Cruise
Cruise Travel Insurance Explained: What Standard Policies Miss
Cruises sit in an insurance grey area. Here's what cruise-specific cover adds and why it's worth the small extra cost.
Cruise holidays are wonderful — until something goes wrong at sea, where there's no walking off the ship to the next hotel. Standard travel insurance doesn't recognise the unique risks of cruising. Here's what cruise-specific cover adds.
Cabin confinement
If a doctor confines you to your cabin (norovirus on cruises is common), cruise cover pays a daily benefit, usually £30–£50 per day.
Missed port
If the ship can't dock at a scheduled port due to weather, you're paid a fixed amount per missed port — typically £30–£75.
Missed departure
If your flight is delayed and the ship sails without you, cruise cover pays the cost of getting you to the next port to rejoin the cruise. This can run into thousands of pounds for transatlantic cruises.
Unused excursions
If you're confined to cabin or hospitalised, pre-paid shore excursions are usually refundable through your policy.
Itinerary change
If the cruise line significantly changes the itinerary mid-cruise, some policies pay a benefit.
Onboard medical
Ship medical centres charge private rates. A simple consultation can be £150+ and is paid out-of-pocket then claimed back. Make sure your policy doesn't cap "onboard medical" lower than other medical cover.
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