Norwegian cruise lines, known for their motto ‘Experience More at Sea,’ offer travelers a unique experience at sea with activities, food, accommodations and award-winning entertainment.
While cruises are a time to relax and enjoy time with loved ones, there is still a chance that medical emergencies or travel issues may occur. In this case, travel insurance can be essential.
What This Guide Will Cover:
- Details of the Norwegian travel protection
- What travel insurance can cover on a Norwegian cruise
- Norwegian travel insurance vs. separate travel insurance
What Does Norwegian’s Cruise Line Insurance Offer?
Norwegian offers two of its own travel insurance plans, called Essentials Protection and NorwegianCare. Here is what each plan covers:
| Feature | NorwegianCare | Essentials |
|---|---|---|
| Trip Cancellation | Up to 100% of prepaid, non-refundable cruise costs only | Not covered |
| Trip Interruption | Up to 150% of unused cruise costs plus some travel costs | Not covered |
| Trip Delay | Up to about $1,000 for delays | Up to about $1,000 for delays |
| Medical Coverage | Up to $50,000 for medical expenses | Up to $50,000 for medical expenses |
| Medical Evacuation | Up to $250,000 | Up to $250,000 |
| Repatriation | Up to $50,000 | Up to $50,000 |
| Baggage/Personal Effects | Up to $1,500 (with up to $500 for baggage delay) | Up to $1,500 (with up to $500 for baggage delay) |
| 24/7 Assistance | Yes | Yes |
| Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) | Yes, up to 100% in cash or cruise credit only, with limits and deadlines | No |
Norwegian Cruise Insurance vs. Travel Insurance: Which One Covers More?
Here is a quick look at the differences in coverage between NorwegianCare, Essentials, and travel insurance:
What Are the Differences Between NorwegianCare vs. Travel Insurance?
| Feature | NorwegianCare | Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Trip Cancellation | Up to 100% of prepaid cruise costs only | Up to 100% of full trip costs |
| Trip Interruption | Up to 150% of unused cruise costs only | Up to 150% of full trip costs |
| Medical Coverage | Up to $50,000 | Up to $500,000 |
| Medical Evacuation/Repatriation | Up to $250,000 for evacuation, up to $50,000 for repatriation | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Pre-existing conditions | Not covered | Covered if you qualify for waiver |
| Baggage/Personal Effects | Up to $1500 (up to $500 for baggage delay) | Up to $2,500, $250 per item |
| Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) | up to 100% in cash or cruise credit | Optional add-on benefit, can offer 50% to 75% reimbursement of trip costs |
What Are the Differences Between Essentials vs. Travel Insurance?
| Feature | Essentials | Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Trip Cancellation | Not covered | Up to 100% of full trip costs |
| Trip Interruption | Not covered | Up to 150% offull trip costs |
| Medical Coverage | Up to $50,000 | Up to $500,000 |
| Medical Evacuation/Repatriation | Up to $250,000 for evacuation, up to $50,000 for repatriation | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Pre-existing conditions | Not covered | Covered if you qualify for waiver |
| Baggage/Personal Effects | Up to $1500 (up to $500 for baggage delay) | Up to $2,500, $250 per item |
| Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) | Not covered | Optional add-on benefit, can offer 50% to 75% reimbursement offull trip costs |
Where Does Norwegian Cruise Line Insurance Fall Short?
While Norwegian cruise line insurance may offer solid coverage for cruises, there are still aspects of your trip overseas that may not be fully covered. Here are some limitations to keep in mind:
Low Medical Coverage: Norwegian’s cruise line insurance does offer medical coverage, but limits are extremely low in comparison to a separate travel insurance policy. While Norwegian travel insurance may offer coverage up to $50,000, a separate travel insurance plan may cover up to $1,000,000.
Cruise-focused Coverage: Even when Norwegian’s travel insurance plans state ‘100% coverage’ for pre-paid costs, these are typically only cruise focused. This means outside bookings, flights, and accommodations will likely not be covered. With a separate travel insurance, such pre-paid costs can be covered.
Emergencies Ashore: If you end up becoming injured while at a cruise port, cruise insurance will typically not provide coverage. In this case, travel insurance can be crucial, covering any related costs (transportation, medical care).
Cancellation Policies: When it comes to trip cancellation, Norwegian cruise line insurance will typically reimburse unused cruise costs, but costs of your entire trip. Travel insurance plans can reimburse up to 100% of your full trip costs.
Norwegian cruise lines may also offer Cancel For Any Reason as a benefit, but will either reimburse 100% of your cruise costs (under specific conditions), or provide future cruise credit. Under travel insurance, Cancel For Any Reason can offer reimbursement of your full trip costs up to 75%.
Which Is Better, Norwegian Cruise Line Insurance or Travel Insurance?
When selecting an insurance plan for your next cruise, it is important to consider what these plans cover. While Norwegian cruise lines may offer insurance plans with solid benefits, travel insurance often provides more comprehensive coverage. Here are some things to consider:
Purchase Norwegian Cruise Line Insurance If:
- You are alright with basic coverage for only the cruise itself
- You are alright with Cancel For Any Reason reimbursement in the form of cash or cruise credit
- You have a straightforward, short, low‑risk itinerary
- You don’t mind lower medical coverage
- Your priority is your cruise fares, and not external costs (flights, hotels)
Purchase Separate Travel Insurance If:
- You want protection for a more expensive, international trip
- You are a senior / have pre-existing conditions
- You want stronger coverage for situations on and off the boat
- You need protection for flight issues, delays, activities, or accommodations booked separate from the cruise
- You value higher limits, more covered reasons, CFAR, and pre‑existing‑conditions
While Norwegian cruise line travel insurance offers cruise-focused protection, a separate travel insurance policy is typically stronger and more comprehensive, making it essential for your next adventure.
How Can I Find the Best Travel Insurance Plan For a Cruise?
Finding the right travel insurance for your next Norwegian cruise can be stressful, especially when comparing both Norwegian plans and separate travel insurance policies. Different travelers may select different plans for their cruise based on their trip costs, medical conditions, and more.
If you need more information or want some help finding the right plan for your needs, our Customer Service team is more than happy to assist.
- Travel insurance for Norwegian cruises can cover trip cancellation, interruption, medical treatment, evacuation, missed flights or ports, and more, with high limits.
- Norwegian’s Essentials and NorwegianCare plans offer mainly cruise‑focused protection, with lower medical and trip related coverage limits.
- Norwegian cruise‑line insurance may be enough for simple, low‑risk trips, but often provides lower medical limits and less coverage for flights and off‑ship activities.
- Travel insurance usually offers stronger protection for Norwegian cruises, with higher medical/evacuation limits, CFAR, and pre‑existing‑condition options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for Norwegian Cruises
What if I have to cancel my Norwegian cruise under NorwegianCare?
With NorwegianCare, travelers may be eligible for reimbursement of cruise costs, though it is typically given in either cash (for qualified reasons) or cruise credit that you can use towards a new booking. Under travel insurance, you can receive reimbursement for up to 75% for full trip costs, rather than only your cruise costs, under a Cancel for Any Reason benefit.
Does NorwegianCare cover me if my flight is delayed and I miss the cruise?
If your flight is delayed and you miss your Norwegian cruise, NorwegianCare can provide reimbursement, but only in the form of cruise credit, up to 90%. If you are able to catch up with the cruise, NorwegianCare can offer reimbursement up to $1,000 for prepaid, unused arrangements, meals, hotel, and so on.
When should I buy cruise travel insurance?
If you are planning a cruise, it is recommended to purchase travel insurance as soon as your initial trip deposit is made. This allows you to qualify for benefits like pre-existing condition coverage and Cancel For Any Reason coverage, which are time sensitive.
Will Norwegian cruise insurance cover me for missed ports?
Norwegian cruise line insurance plans may offer reimbursement for applicable port taxes and fees if a scheduled port of call is missed, but only in the form of onboard credit for use during the cruise. A separate travel insurance policy can provide reimbursement for missed ports due to things like bad weather or mechanical issues with higher limits.
Will my health insurance cover me during a cruise?
Most domestic health insurance plans will not offer coverage for treatment on cruise ships if you become injured or ill. Separate travel insurance policies can provide coverage with higher medical limits than cruise line plans, and cover protect you both onboard and ashore.
Does Norwegian have medical care onboard?
Norwegian cruise lines do have medical care if you are injured or become ill while on board, with a medical center, a licensed physician and nurses available 24/7. However, staffing is typically limited, and standard U.S. health insurance will likely not cover these costs. For this reason, travelers are recommended to purchase a separate travel insurance plan with medical coverage.
Does NorwegianCare cover emergency medical evacuation?
NorwegianCare can offer coverage for emergency medical evacuation up to $250,000, but such coverage is typically not enough, especially for families or seniors on a cruise. Under a separate travel insurance plan, emergency medical evacuation can be covered for up to $1,000,000.
How much does travel insurance for a Norwegian cruise cost?
Travel insurance for a Norwegian cruise will typically cost around 4-10% of your total trip cost (ex: on a $5,000 cruise, you can expect to pay roughly $250-$500 per person). Norwegian travel insurance plans will typically cost around 10% of your total cruise cost (ex: for a $5,000 cruise, you may pay about $500). For a similar cost, travel insurance can usually offer stronger coverage with higher limits for not only your cruise, but your entire trip costs.
Which is better, NorwegianCare or a separate travel insurance plan?
The plan you select for your cruise will depend on your trip costs and personal needs. Be sure to look through the different coverage amounts for different plans, and understand how medical evacuation, medical costs, and trip interruptions are covered. While NorwegianCare may offer solid basic benefits and be good for a simple journey, a separate travel insurance policy will typically provide stronger, more comprehensive coverage.
