through the line. That could include nonrefundable flights , prepaid resort or hotel nights, nonrefundable tour fees and more.

Travel insurance can cover those, plus help with flight delays or cancellations, baggage loss or theft.

If a winter storm causes you to miss your flight to where the ship is boarding , "travel insurance could help you get to the next port to join the cruise, so you don't miss your entire trip," Page said.

In fact, 13% of "billing reasons" for claims to Allianz are for common carrier delays (such as a flight delay), while weather and natural disaster-related claims account for about 3%.

The government probably won't bail you out

While cruise ships have medical facilities, they're usually not equipped to treat serious illnesses. If you experience a serious medical problem on a vessel, you may have to get off the ship in a foreign port to seek treatment at a hospital. In such a case, if you don't have medical evacuation insurance, you may then find yourself stranded in that port awaiting a medical evacuation.

Don't expect Uncle Sam to step in and help foot the bill.

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs clearly states the importance of buying travel insurance.

"The U.S. government does not provide medical insurance for U.S. citizens overseas," the bureau says on the website. "We do not pay medical bills. You should purchase insurance before you travel."

You may need more assistance than you think

If you're injured or become severely ill during a cruise, especially in a foreign country, it may be difficult to access help without the assistance of trained professionals that comes with many insurance plans.

Many travel insurance companies provide around-the-clock assistance with locating overseas clinics and pharmacies, getting to a doctor or hospital, refilling lost or depleted prescriptions, assisting with up-front payments to hospitals, and arranging flight changes so you can get home.

Travel insurance companies also can arrange for an air ambulance, a nurse escort, oxygen and a lie-flat seat on a flight home if your medical condition warrants it.

You want to be careful if you have preexisting conditions

When you cruise, it's important to be fully covered, which means having comprehensive medical coverage that includes any preexisting conditions. Otherwise, if you head into a doctor's office overseas, have any tests completed, or visit an urgent care center or emergency room, you might not be covered.

Here, timing is extremely important. Cruisers seeking coverage of preexisting conditions, as well as cancel for any reason insurance, generally must book within seven to 21 days of the first payment they make for a trip. The timing varies by insurer.

Bottom line

Cruise insurance isn't for every traveler — or even for every sailing. It's not inexpensive. However, it can bring a lot of peace of mind if you're about to head out to sea. Do your homework, compare plans and always assess the risks.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

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From 5th May 2021, while we can still cover you under the standard sections of our travel insurance policy while on a cruise holiday we are unable to offer the additional cover previously provided by the Cruise travel optional extra section, while we make improvements to the booking engine of our website.

However, this is just a temporary measure. In the near future we will be able to offer travel insurance to people whilst on cruises under our Single Trip and Annual multi-trip policies once more.

Cruise Travel Insurance

What is Cruise insurance? 

Cruise cover is a special policy section that you can add onto your regular travel insurance, to get cover for specific risks associated with a cruise holiday – such as missing your ship or being confined to your cabin.

All of our standard policies provide cover for travelling on a Cruise ship, but you will only have the extra cover provided under the optional Cruise cover extension if you choose to purchase this as part of your travel insurance policy.

If you’re venturing across the Mediterranean, taking the trip of a lifetime around Asia or exploring the Caribbean islands on a ship, then traditional travel insurance may not cover you, particularly for cruise specific risks like missing a port stop. By adding Cruise cover to your Allianz Assistance policy, you’ll have cover in case anything goes wrong.

Cruise travel insurance extensions aren't a legal requirement, but some cruise providers do ask you to take out Cruise cover for your holiday, so check your trip booking documents carefully to see whether it’s required for your trip of choice. 

Below is some more information about our products, for which Terms and Conditions apply. Please visit the  policy information hub for full details.

What does Cruise Insurance cover?

• Missed port departure : If you miss the ship beacuse of public transport delays or your vehicle breaking down on your way to the port, we’ll pay for transport costs so you can catch it at the next port.
• Cruise interruption : If you fall ill and need to be hospitalised ashore, we’ll pay for the travel expenses so you can re-join the cruise when you’re feeling better.
• Cabin confinement : We’ll pay up to your claim limit if you’re ill and the doctor confines you to your cabin. This also applies if there’s a medical situation on board that means you have to stay in your cabin.
• Cruise itinerary changes : If there’s bad weather or a reason why your ship can’t make a scheduled stop, we’ll pay up to the limit shown on your policy.
• Unused excursions cover : If you can’t make a trip or excursion due to injury, illness or the ship not being able to stop as scheduled, we’ll cover you for the unused cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cruises are a great way to see the world, but they’re different to traditional ‘fly and stop’ holidays. Certain things that happen at sea usually aren’t covered by a standard policy, which is what makes Cruise travel insurance a useful add-on if you’re heading out on the open water.  

Cruise travel insurance is specifically designed for those holidaying on a ship. It accounts for unique issues, such as missing the cruise’s departure because your car breaks down on route to the port or being confined to your cabin through illness. It even considers the fact that you’re moving from port to port, rather than staying in one place; the planned itinerary could change, and you may miss a port or not get chance to do an excursion you booked. With standard travel insurance, you wouldn’t be covered for these things. But, if you take out travel insurance with Cruise cover, you’re protected – so you can just enjoy your holiday. 

As with any travel insurance policy, the amount of money you pay for your travel insurance with cruise cover will depend on a number of factors, such as your age, whether you have any pre-existing medical conditions and the length of your trip.

The amount you pay will also depend on the level of cover you choose. Our travel insurance with cruise cover comes with two different policy levels: Silver and Gold. Each of these has a different payment limit and excess amount, so you can choose a level of cover to suit you.

To find out how much your Cruise holiday insurance will cost, you can  get a quote  today. Simply fill in your details and we’ll provide you with a quote for your trip. 

Though plenty of cruise holidays go without a hitch, the experience can be far from smooth sailing. You could have a virus outbreak on the ship, your luggage could go missing or you could miss a port because of bad weather. For this reason, specialist Cruise travel insurance can be just as important as your passport.

Although Cruise travel insurance isn’t a legal requirement, it’s still incredibly important if you want to be covered while you’re at sea. With Cruise holiday insurance you can relax, knowing that you’ve got cover in place. 

From 5th May 2021, we will temporarily be unable to offer travel insurance policies to cover people's pre-exiting medical conditions. This is as a result of improvements we are making to our online booking process. Please keep an eye on the Allianz Assistance website in the future so you are aware when we are able to offer this additional cover again. Policies purchased before 5th May 2021 aren't affected and your cover won't change.

It won't be long before we'll be able to provide you with a quote again for cruise travel insurance with medical conditions included. Once the updates have been made, to purchase  travel insurance with medical conditions  included, you’ll need to provide us with details of any medical conditions you have. This way, we can make sure you’re properly covered and eligible for travel insurance cover with us

Terms and conditions apply.

How to ensure you have the right cover

Does your bank or credit card company provide cover.

Many bank accounts and credit cards come with some level of travel insurance cover. While some may be comprehensive, they may not cover you for everything you have planned whilst you’re away, particularly if you have adventurous plans or unusual excursions booked. 

Make sure you look into the travel insurance policy that you have before every trip, to make sure it’s suitable for you and your plans.

Purchasing a holiday using a credit card means you are often protected by Consumer Protection cover. In most cases, it allows you to get your money returned to you if your provider defaults and you cannot travel.

Are you covered by ABTA or ATOL?

If you have booked a holiday through a tour operator or travel agent, it may be worth checking if you are covered by ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) or ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s License). This type of cover means that your package holiday is protected if, for example, the travel company providing your holiday arrangements or the travel agent themselves fail financially or close down.

Your travel agents will be able to tell you if your holiday is ABTA or ATOL protected. Alternatively, use the links provided to check your cover at home.

What is an EHIC or GHIC and what can it offer you?

Choose the perfect policy for you, with a range of cover options available.

Travel Insurance for people with Medical Conditions

Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Single Trip Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance for Seniors

Family Travel Insurance

Sports & Leisure Insurance

Golf Travel Insurance

Winter Sports & Ski Travel Insurance

Need help? Call us on: 0371 200 0428

Make a claim, policy documents.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition that we are unable cover under our own policies, you may be able to obtain an alternative travel insurance policy through one of the providers  featured in the MoneyHelper  directory  of specialist travel insurance providers for people with serious medical conditions. Do take time to study and compare the terms and conditions to ensure you have the cover you need. To contact the Money Advice Service for further details of the directory

Call: 0800 138 7777 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) or Email: [email protected]

• Marella Cruises (formerly Thomson)

Evidence of Cruise Insurance

By Delbankin , August 20, 2022 in Marella Cruises (formerly Thomson)

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We are insured through bank insurance underwritten by one of the major insurance companies and despite phoning and being told cruises are covered, and being sent copies of policies and underwriters cover statement there is no mention of cruises being covered in their literature.

How closely do Tui scrutinise documents prior to boarding?.  We are reluctant to take out cruise specific insurance but will have to if this is insisted upon. We cruised recently with Azamara and they didn’t look at our insurance information.

Does anyone have experience of insurance being checked before boarding or anyone being refused boarding because their insurance didn’t specifically mention cruising?.

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Pre covid my wife used the standard Lloyds bank travel insurance for years, Since

covid Marella have inserted into their terms that you must have Comprehensive cruise cover with covid cover specifically included. For the last couple of cruises that we have done recently  I have bundled my wife’s travel insurance with mine which already included cruise cover, I don’t really know what comprehensive cover means. 🤷‍♂️   Just before we joined the ships at the port check in they did look at insurance docs along with vaccination proof etc.

Hope this helps.

Perhaps tell us which bank do you have the account with, then someone with a similar account may help.

There is a long thread on cruise insurance on the P&O board if you can find it, which covered lots of providers, but it was several months ago.

I seem to recall that policies underwritten by AXA and Allianz were the most comprehensive, but relatives who have Coop Bank cover told me that policies today are not as comprehensive as the ones they have, as they have had an account with Coop for several years

Ours is via M&S underwritten by Axa however I’m not sure what relevance P&O insurance posts would have to Tui because as I say Azamara didn’t even look at ours so companies probably have different approaches hence my query. I do appreciate people taking time to reply and hopefully others can give examples of their direct experience. We are reluctant to take out additional insurance however if it is essential to get on board with Tui then we will have to. Some might say it is something the cruise companies and insurers have come together on to make more money out of customers.

I bought a TUI single trip policy for my next cruise at a TUI travel agents which is actually an Axa insurance. I just checked the Axa policy wording and cruises are not mentioned. Panic? Maybe not, the insurance certificate printed by the TA mentions cruises in the section on Covid cover specifically what you are covered for if on a cruise.

I hope to have several cruises next year so will be looking for annual cover starting early January next year so it applies to my Explorer Xmas/New year cruise and the other 3 cruises for next year

Rebel Rouser

After being on 5 cruises over the last 12 months. They do indeed check the insurance docs with all the other documents that are needed on a cruise.

Lucky enough, My bank cover us for Insurance (Barclays) £12 PM for £144 PA, it's worth checking your bank to see if they can cover you? Also get Car breakdown cover within that as well.

markmichelle87

We have a Lloyds Bank Premiere account that covers us for cruises even though it does not specifically state this but have checked with Allianz the insurance provider.

You can add extra specific cruise cover for missed port and itinerary change an few other things for an additional charge too top up your existing cover.

We are going in February 2023 and will check nearer to the cruise for the cost.

Pensioncruiser

13 hours ago, Rebel Rouser said: Lucky enough, My bank cover us for Insurance (Barclays) £12 PM for £144 PA, it's worth checking your bank to see if they can cover you? Also get Car breakdown cover within that as well.

Can't fault the cover we had through our bank, Nationwide,  but it did become expensive when we reached the age limit as all the declared heath issues, understandably, attracted a large premium. Just make certain you declare all medical issues. 

15 hours ago, Pensioncruiser said: Can't fault the cover we had through our bank, Nationwide,  but it did become expensive when we reached the age limit as all the declared heath issues, understandably, attracted a large premium. Just make certain you declare all medical issues. 

Yes I always do declare Ailments etc..not that there is a lot at the moment..touch wood? main one was TKN 7 years back

I used my Lloyds bank (Allianz) cover last week, they spent a couple of seconds reading the certificate of insurance we'd printed out and found no problems with it.

15 minutes ago, Sicknote said: I used my Lloyds bank (Allianz) cover last week, they spent a couple of seconds reading the certificate of insurance we'd printed out and found no problems with it.

Sorry but I had to laugh. Re you and the Cruise insurance and you being Sicknote  😂

So you didn’t get the extra cover then ? Sicknote

8 minutes ago, markmichelle87 said: So you didn’t get the extra cover then ? Sicknote

Nope, just the standard one you get with a Lloyds platinum account. The Allianz website lists a few different upgrades that can be added but none relate to cruises.

The only time I think it would need upgrading for a cruise is if you're travelling for more than 31 days.

I also have travel insurance with my Lloyds bank account.   I rang Lloyds and they were happy to send me a letter confirming that cruise cover was included.  They also did the same for another family member who cruised earlier this year. 

Barclays wording

Jim The Scot

Similar to  chris although our worldwide travel insurance is with Nationwide through our flex plus account

Had a letter from Nationwide with policy number,name of insurance company and confirming cruise cover and nothing more.This was given a fleeting glimpse at the port

My take on Marella insisting on “comprehensive”cruise cover is an attempt to direct customers to take out the policy they promote on their website.Comprehensive is a play on words for me

We had what Nationwide call basic cruise cover which was more than enough.They do have an option to upgrade cruise cover at a cost of £40 which covers you for missed ports,confined to cabin etc,an option we have never taken up 

Regret it now as we would have been entitled to £600 from our cruise but no doubt there would have many hoops to jump through to get it.

Hindsight  is a wonderful thing

32 minutes ago, Rebel Rouser said: Barclays wording

what does “whilst onboard a uk cruise” mean.?

Thanks everyone for replies. I can see it has generated some other exchanges as well which is always good. We did contact Axa via M&S after I posted the message (but without much hope really) and they have very quickly provided a copy letter which is general in content but does have virtually the same wording as the Barclays policy (thanks Rebel Rouser) so I think we will take our chances that cruise cover is included. If all else fails, we can always take out a policy online when we are in the cruise terminal!.

1 hour ago, Brummijam said: Hi RR. what does “whilst onboard a uk cruise” mean.?

Probably UK cruise as in TUI Marella are UK based.

2 hours ago, Brummijam said: Hi RR. what does “whilst onboard a uk cruise” mean.?

I take this to mean the policy also covers you for a cruise from the UK that only visits UK ports or no ports at all like the one i did to the Scottish isles last summer. The insurance companies had to amend their policies. there was considerable discussion on the P&O forum. For example you might not visit a foreign port but you might be evacuated from the ship in  UK waters to a foreign country, for example France or Ireland. Originally the insurance companies did not want to provide cover as you were not going abroad and the NHS would provide cover.

10 hours ago, Rebel Rouser said: Probably UK cruise as in TUI Marella are UK based.

Think that would bother me.  Does this mean that a cruise on RCI or P+O would not be covered?

13 hours ago, Rebel Rouser said: Barclays wording

Also read include anywhere in the world, including cruises outside the UK up to £10,000,00 per insure person.

Some people read into it too much and worry themselves.

In general I am a pretty laid back person but because it’s me with the potentially serious ailments I have to double check belt and braces that everything is in place and correct should anything happen when we are away. My OH would crumble in a crisis guaranteed.

The way I see it is it’s easier to sort it and check it’s all in order at my lesuire rather to leave it to a panicking spouse if something went wrong over there. Once it’s done ….Relax. 😉 😂 Keep well.

23 hours ago, Sicknote said:   Nope, just the standard one you get with a Lloyds platinum account. The Allianz website lists a few different upgrades that can be added but none relate to cruises.   The only time I think it would need upgrading for a cruise is if you're travelling for more than 31 days.

I did find on the Allianz site a page that said you can add cruise cover that was a top up on the normal insurance.

• Missed port departure : If you miss the ship beacuse of public transport delays or your vehicle breaking down on your way to the port, we’ll pay for transport costs so you can catch it at the next port.
• Cruise interruption : If you fall ill and need to be hospitalised ashore, we’ll pay for the travel expenses so you can re-join the cruise when you’re feeling better.
• Cabin confinement : We’ll pay up to your claim limit if you’re ill and the doctor confines you to your cabin. This also applies if there’s a medical situation on board that means you have to stay in your cabin.
• Cruise itinerary changes : If there’s bad weather or a reason why your ship can’t make a scheduled stop, we’ll pay up to the limit shown on your policy.
• Unused excursions cover : If you can’t make a trip or excursion due to injury, illness or the ship not being able to stop as scheduled, we’ll cover you for the unused cost.

That upgrade option doesn't appear with one of the Lloyds account coverages, assume it's for a standard Allianz one?

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How is ‘trip insurance’ different from ‘trip protection’? A Danvers couple found out the hard way.

Milda walkley and leo peters canceled their mediterranean trip well in advance, but viking cruises imposed a $3,800 cancellation penalty because they mistakenly filed with viking’s insurer, not viking directly..

Milda Walkley and Leo Peters, both in their mid 80s, got married last year and took a celebratory eight-day cruise on the Danube River .

“It was lovely,” said Milda, a retired nurse who was long divorced when she met Leo, a retired engineering executive and recent widower.

The couple was so pleased that they quickly booked another trip on Viking Cruises — 10 days on the Mediterranean — for this October.

They purchased travel insurance for both trips because, as Milda put it, “it seemed prudent for anyone in their golden years.”

Travel insurance may be prudent, but it is also expensive — about 10 percent of the trip cost for Milda and Leo’s Mediterranean trip. And it can be maddeningly confusing when making a claim, as the couple found out after a medical issue forced them to cancel.

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Milda and Leo made their claim well in advance of the trip’s departure date to qualify them for a full cash refund. But Viking imposed a $3,800 cancellation penalty nevertheless because Milda mistakenly canceled with Viking’s insurer, not Viking, and that put the cancellation a few days past the full-refund date.

Really? A $3,800 hit for a good-faith bookkeeping mistake by a repeat customer in her 80s?

When he finally got a Viking manager on the phone to make his case for waiving the penalty, Leo got nowhere.

“The Viking manager was adamant there was nothing they could do,” Leo said. “It was: ‘tough luck.’ And then silence.”

Viking’s attitude changed after I got involved. And it wasn’t only Viking. Trip Mate, Viking’s insurer , told me it should have done more to help Milda and Leo.

The couple admittedly did not read the umpteen pages of fine print on their insurance policy and didn’t actually understand the full extent of its coverage. And apparently no one from Viking or Trip Mate offered a guiding hand, which wound up costing the couple a lot of unnecessary time and aggravation.

In the end, Milda and Leo got a full refund, which is exactly what Viking and Trip Mate owed them under the terms of their confusing insurance policy. Plus, Viking wound up giving the couple $500 in travel vouchers as a sort of makeup gift.

Here’s what happened:

Milda and Leo, who live in Danvers, paid $1,900 for what Viking calls its “Trip Protection Plan” on a trip that cost $19,000 (using round numbers). They basically checked a box requesting insurance when running down a list of trip options such as what kind of room they wanted, Milda said.

On its website, Viking touts its Trip Protection Plan as a “cancel for any reason” policy. It says the plan, while offered by Viking, is administered by Trip Mate and covers “unforeseeable circumstances that may arise before or during your trip.”

I suspect few travelers understand there’s actually two different components in Viking’s Trip Protection Plan (and other plans): trip protection and trip insurance. If you are considering travel insurance it behooves you to know how each works.

Trip protection protects the money you prepay for your trip (most travel companies require full upfront payment, not just a fractional deposit). It’s standard practice in the travel industry that when you cancel your trip close to the date of departure you forfeit some or all of your upfront payment in so-called cancellation penalties — the closer you are to the date, the more money you forfeit.

For Milda and Leo’s trip, Viking had established a sliding scale of cancellation penalties. It would impose no penalty on anyone canceling four months or more in advance of departure and a 100 percent penalty on anyone canceling less than 30 days of departure. In between those two extremes, Viking would impose a penalty ranging from 20 percent of the prepaid amount to 80 percent, depending on how close the cancellation came to the departure date.

But would-be travelers can insure against such cancellation penalties by purchasing Viking’s Trip Protection. Let’s say your cancellation date triggers a 20 percent cancellation penalty on a $19,000 trip, as in the example of Milda and Leo. That’s a $3,800 loss in cash. But anyone who purchased Viking’s Trip Protection would be covered for that loss — but in future travel credits with Viking (a.k.a., “travel vouchers,”) not cash. That means you can “cancel for any reason,” as Viking touts on its website, but you get travel credits to cover a cancellation penalty, which are a lot less valuable than cash.

Trip insurance, by contrast, typically covers losses you may incur while traveling, like emergency medical or dental expenses or lost, damaged, or stolen baggage or personal items.

The Trip Protection Plan offered by Viking bundles the two types of protection together for one price and makes Viking responsible for trip protection and Trip Mate for trip insurance. What’s confusing is that Trip Mate’s trip insurance also provides a measure of trip protection, though it differs from Viking’s in that it provides cash refunds, not vouchers, and restricts coverage to only certain “covered events,” such as illness or injury that prevents travel (backed by a doctor’s letter).

The bottom line is that Milda and Leo were eligible for a full cash refund, even without Viking giving them a break for misunderstanding how to cancel. Viking should have refunded 80 percent (based on the date of cancellation) and Trip Mate 20 percent (based on Milda’s medical issue being a covered event). But no one took the time to explain that to them and the fine print posted online is mostly difficult to understand legalese. The couple first learned of the extent of their coverage from me. And it wasn’t easy for me to figure it out.

It was May when Milda’s doctor told her to cancel because of a cardiac issue. Believing she had “cancel for any reason” insurance, Milda searched the Viking website for instructions on how to cancel, but did not find them. So, she went directly to Trip Mate, which she considered an interchangeable and equal partner with Viking on her insurance.

A Trip Mate customer service representative gave her instructions on filing a claim online, which Milda did, including uploading medical records.

But the Trip Mate representative missed an opportunity to spare Milda and Leo a big headache. The rep should have realized the couple on that date was entitled to a no-penalty refund from Viking based on early cancellation. The rep should have said: Don’t file a claim with us — file with Viking, and here’s how to do it.

But no such discussion took place. Instead, Milda awaited her refund, thinking she had properly filed her claim.

“I thought by canceling with Trip Mate I was canceling with Viking,” Milda told me.

But 18 days after filing with Trip Mate Milda received a letter from the insurer saying it had discovered Milda’s trip hadn’t actually been canceled with Viking, and that filing a claim with Trip Mate wasn’t the same as canceling with Viking.

A day after getting the letter, Milda contacted Viking. But it was now too late for a no-penalty refund, she was told. Between the time of her filing with Trip Mate and the time she contacted Viking the number of days before her trip departure date had dropped from 132 to 114, meaning she was past the no-penalty period by six days, a $3,800 goof.

At that point, Viking could have said “close enough” and given her a full refund, which is what Leo argued to the Viking manager. But it also could have — and should have — explained that she would wind up with a full cash refund anyway, because Trip Mate’s policy would kick in to cover Viking’s 20 percent cancellation penalty.

But no such discussion occurred. And Milda and Leo were left thinking they were losing thousands of dollars.

After I got involved, Viking imposed its $3,800 cancellation penalty, but Trip Mate agreed it would cover that amount, much to the relief of Milda and Leo.

If you are considering travel insurance, ask questions. Am I getting trip protection or trip insurance or both? What happens if I cancel my trip before departure? Do I get cash or travel credits? Does the reason I cancel matter? What’s my coverage while I’m on my trip? Who are the responsible parties? How do I cancel and how do I file a claim?

Lots of questions to ask. Make sure you know what you’re getting.

Got a problem? Send your consumer issue to [email protected] . Follow him @spmurphyboston .

Do cruise ships have morgues? Here's what happens when someone dies on board

Cruise ships are known for their many amenities aimed at helping passengers make the most of their vacations. But cruise lines also have to be prepared for the worst.

In addition to onboard security and medical care , the vessels have facilities and protocols in case someone dies during a sailing.

“Given that there is such a high frequency of elderly passengers and the fact that cruise ships are basically floating cities it should come as little surprise that there are in fact morgues aboard most cruise ships,” said Michael Winkleman, a maritime attorney with Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. But with the vessels spending much of their time at sea and traveling from country to country, the logistics are different than on land.

Safety at sea: What happens if you get sick or injured (or bitten by a monkey) on a cruise ship

What happens when someone dies on a cruise ship?

Onboard morgues allow a ship’s crew to store bodies in the event of a death during a cruise, according to Winkleman. The facilities are refrigerated, stainless steel rooms accommodating between two and 10 bodies on the lowest deck of the vessels, The New York Times reported.

Cruise ships bound for a U.S. port must immediately report deaths to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention port health stations – previously called quarantine stations – in accordance with the health agency’s regulations, a spokesperson for Cruise Lines International Association told USA TODAY. The association is the industry’s leading trade organization.

The U.S. Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 also requires that missing persons, suspicious deaths and homicides be reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with other kinds of criminal activity. The cruise lines association policy extends that reporting mandate to “appropriate law enforcement” for member lines no matter where they operate.

“Additional requirements may apply depending on the country and location of the ship when the death occurs,” the cruise lines association's spokesperson added.

In Winkleman’s experience, bodies are often offloaded at the end of the cruise at the ship’s homeport. However, he noted the cruise line could disembark remains at other ports if local rules permit. Ship personnel offer various kinds of assistance to family members or other companions, depending on how they want to handle arrangements, requirements from local authorities and other factors, the cruise lines association spokesperson said. “Crew members are trained to support travel companions on board through the process of disembarkation,” the spokesperson added.

Who is responsible for the costs?

Cruise lines have no legal obligation to pay expenses associated with death at sea (assuming there is no allegation of negligence by the operator), Winkleman said. Passengers, their family members, or other travel companions are responsible for the cost of transporting the body, The Points Guy reported .

Does travel insurance cover death?

Travel insurance plans may have coverage for costs associated with repatriation of remains if needed, according to Meghan Walch, director of product at InsureMyTrip.

“This would typically be something that would need to be arranged through the emergency assistance provider associated with the insurance policy,” she said in an email. “Each policy will have the necessary contact information included.”

She emphasized the importance of reading the policy’s inclusions and any necessary steps. If you don’t contact or make arrangements with the assistance provider soon enough, coverage could be limited.

Plans may also cover expenses for creating and sending documents needed to move a body, like an autopsy or police report. “Some plans may also cover equivalent costs if traveling outside of the U.S. and the decision is made to bury the traveler in the country where death occurred,” Walch said.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefits can provide some protection if a traveler is hurt or dies because of an accidental cause, as well, with payments usually going to the policyholder’s estate, spouse, or dependents, depending on the wording. Some plans may also offer coverage for temporary storage, embalming or cremation and other costs.

Walch suggested keeping a copy of the emergency assistance contact information on hand during a trip and designating a point person who can speak on your behalf in case something happens.

That doesn’t mean travelers should worry, however. “A cruise holiday is one of the safest forms of travel, and the safety of passengers and crew is the top priority of cruise lines,” the cruise lines association spokesperson said.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].