Vacationing on a cruise can be an exciting experience, traveling the seas with the ultimate freedom to relax, see shows, eat delicious food, with the bonus of disembarking at destinations and participating in excursions.
While no one wants to think about the worst happening while on vacation, unexpected injuries or illnesses are not uncommon. Many travelers don’t realize the true costs associated with getting sick on a cruise, especially when they don’t have travel insurance.
Getting sick or injured on a cruise can be very expensive, even if you have health insurance. This is where cruise travel insurance can help.
Does My Domestic Health Insurance Cover Me on a Cruise?
One very important thing to understand when taking a cruise is that oftentimes, your domestic health insurance plan won’t cover you for medical expenses incurred while on your cruise ship or at an international port.
The reason is, most domestic health insurance plans don’t offer international coverage. While on your cruise, you could technically be in international waters. Due to this reason, your health insurance plan might not cover you for any medical expenses from treatment received on board, or at a destination port.
How Does Payment for Medical Bills on a Cruise Work?
When receiving medical attention on a cruise ship, there will likely not be any options for direct billing. In other words, the cruise medical staff would not bill your insurance. You would be required to pay for your medical care out-of-pocket upon receiving treatment and before disembarking the ship.
After getting back home, you would need to submit a claim for reimbursement for the expenses you paid for your treatment. However, reimbursement would not be guaranteed, especially from a domestic health insurance plan, as many have exclusions for medical expenses incurred internationally.
How Much Does Medical Care Cost on a Cruise?
Standard medical attention on a cruise ship can range, depending on the type of treatment you receive and the cruise line’s set prices. You can expect to pay a cost comparable to that of seeing a doctor back home.
However, it is important to note that cruise ships only have 1-2 doctors on board and a handful of nurses, depending on the size of the cruise. They also won’t have all of the equipment that you would expect a hospital to have.
For this reason, in the case of a serious medical emergency, you may need to be medically evacuated to the nearest port or hospital that can treat you. Medical evacuation can cost up to $50,000 on average without coverage.
Why Travel Insurance Coverage Is Crucial for Cruises
Having a travel insurance plan for a cruise can offer the vital protection you need when sailing the open seas.
A travel insurance policy can offer coverage for emergency medical expenses incurred on your cruise ship. This can help protect you from a huge financial burden if medical attention were needed and your health insurance plan didn’t cover you overseas.
Relying on your domestic health insurance can be tricky, and more times than not, won’t cover your cruise ship medical expenses or evacuation.
Travel insurance can cover:
- Emergency medical expenses
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation of remains
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Missed connections
- Lost luggage
Which Travel Insurance Is Recommended for Cruises?
Since travel is so personalized and each traveler is different, there is no one plan that will work best for every person. A plan that works for a honeymooning couple may not fit the needs or budget of a solo traveler. That’s why it’s best to have some coverage requirements in mind and then compare and contrast plans to see which one is satisfactory for you.
A good travel insurance for cruise should cover at least:
- Up to 100% coverage for trip cancellation
- Up to 100% coverage for trip interruption
- $250,000 for emergency medical evacuation coverage
- $100,000 for emergency medical expense coverage
Of course, if you are hesitant whether the coverage above is enough, you are heavily encouraged to opt for plans with stronger and higher coverage. It’s always better to have more coverage than you need and not use it than to experience an emergency and be left uncovered, especially since getting a plan with higher coverage doesn’t change the price of the plan by much.
Don’t Take the Risk, Travel With Confidence
Going on a cruise not knowing if you’ll have coverage if an emergency medical event were to occur can be stressful. With cruise travel insurance coverage, you can enjoy your vacation confidently knowing you have the protection you need on the open seas.
Still have questions about cruise travel insurance? Check out our Knowledge Center for more information or contact our Customer Success Team for further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Travel Insurance
Is cruise insurance worth it?
Yes, many travelers find that cruise insurance is worth it. It costs a small fraction of your total trip cost and can save you money and hassle in case of medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or delays. Most domestic health insurance plans don’t cover treatment at sea or in international ports, making travel insurance even more important.
Travel disruptions can lead to significant financial losses, and medical care on a cruise can be very expensive. Most domestic health insurance plans don’t cover treatment at sea or in international ports, which makes having travel insurance even more important.
How much is cruise insurance?
The cost of cruise insurance typically ranges from 4% to 10% of your total trip cost. The exact price depends on factors like your age, trip duration, destination, and the level of coverage you choose. Even higher-tier plans with stronger coverage usually don’t add much to the overall cost and can be well worth it for the protection they provide. Comparing multiple plans is a good way to find one that fits your needs and budget.
What is not covered by cruise travel insurance?
Coverage can vary by plan, so it’s important to read your policy carefully to understand exactly what is and isn’t included. That said, most cruise travel insurance does not cover:
- Routine medical checkups
- Pre-existing conditions (unless covered under a waiver)
- Injuries from high-risk activities not listed in the policy
- Traveling against medical advice
- Losses due to intoxication or drug use
- Canceling your trip for a reason not listed as a covered event
Most plans also exclude trip cancellation for any reason, but may have an optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) add-on.
What happens if I get sick before the cruise?
Most cruise insurance plans cover trip cancellations due to an unforeseen illness that prevents you or your trip partner from attending. Be sure to get documentation from your doctor and notify the insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process.
For those wanting to get coverage for a sickness you had before you got on your cruise, it is important to note that not all cruise insurance plans offer medical coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, but may be an add-on coverage you can qualify for if you bought your travel insurance plan within 14-20 days (depending on your chosen plan’s requirements) after booking your trip.
Can you buy cruise insurance after booking?
Yes, you can buy cruise insurance after booking your trip, but there are advantages to buying it early. Some benefits, like coverage for pre-existing conditions or “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) upgrades, may only be available if you purchase within a certain number of days after your initial trip deposit. Buying early also gives you coverage for cancellation risks right away.
Is there a difference between trip and cruise insurance?
Not really. What is often called “cruise insurance” is actually just standard travel insurance. There are no separate policies made specifically for cruises. Instead, the same travel insurance plans apply whether you are cruising, flying internationally, or traveling within your own country.
However, it can be helpful to let your insurance provider know that you are taking a cruise. This gives them context for your trip and can make the claims process smoother if you need to use your coverage during or after your cruise.
How do I file a claim?
To file a claim, you’ll typically need to:
- Contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible.
- Gather documentation, such as receipts, medical records, or proof of cancellation.
- Submit a completed claims form with supporting documents online or by mail.
Each provider may have slightly different steps, so check your policy or reach out to the insurer’s customer service team for guidance. Keeping copies of everything and acting quickly can help the process go smoothly.
For any questions along the way, our Claims Assist Specialists are also available to help you navigate throughout the process.
