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by Nichol Quinn
-25 September 2023
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What to Know Before Embarking on a River Cruise
River Cruises offer the appeal of serene waterways, breathtaking landscapes, and enchanting towns. As River Cruises gain popularity among holidaymakers, you must be well-prepared for your journey. Ensure peace of mind on your river cruise by having appropriate Cruise Travel Insurance. In this blog, we will look at what Travel Insurance covers, particularly in relation to the challenges and surprises of River Cruises, and why choosing Just Travel Cover could make all the difference.
Cruise Travel Insurance: Your Shield on the River
Cruise-specific Travel Insurance acts as a sturdy shield, safeguarding you against unexpected and potentially very expensive medical bills, as well as softening the blow should things not go to plan during your river cruise. River Cruise Insurance can have a range of essential benefits, including:
- Cancellation Cover: this varies by insurer and £12,500 cover is available (per person). We can also provide high-value cancellation cover up to £50,000pp, but this can be done over the phone only. This protection ensures that if you have to cancel your trip due to insured reasons, you could claim back some or all of the costs so you don’t lose out.
- Cover for Pre-existing Medical Conditions: We specialise in providing Travel Insurance with cover for pre-existing medical conditions, providing peace of mind during your river cruise.
- Baggage and personal belongings: If your bags are lost, stolen or damaged, you can include baggage cover up to £3,000pp. Always check individual insurer’s terms to see how much is covered and what the money/cash and single article limits are.
Some Cruise Travel Insurance policies also offer additional benefits such as:
- Cover for Missed Port Departures up to £1,500pp, Cabin Confinement up to £1,500pp, and Unused Excursions up to £500pp: If your river cruise encounters disruptions like missed port departures or you are confined to your cabin due to illness, Travel Insurance can provide financial relief.
- Cruise Interruption: Continue Your Journey on Land: Don’t worry about missing out on exciting shore excursions during a cruise interruption. Your Travel Insurance ensures you can still enjoy your trip, even when on dry land.
Navigating Surprises on River Cruises
While River Cruises offer unforgettable moments, they also present unique challenges:
- Weather-Related Disruptions and Itinerary Changes: River Cruises can be impacted by extreme weather conditions which can lead to unexpected itinerary changes. Travel Insurance can sometimes offer much needed financial protection.
- Potential Health Concerns and Medical Emergencies: While safe, the confined spaces on River Cruise ships may pose health risks. Travel Insurance covers medical emergencies, ensuring you receive prompt care if needed, even if you need to be repatriated back to the UK.
- Preparing for Unforeseen Events: As with any holiday, River Cruises may encounter unforeseen incidents. Having Cruise Travel Insurance means you’re prepared offering you support and assistance when you need it the most.
Why Choose Just Travel Cover: Covering Pre-existing Medical Conditions
At Just Travel Cover, we specialise in covering pre-existing medical conditions. This includes conditions related to:
- Heart & Circulatory
- Cancer
- Autoimmune
- Mental Health
- Digestive
- Respiratory
With our expertise, you can feel confident knowing your unique health needs are catered to, giving you peace of mind during your River Cruise.
As you plan your River Cruise, remember to secure River Cruise Travel Insurance well in advance, ideally ASAB – as soon as you book. At Just Travel Cover, we can offer holiday insurance for up to 18 months before you set sail. This preparation will ensure you travel with confidence, knowing you’re protected throughout your journey.
Cruise Travel Insurance
Did you know that you can purchase your Cruise Travel Insurance 18 months in advance? In a few moments you can have your Cruise Travel Insurance quote for sailings up until July 2025!
What to Know Before Your River Cruise FAQs
Frequently asked questions about River Cruises and River Cruise Insurance.
What makes Travel Insurance essential for River Cruises?
Travel Insurance is vital for River Cruises, predominantly to provide a financial safety net for medical emergencies. Accidents and illnesses can happen anywhere, and the cost of treatment, moving you to a hospital on land and/or repatriation can be very costly. You may even need your Cruise Travel Insurance before you set food on the ship – for example if you need to cancel.
Can I get cover for lost or delayed baggage/luggage during my River Cruise?
Yes, most Travel Insurance policies cover your luggage if it is lost, stolen or damaged during your holiday. You can choose to exclude this if you’d rather, which may reduce the premium. If you’re flying, you can opt for our Smart Luggage benefit, which provides automatic payments of £50 and £500 if luggage doesn’t arrive as planned. At Just Travel Cover, we can offer baggage cover up to £3,000. It’s essential to check the specific details of your policy wording to understand the cover limits and requirements for making a claim.
When should I arrange Travel Insurance for my River Cruise?
We recommend securing your River Cruise Insurance as soon as you book your River Cruise to ensure you have adequate cover in case you need to cancel your trip. At Just Travel Cover, you can purchase insurance up to 18 months before your cruise. By securing Travel Insurance well in advance, you can get back to planning your river cruise with peace of mind.
Are river cruises covered under standard Travel Insurance policies, or do I need specific Cruise Travel Insurance?
When securing Travel Insurance, you will be asked if you are going on a cruise. With insurers, a cruise is defined as “a voyage on a ship or boat (ocean or river) taken for pleasure or as a holiday and usually calling in at several places. A ferry crossing does not constitute a cruise. So, by answering yes, you will be covered to go on the cruise, but remember that all insurers have different limits and exclusions. Not only that but some insurance policies have additional benefits in relation to cruising. Check the documents to see what is covered. Many cruise lines will check if you have Travel Insurance before you board.
What happens if the cruise line or tour operator cancels my River Cruise? Will Travel Insurance cover me?
Cancellation cover does not cover if your holiday is cancelled by your cruise line or tour operator; for this you should be reimbursed by the cruise provider. Cancellation cover is there if you cannot make the cruise due to an insured reason, such as the death or illness of a close relative, or an accident or illness that means you cannot travel. Refer to your policy wording for full details of what is included in your cancellation policy.
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