Best Travel Insurance For Cruises
A medical emergency on a cruise can cost thousands of dollars, and emergency medical evacuation from a cruise ship or a foreign port can easily exceed $100,000. Medicare generally does not cover medical care outside the United States, and many U.S. health plans offer little or no coverage while traveling internationally. Cruise travel insurance starts from $31 for a 15-day trip and can help cover emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation, trip cancellation, travel delays, missed connections, and baggage loss, giving you peace of mind throughout your cruise vacation.
What Is Cruise Insurance?
Cruise insurance provides financial protection in case of potential risks or unexpected events that may arise while traveling in a Cruise or while on a Cruise vacation. It is also popularly known as trip protection Insurance or trip insurance. This insurance offers coverage for a wide range of scenarios including trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical emergencies, missed connections, trip delay, lost baggage or damaged baggage.
Traveling on a Cruise is unique, as you will be traveling internationally in open seas and oceans far from your home comfort zone and having Cruise insurance provides peace of mind, where your trip is protected financially in case of cancellation due to emergency back home or in case you lose your personal property. Cruise specific travel insurance is slightly different from travel insurance, where Cruise insurance typically focuses more closely on the incidents in the Cruise for coverage, while travel insurance offers broader coverage and extends beyond the Cruise including unexpected incidents during the entire duration of the travel.
What Insurance Should I Buy for a Cruise?
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Best Cruise Insurance : Safe Travels Sailaway Cruise This is presented as a general cruise insurance option, with pricing starting at $45 per month. It is positioned as a good overall choice for travelers looking for cruise-specific coverage
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Cruise Insurance: Seven Corners Cruise Travel Insurance The key benefit mentioned is a cruise travel insurance waiver available within 20 days of the initial trip deposit. This means travelers may have access to certain waiver benefits if they purchase the plan within the specified time period.
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Best Cruise Insurance For Families: iTravelInsured Choice Cruise This option is highlighted because it offers free coverage for children when traveling with an insured adult, potentially making it attractive for families looking to reduce the overall insurance cost.
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Best Cruise Insurance For Seniors: BHTP WaveCare This plan is highlighted for its higher medical protection, including $75,000 in medical coverage and $750,000 for emergency medical evacuation, which can be particularly important for older travelers on cruises.
Compare Cruise-Specific Travel Insurance
iTravelInsured Choice Cruise, Seven Corners Cruise Insurance, Safe Travels Sailaway Cruise, and BHTP WaveCare are top choices for cruise travelers through American Visitor Insurance, offering coverage for cruise-specific risks, including missed ports, itinerary changes, and onboard medical emergencies.
| Feature | iTravelInsured Choice Cruise | Seven Corners Cruise Insurance | Safe Travels Sailaway Cruise | BHTP WaveCare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family / Child Benefit | One child (under 18) free per insured adult | No free child benefit | No free child benefit | No free child benefit |
| Trip Cancellation | 100% of trip cost up to $10,000 | 100% of non-refundable trip cost (max $30,000) | 100% of trip cost up to $50,000 | 100% of trip cost up to $25,000 |
| Trip Interruption | Up to 150% of trip cost | Up to 150% of insured trip cost | 125% of trip cost up to $62,500 | 150% of trip cost up to $37,500 |
| Medical Coverage | $100,000 per person (primary) | $250,000 per person | $100,000 per person (primary) | $75,000 per person (primary) |
| Medical Evacuation / Repatriation | $500,000 per person | $500,000 per person | $500,000 evacuation / $500,000 repatriation | $750,000 (incl. up to $25,000 escort expenses) |
| Cruise-Specific Coverage | Port closures, mechanical issues, itinerary changes, missed ports | Missed cruise connections, cruise diversion, itinerary changes | Itinerary changes, missed cruise connections, travel inconvenience benefit | Cruise Disablement, Cruise Diversion, River Cruise Diversion |
| Missed Connection / Missed Ship | Yes | Yes | Yes ($1,500, 6-hour trigger) | Yes ($500, 3-hour trigger) |
| Optional CFAR and IFAR | Not Covered | Available (up to 75% of non-refundable trip cost) | Not Covered | Not Covered |
| Pre-Existing Waiver | Not Covered | Covered if you meet requirements | Covered if purchased within 14 days of initial deposit | Covered if purchased within 15 days of initial deposit |
| Ideal For | Travelers who want cruise-specialized coverage (port closures, mechanical issues); families; balanced price-to-protection ratio. | Travelers seeking stronger medical expense limits with standard cruise protection. | Travelers wanting a balanced mid-tier plan with strong primary medical coverage and included travel perks. | Ocean or river cruisers wanting the highest evacuation limit and unique disruption coverage. |
| Trip Duration | 90 days | 30 days | 90 days | Up to 60 days |
Which Is the Cheapest Cruise Insurance for Trips for Cruises?
The Cheapest cruise insurance is Safe Travels Protect, starting at $32 for 15 days.
Other Affordable cruise travel insurance include Pathway Essential and Travelex Advantage.
Age: 45 years | Trip Cost: $1,000| Trip Duration: 15 days
- check_circle Offers trip cost up to : $14,000
- check_circle Trip cancellation : 100% Trip cost
- check_circle Emergency medical coverage: $250,000
- check_circle Medical evacuation: $250,000
Age: 45 years | Trip Cost: $1,000| Trip Duration: 15 days
- check_circle Offers trip cost up to : $14,000
- check_circle Trip cancellation : 100% Trip cost
- check_circle Emergency medical coverage: $250,000
- check_circle Medical evacuation: $250,000
Age: 45 years | Trip Cost: $1,000| Trip Duration: 15 days
- check_circle Offers trip cost up to : $10,000
- check_circle Trip cancellation : 100% Trip cost
- check_circle Emergency medical coverage: $50,000
- check_circle Medical evacuation: $250,000
How Much Does Cheap Cruise Insurance Cost?
The Cheapest cruise insurance cost ranges from $31 to $1,178 for a 15 days trip. This cruise insurance cost may vary based on travelers age, cruise destination and length of the cruise.
Before choosing a plan, it helps to understand how much cruise insurance costs and what you’re actually paying for. Our what affects the cost of cruise vacation insurance? guide breaks down average cruise insurance prices, the factors that impact cruise insurance cost, and what each coverage level includes. With clear examples of typical premiums based on age, destination, and trip cost, it’s a quick, helpful resource that makes comparing cruise insurance rates simple, so you can confidently choose the right protection for your trip.
For example, the prices shown here are based on a 55-year-old traveler with a 15-day trip duration.| Plan Name | $1,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 | $20,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathway Domestic | $31 | $129 | $279 | Not Available |
| Safe Travels Protect | $39 | $161 | $349 | Not Available |
| Pathway Essential | $40 | $165 | $358 | $729 |
| Safe Travels Sailaway Essential | $49 | $202 | $438 | $894 |
| iTravelInsured Travel Lite | $53 | $267 | $569 | $1,178 |
| Travelex Advantage | $52 | $220 | $602 | Not Available |
| iTravelInsured Travel Choice | $57 | $175 | $382 | Not Available |
| Safe Travels Sailaway Cruise | $64 | $248 | $528 | $1,068 |
| iTravelInsured Choice Cruise | $95 | $215 | $445 | Not Available |
| Cruise Travel Insurance | $88 | $275 | $520 | $1,028 |
What Are the Cruise Insurance Requirements?
Cruise insurance is not mandatory for most cruises, but it may be required or strongly recommended depending on the cruise line, itinerary, and destination.
When is Cruise Insurance Required?- Cruise line requirements: Some cruise lines or regional markets require passengers to carry travel insurance that includes emergency medical and medical evacuation coverage, with proof shown at check-in.
- Destination or port requirements: Certain countries included in a cruise itinerary may require visitors to have valid travel medical insurance as part of their entry or visa requirements. Travelers without acceptable coverage may be denied entry at specific ports of call.
- Special circumstances: Cruise insurance is often required or strongly advised for senior travelers, travelers with pre-existing medical conditions, international cruises, and remote or expedition cruises.
When required, cruise insurance usually must include:
- At least $100,000 or more in emergency medical coverage
- $250,000 to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage
- Coverage valid for cruise travel and time spent at sea
- Proof of insurance (digital or printed)
Cruise travel insurance plans available on American Visitor Insurance include these essential coverages and are designed to meet most cruise line and destination insurance requirements.
Who Is Eligible to Buy Cruise Insurance?
Anyone planning to travel in Cruise outside their country borders are eligible to purchase the Cruise insurance.
- The US domestic health insurance plans do not offer coverage outside of the US National borders and for US citizens on Cruise vacation, having Cruise insurance can be wonderful.
- Most insurance companies offer Cruise insurance for all ages, however there might be some coverage restrictions depending on the age and pre-existing conditions.
- In American Visitor Insurance, we have plans that offer cruise insurance mostly for US citizens and US residents.
- There are cruise insurance for seniors and Cruise insurance plans with "Cancel for any reason" benefit.
Why Buy Cruise Travel Insurance?
- Most US health insurance plans will not cover the traveler on a cruise especially if you leave the US national borders.
- Cruise insurance protects the insured for any prepaid non-refundable expenses should there be a cancellation, delay, or interruption in the Cruise vacation.
- Cruise insurance also provides health insurance coverage for medical emergencies, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.
- Cruise insurance with Cancel for Any reason coverage can be purchased and become effective soon after booking the cruise. So you are eligible for a refund should you cancel the cruise for any reason.
Affordable and Best Cruise Insurance for Seniors
Travel insurance premiums generally increase with age, but seniors can still find affordable plans that provide excellent medical and emergency evacuation protection for cruise vacations.
Budget-Friendly Cruise InsuranceFor travelers looking for economical coverage, Pathway Domestic offers solid trip protection with emergency medical and evacuation benefits at a competitive price.
Best Overall ValueFor seniors seeking broader protection, iTravelInsured Travel LX provides higher medical and evacuation limits, includes valuable travel benefits, and offers an optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade. Eligible travelers may also qualify for a pre-existing medical condition waiver when the plan is purchased within the required timeframe.
Why CFAR Matters Specifically for Cruise Travelers?
Cruises carry a distinct set of uncertainties that make standard cancellation coverage insufficient for many travelers. Cruise-specific scenarios where CFAR provides real value include:
- Wildfire, hurricane, or air quality warnings near your departure port or destination (not typically a "covered reason" under standard policies)
- Travel advisories affecting ports or itineraries - rare but possible
- Personal hesitation about health or mobility for a physically demanding itinerary with shore excursions, adventure activities, or long sea days
- Changing travel companions or family circumstances - if a travel partner drops out, you may not want to travel alone
- Concerns about remote medical access - knowing you can cancel without financial penalty reduces pre-trip anxiety about limited healthcare infrastructure at remote ports of call
- Unexpected work or caregiving obligations that arise after booking but before departure
Who Should Seriously Consider CFAR for a Cruise?
CFAR is especially valuable for travelers booking:
- Expensive cruise packages with significant non-refundable deposits (luxury lines, expedition cruises, or premium balcony/suite cabins)
- Cruise + land tour combinations adding pre- or post-cruise city stays or excursions increases prepaid costs and cancellation exposure
- Multi-generational family trips where one person's illness or change of plans can affect the whole group
- Travelers with aging parents or dependents at home whose situations may change suddenly
- First-time cruisers uncertain about the physical demands of shore excursions or extended sea days
| Scenario | Standard Trip Cancellation | CFAR Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| You fall seriously ill before departure | Covered | Covered |
| Wildfire, hurricane, or weather advisory near your destination | Not Covered | Covered |
| Travel companion cancels; you don't want to go alone | Not Covered | Covered |
| Work commitment suddenly arises | Usually not covered | Covered |
| You simply change your mind | Usually not covered | Covered |
| Reimbursement amount | Up to 100% | 50-75% of non-refundable costs |
| Purchase deadline | Flexible | Within 10-21 days of first deposit |
- CFAR reimburses 50-75% of non-refundable trip costs - not 100%
- It is an optional add-on, not a standalone policy
- The purchase window is time-sensitive - missing it means CFAR is unavailable for your trip
- Reimbursement is paid as cash, not future cruise credits - a key advantage over cruise line cancellation plans
CFAR is an optional add-on that reimburses 50-75% of non-refundable trip costs in cash, not cruise credits, compare Cancel For Any Reason Inusrance to find one that fits your trip before the time-sensitive window expires.
What Factors Should You Consider When Buying Cruise Insurance?
- Maximum Medical Coverage : When choosing a plan consider the medical maximum and determine if it is enough for where you are traveling. Health costs in the US are very high, but are generally lower in other countries. For example, when travelers are required to purchase insurance for European countries, they only require $50,000 maximum, so this should be sufficient. On the other hand, you may want to make sure you have a high amount set aside for Emergency Medical Evacuation particularly if you will be in remote locations. Also be sure that if you plan on adventure activities, that your plan will cover injury/accident related to that. Even downhill skiing may require a special sports rider to be sure it is covered.
- Cancel For Any Reason Insurance : In today's uncertain world, some people would like to cancel for reasons beyond the "allowed" reasons for most policies. This option will cost you more, but consider the importance to your peace of mind and the protection of your investment before you decide against it. For example, most policies will allow you to cancel if there has been a terror attack where you are going, but perhaps not if it was merely nearby. Same will be true for natural disasters. This option would allow you more leeway in your vacation plans.
- Other Cruises Insurance Coverage Benefits : Other items of importance may be luggage loss amounts, rental car coverage, etc. Some of these are available as riders to the basic policy and some are set in each policy. Exact amounts of coverage vary by company, so be sure you check all the details that may be important to you. More companies are offering coverage for lost electronics/cameras which may be important depending on your trip purpose.
- Cost of Travel Insurance for Cruises : The cost of travel insurance depends on several factors, including the traveler’s age, the total trip cost, and the length of the trip. The travel destination also affects the premium, as healthcare costs vary by country; for example, the USA has some of the highest healthcare costs in the world, making travel insurance for the USA more expensive. The type of coverage and maximum coverage amount selected also influence the price, with higher coverage limits generally resulting in higher premiums. Additionally, optional upgrades such as Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR), adventure sports coverage, and vacation rental protection can increase the overall cost of the policy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Cancellation Insurance
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