- Join CHOICE
Which travel insurers cover you for cruises?
Cruises are officially back on the cards and people are queuing up to get on board. here's how to make sure you're covered..
Fact-checked
Checked for accuracy by our qualified fact-checkers, verifiers and subject experts. Find out more about fact-checking at CHOICE .
Need to know
- Most travel insurers cover cruises but there are some exclusions and fine print to be aware of
- For example, you won't be able to claim for events that occur because you've had too much to drink
- You need to make sure you declare your pre-existing medical conditions
With the restrictions on cruises finally lifted post-pandemic, the industry has bounced back in a big way this year and is more popular than ever.
But some people lost thousands of dollars on cancelled cruises during the COVID-19 travel bans and some cruise lines might not even let you on board without travel insurance.
So if you're planning a cruise, read on to discover how to choose the travel insurance policy that's best for you.
On this page:
Travel insurance for overseas cruises
Which travel insurers cover international cruises, what cruise travel insurance won't cover, do i need insurance for australian cruises, when to buy travel insurance for a cruise.
Most travel insurers cover international cruises that start and end in Australia, usually as an optional extra (we haven't looked at cover for cruises that start and/or end overseas).
Some providers also offer tailored cruise travel insurance, which can give you access to additional inclusions that are unique to cruising and that may not be covered in standard policies, such as cover for missed ports, missed departures, or cabin confinement due to illness.
When choosing a policy, it's important to make sure the region you're visiting is covered and that it suits your needs and itinerary.
Check the policy age limit, as some policies cover you up to the age of 100 but others only cover you up to 69.
It's also worth noting that if you want cancellation coverage in case a relative in Australia becomes ill or dies, the relative will also need to meet the age limit on the policy and satisfy the existing medical condition requirements.
Australian authorities no longer require people to prove they've had a COVID-19 vaccination in order to board, but it may be required for some destinations such as New Caledonia, and cruise ships are still a higher risk setting for diseases like gastroenteritis and respiratory infections, including influenza (flu) and COVID-19. So check if you have medical and cancellation cover for COVID-19 and other illnesses.
Existing medical conditions and pregnancy
As with other types of travel insurance, some pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered, and others will need to be disclosed in order to be covered. If in doubt, contact the insurer to discuss your needs.
It's also worth noting that pregnancy is considered an existing medical condition. Some insurance policies cover pregnancy up to 30 weeks, but most cruise lines won't allow you on board if you're more than 24 weeks pregnant.
Travel insurance and alcohol
Some people liken cruises to a floating RSL club, but the combination of alcohol and a seagoing vessel can cause accidents.
In an Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) case, Phil* fell down a flight of stairs on a cruise ship and suffered a moderate brain injury, skull fracture and right lung contusion.
All travel insurers have a clause that excludes cover for claims resulting from a person being under the influence of alcohol
Phil said the area was not well lit and the steps would have been slippery, while his wife said he was walking steadily. He was taken to a hospital in Austria and a test showed that he had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.198%.
The insurer had an exclusion for "any conduct engaged in whilst under the influence or effect of alcohol or drugs", and AFCA sided with the insurer, determining that Phil's claim for expenses should be denied.
All travel insurers have a similar clause that excludes cover for claims resulting from a person being under the influence of alcohol.
* Not their real name. Policyholder names are not disclosed in AFCA case records.
Even if you book a cruise that won't be leaving Australian waters, you may still need travel insurance as shipboard medical expenses might not be covered by Medicare. Check that your travel insurance does cover medical costs – you may need international or cruise-specific insurance. Domestic travel or health insurance won't cut it.
Doctors working on cruise ships don't need Medicare provider numbers, so check with your cruise line if they have a Medicare doctor on board. If they don't, and they treat you, you can't claim on Medicare or your private health insurance, even though you never left Australia.
Domestic travel insurance doesn't cover medical costs, so you'd need either international travel insurance (check that it covers domestic cruises) or special 'domestic cruise' insurance, which is available from a few select insurers.
Cruises are often booked well ahead of time, so you could be forgiven for forgetting or delaying the purchase of your travel insurance. But if your cruise is cancelled ahead of time and you don't yet have cover, you could lose your money. The earlier you buy the policy, the better.
On the flip side, there aren't many insurers that cover you more than a year out from starting your trip. If you book your trip more than a year out, shop around for a policy that will cover you.
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
Join the conversation
To share your thoughts or ask a question, visit the CHOICE Community forum.
- Best overall
- Best for affordability
- Best for seniors
- Best for expensive trips
- Best for exotic locations
- Why You Should Trust Us
Best Cruise Travel Insurance of November 2024: Top Coverage Tips for Cruises
Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate travel insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.
A cruise vacation can take much of the stress out of planning a vacation. With a pre-set itinerary on the high seas, you don't have to worry about how you're getting to your destination and what you're going to do there. However, an unexpected emergency can take the wind out of your sails and money out of your travel budget. So you'll want to ensure you have the best cruise insurance plan that won't leave you marooned in an emergency.
Best Cruise Insurance Plans of 2024 Summary
- Best overall: Nationwide Travel Insurance
- Best for affordability: AXA Assistance USA
- Best for seniors: Seven Corners Travel Insurance
- Best for expensive trips: HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance
- Best for exotic locations: World Nomads Travel Insurance
Top Cruise Travel Insurance Company Comparison
While booking a cruise takes off much of the pressure when coming up with itineraries, your trip can still encounter several hitches, which is where cruise travel comes in. The best cruise travel insurance will have high coverage limits on emergency medical evacuations, as sea to land evacuations can be expensive. They'll offer coverage for baggage delay, trip interruption, and it might be a good idea to have some adventure sports coverage if you plan on participating in any outdoor activities like snorkeling or scuba diving.
Here are our picks for the best cruise travel insurance companies in 2024.
Best Cruise Insurance Overall
Nationwide travel insurance.
Nationwide is a long-standing and reputable brand within the insurance marketplace that offers cruise insurance plans with solid coverage and reasonable rates.
It has three cruise insurance options: Universal, Choice, and Luxury. The Nationwide Choice plan, for example, offers $100,000 in emergency medical coverage and $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage. It also offers coverage for itinerary changes that caused you to miss pre-paid excursions, from $250 up to $1,000 depending on the plan.
The right plan for you depends on your budget and coverage needs. But each plan offers cruise-specific coverages like ship-based mechanical breakdowns, coverage for missed prepaid excursions if your cruise itinerary changes, and covered service disruptions aboard the cruise ship.
Read our Nationwide travel insurance review .
Best Cruise Insurance for Affordability
Axa assistance usa.
AXA offers three comprehensive coverage plans: Gold, Silver, and Platinum. Each of these plans offers coverage for issues like missed flights, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more.
The highest-tier Platinum plan provides $250,000 in medical emergency coverage and $1 million in medical evacuation coverage. The baggage loss coverage is $3,000 per person, and their missed connection coverage is $1,500 per person for cruises and tours.
In addition, travelers can take advantage of AXA's concierge service, which provides an extensive network of international service providers. They'll be able to assist you with things like restaurant reservations and referrals, golf course information, and more. This service could come in handy if you're stopping at a variety of unfamiliar destinations during your cruise.
The coverage limits on AXA's policies are on the higher end compared to other providers. And you can buy coverage for a little as 4% of your trip cost depending on your age, travel destination, and state of residence.
Read our AXA travel insurance review .
Best Cruise Insurance for Seniors
Seven corners travel insurance.
Seven Corners Travel Insurance lets cruisers enjoy traveling in their golden years with the knowledge they're covered in the event of an accident or emergency. While other providers do offer coverage to those 80+ years old, Seven Corners is known for its affordable premiums while offering above-average medical expenses and medical evacuation coverage limits — two areas of travel insurance coverage that are even more important as we get older.
Seven Corners also offers the option of a pre-existing conditions waiver and CFAR insurance at an additional cost, plus "Trip Interruption for Any Reason" coverage, which you won't find on many policies.
You can choose between the Trip Protection Basic or Trip Protection Choice plans, with the higher-tier Choice plan costing more but providing more coverage.
Read our Seven Corners travel insurance review .
Best Cruise Insurance for Expensive Trips
Hth worldwide travel insurance.
HTH Worldwide is one of the cheapest travel insurance companies . It offers three levels of trip protection: TripProtector Economy, Classic, and Preferred. The higher the tier, the more coverage you'll get for things like baggage delays, trip delays & cancellations, and medical expenses. But their premiums remain reasonable even at the highest tier of coverage.
Not only does the HTH Worldwide Trip Protector Preferred plan offer higher-than-average medical emergency and evacuation coverage limits ($500,000 and $1 million, respectively), but you'll also get a baggage loss coverage limit of $2,000 per person and coverage for trip interruption of up to 200% of the trip cost. You also have the option to add CFAR coverage for an additional cost, as long as you purchase within 21 days of your initial trip deposit.
Read our HTH Worldwide travel insurance review .
Best Cruise Insurance for Exotic Locations
World nomads travel insurance.
World Nomads has been a top choice for comprehensive travel insurance for many years now. And it's a great option when it comes to cruise coverage, too.
Even the most basic Standard Plan comes with $100,000 in medical emergency coverage and $300,000 in emergency evacuation coverage. And you'll get higher coverage limits with their Premium Plan. Plus, unlike many other providers, World Nomads trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage include COVID-19-related issues.
What sets World Nomads apart from many other insurance companies is that its policies cover 200+ adventure sports. This can be important for adventurous cruisers who plan to take part in activities like jet skiing, scuba diving, or parasailing during their cruise. Additionally, World Nomads is one of the few travel insurance providers that sells policies to people who have already departed for their trip. However, you'll have to wait 72 hours before the policy kicks in.
Read our World Nomads travel insurance review .
Introduction to Cruise Insurance
Cruise insurance may offer unique coverage like missed port of call and medical evacuation coverage. You might not need the flight protections of a regular travel insurance plan if you're catching a cruise at a port near you, but medical and cancel for any reason coverage could be critical. The best travel insurance plans will provide flexibility to add coverage options to fit your travels needs.
Understanding the Basics of Cruise Insurance
At its core, cruise insurance is your financial lifeboat, designed to protect you from unforeseen events that could disrupt your sea voyage. Whether it's a sudden illness, adverse weather, or other unexpected occurrences, having the right insurance can make a world of difference.
Why Cruise Insurance is Important
Picture this: You're all set for your dream cruise, but a sudden family emergency means you can't set sail. Or worse, you fall ill in the middle of the ocean. Without cruise insurance, you're not just missing out on an adventure, but also facing potentially huge financial losses. That's why securing cruise insurance isn't just recommended; it's a crucial part of your cruise planning.
Types of Cruise Insurance Coverage
Cruise insurance isn't a one-size-fits-all life jacket. There are various types of coverage, each tailored to protect different aspects of your cruise experience.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage
This coverage is like your safety net, catching you financially if you need to cancel your trip last minute or cut it short due to emergencies, be it due to personal, health-related, or even certain work conflicts. Interruption coverage should also include coverage for missed stops on your cruise or the cost of rejoining a departed cruise if you missed your cruise due to a delayed or cancelled flight. You can also find coverage for missed nonrefundable pre-booked excursions due to a covered incident or missed ports during your cruise.
Medical Coverage
Being on a cruise shouldn't mean being adrift from medical care. Travel medical coverage ensures that if you fall ill or get injured, your medical expenses won't sink your finances.
When you purchase travel medical insurance, be sure to note whether your coverage is primary or secondary. Secondary insurance means you'll need to file a claim with your primary insurance provider before filing with your travel insurance provider.
Emergency Evacuation Coverage
In the rare case that you need to be evacuated from the ship due to a medical emergency or severe weather, this coverage ensures you're not left adrift in a sea of expenses. You'll want high coverage limits for emergency evacuation, as sea-to-land evacuations can be costly.
Baggage and Personal Effects Coverage
Imagine reaching your dream destination only to find your luggage lost at sea. This coverage ensures that lost, stolen, or damaged baggage doesn't dampen your cruise experience. It'll reimburse you for any money you spent replacing items while traveling.
Adventure Sports Coverage
Cruises often offer activities that can be classified as adventure sports, such as snorkeling and scuba diving. Medical treatment for injuries sustained while participating in these activities isn't normally covered under normal travel medical coverage. If you're planning on participating in any adventure activities, you'll want to ensure that your policy explicitly includes coverage for these activies or offers an adventure sports coverage add-on.
Tips for Buying the Best Cruise Insurance for You
Securing the best cruise insurance isn't just about finding the best price; it's about ensuring it covers all your potential needs.
When to Purchase Cruise Insurance
It's always best to purchase cruise insurance soon after placing the initial deposit on your cruise. The sooner you buy your insurance, the quicker your trip is protected against a sudden cancellation. Additionally, most travel insurance plans have optional riders you can add to your policy as long as you purchase your policy within a certain window.
For example, cancel for any reason coverage often needs to be purchased within a purchasing window, which can last anywhere between a few days to three weeks from your initial trip deposit. You can also get coverage if you're traveling with pre-existing medical conditions under the same conditions by purchasing your policy early, depending on your provider.
That said, most companies will let you buy travel insurance up until the day before your departure. There are some limited policies that you can purchase after you've left for your trip, such as Allianz OneTrip Emergency Medical policy.
How to Find the Best Deals on Cruise Insurance
Keep a lookout for deals, but remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best. Balance cost with coverage, and ensure you're getting the protection you need at a price that doesn't rock your financial boat. A travel insurance comparison site like VisitorsCoverage and InsureMyTrip are good places to compare multiple quotes from all of the major carriers at once.
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Cruise Insurance Plans
When comparing cruise travel insurance providers, we evaluated them based on the following criteria to come up with our list of top picks:
Customer Satisfaction
We look at ratings from JD Power and other industry giants to see where a company ranks in customer satisfaction. We also look at customer review sites like Trustpilot, SquareMouth , and InsureMyTrip to see what customers have to say, particularly about claims experience.
Policy Types
The most important part of any travel insurance company, we look at all the policies a company offers. While we looked at coverage limits, we also looked at options for multi-trip plans, travel medical insurance, and pre-existing condition coverage. We also considered policy flexibility and add-ons that a company offers.
Average Premiums
We acquired quotes from various travel insurance companies using the same trip details. We compared these quotes side-by-side, taking into account the level of coverage each company offered for the price.
Claims Paid
We looked at how quickly a company processes and pays out on a claims. We also look at any favorable terms related to claims. For example, some companies will pay a claim with additional interest if they take longer than expected to pay out.
We look at the company's overall behavior. Is it operating ethically? Companies can earn additional points for such behaviors.
You can read more about Business Insider's travel insurance rating methodology .
Best Cruise Travel Insurance FAQ
If you're booking a cruise, we recommend purchasing travel insurance when you make your first trip payment, whether it's for the cruise or related expenses like airfare. This way, if you need to cancel, you'll have the longest coverage period possible.
Cruise insurance typically covers trip cancellations, interruptions, medical emergencies, emergency evacuations, and lost or damaged baggage, though coverage can vary based on the specific policy.
Expect to pay between 5% and 10% of your total trip cost for cruise insurance. Premiums vary based on factors like age, destination, travel length, and any add-ons.
Options for travel insurance are limited after your trip starts, but companies like World Nomads offer policies to travelers already on their cruise. Once coverage is purchased, there is a 72-hour waiting period before it becomes active.
Yes, you can purchase cruise insurance independently rather than through the cruise line. This can be a better option if you need coverage for travel to the cruise's departure point, not just for the cruise itself.
- Retail investing
- The stock market
- Debt management
- Credit scores
- Credit bureaus
- Identity theft and protection
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .
Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.
**Enrollment required.
- Main content