Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover for their medical conditions.
A cruise holiday is an exciting prospect: visiting amazing destination after amazing destination, relaxing on a wonderful ship and making the most of the onboard entertainment (and buffet!) We know that one of the least exciting parts of preparing for your departure is sorting out insurance. However, getting properly covered will provide peace of mind for whatever happens on your holiday.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser looking to understand what cover you need or a seasoned traveller looking for a great deal, Medical Travel Compared is here to help. Read on to find out everything you need to know about cruise holiday insurance.
Do I need specialist cruise travel insurance?
Just like standard travel insurance, it’s not a legal requirement to get cruise insurance. However, you will find that some cruise lines and UK travel agents require you to have adequate cover before you can board your cruise. Even when it’s not a requirement, making sure that you are covered is a wise choice.
Whether you’re taking a short cruise around the UK, treating yourself to a Caribbean adventure, or a once-in-a-lifetime world cruise, a cruise holiday is often an investment.
Because of this, and the unique nature of a cruise holiday, you’ll need a specialist level of cover to make sure you are fully protected. Keep reading to find out more about what this entails.
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What does cruise-specific travel insurance cover?
Travel insurance for cruises includes all the regular benefits of standard travel insurance but also some important items that are specific to a cruise holiday. They are things you won’t want to miss out on, giving you peace of mind should the worst happen. For example, you can be covered for:
- Missed port departure
- Cabin confinement for medical reasons
- Airlifting from the cruise ship should you need to be hospitalised
- Cruise interruption
- Change of itinerary
- Cover of unused excursions
- Cruise cancellation
Whereas standard travel insurance only provides for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost or stolen luggage
- Holiday cancellation
What are the different levels of cruise travel insurance cover?
The level of cover you choose should be dictated by the cost of your cruise – don’t be tempted to pick a cheap cruise insurance policy that doesn’t cover the cost of your holiday and risk being underinsured.
The cover limits on a policy are per insured person, so for example, if there are two of you travelling on the policy and the total cost of your cruise is £3,000, then you would need a policy that provides a minimum cancellation cover of up to £1,500 per person.
Optional Extras
In addition to cruise cover, there are also other optional extras you could add to your policy.
Gadget cover is there for all your electronic devices, and if you’re swapping the ship for a pair of ski boots at any point during your cruise, you might want to consider winter sports cover, too.
What is cruise travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions?
As well as having specialist cruise cover, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, your policy should ensure that you are protected should you need medical treatment abroad. Should you fall ill on your cruise or need medical attention – whether in port or at sea – your insurance will cover you.
We’ll search over 30 specialist medical travel insurance providers to help you find the perfect policy that not only includes cover for pre-existing medical conditions but also specifically insures you against specific cruise-related issues that you wouldn’t normally get protection for with standard cover.
How many days can cruise travel insurance cover me for?
You can typically be covered for up to 45 days with single trip cover – perfect for the vast majority of cruises. Some providers will even cover up to 94 days, but either way, whether you are heading on a short cruise around the Med or are looking for world cruise travel insurance, you should be just fine.
If you are planning multiple trips throughout the year, you can also be covered via annual multi-trip insurance. While there will be a maximum number of days you are covered for each trip, it’s a great option to consider for frequent cruisers.
How much does cruise insurance cost?
The price of cruise insurance will depend on several different factors that are unique to you. The cost will change depending on the destinations you are visiting, the length of the cruise, your pre-existing medical conditions, and your age.
You should always compare cruise travel insurance is a good idea, as different providers will quote you different prices. They are all competing with each other, so take the time to shop around for the best price.
Is travel insurance more expensive for a cruise?
Cruise insurance does tend to be more expensive than standard travel insurance. This is because to cover the cost of covering medical expenses, should you become ill at sea, is normally higher, thus resulting in a more expensive policy. Just think about it: a regular ambulance can take you from the hotel to the hospital, but on a cruise ship, a much more expensive helicopter will have to be used.
Furthermore, travel insurance is more expensive for a cruise holiday because it covers more than a standard travel policy. As you can claim for things that will only take place on a cruise, such as missed port or cabin confinement, the insurance premium will naturally be higher.
You can reduce the cost of your cruise insurance by choosing a policy that covers fewer items, only opting for one that covers the essentials of medical expenses, but, of course, the peace of mind you get from full cover might be something you will miss.
What is the best cruise travel insurance to get?
The best cruise insurance in the UK is a policy that will cover you for cruise-specific eventualities, such as cabin confinement and missed ports of call, as well as any pre-existing medical conditions. Other factors to consider are the amount of money you are covered for, how much the excess is, and, of course, the price of the policy itself.
Use our tool to compare cruise holiday insurance, and we will provide you with a selection of quotes to choose from. Take your time and make sure that everything you want is covered.
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How do I buy cruise travel insurance?
The best way to buy cruise travel insurance is by comparing the different options that are currently available. Our quick online comparison tool, you can compare quotes in no time at all.
- Click the 'Get a quote' button to get started.
- Choose ‘single trip’ or ‘annual trip’.
- Add ‘cruise cover’.
- Select all the countries that you will be travelling to on your cruise.
- Let us know when you are going and when you are coming back.
- Decide how many people you want to be covered.
- Provide a few personal details, such as any pre-existing medical conditions.
Once you have filled in the form, you can start browsing the quotes and decide which policy is right for you.
Get a quoteFrequently Asked Questions
Cruise travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions is a specialised type of cover that protects you from risks specific to cruises while also covering your pre-existing health conditions. It goes beyond standard travel insurance by including protections for things like missed port departures, cabin confinement due to illness, airlifting to a hospital, and unused excursions.
When you compare quotes with us, we help you find policies tailored to your needs, making it easier to enjoy your holiday worry-free.
Yes, you can! It’s essential to choose insurance specifically designed for pre-existing medical conditions. During the application process, you’ll need to inform us about your medical history so we can match you with providers that best suit your needs.
Our panel of specialist insurers is experienced in offering cover for a wide range of medical conditions, ensuring you can find a policy that provides the right level of support and peace of mind.
Cruises have unique challenges that standard travel insurance doesn’t cover. For example, you might need to be airlifted off the ship in a medical emergency or miss a scheduled port due to illness. Cruise-specific insurance provides extra cover for these situations and ensures your trip is protected - even in cases specific to cruising.
Some cruise operators and travel agents may even require you to have this type of cover before boarding.
Your cruise-specific travel insurance may include the following protections in addition to standard travel insurance benefits like medical expenses, lost luggage, and trip cancellation:
- Missed port departure
- Cabin confinement if you’re unwell
- Airlift to a hospital if necessary
- Changes to itinerary
- Refunds for unused excursions
- Cancellation or curtailment
Make sure to check your policy for specific inclusions to ensure you’ve got the coverage you need.
When purchasing cruise travel insurance, it’s important to declare all the countries you’ll be visiting during your trip. This includes every country where your cruise will dock, even if you don’t plan to leave the ship. Certain destinations may have specific travel requirements or pose unique risks that need to be covered as part of your policy.
To ensure full cover and avoid any issues, be as thorough as possible when listing your travel destinations. If your travel itinerary changes after purchasing your insurance, contact your provider to update your policy accordingly.
If your cruise itinerary changes after you’ve purchased your travel insurance, it’s essential to notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. This ensures that your policy is updated to reflect any new destinations or changes in your travel plans. Most providers are flexible and will make amendments to your policy, but it’s always best to notify them as soon as possible. Staying proactive helps you avoid gaps in your cover and ensures peace of mind during your trip.
Yes, cruise travel insurance typically includes coverage for medical emergencies that occur while on the ship. This can include treatment for illnesses, injuries, or medical evacuations if needed. However, it’s important to read your policy carefully, as coverage amounts and terms can vary between providers.
Many cruise travel insurance policies offer coverage for shore excursions, but it’s essential to verify the terms with your provider. This cover may include medical emergencies, cancellations due to illness, or injuries sustained during activities while off the ship. Adventure or high-risk activities might not be included unless you purchase additional cover. Be sure to inform your insurance provider about any planned activities to ensure you’re fully protected.
* Price is based on one traveller aged 61, with no medical conditions and is travelling to Spain for seven nights with cruise cover. The price is correct as of April 2025. Prices may vary according to your individual requirements.
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If we're unable to help you find cover for a pre-existing medical condition, the Money Helper Directory has listings of companies that may be able to assist you. Further details can be found on their website.
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