Embarking on a cruise is an exciting adventure, but it’s important to protect your investment and ensure your safety with the best cruise insurance. After evaluating 37 travel insurance policies with missed connection coverage, our analysis has found that WorldTrips, Nationwide, and TravelSafe Insurance are the best cruise insurance companies for May 2024.
What Is Cruise Insurance?
Cruise insurance is a travel insurance policy that provides coverage for the unique risks associated with cruise travel. It does not have to be a policy specifically labeled as “cruise insurance.” The key is to find a policy with the coverage features you need, such as missed connection coverage, which can be significant when trying to catch up to a cruise ship.
What Does Cruise Insurance Cover?
A comprehensive cruise insurance policy typically covers the following, up to your policy limits, if the expense is caused by a reason listed in your policy and not excluded from coverage:
Coverage TypeDescriptionMedical expensesCovers the cost of medical treatment during your tripEmergency medical evacuationPays for transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility or back home if medically necessary Trip cancellationReimburses non-refundable trip costs if you have to cancel for a covered reason. Trip delay covers additional expenses if your trip is delayed for a covered reason.
Trip interruptionReimburses unused trip costs and extra expenses if your trip is cut short for a covered reasonMissed connectionsPays for costs associated with catching up to your cruise if you miss the departureLost, stolen, damaged, or delayed baggageProvides reimbursement for luggage and personal items
Some policies, like the WaveCare plan from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, even offer compensation if your cruise ship becomes disabled and you’re stuck on board without power, food, water, or restroom facilities for a specified amount of time.
Do I Need Cruise Insurance?
Cruise insurance is worth considering if you cannot afford to lose the money you paid in advance for non-refundable trip costs in the event of cancellation. It can also provide coverage for medical treatment, emergency evacuation, trip delays, lost luggage, and more during your trip.
How Much Does Cruise Insurance Cost?
Based on our analysis of 37 cruise travel insurance plans, the average cost of cruise insurance is $457 per trip. Factors that influence the cost include your age, trip cost, and trip length.
Here are examples of cruise insurance costs for the best policies:
Travel Insurance Company Top-Scoring Policy for Cruise InsuranceAverage Cost Per TripWorld Trips Atlas Journey Premier $408 AIG Travel Guard Preferred: $413Trawick InternationalSafe Travels First Class $421 Travel Safe Insurance Classic $431 AXA Assistance USA Platinum $470 Nationwide Cruise Luxury$485Generali Global Assistance Premium $496 Seven CornersTrip Protection Choice $527 John Hancock Insurance Agency Gold $571
Where and When to Buy Cruise Insurance
You can purchase cruise insurance from your cruise line, travel agent, or directly from a travel insurance company. While you can buy a policy up until your departure, there are benefits to purchasing insurance soon after booking your trip, such as maximizing your trip cancellation coverage and qualifying for additional coverage like a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver or “cancel for any reason” upgrade.
How to Shop for the Best Cruise Insurance
When shopping for cruise insurance, consider the following coverage types:
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Trip interruption coverage
- Travel medical insurance
- Emergency medical evacuation coverage
- Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions
- “Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) travel insurance
- “Interruption for any reason” travel insurance
- Additional types of travel insurance for cruises (e.g., travel delay, baggage insurance, missed connection coverage)
Is Cruise Insurance Worth It?
Cruise insurance can be worth the investment if you want to protect your non-refundable trip costs, ensure coverage for medical emergencies abroad, and have peace of mind during your voyage. The average cost of travel insurance is 5-6% of your trip cost, making it a relatively small expense compared to the potential financial losses you could face without it.
What Are the Travel Insurance Requirements of Different Cruise Lines?
While most cruise lines departing from the U.S. do not require travel insurance, it’s highly recommended to purchase a policy that includes travel medical insurance and emergency evacuation coverage, as U.S. health insurance may have limited or no coverage outside the country.
In conclusion, investing in cruise insurance can provide valuable protection and peace of mind for your upcoming voyage. By understanding your coverage needs and comparing policies from top providers like WorldTrips, Nationwide, and TravelSafe Insurance, you can find the best cruise insurance plan for your May 2024 adventure.
