Cruise Travel Insurance Guide (2025): What to Cover & How to Compare Plans

Here’s something a lot of folks don’t realize: standard travel insurance usually doesn’t cover cruises. Yep, you read that right. If you’re heading out on the high seas, you’ll need cruise-specific insurance to keep you covered.

So, what exactly is cruise insurance? It’s a special type of travel insurance designed specifically for all the fun (and occasional mishaps) that come with cruising. Think onboard accidents, missed ports, or even extended stays if something goes sideways. Most regular travel insurance plans don’t account for the unique aspects of a cruise vacation, so be sure to add the cruise option when you’re buying your policy—it’s not automatically included!

Why You Need Cruise Travel Insurance (and What It Actually Covers)

Not all cruise insurance policies are created equal. That’s why we like Cover For You — they’re an award-winning provider (Forbes “Best Travel Insurance” 2022, Moneyfacts Best Claims Service 2020) and offer comprehensive cover designed for cruise travellers.

Here’s the lowdown on what cruise insurance usually takes care of:

Cabin Confinement
If you get sick onboard, the ship’s medical team might make you stay in your cabin to prevent spreading germs. If that happens, cruise insurance typically compensates you for every day you’re stuck inside.

Missed Excursions
Pre-booked that once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling trip, but got sidelined by an illness? Most cruise insurance plans will refund you for excursions you can’t use because you were confined to your cabin.

Itinerary Changes
Weather, technical issues, or other unexpected problems can force the cruise line to switch up the itinerary. If you miss out on a big chunk of your planned stops, you could be eligible for compensation from the cruise operator.

Missed Port Departure
Running late and missed your ship? Cruise insurance can save the day by covering the cost of catching up with your cruise at the next port. This might be due to:

• Public transport delays
• Car trouble or accidents
• Bad weather or strikes

Cancellation or Cutting the Cruise Short
Cruises aren’t cheap, and they’re often booked months (or even years) in advance. Cruise insurance can cover you if you have to cancel last minute or head home early for an unexpected reason.

Cruise Interruption
Need hospital care during your trip? Cruise insurance helps cover medical expenses and even the cost of rejoining your cruise if you can.

Medical Expenses
If you get sick or injured on board, this part of the policy covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and even emergency airlifts back home if needed. Some plans also cover accommodation for your travel companions while you recover.

Baggage and Belongings
Lost, delayed, or stolen luggage? Most cruise insurance policies cover that too. Just check the limits of your plan to see how much you’re entitled to.

Travel Money
Lost or stolen cash? Cruise insurance often has your back, though the claim limits will vary depending on the policy.

Scan here to get a Cover For You cruise insurance quote

Comparing Cruise Insurance Plans

Picking the right cruise insurance can feel a bit like staring at a buffet where everything looks the same. Sure, most policies will cover cancellation, medical emergencies, and trip interruption — but the devil’s in the details. Here are six things worth checking before you buy:

• Primary vs. Secondary Coverage
  If you get sick onboard and need treatment, primary coverage means the insurer pays out directly. Secondary coverage makes you claim elsewhere first, then come back for the leftovers. Less hassle = primary, but secondary can be cheaper if you’re already covered elsewhere.
• Maximum Trip Cost
  Cruises aren’t exactly budget breaks. If you’ve splashed out on a luxury voyage or are booking for the whole family, make sure the policy covers your full non-refundable costs. Some only go up to £8,000–£10,000, while others stretch to six figures.
• Right-Sized Benefit Limits
  Bigger isn’t always better. A £10m evacuation limit sounds impressive, but do you really need that if you’re cruising the Med and never straying far from hospitals? Choose limits that make sense for your itinerary.
• Covered Reasons
  Always read the fine print. “Family illness” might not mean the same across policies — some include grandparents, stepchildren, or even pets (yes, Fido might be covered). Know what counts before you rely on it.
• Niche Perks
  Look out for extras that suit your style of travel. Some plans cover rental car damage, sports kit hire if your golf clubs go missing, or even kennel costs if your return is delayed. These little touches can make a big difference.
• Company Reputation
  Last but not least, who’s actually insuring you? Check if they’re well-reviewed, pay claims quickly, and handle customer service in-house. The fanciest benefits won’t matter if you’re stuck in a claims queue for months.

Cruise Insurance Bottom Line

Cruise insurance might feel like just another thing to add to your pre-trip to-do list, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind. So, before you set sail, make sure you’ve got the right cover for your adventure—you’ll be glad you did!