Cruise travel insurance

Setting sail with the right protection

Cruise travel insurance is a specialist form of travel cover designed for holidays at sea. It builds on standard travel insurance by addressing cruise-specific risks like missed port departures, itinerary changes, cabin confinement from illness, and medical evacuation from a ship or remote port. With more UK travellers choosing cruises - especially around Europe - the need for tailored cover has grown. Recent UK data shows medical emergencies remain the most expensive and common reason for travel insurance claims, sometimes costing hundreds of thousands of pounds. The gap between NHS cover and the reality of overseas healthcare can be wide, which is why a policy with robust medical and repatriation benefits is essential.

In 2025, analysis of UK travel insurers found big differences in how policies treat cruise benefits. Some include cruise cover as standard, others require it as an optional extra. Policy scores varied significantly, reflecting differences in cover limits for medical, cancellation and cruise-specific protections. This guide explains those differences in plain English so you can see what is necessary for your itinerary, your age, and any pre-existing conditions.

Prices also vary. Cruise add-ons are typically pricier than other extras, and costs tend to rise with age. That does not mean you must overspend. It means careful comparison is worthwhile - looking at what is covered, where the gaps are, and whether limits are high enough for your plans. We will walk through the essentials and highlight the checks that prevent surprises.

Insurance can only do its job when you understand what you are buying.

What it covers and how it works in practice

A cruise travel policy usually includes emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, and medical evacuation from the ship or a foreign port to the nearest suitable hospital. Repatriation back to the UK is often included when medically necessary. Most policies offer cancellation and curtailment for events like serious illness, bereavement, or certain travel disruptions, with higher cancellation limits available on premium tiers to reflect costly cruise fares.

Cruise-specific benefits can include missed port departure, missed excursions run by the cruise line, itinerary change compensation, and cabin confinement payments if you are instructed to isolate due to illness. Baggage and gadget cover are typically included, but limits can vary, and single-item caps may apply. Pre-existing medical conditions must usually be declared. If you do not disclose them accurately, a claim could be declined.

Claims generally work as follows: you contact the medical assistance line as soon as possible, follow the insurer’s guidance, keep receipts and medical reports, and submit documents within the policy timeframes. For example, if you fall ill in the Mediterranean, the ship’s medical team may stabilise you and coordinate with shore-based healthcare. Your insurer’s assistance team can confirm cover, arrange treatment and, if necessary, organise an air ambulance.

Cover may not apply where exclusions are triggered. Common examples include travelling against FCDO advice, alcohol-related incidents, risky shore activities without the right add-on, or failing to report a change in medical health before departure. Always check policy wording for definitions, limits, and any excess.

Who benefits most - and when you might not need it

Cruise insurance is particularly valuable for UK travellers booking European, Caribbean, or Alaska itineraries where medical costs and emergency evacuations can be high. It is especially important for older travellers, who represent a large share of UK cruise passengers and tend to have higher average claim values. Families and multi-generational groups also benefit from group or family policies that place everyone on the same contract for consistent benefits and potentially better value.

If your trip is a river cruise within Europe with comprehensive medical cover already arranged and no costly non-refundable deposits, you might find a standard policy with cruise benefits included as standard is sufficient. Conversely, if you have pre-existing conditions, high trip costs, or complex itineraries with multiple ports, a policy with higher limits and clear cruise-specific protections is sensible. If you are not leaving UK waters and there is no overnight stay, some protections may be limited, so check eligibility and definitions.

Choosing your cover level and add-ons

1. Basic tier - essential medical and cancellation

   • Emergency medical and repatriation with moderate limits appropriate for short European cruises.
   • Core cancellation and baggage cover. Limited or no cruise-specific benefits unless noted.
   • Suitable for shorter, lower-cost itineraries with minimal prepaid excursions.

2. Standard tier - cruise-ready protection

   • Includes cruise-specific benefits like missed port departure, itinerary change cover, and cabin confinement.
   • Higher cancellation limits reflecting typical cruise fares and prepaid extras.
   • Good balance of cost and cover for most mainstream European or Caribbean cruises.

3. Premium tier - enhanced limits and flexibility

   • Highest medical, cancellation, and baggage limits, plus broader cruise protections.
   • More generous limits for medical evacuation and repatriation, useful for remote ports.
   • Suitable for longer voyages, luxury itineraries, or travellers with higher risk tolerance needs.

4. Optional add-ons to consider

   • Pre-existing medical conditions - full disclosure and medical screening may be required.
   • Cruise add-on if not included as standard - activates cruise-specific benefits and limits.
   • Gadget cover - higher single-item limits for phones, cameras and tablets.
   • Shore activity cover - for higher-risk excursions not included under standard terms.
   • Winter or polar activities - for cold-weather or glacier excursions where relevant.

What it costs and what shapes the price

Prices are indicative of UK market averages and vary by insurer, trip details, and screening outcomes. Use them as a guide rather than a quote.

Eligibility and common requirements

Most UK residents with a permanent UK address can apply for cruise travel insurance, including older travellers. Insurers typically ask for your travel dates, destinations, cruise line details, and the total non-refundable trip cost. You must declare all pre-existing medical conditions and any medication changes before travel. Some conditions require medical screening and, in certain cases, an additional premium or higher excess.

Restrictions may apply for travellers with unresolved diagnoses, recent hospitalisations, or those travelling against medical advice. Cover for regions under FCDO travel advisories may be limited or excluded. Insurers can also decline cover if previous claims or non-disclosures suggest elevated risk. Documentation such as proof of residency, booking confirmations, and medical letters may be required at claim stage. If in doubt, contact the insurer’s medical screening line before purchasing.

From quote to claim in simple steps

1. Get quotes with cruise ticked, include destinations and all travellers’ details.
2. Disclose all medical conditions accurately, completing any required screening questions.
3. Compare limits and exclusions, focusing on medical and cancellation sums insured.
4. Choose add-ons you actually need, such as cruise or gadget upgrades.
5. Buy the policy as soon as you pay deposits to activate cancellation cover.
6. Save documents offline and share the emergency assistance number with companions.
7. If something happens, contact the assistance team before arranging treatment.
8. Keep receipts, reports and confirmations, then submit your claim promptly online.

The balanced view - strengths and trade-offs

Key checks before you purchase

Confirm the medical and repatriation limits are high enough for your itinerary, including evacuation from ship to shore and onward transport. Review cancellation cover against your prepaid cruise fare, excursions, and any non-refundable flights. Check excess amounts on medical, baggage, and cancellation - low premiums sometimes mean higher excesses. Understand exclusions, including alcohol-related incidents, undeclared conditions, and activities that require add-ons. Review single-item and total valuables limits for gadgets and jewellery. Note waiting periods, documentation requirements, and claim deadlines. If booking during wave season, buy cover when paying the deposit so cancellation benefits apply immediately. Keep renewal pricing in mind if purchasing an annual policy and review terms each year.

Alternatives and related cover types

1. Standard travel insurance with cruise included as standard - suitable for short, low-cost cruises where limits still meet your needs.
2. Annual multi-trip insurance - if you take more than two trips a year, this can be cost-effective and convenient.
3. Specialist medical travel insurance - for travellers with complex medical histories needing tailored underwriting and support.
4. Group or family policies - useful for multi-generational cruises where consistent benefits and costs matter.
5. Cruise line protection plans - limited benefits tied to the operator. Often useful as a supplement, not a substitute.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Do I need cruise insurance for European cruises? A: Yes, because the NHS does not cover overseas treatment and evacuation from a ship can be costly. Check that cruise-specific benefits like missed port departure are included or added.

Q: When should I buy the policy? A: Buy as soon as you pay any deposit. That way, cancellation cover starts immediately, protecting your prepaid fares and excursions if an insured event forces you to cancel later.

Q: Are pre-existing conditions covered? A: Many insurers cover conditions if fully disclosed and, where required, screened. Premiums or excesses may change. Non-disclosure risks a declined claim, so answer medical questions carefully.

Q: Is cruise cover an add-on or standard? A: It depends on the policy. Some include it as standard, others require an add-on. Check the wording for cruise-specific benefits and confirm they are active on your certificate.

Q: What if my itinerary changes or a port is skipped? A: Some policies offer itinerary change compensation or missed port benefits. Limits and conditions vary, so verify how the policy treats schedule changes beyond the operator’s control.

Q: Does age significantly affect the price? A: Yes. Premiums typically rise with age, and cruise add-ons can further increase the cost. Comparing multiple insurers and selecting appropriate limits can help manage the price.

Q: Are family or group policies worth it? A: They can be, especially for multi-generational cruises. Having everyone on one policy can simplify claims and sometimes improve value, but compare limits against individual policies.

What to do now

If a cruise is on your calendar, compare policies with cruise benefits clearly shown, disclose medical history, and match limits to your prepaid costs. Take your time, read key exclusions, and choose calm, comprehensive cover that fits your itinerary and budget. You are in control.

Quick tip

Wave season deals can lower fares - just remember to secure insurance when you pay the deposit.