That peaceful ebb and flow of the waves as you drift off to sleep, the halls filled with shopping and entertainment, and the chance to see multiple destination cities all in one trip are just a few reasons why travelers love cruises. Before you set sail, consider purchasing the best travel insurance for cruises to protect your trip and finances.
So much can happen before you board the boat that could prevent you from traveling and cause you to lose the thousands of dollars you’ve paid for the trip. Many other events can happen while aboard the ship, leading to major challenges that could be quite costly. Here’s a look at the best insurance to protect against the unknown and why you might consider a policy.
Quick Look: Best Travel Insurance for Cruises
- Best for Managing Policy via Mobile App: Faye
- Best for Tiered Insurance Plans: Travelex Insurance Services
- Best for Plan Comparison Across Many Providers: Aardy.com
- Best for Cruising with Children: Arch RoamRight
4 Best Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance
Cruise insurance can help, whether you want to know you’re covered in case your flight to the port is delayed or are interested in financial support for medical care while aboard the ship. Here are the leading travel insurance options designed specifically for cruises.
1. Best for Mobile App to Manage Policy: Faye
Download the Faye app to access 24/7 customer service for your travel insurance policy. Whether you need telemedicine with doctors to diagnose an ailment while aboard or you’re worried about missed connections with all the complex comings and goings that cruises can involve, this travel insurance is excellent.
Prices start at $5.16 per day for long trips of 14 days when your cruise includes international stops.
Enjoy trip cancellation, delay, interruption, missed connections, lost or damaged belongings, rental car care, cancellation for any reason, vacation rental damage protection, adventure and extreme sports coverage, emergency medical, and the option to add on coverage for preexisting medical conditions.
Why We Love It: This insurance can be purchased entirely online, making it simple to purchase right after booking your travel accommodations. Then, you can switch from booking to managing your policy through digital channels. Should you need the insurance, it includes quick reimbursement for claims.
2. Best for Tiered Insurance Plans: Travelex Insurance Services
Be fully in control of the coverage options you want included with your travel insurance plan with Travelex Insurance Services. You have three tiered options to select from. This allows you to decide whether you need optional upgrades while balancing your coverage with the price to insure your trip.
Basic coverage includes up to $15,000 for emergency medical care, $10,000 in trip cancellation and interruption insurance, lost or delayed baggage, missed connections, and 24/7 travel assistance.
Basic coverage averages $170 per trip, while Travel Select averages $240. The company is reputable and known for paying claims and providing outstanding customer service.
Why We Love It: Customize your travel insurance plan to include the coverage you want to provide peace of mind for your cruise experience. Consider your land activities and excursions so you can tailor the plan to meet your needs.
3. Best for Plan Comparison Across Many Providers: Aardy.com
When you want to price shop your cruise insurance plan, head to Aardy.com. This marketplace lets you input your travel information and review quotes and information for many insurance providers simultaneously.
The online marketplace has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. You’ll see pricing and information from the leading travel insurance providers; prices are not inflated to provide the service. Choose the best insurance plan for you based on the coverage you need and your unique travel details.
Why We Love It: With just a few clicks, you can easily compare trip insurance prices across many carriers. Then, you can purchase your insurance directly and speed up the quoting and information process to plan the fun parts of your trip, such as what excursions you’ll participate in at each port.
4. Best for Cruising with Children: Arch RoamRight
This provides a broad overview of your policy provisions and does not revise or amend the policy. Insurance coverages are underwritten by Arch Insurance Company, NAIC #11150, under policy series LTP 2013 and amendments thereto. Plans are offered and disseminated by registered travel retailers on behalf of Arch Insurance Solutions Inc., a licensed travel insurance producer* (CA License #0I18111, TX License #1787195). Both the travel insurance producer and the underwriter referenced above may be reached at 1-844-872-4163. Your policy is the contract that specifically and fully describes your coverage. Certain terms, conditions, restrictions and exclusions apply and coverages may vary in certain states. Please refer to your policy for detailed terms and conditions.
Consumer Disclosures can be found at: https://www.roamright.com/disclosures/.
Privacy policy can be found at: https://www.roamright.com/roamright-website-privacy-policy/
*Plans are solicited by licensed producers in NY and HI.
When cruising with children, you receive complimentary coverage for one child with the purchase of adult coverage. That makes your travel insurance more affordable so you can make family memories with peace of mind.
Arch RoamRight grew out of an insurance agency, where the staff saw what customers wanted in an insurance plan. They tailored their coverage to common needs. While the plan only includes two main policy options, you’ll find standard trip insurance needs at a fair price to protect your investment in family fun.
You’ll enjoy coverage for trip delays, cancellations, interruptions, bag delays, lost luggage, missed connections, emergency evacuations, accident and sickness medical coverage, and more.
Why We Love It: The two policy options simplify selecting your insurance coverage options, especially if you’re new to travel insurance. Adding children ages 17 and younger for free with each paying adult makes covering a family cruise more affordable.
What Is Cruise Travel Insurance?
Cruise insurance is a type of travel insurance that covers expenses like airfare and accommodations, as well as emergency medical situations. The amount of coverage included in your plan will depend on the insurance company you select and the plan tier you choose.
Some insurance coverage includes cancel-for-any-reason, allowing you to recoup costs if you can’t go on the trip for any reason.
What Does Travel Insurance for Cruises Cover?
Travel insurance offers a variety of coverage options. Look at some coverages you might encounter as you shop for the best policy to protect your trip.
Trip Delays
Cruises involve many transfers and experiences. One small airfare delay could mean you miss the boat, and getting to the next port to board is expensive and complex. Your travel insurance can reimburse you for trip delays.
Trip Interruptions
Once you leave for your cruise, various circumstances could send you home, cutting your trip short. In case of an emergency, insurance can help pay the difference between your previously booked flight and the new one you need to get home.
Trip Cancellations
If you can’t go on your cruise for a covered reason, the insurance will refund you the expenses you’ve paid up to that point. Some covered reasons for trip cancellation include your or a close family member’s illness or a jury duty summons.
Medical Emergencies
If you need medical care in a country where your health insurance plan is different from your travel insurance, your travel insurance will provide a financial security plan. You won’t have to foot the bill for international medical care. Some plans also cover emergency medical transportation to get you back to the U.S. for treatment.
Lost, Stolen or Delayed Baggage
Cover your baggage if lost, stolen or delayed during your travels. This includes while it is in the care of the airline and when it is on the cruise ship. It covers replacing the items if the luggage is never returned to you or purchasing items while in port to help you get by until you get your luggage back.
What Is Not Covered?
Travel insurance for cruises offers many outstanding coverage options to protect your financial investment and prepare for unforeseen events. However, the insurance does have some limitations. Here are some common exclusions in most plans.
- Reasonably foreseeable events that lead to cancellation or problems while on your trip
- Acts of war
- Known storms
- Epidemics
- Government-imposed travel restrictions
- Preexisting medical conditions unless you purchase an insurance plan that includes this add-on
- Dangerous activities, such as sky diving or parasailing
- Unlawful acts
- Injuries you sustain while under the influence of illegal drugs, you do not have a prescription for
How Much Does a Cruise Travel Insurance Policy Cost?
Cruise travel insurance costs approximately 3-10% of your trip costs. The final cost of your insurance will depend on how many people you’re covering, the level of coverage you’re seeking, the ages of the travelers you’re insuring, the length of your trip, and various other unique risk factors that insurance companies use to quote your insurance.
Should You Buy Travel Insurance Through a Cruise Line?
Many cruise lines offer the chance to purchase travel insurance when booking. However, shopping around for the best insurance is in your best interest. Policies offered through cruise lines are fast and easy to purchase but don’t allow for customizations and often come at a premium. While you know you won’t forget to shop around for this important insurance and can complete your booking faster when you buy through the cruise line, it’s often better to talk to an agent or shop a comparison website for travel insurance than to book through cruise lines or airlines.
When you do some independent research, you can often find outstanding travel benefits for a better price. Ideally, you also want travel insurance as primary coverage. That way, you don’t have to go through your homeowners insurance policy or pay the larger deductibles your homeowners insurance policy charges for losses.
Protect Your Voyage from a Variety of Mishaps
Cruises are exciting and relaxing experiences. You can go from exploring new cities to relaxing on the cruise ship deck with a cold beverage. It’s an incredible mix of adventure and relaxation you won’t find with many other types of trips. Protect your investment with trip insurance designed specifically for cruises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get travel insurance for a cruise?
Yes, many travel insurance companies offer policies specifically designed for cruises.
When should I purchase cruise travel insurance?
Purchase cruise travel insurance shortly after booking your trip to protect your investment.
Is travel insurance for a cruise worth it?
Travel insurance for a cruise is a small percentage of the total cost of your trip, making it well worth the investment to protect you in various circumstances.
How do I choose the right travel insurance plan for my cruise?
Compare the coverages available through the travel insurance plan to decide which is best for you based on your needs.
About Rebekah Brately
Rebekah Brately is an investment writer passionate about helping people learn more about how to grow their wealth. She has more than 12 years of writing experience, focused on technology, travel, family and finance. Her work has been published in Benzinga, Hearst Bay Area, FreightWaves and Dallas Observer publications.