Cruises combine comfort, adventure, and the thrill of exploring new destinations. But even the most well-planned voyage can face disruptions like bad weather, delayed flights, or unexpected illness.
To help safeguard you against unprecedented events on your trip, cruise travel insurance works as a cushion. The right insurance plan makes sure an unexpected setback doesn’t take away from your experience.
Trip Insurance vs. Cruise Line Insurance: Understanding the Key Differences
Cruise lines often offer their insurance when you book your tickets. However, standalone or independent cruise insurance needs to be purchased separately on an insurance marketplace such as VisitorsCoverage.
Right after booking a cruise, you may be offered travel protection or insurance from the cruise line at checkout. This cruise line insurance may seem like a convenient option at the time, but it’s important to weigh its benefits and limitations against third-party cruise insurance plans.
Many travelers believe the insurance from their cruise line will provide broad protection, but these policies usually cover only the basic parts of the cruise. Independent trip insurance plans, on the other hand, are designed to offer broader protection, especially for medical needs, cancellations, and delays. Looking at both options side by side can help you decide which type of coverage best matches your needs.
Here are some important protections that may not be included if you rely only on a cruise line’s standard policy:
- Pre-existing conditions: Cruise line policies rarely cover medical issues linked to pre-existing conditions, which can be especially important for seniors or anyone managing ongoing health concerns.
- Off-ship medical emergencies: If you become ill or injured during an offshore excursion or at a port of call, the limitations of cruise line coverage may leave you responsible for medical costs at a local hospital.
- Medical evacuation costs: Some cruise lines may offer help, but they often don’t cover the full cost of emergency evacuation, which can be very expensive, especially if you’re at sea or in a remote location.
- Trip cancellation or interruption: Cruise line protection rarely includes added benefits like Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) or Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR), which can be purchased as add-on benefits with Trip insurance plans.
- Baggage loss or delay beyond the ship: If your luggage is lost by an airline before your cruise or stolen before boarding the ship, the cruise line’s insurance usually will not cover it. This benefit, however, is provided by standalone trip insurance plans.
- Travel delays or missed connections: If a flight delay causes you to miss your departure port, cruise line insurance typically will not cover the cost of catching up to the ship or the missed portion of the cruise. But this cause of trip delay or trip interruption will be covered by a trip insurance plan.
- Financial default of the cruise line: If a cruise line stops operations, its policy will not protect your prepaid trip cost. Independent travel insurance often includes this type of protection.
Depending only on a cruise line’s policy may leave some important gaps. Choosing a comprehensive independent travel insurance plan helps you stay better protected, both financially and medically, so you can enjoy your cruise with peace of mind.
Best Cruise Insurance Plans for 2025
Our team of licensed insurance specialists has chosen these plans with the everyday needs of cruise travelers in mind, especially those who want to protect their health and the money they’ve invested in their trip.
These plans help cover non-refundable cruise costs, medical emergencies, and trip interruptions, whether your journey takes you across oceans or along scenic rivers.
Atlas Journey Premier
- Provides one of the highest missed connection benefits available, up to $2,000, which can help cover costs if a delayed flight causes you to miss your cruise departure.
- Includes $1,000,000 in emergency medical evacuation, ensuring access to advanced care if needed beyond the ship’s facilities.
- Covers cancellations due to water level changes, a valuable benefit for river cruises that many plans exclude.
- Best suited for U.S. residents cruising domestically or internationally who want comprehensive, top-tier protection.
Atlas Journey Preferred
- A cost-effective option that still offers strong benefits.
- Includes $1,500 in missed connection coverage, enough to handle most common travel delays.
- Comes with $1,000,000 in medical evacuation coverage, providing solid emergency protection while at sea.
- Covers cancellations due to water level changes, offering added value for certain cruise itineraries.
- Best suited for U.S. travelers seeking dependable coverage at a lower premium
Trip Protection Choice
- Available in most states (except NY and WA), making it accessible for many travelers.
- Covers up to $1,500 in missed connection expenses ($250 per day), useful for tight travel schedules.
- Provides $1,000,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage, ensuring prompt transport to a facility that can provide the necessary level of care.
- Best suited for U.S. travelers who want flexible, widely available protection.
All of these plans include essential cruise-specific protections, such as medical evacuation, so you can enjoy your trip without worrying about sudden unexpected costs. Before making your choice, you could compare more options on our platform to find the plan that best fits your itinerary and budget.
How Much Does Cruise Insurance Cost?
Cruise insurance usually costs about 5% to 10% of your total trip price. While that’s only a small portion of what you’re spending, it can make a big difference in protecting both your health and your travel investment.
The cost can vary depending on a few things:
- Age of the Traveler: Premiums are often a bit higher for seniors, since the chance of needing medical care while traveling increases with age. This makes coverage especially valuable.
- Trip Length and Cost: Longer or more expensive cruises mean a greater investment to protect, so premiums adjust accordingly.
- Destination: International and remote destinations can increase the price, because medical care and emergency evacuation may be more complex and costly.
- The Coverage Chosen: Plans with higher medical limits, stronger evacuation benefits, or optional add-ons like Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) cost more, but they also offer greater peace of mind.
- Optional add-ons: Benefits such as coverage for pre-existing conditions, higher baggage protection, or adventure activities can raise the price but give you protection tailored to your needs.
These benefits outweigh the cost of the insurance premium, especially in the case of seniors.
When Is the Best Time to Buy Cruise Insurance?
The best time to buy cruise insurance is as soon as possible after making your first trip payment or deposit. Purchasing early not only locks in your coverage but also ensures you are protected before any unexpected events arise. Many benefits, such as Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage or waivers for pre-existing conditions, are only available if you buy within a specific time frame, often within 14 to 21 days of your initial booking.
Buying early can:
- Make you eligible for time-sensitive benefits like CFAR or pre-existing condition coverage
- Secure coverage before any known issues arise
- Provide maximum trip protection for future delays or cancellations
Waiting too long may reduce your coverage options and leave you vulnerable to uncovered events.
With VisitorsCoverage You Get Personalized Support Every Step of the Way
Cruise insurance can feel complicated, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At VisitorsCoverage, our experienced customer support team is here to help you understand your options, compare plans, and find coverage that truly fits your needs. Be it for your first cruise or your fiftieth, we’ll guide you with clear answers and genuine care, so you can set sail knowing you’re protected.
From the moment you start planning until you return home, we’re here to make sure you have the right coverage, the right guidance, and the confidence to enjoy every part of your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Travel Insurance
Do I really need cruise travel insurance?
Yes, especially if your medical coverage doesn’t extend internationally or if your cruise is costly. Insurance protects you from significant out-of-pocket expenses that can arise from unforeseen events, including safeguarding your non-refundable payments for the cruise, flights, and excursions.
Is travel insurance mandatory for cruises?
It’s not mandatory but is strongly recommended. While cruise lines don’t typically require it for all passengers, they do emphasize its importance in protecting against high medical costs and travel disruptions. Third-party policies often offer more extensive protection than the basic options provided by cruise lines.
Can I buy cruise insurance after booking my trip?
Yes. It is especially recommended to purchase your policy immediately after booking your trip. There are many insurance benefits, like pre-existing condition coverage or Cancel For Any Reason, that you can no longer qualify for if you get your policy too close to the travel start date.
Does cruise insurance cover COVID-19?
Many plans now include COVID-related trip interruption and medical expenses, but always check the policy for exact details. Most modern travel insurance policies treat COVID-19 like any other illness, covering medical costs and trip cancellation if you or a traveling companion contracts the virus.
What if I miss my cruise departure?
Missed connection coverage can reimburse you for extra travel and lodging expenses to catch up with the cruise. If a covered delay causes you to miss the ship’s departure, this benefit helps cover the costs of last-minute flights, hotel stays, and ground transportation to the next port of call.
How do I choose the best cruise insurance plan?
Compare plans based on medical coverage, trip cost protection, exclusions, and optional upgrades. Assess your specific needs and look for a policy with high limits for emergency medical and medical evacuation coverage, as these are the most critical benefits for cruisers.
