Whether you are planning your first cruise or you are a seasoned cruise traveller, it is really important to make sure that you take out travel insurance before you travel. This is an incredibly important part of your trip and something that you should not skip. Whether you need to be reimbursed for those unexpected medical costs that you may occur if you fall ill whilst abroad, or you need to make sure that you have protection in place against things like lost baggage or cancelled flights, the right cover really can make all the difference.
The big question on many people’s minds, particularly those who are looking at their first cruise, is what should you be looking for in a cruise holiday travel insurance package.
One thing to note is that most cruise companies offer you the option to take out cover when you book your holiday, and very often having insurance in place is a requirement for being able to board the ship due to the rather unique circumstances attached to this type of travel.
Whilst it is not a bad idea to take out this cover, it may be better to arrange it through an independent agent like Just Travel Cover who specialise in a wide range of products and can help you select exactly the right cover.
What are the common benefits of travel insurance for cruises?
There is no doubt that cruising is an incredible way of seeing the world in comfort, however, with the unpredictable nature of life there is always the possibility of something bad happening. If you have travel insurance in place, it can help to cushion the blow of what has happened, whether it is something going missing or an event that has financial or medical implications. Here are just a few of the benefits to be had from the right insurance:
- Missing port departure
- Being confined to your cabin for medical reasons
- Being airlifted from the ship as a result of needing to be hospitalised
- Missing or not using an excursion as a result of medical issues
- Cancellation of the cruise
- Interruption of the cruise
Different levels of cover
Not all travel insurance policies are equal and in fact no two policies will really be the same. The type of cover that you will require will depend on the cost of your cruise and also your own personal requirements. When it comes to comparing policies, it is important to look at the limit for cancellation coverage. A cruise is not a cheap holiday, so it is important to make sure that you are not underinsured. The limit stated is usually per insured traveller so if you and whoever you are travelling with are on the same policy then you need to make sure this amount covers the cost you have paid for both travellers and not just one. Think about the cost of your belongings too, any cash you might take with you and the cost of excursions you have booked or plan to book – remember to check that the limit covers the most expensive excursions.
With so many things to factor in, getting advice makes sense.
Check out our preferred partner, Just Travel Cover, where you can compare multiple insurers, get coverage for hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions, and have no upper age limits! With extensive experience in cruise-specific travel insurance, you’ll never have to worry about anything ruining your cruise holiday!
