International cruising has been back for a while now, ever since the FCDO changed its advice in August 2021. The popularity of cruises has surged, with many eager to return to the open seas.

For those considering or having already booked an upcoming cruise, it’s crucial to prioritise your Cruise Travel Insurance.

Cruise Travel Insurance will protect you against things that can happen in the lead-up to your cruise, such as needing to cancel, and for things that could go wrong on board, such as needing emergency medical treatment. There is also protection for risks that are uniquely associated with going on a cruise, such as being confined to your cabin on medical advice or an itinerary change.

What happens if I miss the start of my cruise?

Naturally, you don’t expect to miss the start of a cruise, but unfortunately, it can happen. Cruise Travel Insurance can provide some peace of mind for this scenario.

As long as the reason for missing the cruise was unforeseen, you will be covered, for example, if your car broke down on the way to the port or as a result of an accident that caused you to be delayed.

The “Missed Port Departure” benefit in your cruise insurance cover will take care of additional transport and accommodation costs to help you join your cruise at the next port.

What happens if I need emergency medical treatment on my cruise?

Just because you’re on a cruise, it doesn’t mean accidents can’t happen. You may fall in your cabin or by the pool, or in more serious circumstances, you could have a heart attack or flare-up of a pre-existing medical condition.

While there is an on-board medical officer it will depend on the severity of the injury or illness what happens next. You may need to leave the ship for treatment at a hospital, or you may need treatment on board – either way, your Travel Insurance for cruising can help you recover the costs incurred. Note that any treatment on board is not covered by the NHS, and your EHIC/GHIC card is not valid at sea.

In addition, if you were confined to your room due to illness (under orders from the medical officer) then you will be covered for each full day (24 hours) up to a maximum of 10 days. The amount you will receive will vary due to the level of cruise holiday cover you selected when buying your insurance. More details are available under ‘cabin confinement.’

What if adverse weather means we can’t stop as planned?​

There must be nothing worse than looking forward to visiting a particular place only to be told you can’t stop because of storms or adverse weather. But at least with the ‘itinerary change’ benefit of Cruise Travel Insurance, you will be covered for each port you missed. You could claim up to £100 per port in compensation, depending on the level of cruise cover you have selected.​

Can I claim for a pre-booked excursion I missed because I sprained my ankle?

If you have sustained an ankle injury, you’re unlikely to be climbing the Spanish steps in Rome, so you would have to sit this one out on medical grounds. Fortunately, the ‘unused excursions’ benefit in your Travel Insurance for a cruise could help you claim back costs (up to the amount shown in your schedule) for the missed trip.

What if the ship leaves without me because I need medical treatment on land?

If you have an accident while on dry land, you may need to visit a hospital, meaning you could ‘miss the boat’ as it leaves for the next port. If this is the case your Cruise Travel Insurance can help you re-join your cruise at its next docking point, covering any additional travel expenses that you incur.

If this does happen you will need to contact the assistance company to confirm your travel arrangements. All of this will be covered in the ‘cruise interruption’ section of cover.

What about UK Cruises?

UK Cruises, or “Seacations” have become extremely popular in light of the restrictions on international cruising during Covid. Some cruise lines mandate that you have Cruise Travel Insurance in place with £2m medical cover. If you need a quote for a UK cruise with £2m medical cover click here. It’s important you check your policy covers this for UK waters.

Read more here or call us to see how we can help.

Got a cruise booked?

Our policies can cover cancellation for up to £30,000 per person, so we’ve got the right cover for you whether you’re on a 7-day Mediterranean cruise or round the world adventure.

If you have already booked a cruise we can help you get the cover you need today.