best cruise travel insurance reviews

• Nationwide Travel Insurance
• AXA Assistance USA
• Seven Corners Travel Insurance
• HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance
• World Nomads Travel Insurance

Cruise Travel Insurance Tips

• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Cruise Insurance Companies of April 2024

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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 travel insurance coverage that won't leave you high and dry in an emergency.

Best Cruise Insurance Companies

• Nationwide Travel Insurance : Best Overall
• AXA Assistance USA : Best for Affordability
• Seven Corners Travel Insurance : Best for Seniors
• HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance : Best for Expensive Trips
• World Nomads Travel Insurance : Best for Exotic Locations

Compare the Top Cruise Insurance Offers

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Diverse coverage options such as CFAR, optional sports equipment coverage, etc.
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in all 50 states
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Prices are higher than many competitors
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews around claims processing are mixed
• Trip cancellation insurance of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance available

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Reasonable premiums
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR coverage available with some plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical emergency and evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc not available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited reviews with complaints about claims not being paid
• Trip cancellation of up to $5,000 with the Economy plan and up to $50,000 with the Preferred plan
• Cancel for any reason insurance and missed connection insurance available with the Preferred plan
• Baggage delay insurance starting after 24 or 12 hours depending on the plan

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

Cruise Insurance Reviews

Best cruise insurance overall: nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide Travel Insurance  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.

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 here.

Best Cruise Insurance for Affordability: AXA Travel Insurance

AXA Assistance USA  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 here.

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 preexisting 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 here. 

Best Cruise Insurance for Expensive Trips: HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance

HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance  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.

Read our HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Cruise Insurance for Exotic Locations: World Nomads Travel Insurance

World Nomads Travel Insurance  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.

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

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.

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.

Medical Coverage

Being on a cruise shouldn't mean being adrift from medical care. Medical coverage ensures that if you fall ill or get injured, your medical expenses won't sink your finances.

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.

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.

Buying Cruise Insurance

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

Timing is everything. Purchasing your insurance soon after booking your cruise can often provide additional benefits and ensure you're covered for any early surprises. As you get closer to your trip your coverage options may get more expensive, and certain providers may not be able to offer you coverage.

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 SquareMouth is a good place to compare multiple quotes from all of the major carriers at once.

How to Pick The Best Cruise Insurance for You

When buying travel insurance for a cruise, consider the additional risks that are specific to cruising. These include hurricanes and other weather-related concerns, strict cancellation terms, high pre-paid costs of a cruise, and the distance to emergency medical assistance.

To find the policy that's right for you, it's best to compare several different cruise insurance policies based on the pricing and coverage they provide. Remember too that all reputable insurance providers will offer a "free-look period." This allows you to return the policy you've purchased for any reason, within a specific time period, for a full refund.

The most important coverages to look for in cruise insurance are:

• Medical coverage — This coverage will pay for medical bills outside the US. But because treatment can be more expensive while onboard, make sure your policy offers sufficient coverage ($100,000+).
• Medical evacuation coverage — This coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if you become sick or injured during your journey. But an evacuation from sea will be more expensive than one from land. So you'll want to make sure your coverage has sufficiently high limits ($250,000+).
• Missed connection (missed port of call) coverage — This type of coverage will help you catch up to your itinerary if you miss your port of call for a covered reason, like a delayed flight on the way to the airport.
• Coverage for hurricane warnings — With this type of coverage, you don't actually need to be affected by the hurricane. You can cancel and be reimbursed for your trip if the NOAA issues a hurricane warning. If you're cruising anywhere during (or on the tail ends) of hurricane season, this can come in handy. Just note: You can't buy travel insurance to cover a weather event once a storm or hurricane has been named.
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) — This is the most comprehensive coverage you can get, as it allows cancellations and reimbursement for pre-paid expenses for any reason. This can be a wise add-on for cruise coverage given the often higher prepaid expenses associated with cruising. See our guide to the best CFAR travel insurance options to learn more.
• Preexisting conditions — This coverage ensures that no known health conditions are excluded from coverage. Obtaining a preexisting condition waiver usually requires purchasing your travel insurance soon after booking your trip.
• Personal possessions insurance — Because of the events and fancy dinners cruise ships hold, you might take more valuable clothing or jewelry with you on a cruise. This type of coverage will insure your belongings against loss or theft while cruising.
• Baggage loss and delay — This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount for essentials if your bags are delayed or if your bags get lost en route.

As a rule of thumb, you can expect to pay between 5% and 10% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses for cruise insurance coverage. The price will vary depending on factors like your age, your travel destination, and whether you require additional coverage.

If you're booking a cruise, we recommend purchasing travel insurance when you make your first trip payment. That could be for the cruise itself or an expense like airfare to get you to your cruising destination. This way, if you have to cancel your trip, you'll have the most extended coverage period possible.

You can buy your own cruise insurance that isn't offered directly through the cruise line operator. In fact, this could be a better option if you want coverage for your travel to the cruise's departure point, not just for the cruise itself.

The difference between traditional travel insurance and cruise insurance is that cruise insurance offers more specialized coverage, for situations such as missing a departure port and more coverage for medical evacuations, since it's more expensive to evacuate someone at sea than on land. 

Most cruise insurance includes coverage for missing a departure port, so you should be able to claim for a missed port. Just make sure you check the details of your policy before you file a claim, and before you travel so you know what compensation you're entitled to.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Cruise Travel Insurance

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 and SquareMouth.

Policy Types

We look at policy types and offerings, from standard travel protections to adventure sports coverage. We look at the amount of insurance offered

Average Premiums

We compare average premiums per trip. Some companies also offer annual plans, and we compare policies accordingly.

Claims Paid

How frequently do companies pay claims easily and quickly? We check customer reviews and other resources to see which companies honor policies most effectively.

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 how Business Insider rates insurance here.

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.

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Here are the 5 best cruise insurance plans

Cruise insurance can cover many situations, but you need to shop around to find the best coverage..

A cruise is an ideal vacation for anyone who likes the all-inclusive concept , where you pay one price and have just about everything taken care of, from accommodations to meals and activities. But they also aren't always cheap and a lot of things can go wrong. You could have a flight delay that causes you to miss your departure or be unable to sail because of a sickness. In these situations, cruise insurance can reimburse you for prepaid and non-refundable expenses.

CNBC Select analyzed 19 cruise insurance companies and selected the best plans for various situations. (See  our methodology  for more information on how we chose the best cruise insurance plans.)

Best cruise insurance

• Best overall: Nationwide Travel Insurance
• Best for affordable coverage : AXA Travel Insurance
• Best for adventure excursions: World Nomads
• Best for pre-existing conditions: Seven Corners Travel Insurance
• Best for cancel-for-any-reason coverage: Travel Guard Travel Insurance

Best overall

Nationwide travel insurance.

The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote

Policy highlights

Nationwide's wide coverage for travel insurance allows many different types of travelers to find coverage that fits their needs. Three levels of cruise insurance coverage gives extra options to cruise passengers.

24/7 assistance available

• 10-day review period on cruise insurance policies to make sure the plan meets your needs (not available in NY or WA)
• Most basic cruise plan doesn't offer CFAR coverage

Who’s this for? Nationwide is a top choice for many travelers due to its variety of cruise-specific coverage. The insurer offers three three tiers of cruise insurance, but its standard Universal Cruise Plan should meet many needs.

Standout benefit: Nationwide's cruise-specific plans can cover things like emergency accidents, sicknesses, itinerary changes, mechanical breakdowns and other trip interruptions or on-ship disruptions. The company also offers a 10-day review period on its cruise policies (not available in NY or WA), giving you extra time to look over the policy and ensure it’s a good fit. 

[ Jump to more details ]

Best for affordable coverage

Axa assistance usa travel insurance.

AXA Assistance USA offers several travel insurance policies that include travel interruption, trip cancellation, and the option of cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage.

• Three tiers of plans available
• Highly rated for financial strength
• Cancel for any reason only available on highest-tier coverage

Who’s this for? Budget-conscious cruisers should consider AXA . In our research, AXA's Silver Plan stood out as the top budget plan for its mix of affordable premiums and essential coverage. CNBC Select also named AXA one of the best overall travel insurance providers .

Standout benefit: AXA's Silver Plan includes the standard coverage you need to protect yourself from delays and cancellations, as well as employment layoff coverage. This benefit reimburses you for prepaid and nonrefundable travel costs if you cancel because of involuntary layoff or you are terminated from your job. You only need to have been at your current employer for one continuous year to qualify, which is generous compared to other plans that require at least three continuous years of employment for this coverage — if it's even included at all.

Best for adventure excursions

World nomads travel insurance.

World Nomads offers travel insurance for all sorts of travelers, from families to solo adventure travelers. Policies are underwritten by Nationwide and offer strong coverage of emergency accident and illness situations, as well as emergency evacuation scenarios.

• Affordable coverage for many travelers
• Coverage for adventure activities like scuba diving, bungee jumping and more
• Lower trip cancellation limits than other travel insurance we reviewed

Who’s this for? World Nomads offers insurance underwritten by Nationwide , geared specifically toward thrill-seekers. The World Nomads Explorer Plan covers over 200 adventure activities and sports. With this plan, you can take part in just about any excursion without fear of negating your coverage .

Standout benefit: The World Nomads Explorer Plan covers baggage and personal items for loss, theft or damage for up to $3,000 and $1,500 per item. Sporting equipment is included in this coverage, so you can bring your golf clubs along on your cruise without worry.

Best for pre-existing conditions

Seven corners travel insurance.

Policies provide missed and delayed tour/cruise connection coverage. Cancel for any reason coverage and pre-existing conditions waiver are also available if you buy your plan within the specified time. ***CFAR and IFAR are subject to certain eligibility criteria and are not available in all states

• High coverage limits available
• Offers group insurance (10+ people)
• Covers Covid-19 illness
• Pre-existing conditions waiver not available for the Economy plan
• Cancel for any reason not available for the Economy plan

Who’s this for? Seven Corners offers a standard Trip Protection Economy plan and a more premium Trip Protection Elite plan. The Seven Corners Trip Protection Elite plan stands out for offering generous coverage limits and an add-on option for cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage, which both pair well with its pre-existing conditions waiver.

Standout benefit: This plan's pre-existing conditions waiver for medical coverage applies to plans purchased within 20 days of booking and paying your initial trip deposit. That's a generous window compared to some plans which can require you to purchase insurance within seven to 14 days. If you don't purchase your coverage within the waiver window, this plan only considers conditions existing within the previous 60 days, whereas other plans may look back up to 120 days.

Best for cancel for any reason coverage 

Travel guard® travel insurance.

Travel Guard offers a variety of plans to suit travel ranging from road trips to long cruises. For air travelers, Travel Guard can help assist with tracking baggage or covering lost or delayed baggage.

• A variety of plans are available to help cover different types of trips
• Not all products are available for purchase online

Who’s this for? AIG's Travel Guard Preferred plan comes with a wide range of coverages and a variety of useful add-ons for an extra fee such as pet coverage , wedding coverage and cancel for any reason coverage (CFAR).

Standout benefit: The optional CFAR insurance for this plan begins at 12:01 a.m. on the day after you pay for coverage and ends two days before departure (or when the travel is canceled). This benefit reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost (up to $25,000 maximum), which includes reimbursement for:

• 50% of change fees
• 50% of cancellation penalties for unused travel
• 50% of award travel redeposit fees

More on our top cruise insurance plans 

Nationwide universal cruise plan.

Nationwide's standard Universal Cruise Plan will be more than sufficient for many cruisers. It offers strong coverage for many different scenarios, but if you're seeking higher levels of coverage or are taking a long cruise, you can opt for the Choice Cruise Plan, or the Luxury Cruise Plan, which offers the highest level of benefits.

Trip cancellation and interruption

The full trip cost (100%) is covered for both cancellations and interruptions. This includes canceling because of a Covid-19 illness .

Covered delays of six hours or more (or at least three hours for missed connections) are eligible for reimbursement of:

• Up to $500 per day
• $500 maximum

Medical coverage and evacuation and repatriation

• $75,000 in emergency accident and sickness coverage
• $250,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage
• $750 in emergency dental treatment coverage

Pre-existing conditions

No coverage for pre-existing conditions that fall within 60 days of your policy's start date.

Notable perks

All of Nationwide's cruise plans, including the Universal Cruise Plan, include cancel for work reason coverage, meaning you may be covered if you need to cancel because of work-related issues, as well as coverage for extension of the school operating session. The Universal Cruise Plan also provides coverage for delayed and lost baggage, which begins to kick in after delays of eight hours or more, as well as coverage for trip delays of three hours or more for missed connections or other trip delays of six hours or more. You can also get reimbursed if your trip is canceled or interrupted because of terrorism (foreign or domestic) or financial default of the travel provider (14-day waiting period applies). Itinerary changes that cause you to miss a pre-paid excursion are covered by up to $250.

[ Return to summary ]

AXA Silver Plan

AXA offers three insurance plans, with the Silver Plan being the most affordable. The Gold Plan has most of the same types of coverage with higher reimbursement limits. Meanwhile, the Platinum Plan is for anyone who prefers premium benefits, such as cancel-for-any-reason coverage.

The full trip cost (100%) is covered for both cancellations and interruptions. This includes canceling because of a Covid-19 illness.

After a 12-hour delay or more, you're eligible for:

• Up to $100 per day
• Primary medical coverage of $25,000 per (covers Covid-19)
• Evacuation and repatriation coverage of $100,000 per person

No coverage for pre-existing conditions that fall within this policy's 60-day look-back period.

AXA's Silver Plan comes with coverage for delayed and lost baggage, including $200 per person for covered delays of 24 hours or more and $750 per person ($150 per item) for lost baggage and items. You can also get reimbursed if your trip is canceled or interrupted because of terrorism (foreign only) or financial default of the travel provider (10-day waiting period applies). If a hurricane or bad weather causes your travel provider to cease services for at least 48 hours, you can be reimbursed for up to the full trip cancellation/interruption coverage. Notably, you must purchase the coverage before a storm is named.

World Nomads Explorer Plan

The Explorer Plan is World Nomads' premium travel insurance plan and covers a longer list of activities than the Standard Plan. You can review the list of covered activities here and decide if the more affordable Standard Plan works for you.

Covered up to the trip cost with a $10,000 maximum.

Covered delays of six hours or more are eligible for reimbursement of:

• Up to $250 per day
• $3,000 maximum
• $100,000 in emergency accident and sickness coverage
• $500,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage

No coverage for pre-existing conditions that fall within 90 days of your policy's start date.

This plan includes $35,000 in rental car damage coverage (where it's valid) due to collision, theft or a natural disaster. And an accidental death and dismemberment benefit of $10,000. When your baggage is delayed for more than 12 hours, you can be reimbursed up to $150 a day ($750 maximum) for any necessary personal items you purchase.

Seven Corners Trip Protection Elite

The Seven Corners Trip Protection Elite plan has generous coverage limits for evacuation and repatriation and accident and sickness. Seven Corners Travel Insurance plans also cover Covid-related illnesses.

Trip cancellations are covered for 100% of the trip cost and interruptions are covered for 150% of the trip cost.

Trip delays of six hours or more can qualify for reimbursement of:

• Up to $300 per day
• $1,500 maximum
• $250,000 in emergency accident and sickness coverage
• $1,000,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage
• $750 in emergency dental coverage

Pre-existing conditions are covered if you purchase coverage within 20 days of making your initial trip deposit. If you don't qualify for the pre-existing conditions waiver, there is no emergency medical coverage for conditions existing within 60 days of your policy's start date.

This plan covers baggage delays of more than 12 hours for up to $600 and covers lost, damaged or stolen bags or personal items for up to $300 per item ($2,500 maximum). It also has missed cruise connection coverage of $150 per day for accommodations and meals ($1,500 maximum).

AIG Travel Guard Preferred

The CFAR coverage is available as an upgrade on Travel Guard's Preferred and Deluxe plans. If you don't need this optional upgrade, you could save money on your premium with Travel Guard's Essential plan.

Trip cancellations are covered for 100% of the trip cost (up to a max of $150,000) and trip interruptions are covered for 150% of the trip cost (up to a max of $225,000).

Trip delays of five hours or more can qualify for reimbursement of:

• Up to $200 per day
• $800 maximum
• $50,000 in emergency medical coverage
• $500 in emergency dental coverage

A pre-existing conditions waiver applies when you purchase coverage within 15 days of the initial trip deposit.

With this plan, you'll have coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage or travel documents for up to $1,000. You also receive baggage delay reimbursement for delays of more than 12 hours with a coverage limit of up to $250 per day ($300 maximum). If you miss a connection, you can be reimbursed up to $1,000 for unused prepaid or nonrefundable travel you missed and transportation expenses to rejoin your trip.

When should I buy insurance for a cruise?

It's usually best to purchase cruise insurance shortly after booking. This lets you take advantage of the protections sooner and qualify for certain benefits such as pre-existing condition waivers.

Is there a difference between travel insurance and cruise insurance?

Travel insurance typically covers cruises and other types of travel, whereas cruise insurance is designed to specifically protect you while cruising or getting to your cruise.

Does cruise insurance cover missed ports?

Cruise insurance may cover missed connections, but it's important to read your policy before you purchase it. Each policy has different limits on how much you'll be reimbursed and what exactly you'll be reimbursed for.

Bottom line

Cruise insurance plans protect you in all sorts of situations when something goes wrong while you're cruising. You can be covered for emergency medical expenses, trip delays, trip cancellations or interruptions and more. Shop around and compare providers to find the best cruise insurance policy for you.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every cruise insurance   review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of travel insurance   products .  While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See  our methodology  for more information on how we choose the best cruise insurance plans.

Our methodology 

To determine the best cruise insurance plans,  CNBC Select  analyzed the offerings of 19 insurance companies and compared them based on various factors. These included the maximum coverage limits, optional coverages, types of coverage, premiums and what the policies cover. We also considered financial strength ratings from AM Best and Better Business Bureau ratings for customer satisfaction.

We based premium costs on a sample cruise with the following details (when applicable):

• 40-year-old male
• Living in New York, New York
• Sailing for seven days in April
• Total trip cost: $2,800
• Destination: Mexico
• Flying to the port of departure

Sample quotes assumed that payments were made on the date of quoting.

Note that the premiums and policy structures advertised for cruise insurance companies are subject to fluctuate in accordance with the company's policies.

Catch up on CNBC Select’s in-depth coverage of credit cards , banking and money , and follow us on TikTok , Facebook , Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.

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Travel Insurance

Best cruise travel insurance plans of April 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 12:55 p.m. UTC Jan. 3, 2024

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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

WorldTrips offers the best cruise travel insurance, according to our analysis. If you’re shopping for travel insurance for a cruise, use this guide to compare the cost and coverage of top-scoring plans.

Editor’s Note: This article contains updated information from a previously published  story .

Best cruise travel insurance companies

Axa assistance usa, travel insured, trawick international.

• USI Affinity

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of insurance products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

• 1,517 coverage details evaluated.
• 280 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Top-rated cruise travel insurance plans of 2024

Top-scoring plan

Covers covid, medical & evacuation limits per person, what you should know.

WorldTrips’ Atlas Journey Preferred offers solid cruise travel insurance coverage for a low price. With this plan, you’ll get $1 million in emergency evacuation benefits and $100,000 in emergency medical coverage. Medical coverage is secondary, meaning you’ll have to file medical claims with your health insurance provider first, but you have the option to upgrade to primary coverage.

Atlas Journey Premier also makes our rating of the best cruise travel insurance with 4.5 stars — if you’re willing to pay a little extra you can get $150,000 in primary medical coverage with this plan.

Pros and cons

• One of the cheapest cruise travel insurance plans in our rating.
• Top-notch medical evacuation coverage of $1 million.
• Very good missed connection coverage of $1,500 after a 3-hour delay.
• Covers $1,500 in lost baggage or personal items per person.
• Offers pre-existing conditions exclusion waiver if terms are met.
• Hurricane and weather delay coverage applies after 12 hours.
• No “interruption for any reason” upgrade available.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

If you’re worried that missed connections could disrupt your cruise, it’s worth considering TravelSafe for its excellent missed connection benefit.

• Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage after 3 hours.
• Superior baggage loss limit of $2,500 per person.
• Travel delay benefit of $150 per day is on the low side.

AXA Assistance USA’s Platinum offers $1 million in emergency medical evacuation coverage, $250,000 in emergency medical coverage and has a high per-person limit for baggage and personal items loss.

• Good emergency medical coverage of $250,000.
• Best-in-class lost baggage coverage of $3,000 per person.
• Very good missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person after a 3-hour delay.
• Much pricier CFAR coverage than competitors.
• Hurricane and weather delay coverage applies after a 48-hour waiting period.
• Travel delay and baggage delay coverages have a 12-hour waiting period.

Travel Insured Worldwide Trip Protector travel insurance offers $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits.

• Provides a rare $150,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Very good 75% “interruption for any reason” upgrade available.
• Generous travel delay benefit of $200 per day ($1,500 max) after 3 hours.
• Missed connection coverage kicks in after 3 hours.
• Hurricane and weather delay coverage applies after just 6 hours.
• Baggage loss coverage of $1,000 is lower than most of our top-scoring plans.
• Optional “interruption for any reason” coverage begins 72 hours after your trip starts, not 48.
• Missed connection coverage caps out at $500 and is limited to cruises and tours.

Trawick International’s Safe Travels First Class policy offers top-notch medical evacuation coverage of $1 million, but its emergency medical benefit is secondary coverage. This means you’ll need to file any medical claims with your health insurance provider first.

• $1,000 missed connection coverage for cruises and tours after 3 hours.
• $2,000 in lost baggage per person.
• Emergency medical coverage is secondary.
• Hurricane and weather delay coverage only applies after a 48-hour waiting period.

Nationwide’s Cruise Luxury travel insurance plan provides excellent coverage for missed cruise and tour connections: $2,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay. It’s also one of the lower-priced plans among our top picks.

• $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Great missed connection coverage of $2,500 per person after a 3-hour delay.
• Excellent baggage and personal item loss coverage of $2,500 per person.
• Optional “interruption for any reason” upgrade only covers $1,000.
• Emergency medical benefit is secondary coverage.
• Hurricane and weather delay coverage applies after 24 hours, rather than 6 or 12.

USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services

USI’s Ruby plan offers well-balanced coverage that meets our standards for emergency medical and evacuation coverage. It’s also one of our more expensive top-scoring plans.

• Good emergency medical coverage of $250,000 per person.
• Very good medical evacuation coverage of $500,000.
• Baggage loss coverage of $1,000 is lower than most top-scoring plans.
• One of the higher-priced options among our top-rated plans.
• Missed connection coverage caps out at $750 and is limited to cruises and tours.
• Hurricane and weather delay coverage applies after 48 hours.

Best cruise insurance plans of 2024

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 40 aspects of 37 travel insurance plans to find the best cruise insurance.

We only scored plans that cover COVID-related cancellation and medical expenses, and plans that offer missed connection coverage.

The benefits we scored out of a possible 100 points include:

Cost: 50 points. We scored the average cost for each travel insurance policy — not including “cancel for any reason” coverage — for a variety of international trips and traveler profiles.

Medical expenses: 10 points. Travel insurance plans that offer travel medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest amount of points.

Medical evacuation: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with emergency medical evacuation benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest number of points.

Missed connection coverage: 15 points. Plans with higher reimbursement levels for missed connections scored more points.

CFAR reimbursement level of trip cost: 5 points. Policies providing 75% reimbursement were awarded full points.

Trip interruption: 5 points. Travel insurance plans with trip interruption reimbursement of 150% or more were given points.

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that cover pre-existing medical conditions if the policy is purchased within the required timeline received points.

What is cruise insurance and how does it work?

Cruise insurance is another name for travel insurance . If the trip you’re planning is a cruise, you might be looking for cruise insurance — but you’re really just looking for a comprehensive travel insurance policy with strong benefits for the potential problems that could mess up your cruising plans.

Cruise insurance works by reimbursing you for a certain percentage or dollar amount of the nonrefundable prepaid travel costs you lose if you experience a problem covered by your plan. 

You can buy travel insurance through a cruise line, but experts warn this may be a mistake . The coverage provided may not be as comprehensive as travel insurance you can buy separately from a third-party provider, such as those in our best cruise travel insurance rating.

What is covered by cruise insurance?

Cruise travel insurance plans bundle together several types of coverage. Here are types of coverage you might care about most when you’re planning a cruise.

Trip cancellation insurance

Trip cancellation insurance reimburses you for 100% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses when you decide not to travel for a reason your policy covers. Covered reasons vary by plan and the list can be extensive. It typically includes things like the death of a family member, illness or injury and natural disasters, to name a few.

“Cancel for any reason” (CFAR)

“Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage typically reimburses you for up to 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses when you decide not to travel for a reason your policy doesn’t cover, such as having a vague sense of uneasiness that makes you want to stay home. 

This optional upgrade can increase the cost of your policy by 40% to 90%. It gives you increased flexibility with your travel plans, but only up to a point. You’ll need to cancel your trip at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure to file a successful CFAR claim. 

Trip interruption insurance

This coverage reimburses you for as much as 150% of your prepaid, unused, nonrefundable trip expenses (sometimes even more) if you need to change your plans after departure for a reason your policy covers. Maybe you get sick at your destination and can’t enjoy the last two days of your itinerary and have to change your flight. Or maybe you need to cut your trip short because your teenager was in a car accident. Trip interruption insurance can cover the cost of a last-minute, one-way economy ticket to get you home. 

“Interruption for any reason” (IFAR)

IFAR is an optional upgrade that only some travel insurance plans offer. This coverage reimburses you for up to 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses when you change your travel plans after departure for a reason your policy normally wouldn’t cover. It also covers the cost of a last-minute flight home. Adding IFAR to your policy can increase the cost of your travel insurance by 3% to 10%.

Emergency medical expense

Travel medical insurance covers the cost of non-routine health care if you get sick, including contracting COVID-19 , or being injured on your trip, up to your policy limit. It usually has no deductible. 

When shopping for travel insurance, pay attention to whether the travel medical coverage is primary or secondary — if your U.S. health insurance won’t cover you outside of the country, it would be best to have primary coverage. 

Pre-existing conditions exclusion waiver

Most travel insurance excludes pre-existing conditions from coverage unless you meet certain conditions and qualify for a waiver. A pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver allows your emergency medical expense coverage to pay for treatment related to conditions you’ve been treated for in the months leading up to your trip.

To get pre-existing condition coverage, you’ll usually need to buy travel insurance within 14 to 30 days of making your first trip deposit, insure the full value of your trip and be medically able to travel.

Emergency medical evacuation

This covers the cost of emergency medical transportation to the nearest facility that can provide adequate care for your illness or injury. 

Emergency medical evacuation insurance can pay to get you back to the United States if you’re abroad and can’t get the treatment you need there. It can also pay for a friend or family member to fly to you and stay with you if you’re receiving emergency care away from home.

Missed connections

Missed connections coverage reimburses you for additional costs to catch up with your itinerary after a transportation delay caused by weather, strikes, natural disasters or other covered problems. 

This coverage applies to transportation by common carriers such as airlines, buses and trains. It refunds parts of your trip that you miss because of a common carrier delay.

Baggage and personal items loss 

Baggage loss travel insurance reimburses you for lost, damaged or stolen personal items up to your policy limit. Look for caps per person, per item and per specific item. 

Items will be reimbursed at their depreciated value and baggage loss coverage is typically secondary, which means you’ll have to file a claim with your common carrier — such as the airline that lost your bag — or homeowners insurance first. 

Baggage delay

Baggage delay coverage reimburses you for items you need to buy to tide you over until your bag arrives, up to the policy limit. This coverage kicks in after a delay of a certain number of hours, usually three to 12. Look for a policy with a short waiting period and high daily and per-person limits. 

Travel delay

Travel delay insurance reimburses you for additional expenses such as meals, transportation and lodging you incur because of an unforeseen travel delay. The delay must last a certain number of hours before this coverage applies. Look for a policy with a short waiting period. 

Do I need cruise insurance?

Cruise travel insurance is a good idea if you’ve spent more on a cruise than you can afford to lose. This coverage protects you financially from unforeseen events that can disrupt your plans, both before and during your cruise. 

Travel insurance for cruises can provide coverage for a number of problems, including hurricane disruptions and medical emergencies at sea that may require you to be evacuated from the ship or port.

How to shop for the best cruise insurance

To choose the best cruise travel insurance for you, take a look at what coverage you have through the credit card you paid for your trip with, your health insurance and your homeowners insurance . See if this coverage adequately protects you financially from all the risks you’re concerned about. For example, Medicare is unlikely to cover you abroad.

Compare the types of coverage you have to what standalone trip insurance policies offer. Travel insurance is likely to be more comprehensive and might cover an important risk that hadn’t occurred to you.

“You’ll want to make sure that your policy includes both cancellation and interruption coverage as well as coverage for what we call post-departure problems,” said Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at travel insurance provider Allianz Partners USA. “Those can be as simple as lost or delayed baggage or as complex as serious medical emergencies. You’ll also want to check that your level of coverage of benefits is appropriate for your trip.”

How much does cruise travel insurance cost?

The average cost of cruise insurance is 5% to 6% of the value of your cruise vacation , which should include the cost of all prepaid, nonrefundable expenses such as flights and excursions. 

How much you’ll pay for a cruise insurance plan will depend on factors such as:

• The coverage amounts.
• The value of your trip. 
• The length of your trip.
• The age of the travelers in your group. 

The cost of cruise insurance can vary greatly by company and plan, so it’s a good idea to compare plans before buying. 

Average cost of cruise travel insurance policies 

Our team of insurance experts compared cruise insurance rates for a variety of international trips and traveler profiles. These are the average costs of cruise insurance by plan. 

Average cruise travel insurance costs are based on rates for seven international trips with a variety of traveler ages and destinations, without “cancel for any reason” coverage. Note that plans have different levels of benefits, which can account for price differences.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Yes, you can get travel insurance after booking a cruise. But it’s best not to put off this purchase.

“There are a handful of benefits that come with purchasing a travel insurance policy right after making an initial trip payment, with the major perk being maximizing the coverage period,” said James Clark, a spokesperson for the travel-insurance comparison site Squaremouth, which is also the company behind Cat 70 and Tin Leg travel insurance. 

“When a travel insurance policy is purchased, it goes into effect at midnight of the next day,” Clark said. “This means that the longer travelers have the policy, the longer they have protection in the event that problems arise leading up to their trip.”

If you don’t have travel insurance and cancel your cruise, you might be eligible for a refund. It depends on the terms of your agreement with the cruise line. 

A typical cruise refund policy might entitle you to a full refund if you cancel far enough in advance — which might mean 90 days or more before your departure date. If you want to cancel within 14 days of departure, you might not be able to get any refund at all. And if you cancel somewhere in between 14 and 90 days, you might get a partial refund.

You should be able to find the information you need in your booking confirmation email (if you’ve already booked your trip) or on the cruise ship’s website. If you booked your cruise through a travel agent, ask your agent about the refund policy that applies to your trip.

For the most flexibility to cancel your cruise, look into “cancel for any reason” travel insurance .

More: Should you buy travel insurance through a cruise line?

Yes, your credit card may provide some travel insurance for a cruise. However, the coverage might be limited. For example, your credit card may not provide any medical coverage.

“Cruise travelers should look for a product that offers high coverage limits for trip cancellations and for medical emergencies,” Durazo said. “In the unlikely case that you become seriously ill or injured far from home, you’ll also need enough emergency medical transportation coverage to get you safely to an appropriate medical facility, even on an air ambulance if necessary.”

Compare the trip insurance that’s included with your credit card with standalone travel insurance policies . Standalone policies tend to be more comprehensive and offer more coverage. You’ll pay for these benefits, of course, but the cost may be worth it. You won’t know unless you compare your options.

It’s best to do this comparison before booking your trip or as soon as possible after booking. Certain aspects of standalone travel insurance policies only apply when you buy the policy far enough in advance of your departure date.

Our top-scoring cruise travel insurance plans do not have a deductible for any type of coverage, including travel medical insurance .

To learn whether there are deductibles for a specific cruise insurance plan you are considering, ask for a sample policy to review before making a purchase. Then, just to make sure you have the coverage you want, review your actual insurance contract issued directly to you by the carrier as soon as you buy the policy.

“Don’t hesitate to call your insurance provider if you have questions about your policy,” Durazo said. “You should have up to 15 days to adjust your policy, exchange it for a different product or even cancel it for a full refund.”

If there is any conflict between what an insurance provider tells you and what your contract says, the contract is what you should rely on.

Important cruise-specific travel insurance coverages to look for include:

• Emergency medical. Squaremouth recommends at least $100,000 in travel medical benefits.
• Emergency medical evacuation. Squaremouth recommends at least $250,000 in emergency medical evacuation benefits.
• COVID-19. All of the insurers in our best cruise insurance rating offer medical coverage for COVID .
• Missed connection. All of the companies in our best cruise insurance rating offer missed connection benefits. TravelSafe Classic and Nationwide Cruise Luxury each offer $2,500 per person after a three-hour delay.

Cruise insurance typically covers hurricanes, as long as the storm is not named until after you buy the policy, making it an “unforeseen” event.

Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you if bad weather at home or at your destination prevents you from taking your trip.

Cruise insurance will cover the cost of prepaid, nonrefundable shore excursions, as long as you include them in the value of the trip you are insuring.

Your travel insurance can cover any prepaid cruise expenses that are nonrefundable, including food and beverage packages and onboard entertainment.

More cruise insurance resources

• Travel medical insurance
• Emergency medical evacuation travel insurance
• What does travel insurance cover?
• “Cancel for any reason” travel insurance  
• Average cost of travel insurance

Editor’s Note:   This article contains updated information from previously published stories:

• Coronavirus: Royal Caribbean pauses operations globally, major cruise lines suspend US ships
• Taking a Carnival cruise from Florida but don’t want to get vaccinated? Buy travel insurance
• Want to cruise from Florida but don’t want to get a COVID vaccine? Royal Caribbean says buy travel insurance
• When will it be safe to cruise again? These signs that will help you decide when to sail
• Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, Disney, Carnival cancel additional sailings amid COVID-19 pandemic

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Amy Fontinelle has more than 15 years of experience helping people make informed decisions about their money, whether they’re refinancing a mortgage, buying insurance or choosing a credit card. As a freelance writer trained in journalism and specializing in personal finance, Amy digs into the details to explain the products and strategies that can help (or hurt) people seeking greater financial security and wealth. Her work has been published by Forbes Advisor, Capital One, MassMutual, Investopedia and many other outlets.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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Smooth Sailing Ahead: Your Guide to Cruise Travel Insurance [2023]

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Best Cruise Travel Insurance for Seniors: Seven Corners

Best cruise travel insurance with covid-19 coverage: battleface, best cruise travel insurance for young travelers: aegis, best cruise travel insurance for adventure tours: img, best cruise travel insurance, cancel for any reason coverage: john hancock insurance agency, what is cruise insurance, is cruise insurance worth it, cruise insurance costs, types of cruise insurance, what to look for in a cruise travel insurance policy, how to get cruise insurance, final thoughts.

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Taking a cruise is one of the easiest ways to travel, but cruising isn’t immune to unexpected hiccups. Sudden illness, travel delays, or other unforeseen events could cancel or interrupt your cruising plans — you might even need medical coverage. 

With cruise insurance, you’re covered for unexpected issues that can interfere with your travel plans . Read on to learn what cruise insurance is, how to get it, and how to find the best cruise insurance policies, whether you’re buying directly from the cruise line or a third-party insurance company.

The 5 Best Cruise Travel Insurance Policies

The right cruise insurance policy offers the coverage you need at a good price, but policies aren’t one-size-fits-all. We’ve run quotes for various coverage scenarios — from seniors to adventure tours — to find the best cruise insurance policies . 

Consider these travel insurance policies for your next cruise:

Seniors cruising the world can get comprehensive coverage from Seven Corners Travel Insurance . We were quoted $89 for a 70-year-old cruising Mexico . The Seven Corners Trip Protection Basic policy offers trip cancellation and interruption, medical coverage, and medical evacuation, along with COVID-19 cancellation and medical coverage.

Comprehensive travel insurance, regardless of your age, is widely available and relatively affordable. Check out our complete guide to travel insurance for seniors .

If you’re concerned about COVID-19 derailing your cruise travel plans, getting cruise travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is essential. The battleface Discovery Plan covers COVID-19 cancellation and medical expenses, along with regular trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and medical emergency coverage. We were quoted $36.54 for a 35-year-old cruising Italy on this plan.

Young travelers often have the lowest-priced travel insurance policies. We got a quote for just $30.27 from Aegis for a 22-year-old cruising the Bahamas . The Aegis Go Ready Choice policy covers COVID-19 medical and cancellation, trip cancellation and interruption, medical evacuation, and medical expenses.

Are you planning adventurous excursions on your cruise? IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Lite , with options for winter, adventure, and extreme sports, can give you the coverage you need. We were quoted $58.87 for a 40-year-old traveler cruising to Costa Rica with plans to zipline . It covers trip cancellation and interruption, medical expenses, medical evacuation, and adventure sports with some exclusions, such as diving and adventure races.

Your travel insurance might not cover everything you want to do — particularly if you plan on adventure activities. Here’s our complete guide to adventure and extreme sports travel insurance .

If you’re especially concerned you may need to cancel your cruise, Cancel for Any Reason coverage allows you to cancel your trip and receive partial reimbursement for nonrefundable trip expenses, even if you cancel for reasons not normally covered by trip cancellation coverage. We were quoted $100.50 for a 55-year-old cruising Alaska for John Hancock Insurance Agency’s Silver plan , which reimburses up to 75% of your trip cost under Cancel for Any Reason coverage. It also offers coverage for COVID-19 medical and cancellation, trip cancellation and interruption, and medical expenses and evacuation with primary coverage.

Cruise insurance is travel insurance that covers cruises . It can help you manage all the what-ifs on your cruise. What if you need to cancel your booking? What if your flight is late? What if you get sick or hurt? Travel insurance for cruises can cover you for all of these things. 

Many travel insurance policies cover cruises, but cruise insurance may be tailored to the risks of cruises, covering transportation, accommodations, and activities. Getting travel insurance for cruises can offer peace of mind if you’re concerned about losing nonrefundable trip payments, travel delays, or covering emergency medical care.

Cruise bookings can be unforgiving, and cruise insurance can help you minimize your risk of losing the money you’ve paid for your trip. Travel insurance coverage is often a good idea if you’re concerned about losing nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses or covering emergency medical expenses . 

Because cruises are often less flexible than other types of travel, it’s generally a good idea to get cruise travel insurance. For example, you might be able to rebook a flight or hotel room, but if you cancel your cruise, you could lose your deposit or more. Often, cruise lines won’t offer any refunds if you cancel within a certain period before your cruise, such as 14 or 30 days .

Additionally, you shouldn’t expect your U.S.-based health insurance plan to cover you on your cruise, especially if you’re on an international cruise. And it’s exceptionally expensive if you need to be evacuated for a medical condition.

While everyone hopes for smooth sailing, the reality is a lot of unexpected issues could pop up on your cruise. Your flight to the cruise port could be delayed, you might get sick or injured on your cruise, or you might have to cancel the whole thing if illness or obligations prevent you from going on your cruise. A hurricane could interfere with cruising in storm hotspots such as the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. 

Cruise insurance can offer financial support for many unexpected problems you might experience with a cruise. And with a 24-hour travel assistance hotline , you can get knowledgeable help whether you need to find a local pharmacy or coordinate the replacement of lost travel documents such as your passport.

That said, you might have travel insurance coverage available with a credit card . Some credit cards offer travel insurance benefits such as trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical treatment and evacuation, and travel delay coverage. Still, you should check the details of your credit card’s coverage to ensure it’s enough for your needs. 

Looking for a credit card with travel protections? Read our guide to the best credit cards for travel insurance coverage and protection.

Generally, expect cruise insurance to cost between 5% to 10% of the total cost of your cruise . For a $3,000 cruise, you’ll typically pay between $150 to $300 for comprehensive travel insurance coverage. But keep in mind several factors influence the cost of cruise insurance, including:

• Add-ons, such as CFAR 
• Coverage options 
• Cruise cost 
• Deductibles and limits 
• Destination 
• Group policies 
• Traveler age 
• Trip duration

Learn more about travel insurance costs in our guide to the average cost of travel insurance .

What Cruise Insurance Covers

Each travel insurance policy is unique, but travel insurance for cruise coverage typically includes:

• 24/7 Assistance: You can get 24/7 support for itinerary changes, rebooking, medical emergencies, and more.
• Baggage Protection: Your luggage is covered for loss, theft, or damage on your flight or during your cruise.
• Cabin Confinement: You may get reimbursement if you have to stay in your cabin during your cruise, such as a required quarantine due to COVID-19.
• Cancel for Any Reason: Usually available as an add-on, CFAR travel insurance allows you to cancel your cruise for any reason and receive a partial reimbursement of your nonrefundable travel expenses.
• Itinerary Changes: You can get covered for changes in your cruise’s itinerary, missed port calls, or extended delays beyond your control.
• Missed Connections: If you miss your cruise departure due to a flight delay or other covered reason, you can get reimbursed for your nonrefundable travel expenses.
• Medical Emergencies: Cruise insurance can cover medical treatment on the cruise and may offer coverage for medical evacuation.
• Trip Cancellation or Interruption: You can get reimbursed for your nonrefundable travel expenses if you cancel your cruise or end your trip early due to covered reasons such as illness or injury. You’re typically covered if the cruise line cancels due to mechanical issues, weather, or other unforeseen events.

Cruise-specific travel insurance may also offer reimbursement if your cruise ship is disabled. And if you want to cover shore excursions, be sure to include the cost of excursions in your total travel cost when you get quotes for cruise insurance.

While these coverage types are common among cruise insurance policies, checking the terms and conditions to confirm all coverage areas is a good idea.

There are many options for travel insurance, and you can generally choose as little or as much coverage as you’d like. You can opt for a comprehensive travel insurance policy, which may offer Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, or you might prefer to limit your costs and choose just the coverage you need. For example, you might choose standalone trip cancellation insurance or a travel medical insurance policy but decide you don’t need coverage for missed connections or baggage.

Consider these factors as you compare the best cruise travel insurance policies:

• Cancellation Window: Understand how many days before your cruise departure you must cancel to qualify for reimbursement.
• Coverage Availability: Travel insurance policies typically offer cruise coverage, but it’s best to confirm that a policy specifically covers cruises before you purchase it. Also, consider availability for coverages that may be important to you, such as CFAR or adventure sports. 
• Customer Reviews and Reputation: You can get insight into the insurance provider and how claims and customer service work by reading customer reviews and ratings.
• Eligibility Criteria: Cruise insurance policies may have eligibility criteria such as limits on age or trip duration and preexisting conditions. For example, some travel insurance policies max out at 90 days.
• Exclusions and Limitations: Read the policy to understand what’s excluded or limited specifically to cruise-related coverage, such as reimbursements for port closures, itinerary changes, or medical incidents on the cruise.
• Policy Cost: Get multiple quotes and compare each cost and coverage value to ensure you get a good value for your cruise insurance policy.
• Purchase Timeline: You’ll usually need to purchase your cruise insurance within a certain period of booking your trip, so be sure you’re buying your policy within that timeframe.
• Reimbursement Structure: Review the cruise insurance policy to confirm how much you can be reimbursed for under qualifying circumstances, such as if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip.

You can buy cruise insurance from the cruise line when you book, or a travel agent may offer cruise insurance plans. You also have the option to purchase cruise trip insurance independently. It’s a good idea to get multiple quotes to compare your costs and coverage and get the best deal on cruise insurance.

You should buy cruise insurance when you make your first deposit so you’re immediately covered for trip cancellation. Here are some of the options and coverages if you purchase cruise insurance directly from the cruise line:

Before you purchase cruise insurance from a cruise line, compare your third-party options. You can get quotes from multiple travel insurance companies at once using a travel insurance aggregator such as Squaremouth .

Even a meticulously planned cruise can run into unforeseen disruptions — and cruise insurance can come in handy for the unexpected.

Cruise insurance covers you for sudden illnesses, travel delays, and more, offering financial protection so you’re safeguarded against uncertainties. Whether you get cruise insurance from the cruise line or third–party insurance providers, understand your coverage and how it protects your investment in cruise travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my health insurance cover me on a cruise.

Some health insurance policies offer limited coverage on cruises, but coverage often depends on where you’re cruising and your planned activities. Check with your insurance provider about coverage before you depart on your cruise. Find out if supplemental cruise insurance is available if you want to use your existing health insurance coverage.

Are cruises covered under travel insurance?

Cruises are typically covered under travel insurance , so you don’t necessarily have to buy specialized cruise insurance, such as coverage from the cruise line. Travel insurance can cover trip cancellations and interruptions, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more on your cruise trip.

Can you buy cruise insurance after booking?

You can buy cruise insurance after booking. It’s generally best to purchase cruise insurance as soon as possible after making your initial trip deposit — when you have money on the line. The sooner you purchase cruise insurance, the sooner you’re covered for trip cancellations.

Can you buy medical insurance for a cruise?

You can buy medical travel insurance to cover your medical expenses on a cruise, offering coverage such as medical emergencies, illnesses, and injuries.

How do I add travel insurance to my cruise?

You can add travel insurance to your cruise when you book with the cruise line or a travel agent. Alternatively, you can purchase travel insurance directly from travel insurance agencies.

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About Jessica Merritt

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.

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The 6 Best Cruise Insurance Plans of 2024

Nationwide is our top recommended provider for cruise insurance, offering three tiers of coverage with specific cruise-oriented needs.

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Based on the MarketWatch Guides industry-wide review, Nationwide offers the best cruise insurance plan. Cruise insurance can help protect your vacation by reimbursing prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if you’re forced to cancel. It can also cover additional expenses you incur unexpectedly on a cruise, including emergency medical bills and costs related to baggage loss.

In this article, we’ll provide comprehensive information on our top picks for cruise insurance plans. We’ll also detail what to look for in a cruise insurance policy, average costs and whether coverage is worth considering.

Why Trust MarketWatch Guides

Our editorial team follows a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing travel insurance companies. Advertisers have no effect on our rankings.

Companies Reviewed

Quotes Collected

Rating Factors

The Best Cruise Insurance

Here are our top picks for the best cruise insurance plans:

• Nationwide Travel Insurance : Luxury Cruise
• Faye : Travel Protection Plan
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection : WaveCare ®
• Travelex Insurance: Travel Basic
• AXA Assistance USA:  Gold Plan
• Trawick International: Safe Travels Voyager

How We Ranked the Best Cruise Insurance Companies

Not every travel insurance provider offers coverage suited to cruise vacations. In order to recommend only the best providers to our readers, we looked for the following factors when evaluating coverage options. 

• Cruise-specific plan options: Our team prioritized travel insurance providers that offer cruise-specific plans with coverages not found on standard policies. For example, Nationwide scored highly in our review because it offers policies designed for cruises, covering items like shipboard service disruptions and porting itinerary changes. 
• Medical coverage: If your medical insurance does not cover international medical bills or only offers partial coverage, you may prioritize medical coverage. This protection helps pay for medical care at a local facility if you’re injured on your cruise. Companies with more generous medical coverage limits scored higher in our rankings. 
• Medical evacuation: On a cruise, you may need helicopter evacuation services if a medical emergency occurs and you require serious medical attention or surgery. We prioritized companies offering higher medical evacuation coverages, which could be beneficial depending on how long and far you’ll be from a port while on the cruise ship. 
• Coverage maximums: Some insurance providers have upper coverage limits that reduce their ability to properly insure higher-value cruises. If you’re planning a longer trip or opting for an all-inclusive luxury package, look for a provider that specializes in higher-value coverage options, such as Berkshire Hathaway.
• Cost: Cost is also a top consideration our team took into account when comparing providers. We requested sample quotes from dozens of travel insurance providers and compared price and coverage options to determine the insurer offering the best values. 

To calculate an average travel insurance package cost, we collected quotes for each of the following trips: 

• A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico City, Mexico
• A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico City
• A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to London, U.K.
• A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to London
• A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to Paris, France
• A 27-year-old taking a $1,800 trip to Athens, Greece
• A 51-year-old taking a $2,000 vacation to Madrid, Spain

We averaged the cost of travel insurance packages for each provider to find the average price.

How To Shop For Cruise Insurance

According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) 2023 State of the Cruise Industry Report , cruising continues to be one of the fastest-growing sectors of tourism, with a projected 36 million people choosing a cruise vacation in 2024. While purchasing travel insurance to cover your cruise vacation is a personal decision, there are some coverages to look for that can enhance your policy.

If you’re worried about illnesses or potential injuries during your cruise, travel medical insurance covers medical expenses up to a maximum amount. This coverage is worth considering if you’re cruising abroad, as domestic healthcare may provide limited to no coverage out of the country. If you’re worried about suffering a medical emergency and requiring transport to a hospital while at sea, it is important to also have emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Trip cancellation insurance and interruption coverage can reimburse you if you cancel or cut your cruise short for a covered reason. If you’re concerned about canceling your trip for a reason not listed under a policy’s coverage terms, consider cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage . If you’re looking at plans explicitly marketed for cruises, you may find special benefits like cruise diversion, cruise disablement and prepaid excursion reimbursement.

Other benefits to look for with a cruise insurance policy include travel delay coverage, baggage insurance and missed connection coverage. If you are concerned about pre-existing conditions or COVID-19 coverage, check if a cruise insurance plan offers these protections as you shop for a policy.

How We Picked the Best Cruise Insurance Companies

To recommend the best providers to our readers, we looked for the following factors when evaluating coverage options for cruise insurance:

• Cruise-specific plan options: Our team sought out travel insurance providers that offer cruise-specific plans with coverages not found on standard policies, such as shipboard service disruption coverage, prepaid excursion reimbursement and more.  
• Medical coverage: This protection helps pay for medical care at a local facility if you’re injured on your cruise. Companies with more generous medical coverage limits ranked higher in our roundup. 
• Medical evacuation: We prioritized companies offering higher medical evacuation coverage, which can benefit you depending on how long and far you are from a port while on the cruise ship.
• Coverage maximums: We considered whether a provider offered higher-value coverage options for travelers planning longer trips or opting for an all-inclusive luxury package.
• Cost: We requested sample quotes from dozens of travel insurance providers and compared price and coverage options to determine the insurer offering the best values.

Top Cruise Insurance Plans at a Glance

*We determined costs by averaging quotes we pulled for four different traveler profiles. Your actual cruise insurance plan costs and CFAR coverage availability will vary.

The Best Cruise Insurance Options

To determine the best cruise insurance options for our review, we collected several sample quotes, carefully examined policy and coverage details, and evaluated providers with specialized cruising plans. Our thorough research found that the following travel insurance companies provide the best cruise insurance plans in the industry.

Nationwide Travel Insurance

Pros and Cons

Cruise insurance highlights.

• Nationwide offers plans specifically for cruises with benefits such as shipboard service disruption, prepaid excursion reimbursement and missed connection benefits.
• Cruise-specific policies include medical and non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Nationwide covers up to 100% of your total trip costs for a covered cancellation and up to 150% of your total costs for trip interruption.

Coverage and Cost

Plans and Coverage

Nationwide offers three cruise insurance plans with varying coverage limits. Each plan also includes missed connection coverage and reimbursements for itinerary changes.

Add-On Options

Nationwide allows you to add the following optional coverages to your cruise travel insurance plan:

• Accidental death and dismemberment
• CFAR coverage (up to 75%)
• Vendor financial default coverage
• Preexisting medical conditions coverage waiver
• Rental car collision coverage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Nationwide’s average trip cost is $182.17.

*A.M. Best ratings accurate as of July 2023

• Faye provides policyholders with a comprehensive mobile app and 24/7 customer service, a potential benefit for travelers at sea and restricted to internet-based communication.
• Covers medical and non-medical emergency evacuation, with medical benefits capped at $500,000 and non-medical at $100,000.
• Faye’s travel insurance plan treats COVID-19 like any other illness, including any required care under its emergency accident and sickness medical expense coverage.

Coverage and Add-Ons

Unlike most competitors, Faye only offers one travel insurance policy with the following included coverages:

It also includes other coverage that could benefit cruise-goers, such as a passport replacement benefit, up to $200 for in-trip inconveniences and protection for sporting equipment.

Optional Add-Ons 

Faye offers the following add-on coverage options — though residents in some states such as New York only have access to limited add-ons.

• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) 
• Rental car damage or theft
• Adventure and extreme sports protection 
• Vacation rental damage protection

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Faye’s average trip cost is $298 .

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

• WaveCare® covers up to 100% of your total trip costs for covered cancellations and 150% of your total trip costs for covered interruptions.
• Berkshire Hathaway’s cruise-specific plan offers coverage beyond the norm, including cruise disablement, cruise diversion and river cruise diversion coverage.
• WaveCare® provides coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation up to $750,000.

While Berkshire Hathaway offers various travel insurance plans, WaveCare™ is specific to cruise protection. In addition to the coverage outlined in the chart below, this plan also includes $500 in fixed coverage if your cruise ship is disabled.

If you are going on a high-value cruise and would prefer increased coverage limits, Berkshire Hathaway also offers travel insurance plans designed for vacations with expensive inclusions. Its LuxuryCare plans include additional leisure protections, such as concierge services and up to $100,000 in insurance coverage.

Berkshire Hathaway currently offers the following additional coverage options:

• CFAR coverage
• Preexisting conditions waiver

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Berkshire’s average trip cost is $163.

• Travelex offers some of the most affordable plans of the providers on our list, and allows parents to extend coverage to their children for a slightly higher rate.
• Add-on coverages available through the Travel Basic plan include car rental collision coverage and flight accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D).
• The Travel Basic policy has no deductible and is considered a primary coverage plan.

Travelex offers three travel insurance plans that can protect your cruise. The Travel America Plan, which can cover up to eight travelers, also includes unique protections like inconveniences caused by sporting equipment delays and medical expenses for your pet.

The following add-on coverages are available on Travel Select plans:

• Car rental collision
• Additional medical coverage
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) benefits for air travel
• Adventure sports coverage

Note that add-on options may be limited for the Travel Basic Plan.

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Travelex’s average trip cost is $242.

AXA Assistance USA

• AXA Assistance’s plans include 24/7 concierge services to help you with travel-related services and emergencies.
• The Gold Plan offers $100,000 in emergency medical coverage, $500,000 in emergency evacuation and 100% trip cancellation coverage.
• Rental car coverage is available through the Gold and Platinum Plans.

AXA Assistance offers three travel insurance plans that you can purchase to protect your cruise. If you are planning sporting or leisurely activities, the Platinum Plan includes daily coverages for lost skier days, lost golf rounds and sporting equipment rentals.

AXA Assistance offers the following optional add-ons for its Platinum Plan:

• Rental car collision waiver

While you can also add rental car collision protection to the Gold Plan, the Silver Plan is not eligible for any add-on coverages.

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, AXA’s average trip cost is $265.50.

Trawick International

• The Safe Travels Voyager plan, marketed as Trawick’s most popular cruise insurance coverage, includes 30 covered reasons for trip cancellation.
• Trawick offers various optional add-on benefits, such as CFAR coverage, 24-hour AD&D, trip interruption for any reason (IFAR) coverage and more.
• Trawick provides a stipend for a hospital companion to evacuate with you during a medical emergency.

Trawick has three options for annual cruise insurance, with each plan offering coverage for up to 30 days per trip.

Trawick Travel Insurance does not currently offer add-ons for its annual cruise policies.

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Trawick’s average trip cost is $208.41.

How Much Does Cruise Insurance Cost?

The cost of cruise insurance can vary between customers. The best way to determine what you will pay for your coverage is to get a quote. According to data from Berkshire Hathaway, you can expect to pay between 5% and 10% of your total cruise vacation price for insurance.

To help you get a better idea of what you might pay for cruise insurance, we requested multiple quotes from the providers in our review using various sample traveler profiles. The table below summarizes our findings:

To calculate costs, we collected quotes for each of the following trips and traveler profiles:

• 70-year-old couple taking a $3,000, seven-day cruise in Mexico
• 65-year-old taking a $1,200, five-day cruise in the Bahamas
• 34-year-old couple taking a $6,000, seven-day cruise in Greece
• 21-year-old taking a $900, five-day cruise in the Caribbean

What Affects the Cost of Cruise Insurance?

As with most types of insurance, the cost of a cruise insurance policy will vary depending on your trip and personal details. Some of the most significant factors that insurance providers consider when pricing cruise policies include the following:

• Your age: According to the CLIA, the average age of a cruise tourist is around 46 years old. Travelers above the age of 50 will pay higher rates than younger travelers.
• Total trip cost: Expect to pay more for your insurance if you take a luxury or higher-value cruise trip.
• Total trip length: The number of days you travel likely increases your chances of getting sick or injured, raising your cruise insurance cost.
• Plan type: There are several types of cruise insurance policies. The more protection you need, typically the more expensive your cruise insurance quote.
• Number of travelers: While you can buy a single policy for multiple travelers , each traveler will have their own premium, increasing the total cost of your trip coverage.
• Destination: Destination may affect the cost of your cruise trip insurance, especially when you consider on-shore excursions. For example, if you’re embarking on a cruise to a jungle with adventure-centered excursions, you will likely pay more for coverage than someone taking a cruise to a quiet beach town.

Is Cruise Insurance Worth It?

Determining whether cruise insurance is worth it is a personal decision. Cruises can get expensive quickly, so if you’re embarking on a 14-day international cruise that you’ve spent months saving up for, you may prefer to protect your investment. Spending a fraction of your total cruise expenses on insurance can help prevent you from forfeiting the entire cost of a non-refundable trip should the worst happen.

Angela Borden, a product marketing specialist at Seven Corners, noted that “When you’ve made a financial investment in your trip or need to protect your health when you travel, travel insurance is 100% worth it.” She also pointed out that coverage can help you recoup your expenses if the unexpected happens. 

“Travel insurance can also reimburse you if your belongings are lost, stolen, or damaged and you need to replace them during your trip,” she added. “Again, that’s a financial savings you would have missed out on if you didn’t have travel insurance.”

If you are unsure whether cruise insurance is worth it, we recommend getting a quote from our highlighted insurance providers before you set sail.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Insurance

What should cruise insurance cover.

Cruise insurance should provide you with 100% coverage for trip cancellation and at least 100% trip interruption coverage. Your policy should also include baggage loss, trip delay coverage, medical care and emergency evacuations. 

When should I buy trip insurance for a cruise?

While your trip insurance cost might not increase if you buy a policy at the last minute, it’s best to buy coverage as soon as you make your initial trip deposit. Most insurance companies only allow you to add CFAR coverage a few days after you make your first trip payment. If you’re considering this insurance add-on, buy coverage as soon as possible. 

Do I need special insurance for a cruise?

Whether you need travel insurance specifically for cruises depends on the provider. While some travel insurance companies specify that policies provide coverage even if you’re on a cruise, others may exclude cruises from standard travel plans. For this reason, it’s best to check the terms of your coverage before purchasing a policy. 

Some companies, like Nationwide and Berkshire Hathaway, offer cruise-specific protection plans in addition to standalone travel insurance policies.  

What are the benefits of cruise insurance?

There are multiple benefits to investing in a cruise insurance policy. Cruise insurance provides you with money back for nonrefundable trip expenses, which can help you recoup a portion of your costs if you need to cancel at the last minute. Cruise insurance also provides protection when you’re on a boat and visiting international ports of call, with medical insurance coverage and compensation for travel expenses if you’re forced to evacuate during your vacation.

Does cruise insurance include COVID-19 coverage?

Travel insurance policy purchases have spiked since the COVID-19 pandemic. Most travel policies consider COVID-19 the same as any other illness, which means you may be entitled to use your insurance benefits if you’re hospitalized or cannot travel due to COVID-19. However, this also means that the fear of catching a new COVID strain will not entitle you to use your cruise insurance. 

If you’re concerned about the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on your vacation plan, consider upgrading to CFAR coverage.

More Travel Insurance Guides

• Best covid travel insurance companies
• Best travel insurance companies
• Cheapest travel insurance
• Best group travel insurance companies
• Health insurance for visitors to usa
• Best senior travel insurance
• Best travel insurance for families
• Best student travel insurance plans
• Travel insurance for parents visiting USA
• Best travel medical insurance plans
• How much does travel insurance cost?

More Resources:

Best Cruise Travel Insurance Plans of February 2024

(Updated Feb 2024) Here are the best plans to cover your cruise, plus everything else you need to know about cruise travel insurance

Looking for the best cruise travel insurance for your upcoming trip?

Your search ends here. Our complete guide features the best cruise travel insurance plans. But we’re not just going to give you a travel insurance for cruise recommendation. We’re going to walk you through everything else you need to know about insuring your cruise. You’ll learn about the various types of coverage – including trip interruption coverage, medical emergency coverage, and much, much more.

Cruises are one of the most insured types of trips because this style of travel comes with unique risks. In fact, over 75% of cruisers buy travel insurance for their trip, versus about 40% of travelers in general.

What are these cruise-specific risks? You might have connecting flights to catch the departing ship. Your cruise could be during hurricane season. When you’re on the cruise you will be far from hospitals. Cruise companies also have strict cancellation rules. These policies put your trip expenses at risk if you need to cancel. This is the beauty of purchasing cruise travel insurance – you gain peace of mind knowing that in a worst case scenario, you aren’t out the thousands of dollars you spent on the adventure.

Before we unveil the best cruise insurance companies and plans of the year, we want to talk about the type of coverage we recommend you get.

Criteria for cruise travel insurance coverage

I recommend the following standards for choosing a plan, and will expand on each at the end of the guide. These criteria are mandatory for my picks:

• Trip cancellation includes Covid coverage
• Emergency medical includes Covid coverage
• Emergency medical coverage is $100,000 min.
• Medical evacuation coverage is $250,000 min.
• ‘Cancel for any reason’ available

I recommend the above criteria, and my picks meet these standards. The following criteria are good to have if possible. I factor these into my choices:

• Hurricane & weather cancellation coverage includes NOAA hurricane warnings
• Hurricane & weather coverage triggers at 12 hours or less
• Itinerary Change coverage included
• Missed Connection coverage included

Now, we’ll talk you through the importance of various types of travel insurance coverage for cruises later on. Right now, we’re excited to unveil the best cruise insurance plans of the year for travelers just like you. We’ll start off with a recommendation for most travelers:

Best cruise travel insurance for most travelers

This is my top cruise plan based on the criteria above, individual plan features, and cost. Below I have also selected a best plan for families and seniors. All recommended plans are from A.M.Best Rated reputable companies that specialize in travel insurance.

What makes this the best overall plan? This plan covers hurricane warnings, while many plans don’t. It has missed connection coverage to help you “catch up” to your ship. It has itinerary change coverage if unexpected changes happen. It has the option for Cancel For Any Reason coverage, which has become very popular since Covid. Finally, it is fairly priced so you get good value for the money.

• Covid covered for sickness cancellation and emergency medical
• $100,000 Emergency Medical (Primary)
• $1,000,000 Medical Evacuation
• Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available if purchased within 21 days of first trip payment
• Weather coverage includes NOAA hurricane warnings
• Travel Delay after 12 hour common carrier delay
• Includes itinerary change coverage
• Very good Missed Connection coverage $2,500/person after 3 hour delay
• Great for: Best overall plan. This plan has cruise-specific coverage like Missed Connection, Itinerary Change, and hurricane warning coverage that makes it stand out.

Example quote $232 (includes all travelers): For the above plan, the example trip includes 2 travelers (45, 45) on a 7-day cruise with airfare, with a total trip cost of $3,500).

Best cruise insurance for families

This is the best cruise insurance for parents traveling with children. Families will have extra concerns to consider, and this plan covers families better at a good price. Again, all recommendations are from reputable companies that specialize in travel insurance.

What makes this the best plan for families? This plan covers hurricane warnings, while many plans don’t. It covers school year extension for cancellations, for something like extra school to make up for snow days. It has missed connection coverage to help you “catch up” to your ship. It has the option for Cancel For Any Reason coverage, which has become very popular since Covid. Finally, the pricing is very good when traveling with children under 18.

Worldwide Trip Protector

• Travel Delay after 6 hour common carrier delay
• Missed Connection coverage $500/person after 3 hour delay
• Unique family-friendly coverage for cancellation if your school year is extended unexpectedly.
• Very good value, the sample quote below is under 4% of the trip cost– well below average
• Great for: Families concerned about delays, Travel Insured has a generous delay trigger and high coverage.

Example quote $224 (includes all travelers): For the above plan, the example trip includes 4 travelers (45, 45, 12, 10) on a 7-day cruise with airfare, with a total trip cost of $6,500).

Best cruise plan for seniors

• Pre-existing conditions covered
• Great for: The best overall pick is also great for senior travelers. The pricing is competitive in this higher premium bracket, plus it covers pre-existing conditions

Example quote $938 (includes all travelers): For the above plan, the example trip includes 2 travelers (70, 70) on a 14-day cruise with airfare, with a total trip cost of $9,000).

How much does cruise travel insurance cost?

In general, travel insurance costs between 4-10% of your insured trip cost. I chose the policies above because they met the criteria listed. The plans also had unique individual coverages and were well priced.

Here is a summary of the cost of travel insurance from the examples above:

• Best Overall Plan – TravelSafe Classic 6.6% of the trip cost
• Best Family Plan – Travel Insured WTP 3.4% of the trip cost
• Best Senior Plan – TravelSafe Classic 10.4% of the trip cost

Why is the “family” plan such a low percentage of the trip cost? Because there are more travelers the cost of the trip is spread between all travelers, and therefore the risk per traveler is reduced. This reduces the insurance company’s risk exposure.

How much travel insurance do I need for a cruise?

As we covered at the top of the page, I recommend minimum levels of emergency medical and evacuation coverage. Due to the nature of cruise trips, these higher levels provide adequate protection:

• Emergency medical coverage $100,000 min.
• Medical evacuation coverage $250,000 min.

Requirements by cruise line

With cruise lines operating again, many require unvaccinated travelers to buy medical coverage to board the ship. These are the requirements of the cruise lines and I believe they are too low. But, the cruise lines are requiring this to protect themselves.

Royal Caribbean: Travelers must have $25,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and $50,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.

Carnival Cruise Line: Travelers must have $10,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and $20,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.

Disney Cruise Line: Travelers departing from Florida must have $10,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and $30,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.

What expenses can I insure?

Travel insurance covers your pre-paid, non-refundable trip expenses . This includes airfare to your port of departure, hotel at the port of departure, the cruise fare, shore excursions, organized tours, or event tickets. It is important to spend a few minutes to gather all of your trip costs to make sure you don’t miss anything. If the expense is not included in your insured trip cost, you will not be covered.

What does cruise insurance cover?

Finding the best cruise travel insurance means finding the right coverage. Every trip is different, and cruises come with their own list of risks.

Protection before you leave

Trip Cancellation Insurance This protects your trip cost if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason. The most common reason people cancel is someone getting sick right before the trip. It also covers death in the family, hurricane & weather, house fire, quarantine, jury duty, terrorism, and more. The medical issues also apply to family members, so a parent getting sick and needing your care would be covered.

Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Coverage Upgrade The list of covered reasons for cancellation includes most common situations. But, that list cannot include everything. Cancel For Any Reason insurance extends your cancellation coverage to “everything”. You need to cancel at least 48 hours before departure and insure your full trip cost. You also buy in time (usually within 10 days of your first trip payment). All the above best cruise travel insurance plans have CFAR as an optional upgrade.

Protection while at sea

Emergency Medical Coverage This covers expenses for emergency medical treatment while on your trip. Your insurance from home may not cover you when you leave your home country.

Emergency Evacuation Coverage This coverage pays for medical transportation . It includes an ambulances to the hospital, an airlift from a remote location, or a medical flight back home.

Primary medical coverage Having Primary coverage for medical emergencies is better than Secondary coverage. It means the plan will pay first, without needing to use any other insurance you may have. With a Secondary coverage plan you would need to use any other coverage you might have first. Then you would use the travel insurance coverage. You’re covered either way, but having Primary coverage makes it easier to file a claim.

Protection throughout your trip

Travel Delays This covers extra expenses caused by travel delays . For example, a few extra nights in a hotel, meals, or personal items.

Baggage Loss, Theft, or Damage This covers your baggage not only on your flight, but on your entire trip. It will reimburse you for personal items and luggage if your bags are lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip.

Baggage Delay If your baggage is delayed in reaching your destination, you might need extra cloths or personal items. This coverage reimburses you for these expenses.

Covid-19 Cruise Insurance: How is coronavirus covered?

The pandemic remains a concern for all travers, especially those traveling with children or elderly parents. The plans above cover cancellations if you get Covid-19. A doctor will need to verify that you cannot take your trip. In this case, Covid is treated like any other sickness for trip cancellation coverage .

The best cruise travel insurance plans also cover Covid for emergency medical treatment. This is important when you travel abroad where your insurance from home may not cover you.

There are many other covered reasons for trip cancellation . These include severe weather, terrorism, house fire, or a death in the family. Getting sick before your trip is the most common.

What makes cruises different than other trips?

Cruises are a different type of travel. To find the best cruise travel insurance, you need to consider some extra risks that are unique to cruises. These include hurricanes and other weather-related concerns, the harsh cancellation policies associated with cruise lines, high pre-paid expenses, and the distance to emergency medical help. We’ll break these issues down more in-depth to help you understand why travel insurance for cruises is so important.

Cruising and hurricane season

Bad weather and hurricanes affect thousands of trips every year. Many cruises go to hurricane-prone destinations, putting them more at risk. Your flight can be canceled or delayed, causing you to miss your boat.

What makes good hurricane & weather coverage ?

Low time trigger for delays – Trip cancellation coverage covers common carrier (airlines) delays of a certain length of time. Some companies set this amount at 6, 12, 24, or even 48 hours. That would mean your flight would need to be delayed for 48 hours before your cancellation coverage would apply. So, the shorter this time, the better for you. I selected 12 hours or less for the criteria.

Hurricane warnings covered – This is not a common feature in most plans, which is why 2/3 of the best plans include it. This extends your coverage because you don’t actually need to be affected by the hurricane, but you can cancel your trip with full reimbursement if the NOAA issues a hurricane warning. Note: you must purchase travel insurance before the storm is named.

Missed connection coverage – This helps you catch up to your itinerary if you miss your departure for a covered reason, such as bad weather or a flight breakdown on the way to the port.

Itinerary Change coverage – This will reimburse travelers for missed events if their travel supplier changes their itinerary.

Cruise lines have harsh cancellation penalties

Cruise companies usually have the most harsh cancellation penalties of all travel suppliers. Hotels would let you cancel up until the day before, and airlines would charge a fee to change your tickets. Cruise lines would have a penalty schedule that put you on the hook for the full expense weeks before departure.

One bright side of the Covid pandemic has been the relaxing of some of these hard policies. To get travelers spending money again, travel suppliers have reduced or eliminated many of these penalties.

Even with these new policies the best you can hope for in the event of a cancellation is a voucher with the cruise line. The downside is they expire. This puts you under pressure to book another trip with the same cruise line in that time frame.

You have high pre-paid expenses

Cruises are sold as package travel experiences. This means costs like lodging, transport, and even meals are combined into a single cost. These expenses are pre-paid and non-refundable. That means you could lose your expenses if you needed to cancel.

You are far from hospitals if there’s an emergency

Cruise ships have medical care on board, but it is not a fully equipped and staffed hospital. If you have a serious issue onboard you want the proper medical care. Serious conditions include a stroke, heart attack, or appendicitis. Off the ship, you are likely in foreign locations where you would want proper medical care.

When should I buy my plan?

My rule: Buy travel insurance within 10 days of your first trip payment.

Some travel insurance coverage is time-sensitive. This means you need to purchase your plan soon after your initial trip deposit . This period of time is different for each company. The lowest is 10 days, and some companies are as high as 30 days.

This is why 10 days is the safest goal for you. No matter which company, 10 days will put you within that time-sensitive window.

What coverage is time-sensitive?

Cancel For Any Reason coverage (also known as CFAR) is an optional coverage with some plans. Every company that sells CFAR requires you to purchase within their time frame. If you try to purchase after this time period, you will not be able to.

Pre-existing condition coverage is time-sensitive. This does not cost extra, but many companies will cover this if you purchase at the right time.

Are these insurance companies trustworthy?

Yes. All companies featured in our review of the top travel insurance for cruises are reputable. You don’t have to take our word for it either – they are regulated by the Division of Insurance.

Zero Complaint Guarantee

Every policy purchased through CoverTrip comes with a unique Zero Complaint Guarantee .

If you are unhappy with how your travel insurance claim is handled, Squaremouth’s team of licensed claims adjusters will investigate your case and mediate with the provider on your behalf. If the complaint is not resolved to Squaremouth’s satisfaction, they will remove the provider from the website and stop selling their policies.

Cruise travel insurance FAQs

Before we wrap up our yearly review of the best cruise insurance companies and plans, we want to answer some frequently asked questions we get on this subject. If you still have questions after reading through these FAQs, don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re passionate about helping you get coverage that fits your needs and budget!

Why do I need travel insurance for a cruise trip?

A few reasons. Your pre-paid expenses for your cruise are non-refundable, and you could lose it if you needed to cancel. Cruises often take place during hurricane season, which means more opportunity for a cancellation. Cruises take you far from hospital care in the event of a medical emergency.

Is cruise travel insurance refundable?

Yes. Every travel insurance plan we sell comes with a Free Look period. This means you have a certain number of days to examine your coverage, and still have the ability to cancel for a full refund. This period is different for each company, but 10 days is a safe standard to keep in mind.

What is the cheapest cruise travel insurance company?

Most travel insurance companies have 2-3 plans at different premium levels, following the “good, better, best” pricing strategy. I tend to recommend plans in the middle level because they have great value– the right mix of coverage and pricing. Cheaper travel insurance plans will have lower coverage limits for medical, evacuation, baggage, and delays. They might also be missing some less popular coverages. We have a complete guide on the cheapest travel insurance available if you’re interested.

What is not covered by travel insurance?

Travel insurance covers sudden and unforeseen events such getting sick, a death in the family, a hurricane, theft, a house fire, and more. Therefore, if you already know you will need to file a claim you cannot purchase travel insurance to cover it. The list of exclusions also includes losses as a result of war, professional sports, some hazardous activities, drug/alcohol abuse, etc. Learn more in our in-depth discussion on what travel insurance covers .

Are cruises covered under travel insurance?

Yes, travel insurance covers cruises. Some companies market “cruise” plans, which is a collection of coverages that are important to cruise travelers.

Is travel insurance necessary for a cruise?

Yes, sort of. In the past insuring cruises insurance was popular but not necessary. For example, up to 70% of cruisers buy insurance, vs just 40% of regular travelers. But Covid has made travel insurance a requirement in many ports-of-call so it is necessary.

Can you get cruise insurance after booking?

Yes. I recommend you purchase within 10 days of your first trip payment. If you do this, you have the most options and access to coverages like Cancel For Any Reason and Pre-existing Conditions. You can purchase travel insurance right up until departure, but if something happens that causes a cancellation, you need to already have coverage purchased.

Final Thoughts On The Best Cruise Insurance Coverage

That concludes our list of the best cruise insurance plans of the year. You now know which companies and specific plans best suit your needs. More importantly, you recognize the importance of insuring your cruise. Travel insurance in general is important – but even more so when your trip involves a cruise. There are unique risks to this type of vacation that travel insurance covers. So, what are you waiting for? Enjoy peace of mind and protection by investing in quality cruise insurance coverage today! And if you want to learn more about comparing travel insurance , read our complete guide. It will help you gain confidence in making your decision.

DamianTysdal

Damian Tysdal is the founder of CoverTrip, and is a licensed agent for travel insurance (MA 1883287). He believes travel insurance should be easier to understand, and started the first travel insurance blog in 2006.

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The Best Cruise Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is one of the most important things you can get for your trip.

As I’ve come to learn — and as any traveler will tell you — things don’t always go as planned when you travel.

You just never know what will happen .

Sure, nine times out of ten you’ll be completely fine. But every now and then you’ll stumble into an unfortunate situation.

Maybe it’s just a missed flight or a delayed connection. Maybe your wallet disappears while riding a crowded bus. Maybe, like me, you burst an eardrum while scuba diving in Thailand .

Bad things, unfortunately, do happen when you travel. And they can get really expensive if you’re injured or fall sick abroad and are not insured.

But what about if you’re taking a cruise — how does travel insurance work then?

Well, of course, you still need travel insurance if you’re on a cruise, but there are some extra things you’ll want to be aware of.

These include delays and cancellations (such as a flight delay that causes you to miss the ship), getting sick while onboard (we all saw how quickly illness spreads on cruise ships during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic), and getting injured (on an excursion or on the ship itself). Whichever travel insurance policy you choose, make sure you double-check that it’s valid for any of these emergencies and problems that might arise on a cruise.

Also, purchase insurance as soon as you make the initial deposit for your cruise. Some insurance policies must be purchased within a certain time frame (such as within 14 days of paying your deposit), plus, you can only be covered for incidents that happen after your coverage begins. If a hurricane ruins your trip, your travel insurance would only cover you if you bought it before the hurricane formed. Don’t wait to get insurance. I’ve seen it happen too often!

All that being said, here’s everything you need to know about buying travel insurance for cruises!

7 Things to Look for in a Cruise Travel Insurance Policy

1. Both international and domestic coverage – Even if you’re cruising close to home, you may still run into unforeseen issues. For example, in the United States, medical insurance stops covering you when your ship is more than six hours away from a US port; in Australia, it stops as soon as your ship leaves port. For that reason, you’ll want to get a policy that covers you even if you’re in/around your home country.

2. Medical coverage – Be aware that the treatment for less serious medical conditions — the kinds that don’t require you to leave the trip — are more expensive on a cruise ship than on land. Make sure your policy has a sufficient amount of medical coverage (at least $100,000 USD).

3. Emergency evacuation – Remember, if you fall seriously ill when you’re at sea and you need to be evacuated to a hospital, it’s more expensive than if you’re already on land. Evacuation by helicopter to the nearest treatment facility can be in the tens of thousands of dollars. Make sure your policy has sufficient evacuation coverage (at least $250,000 USD).

If you don’t want to get stuck in that “nearest” hospital, consider getting Medjet . They are the premier membership program that then gets you all the way to a hospital at home (read more in my Medjet review ).

4. Cancellation, delay, or trip interruption coverage – If you have a flight delay that means you’ll miss the start of the cruise, it’s a lot more difficult to deal with than just arriving late for a land-based trip. Hurricanes or other severe weather events also affect cruises significantly, and you’ll want your insurance policy to take that into account.

5. Activity coverage – Take a look at the shore activities you might participate in during the cruise and check if any need to be mentioned to your insurer, like certain adventure activities or water sports.

6. Theft or loss of personal property – Unlike other kinds of travel, you might be more likely to take valuable jewelry and expensive clothing for some of the fancy dinners and events cruise ships hold. Often a regular travel insurance policy will only cover these items up to a certain value, so check that your belongings are covered against possible loss or theft.

7. Option for Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage – This add-on is not something that everyone will want to pay for (it increases the cost of policies quite a bit). But if you want the ultimate peace of mind knowing that you’ll be able to get reimbursed no matter the reason for cancelling your trip, you might want to upgrade to CFAR coverage.  

What is the Best Cruise Travel Insurance?

With so much to consider, it can be hard to decide which cruise travel insurance to choose.

Be aware that while many cruise companies offer their own insurance, the conditions are often stricter, they don’t cover any part of your trip that’s not on the cruise (such as airfare and/or hotels while you’re traveling to the departure port), and you might find it hard to make a claim.

They also rarely pay out in cash (and instead simply provide vouchers for future cruises), tend to have a short list of acceptable cancellation reasons, and rarely cover pre-existing medical conditions. You’re always better off using a third-party insurer.

Whichever policy you decide on, it’s vital that you read the policy details carefully so you know exactly what you are covered for.

The insurers below are some I recommend that have specific cruise insurance policies and offer a decent amount of coverage for a lot of potential mishaps:

Travel Guard Travel Guard has specific cruise insurance policies, which makes it simpler than trying to find an add-on. If you’re getting a quote online, they’ll ask you to specify if you’re taking a plane, a cruise, or both. They cover any emergency travel assistance, trip interruption, delay, and cancellation.

Medical expenses and emergency evacuation are covered, but the maximum amount varies between the essential, preferred, and deluxe plans: the essential plan includes a $150,000 limit on emergency evacuation, which might not be quite enough from some parts of the world, but you can get up to $1,000,000 of coverage on the deluxe plan.

Insure My Trip Insure My Trip is an unbiased aggregator site that you can use to look at many different insurance policies to find the one that best fits your needs. It’s also the best place to find travel insurance for travelers over 65 .

VisitorsCoverage VisitorsCoverage is another insurance marketplace with a specific cruise section that compares different plans, including the popular SafeCruise plan by IMG. This plan is designed for cruise travelers and includes everything you might need, including the add-on for cancel for any reason coverage. Additionally, as long as you purchase insurance by the time you make your final trip payment, there’s a waiver for most pre-existing conditions, too.

Don’t go on a cruise without proper travel insurance. That means being aware and paying a bit more attention than usual to the conditions of your policy. Make sure that any policy you choose covers you sufficiently for medical evacuation, medical treatment onboard, and other mishaps like missed connections, stolen luggage, delays, and cancellations.

And be sure to purchase cruise insurance as soon as you book your cruise so that you can take advantage of cancellation benefits should the need arise.

If you can’t afford to add cruise travel insurance to the costs of your trip, you probably can’t afford to travel. It’s just not worth the risk of coming home with a bill in the tens of thousands of dollars or more if something unexpected goes wrong.

In my experience, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. The peace of mind is worth the extra cost.  

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Table of Contents

What is cruise travel insurance?

What does cruise travel insurance cover typically, how much is travel insurance for a cruise, do i need it if i have other travel protections, is cruise travel insurance worth it.

Cruise travel insurance covers the cruise itself, not related travel.

It's usually purchased through the cruise operator, typically before booking.

Check to make sure your credit card doesn't offer similar insurance before buying cruise insurance.

Cruising is one of America's favorite travel experiences. According to a 2021 report from Cruise Lines International Association, an industry trade association, 82% of cruisers will cruise again. As well, 62% of non-cruisers are open to the idea.

And why not? Cruises often give travelers the chance to experience multiple destinations plus enjoy onboard entertainment, activities and dining for a set, all-inclusive price . Cruises simplify budgeting in a year when travel prices have been hard hit by inflation .

But what happens if something goes wrong with your ship, or you can’t make it onboard because of health concerns? Cruise travel insurance might be the answer. It protects your payment and covers you against illness or injury.

Before you pay for a cruise travel insurance policy, here's a look at what it is, how it works and if it's worth it.

Cruise travel insurance is add-on insurance coverage that — just like travel insurance — will reimburse you for delays, interruptions, medical situations or other problems during the cruise.

Depending on which cruise line you're traveling with, you might be able to buy a travel insurance policy when booking your trip (through the cruise line directly) or at a later date (either through the cruise line or separately from a third party).

Protecting travel costs can be a smart money move. A September 2022 survey of 737 past cruisers by InsureMyTrip found that the average trip cost for an insured cruise vacation so far this year is $6,367, an increase of nearly 15% from before the pandemic.

Can you buy travel insurance after booking a cruise? It depends. Some cruise lines require the purchase of a travel insurance policy before the final payment date when charges become nonrefundable. Others require the purchase of coverage a certain number of days before departure. Read the fine print to find out the deadline to purchase and the specifics of its coverage.

Circumstances covered by cruise travel insurance vary by policy and by issuer. Many cruise lines partner with an insurance company to underwrite its policy benefits.

Some common benefits available as part of travel insurance from a cruise line include:

Trip cancellation and interruption . If you cancel your trip or unexpectedly cut it short for an eligible reason, such as severe weather or illness, you'll get back some or all of the upfront costs, depending on the policy.

Cancel For Any Reason . This coverage tends to be more flexible, forgiving and expensive at time of purchase. Policyholders can cancel for any reason not listed in the policy and still receive a portion of their trip cost back, either as cash or as a future cruise credit (assuming they meet other eligibility requirements).

Trip delay . Cruise delay insurance protection protects expenses if your trip is delayed beyond a set number of hours.

Baggage protection . This insures your luggage if it is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed, and gives money to buy necessary items until bags are recovered.

Medical coverage . If you get sick or injured during the trip, the policy covers treatment and related expenses up to a limit.

Emergency evacuation . When emergency evacuation is necessary, the policy covers the transport cost up to a limit.

COVID coverage . If your trip is canceled or interrupted due to COVID, the policy covers the unused prepaid expenses, medical treatment and emergency evacuation, up to policy limits.

When comparing policies, choose a policy that includes all of the benefits, protections and coverage limits that are important to you. While you may be tempted to choose the lowest-priced option, that policy may not have the coverage you need.

We examined cruise insurance prices for a seven-day trip in February 2023 from the U.S. to Mexico. The example traveler was 35 years old, from Georgia, and planned to spend $2,500 on the trip, including airfare.

The average price of each company’s most basic coverage plan was $124. These policies didn't include optional add-ons, such as Cancel for Any Reason coverage or coverage for pre-existing medical conditions .

Separately, we looked at five different cruise insurance add-ons for a similar trip. With this option, the average cost of basic coverage was cheaper than a standalone policy at $111.20. Keep in mind that cruise insurance policies offered by cruise lines typically cover the cruise portion of the trip only, but do include some Cancel For Any Reason coverage.

If you already have a standalone travel insurance policy or a credit card with travel protections, you may wonder if you need to purchase a cruise travel insurance policy.

Credit card travel insurance

Many travel credit cards include travel protections such as trip cancellation, interruption, delayed or lost luggage reimbursement, and emergency evacuation benefits. Before buying a cruise travel policy, compare the coverage benefits and limits to determine if you already have coverage with a credit card.

One benefit that cruise travel insurance policies offer that credit cards don't is the ability to cancel for any reason. Although you may not get back 100% of the cruise price, these policies allow you to cancel for any reason and get a portion of the price back as a credit toward a future trip. If the policy is priced low enough, it may be worth buying the insurance offered through your cruise line for that benefit alone.

Travel insurance policy

Standalone travel insurance policies can be purchased to cover one person or a family for a specific trip or multiple trips within a period of time. These policies are available at a variety of price points to meet a traveler's budget. When comparing policy options, you can balance price versus coverage options.

If you're traveling multiple times within a short period of time, it may be more economical to buy a more comprehensive travel insurance policy instead of separate policies for each trip.

Cruise travel insurance can be worth it to address your concerns about traveling and protect your investments. These policies offer numerous protections that will cover your expenses in case your trip is canceled, interrupted or delayed, or if you get sick during the trip.

Before buying this coverage, compare your options against your credit card benefits. You might also shop for general travel insurance policies to see if you can get a better deal than what’s offered through your cruise line.

If you’re not covered by your credit card, cruise travel insurance can be worth the added cost. It will give you peace of mind before setting sail, when signing up for that adventurous land excursion and when clicking "Book" for an expensive vacation in the COVID travel landscape.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Personal Finance

Best cruise travel insurance.

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

Take a mental snapshot of an American on vacation, and you may imagine them on a cruise. The cruise industry is, in fact, booming. Companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival are posting record earnings. Travelers are enjoying more destinations, greater amenities, and more choices than ever before.

If your upcoming travel plans include a cruise, you owe it to yourself to consider travel insurance. These are costly trips, and they’re often complex, with multiple legs of travel and international destinations. Insurance can provide peace of mind that, should your travel experience include some hiccups, your wallet won’t take too much of a hit.

Comparison of the best cruise travel insurance companies

Our recommendations, best for spontaneous travelers: aig travel guard.

AIG Travel Guard

Why we like it : AIG offers multiple travel insurance options suitable for cruises. Its Essential plan provides a competitive 100% reimbursement of travel costs for trip cancellation or interruption, along with $15,000 of medical expense coverage. And if you decide at the last minute to book a cruise, AIG Travel Guard might be the policy for you. Its “Pack N’ Go” plan helps you save by eliminating trip cancellation coverage. You do enjoy the security of 100% reimbursement for trip interruption, $15,000 of medical coverage, and up to $500 for missed connections.

• The Pack N’ Go plan is ideal for those making last-minute cruise plans.
• Policies are underwritten by AIG, a multinational insurer with an AM Best A rating .
• $15,000 medical expense coverage with the Essential plan is lower than some competitors.

Best for annual plans: Allianz Travel

Allianz Travel Insurance

Why we like it : If you’re planning multiple trips (including one or more cruises) in the coming year, you might want to look into an annual travel insurance plan. Allianz Travel could be a good choice for that. The company offers a wide range of travel insurance options, including three levels of an annual plan. Its Basic annual plan includes $20,000 of emergency medical, $100,000 of medical transport, and $600 of travel delay coverage.

• Multiple annual plan options, in addition to single-trip travel insurance plans.
• 24-hour hotline and concierge service included with plans.
• Annual Basic plan does not include trip cancellation coverage.
• Does not cover trips longer than 45 days.

Best for pre-existing medical conditions: Berkshire Hathaway

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance

Why we like it : Berkshire Hathaway offers generous coverage levels for trip cancellation and medical expenses. It’s also the only insurer in our review to automatically waive the pre-existing medical condition exclusion. So, provided you meet certain criteria in the contract, you can embark on a cruise with a medical condition such as a chronic disease. Other insurers may offer this waiver, but only as an option.

• Offers cruise-specific travel insurance plans.
• Only insurer in our review to cover those with pre-existing medical conditions.
• Value plan (its most basic plan) offers only $15,000 of medical expense coverage.

Best for concierge services: Generali

Generali Travel Insurance

Why we like it : Generali has three travel insurance plans. Its standard plan provides a generous $50,000 of medical expense coverage on top of 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation and 125% reimbursement for trip interruption. What sets the company apart, however, is its concierge service. Customers can contact Generali for assistance with their travel plans, including sightseeing, air travel, and hotel reservations.

• Extensive list of concierge services included with all insurance plans.
• Generous $50,000 medical coverage, plus telemedical services included with all plans.
• Does not offer cruise-specific coverage packages.
• Most expensive company in our review.

Best for cruise-specific plans: Nationwide

Nationwide Travel Insurance

Why we like it : Choosing a cruise-specific insurance plan means you get a set of coverages that you know provide the protection you need while on your vacation. Nationwide offers not just one, but multiple levels of cruise travel plans. Its Universal level (which is the entry-level plan) provides 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation, $75,000 medical expense coverage, $500 for missed connections, and $1,500 for lost or stolen luggage.

• Multiple cruise-specific plans.
• Covers up to $75,000 for medical expenses.
• Cancel-for-any-reason coverage only available with the highest-level Luxury plan.

Best for medical expense coverage: Seven Corners

Seven Corners

Why we like it : Having adequate medical coverage is crucial when you’re on a cruise. While your personal health insurance may cover you for many domestic travel situations, it may exclude incidents that happen on board a ship or at an international port of call. Those looking to maximize their medical coverage should check Seven Corners . Its Basic plan includes up to $100,000 worth of medical expense coverage, along with up to $250,000 for medical evacuation.

• Highest medical coverage limits of any of the companies we reviewed.
• Covers up to $250 per day for a missed cruise connection.
• Basic coverage plan does not include pre-existing medical conditions.

Best for basic plans: Travelex

Travelex Travel Insurance

Why we like it : Travelex does not have cruise-specific insurance plans in its line up. But it does offer multiple packages plus options allowing you to customize coverage. And it might be a good choice for someone looking for an affordable travel insurance plan for a cruise. The company has been in business for more than 25 years, and in 2016 became a subsidiary of the Zurich Insurance Group, one of the world’s largest multinational insurers.

• Basic plan includes reimbursement of up to 100% of costs for trip cancellation and interruption.
• Upgrades include cancel for any reason, sports equipment, and other coverages.
• Does not cover pre-existing medical conditions.

Methodology

We reviewed travel insurance plans from several leading providers. While most of these providers offer multiple plans, our study focused on each company’s most economical offering . We noted coverage levels, and options that would make each company appealing for a traveler preparing for a cruise. Our policy cost information is based on actual quotes for a family of four (two adults, two children) on a seven-day trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands, at a total trip cost of $10,000.

How to choose a travel insurance company for a cruise

The good news is that when it comes to travel insurance , you have many choices. The bad news is that, well, you have many choices—and it can be difficult to sort through all of them. So, when looking for coverage for an upcoming trip, start by considering the following:

You may already have some coverage

If you use a credit card to pay for your trip, check to see if it includes some travel insurance. The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve cards , for example, provide trip cancellation, trip interruption, and other coverages.

Some companies offer cruise-specific coverage

While a cruise-specific plan is not really necessary, it may make getting the coverage you need much easier. Berkshire Hathaway’s cruise insurance plan includes specific coverages such as cruise disablement and diversion that anticipate some of the potential problems that are unique to a vacation at sea.

Your medical insurance may exclude cruise travel

Your private medical insurance plan may be very limited when it comes to being on a cruise. It’s rare, for instance, for medical insurance to include incidents that happen outside of the United States. You’ll want to understand what your plan does and doesn’t cover, and consider this when choosing your travel insurance medical coverage.

Look for optional coverages that fit your needs

Our review has focused on companies’ most economical travel insurance plans. But be aware that many companies offer optional coverages that allow you to customize your cruise travel insurance policy to your specific needs. These options may include adventure sports coverage, rental car coverage, or cancel-for-any-reason coverage.

Shop around

As our review shows, the cost of a policy varies among insurance companies. Be sure to shop around to get the best combination of coverage and price. All of the cruise travel insurance companies in our review offer fast online quotes.

You can also use services such as Travelinsurance.com or Squaremouth . They make comparison shopping easy by allowing you to get quotes from multiple travel insurance companies.

Which factors determine the cost of travel insurance for a cruise?

Several factors affect the amount you pay for travel insurance for a cruise. These include the following:

• Traveler age: According to insurer Berkshire Hathaway , older travelers are more likely to cancel their trip and file a claim.
• Number of travelers: While a single policy can cover multiple travelers, those additional travelers will drive the cost of the policy.
• Trip cost: Expensive cruises cost more to insure than cheaper cruises.
• Trip length: A longer cruise costs more to insure than a shorter cruise.
• Plan and coverage options: A basic plan with minimal coverage levels and no optional coverages will cost less than a “deluxe” plan with higher amounts of coverage and options such as “cancel for any reason.”

TIME Stamp: Protect your cruise investment with travel insurance

A cruise can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It can also be a costly and complex trip that can set you back financially if something goes wrong. You can protect your vacation investment with cruise travel insurance. Many companies offer travel insurance that is reasonably priced and that provides peace of mind so you can enjoy your vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What insurance is best for a cruise.

The best travel insurance for a cruise will depend on your needs and budget. Our review covers travel insurance from several providers. Each offers multiple plans and coverage options at different price points, with some offering cruise-specific insurance plans.

Do I need extra travel insurance for a cruise?

Cruises are often complex trips requiring a significant financial outlay. A snag in your travel plans could result in losing any nonrefundable payments. Your credit card might provide some travel insurance. But if that’s not enough to cover those nonrefundable payments, you should consider buying extra travel insurance.

When should I buy trip insurance for a cruise?

There are advantages to buying travel insurance long before you leave on a cruise, and advantages to buying it shortly before you leave. Buying well before means you have time to investigate plans thoroughly. Buying shortly before you leave means you may know more details about your trip, such as the weather.

Does travel insurance cover cancellation of a cruise?

If a cruise line cancels a cruise, it typically offers passengers a refund, according to USA Today . It may also reimburse for any related travel expenses, such as airfare.

Travel insurance primarily covers situations in which you decide to cancel—for example, if you get sick prior to departure or have a death in the family. It provides reimbursement for expenses that are not refundable. Some plans do, however, offer limited coverage for delays or cancellations that are the fault of the cruise operator.

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

Best Cruise Travel Insurance | Money

Whether you’re taking a cruise domestically or internationally, one way of giving yourself peace of mind while out on the open water is by having the best cruise travel insurance. Such a policy can help pay for unexpected events, from trip cancellations to emergency medical expenses and everything in between.

To help you choose a suitable plan, here’s a lowdown on the cruise travel insurance companies, complete with the packages they offer.

Our Top Picks for Best Cruise Travel Insurance

• Berkshire Hathaway — Best for Cruise-Specific Coverage
• AXA Assistance USA — Best for Affordable Premiums
• TravelSafe Insurance — Best for Senior Passengers
• AIG Travel Guard — Best for Preexisting Conditions
• Seven Corners Travel Insurance — Best for High Coverage Limits

Best Cruise Travel Insurance Reviews

*This sample is based on a 45-year-old traveling to Portugal on a $10,000 trip. Exact costs will depend on your age, destination, trip duration, the policy of choice and preexisting medical conditions, among other factors.

• Cruise delay coverage
• Option to choose LuxuryCare for increased coverage
• Coverage for cruise ship disablement is only $500
• No emergency dental coverage

Why we chose it: While Berkshire Hathaway has a wide range of travel insurance plans, its WaveCare Travel Protection is specifically for cruisers. It comes with up to 150% reimbursement coverage for trip interruption and $750,000 for emergency evacuation.

WaveCare Travel Protection is Berkshire Hathaway’s comprehensive travel insurance for a cruise. For covered reasons, the policy offers:

• Reimbursement up to 150% of the trip cost for trip interruption
• Reimbursement of 100% for trip cancellation
• $750,000 for emergency evacuation
• $75,000 for medical expenses
• $1,500 for lost or stolen baggage, personal items and documents
• $200 for baggage delay
• $500 if your cruise ship is disabled
• $1,000 if your cruise is delayed for five hours or more

Berkshire Hathaway offers add-on options to boost your basic coverage, such asa cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) add-on that compensates you if you cancel your cruise trip for any reason other than those listed on your policy. Some common reasons include if you or your travel companion:

• Sustain injuries from a road accident
• Have a death in the family
• Receive a jury summons

Other add-ons that Berkshire Hathaway includes are a preexisting medical condition exclusion waiver, accidental death or dismemberment and car rental collision coverage. The latter may be necessary if you intend to use a rental car to and from the port.

If you’re planning a high-value cruise trip and would like more coverage, Berkshire Hathaway also offers LuxuryCare, a more expensive policy for luxury travelers. It’s not cruise-specific, but it provides similar coverage to WaveCare with the added benefit of concierge service and $100,000 in medical insurance coverage. You also get $1 million in coverage for medical evacuation.

Both policies come with 24/7 assistance and the ability to file claims using Berkshire Hathaway’s website or mobile app. It has an AM Best rating of A++, meaning that it has a superior ability to meet its claims and financial obligations.

*This sample is based on a 45-year-old traveling to Portugal on a $10,000 trip. Exact cost will depend on your age, destination, trip duration, the policy of choice and preexisting medical conditions, among other factors.

• Three plans to choose from
• All plans include concierge services
• Generous coverage for lost and delayed baggage
• Silver plan not eligible for any add-ons

Why we chose it: AXA Assistance’s Silver Plan is the most affordable policy on this list — based on the sample traveler — yet its coverage is competitive.

AXA Assistance USA offers three travel insurance plans, each with its own level of protection, with the Silver Plan being the most affordable of the options. Based on the sample above, the Silver Plan costs 2.83% of the total trip expenditures, which is much lower than the industry standard (usually between 4 to 10%). Keep in mind that your exact premium may be higher depending on your age and trip cost, among other factors. Nonetheless, you can expect your cruise insurance cost to be within the market average, if not lower.

The Silver plan provides:

• 100% reimbursement of trip cost for trip interruption
• 100% reimbursement of trip cost for trip cancellation
• $100,000 for emergency medical evacuation
• $25,000 for medical expenses
• $750 for lost baggage or personal effects
• $200 for delayed baggage

The other two plans — Gold and Platinum — cost more but offer more protection. They both include 150% coverage for trip interruption, 100% for trip cancellation and a preexisting conditions exclusion waiver.

The Platinum plan is superior in all other aspects, offering $1 million for emergency medical evacuation, $250,000 for medical expenses, $3,000 for lost or stolen baggage and $600 for baggage delay. The Gold plan comes with $500,000 for emergency medical evacuation, $100,000 for medical expenses, $1,500 for lost or stolen baggage and $300 for delayed baggage.

AXA Assistance currently has two add-ons. The first is CFAR, which provides reimbursement for 75% of the trip cost but is only available with the Platinum plan. The second add-on is collision damage waiver for rental cars, which is available with both the Platinum and Gold plans.

All plans include 24/7 concierge services and worldwide assistance. The company has an A+ AM Best rating, which means that it has a superior ability to pay for claims and meet its financial obligations.

*This sample is based on a 45-year-old traveling to Portugal on a $10,000 trip. Exact costs will depend on your age, destination, trip duration, policy of choice and preexisting medical conditions, among other factors.

• Accident and sickness cover suitable for seniors
• 21-day period for adding CFAR is more than the industry standard
• Classic plan includes itinerary change coverage
• Comes with cruise-specific protection like missed connection
• Trip delay coverage takes six hours to kick in
• CFAR add-on is not available with the Basic plan

Why we chose it: TravelSafe Insurance includes emergency accident, sickness and medical expense coverage in both of its plans, making them ideal for an older traveler who may need medical reassurance while on a cruise.

TravelSafe Insurance offers two coverage packages: the Basic Plan and the Classic Plan. The Classic plan includes:

• 100% for trip cancellation (up to $100,000)
• 150% for trip interruption
• $2,500 for a missed trip connection
• $150 per day (up to $2,000) for trip delay
• $100,000 for accident and sickness medical expenses
• $1 million for emergency medical evacuation
• $25,000 for nonmedical evacuation
• $25,000 for death and dismemberment
• $2,500 for lost or stolen baggage
• $250 for baggage delays

The Basic package is less expensive because it comes with less protection. Under this plan, TravelSafe offers:

• 100% for trip cancellation (up to $10,000)
• 100% for trip interruption
• $500 for a missed trip connection
• $100 per day (up to $1,000) for trip delay
• $35,000 for accident and sickness medical expenses
• $500 for lost baggage
• $100 for baggage delay

The Basic plan doesn’t include nonmedical evacuation, death and dismemberment coverage or coverage for itinerary changes.

TravelSafe provides optional add-ons, such as an extended personal protection package, additional death and dismemberment coverage and rental car damage. If you buy the Classic plan, you may also add CFAR, which gives you up to 75% protection if you cancel your cruise trip for any reason. This will only be valid if you buy the CFAR add-on within 21 days of making the first deposit for your trip.

TravelSafe offers 24/7 emergency assistance on both of its plans. It has an AM Best rating of A, which means that the company has an excellent ability to pay its claims and meet its financial obligations.

• All plans are eligible for a preexisting conditions waiver
• Multiple add-ons available for policy customization
• All plans provide comprehensive coverage
• You must buy the Preferred or Deluxe plan to get CFAR add-on
• Lower-tier plans have low coverage amounts

Why we chose it: All three AIG Travel Guard plans come with an option for preexisting condition waiver, so you can choose a budget plan but still be covered for an identified preexisting condition.

Travel Guard by AIG has three plan options: Essential, Preferred and Deluxe. The Deluxe Plan is the costliest but offers the most coverage, including:

• 150% coverage for trip interruption
• 100% coverage for trip cancellation
• $100,000 for medical expenses
• $500 for baggage delay

The Preferred plan includes:

• $500,000 for emergency medical evacuation
• $50,000 for medical expenses
• $1,000 for lost or stolen baggage
• $300 for baggage delay.

The Travel Guard Essential plan, which is meant for the budget traveler, is the most affordable and includes:

• 100% coverage for trip interruption
• $150,000 for emergency medical evacuation
• $15,000 for medical expenses
• $750 for lost or stolen baggage

The Travel Guard Essential plan doesn’t include travel inconvenience protection or CFAR, both of which the Preferred and Deluxe plans provide.

Travel Guard has other add-ons that are only available with the Preferred and Deluxe plans such as coverage for lodging expenses, trip exchange, security evacuation and trip saver.

Regardless of your policy, AIG Travel Guard provides 24/7 customer assistance. The company has an AM Best rating of A, which means that it has an excellent ability to pay out claims and meet its financial obligations.

• Highest coverage for cruise travel
• You may get coverage for event tickets
• Basic and Choice plans are more expensive than other companies

Why we chose it: Seven Corners’ Choice Plan offers a high coverage limit of $1 million for emergency evacuation and $500,000 for medical protection. Combined, these amounts exceed the coverage you’ll get from any other company we reviewed.

Seven Corners Insurance has two tiers of travel insurance for cruise trips: the RoundTrip Basic and the RoundTrip Choice. The latter has the highest coverage limit, topping out at $1 million for emergency evacuation and $500,000 primary coverage for emergency medical and sickness expenses. You also get up to 150% compensation for trip interruption, 100% for trip cancellation, $2,500 for lost baggage and $100 for baggage delay.

RoundTrip Basic comes with:

• 100% for trip cancellation
• $100,000 secondary medical coverage
• $250,000 emergency medical evacuation
• $500 for lost or stolen baggage
• $100 for delayed baggage

Both of these plans include up to 75% optional CFAR coverage, 75% optional trip interruption-for-any-reason (IFAR) coverage, missed tour or cruise connection compensation and emergency dental protection.

The main difference between the two plans is that RoundTrip Basic doesn’t have certain benefits like the preexisting medical conditions waiver and death and dismemberment coverage. RoundTrip Choice has both as well as other unique advantages that are not available in other policies, including frequent traveler rewards, a pet kennel and event ticket coverage.

With both plans you get 24/7 travel assistance. The company is rated A from AM Best, which means that it has an excellent ability to pay out claims and meet its financial obligations.

Other cruise travel insurance we considered

• Up to 150% compensation for trip interruption
• Covers itinerary changes
• Basic plans have low coverage limits
• CFAR is only available on the Luxury plan

Nationwide has three cruise travel insurance plans: the Universal Cruise plan, Choice Cruise plan and Luxury Cruise plan. The latter is geared toward travelers who prefer luxurious travel, the Choice Cruise is Nationwide’s mid-level policy that’s meant to provide just enough coverage at average market rates, and the Universal Cruise plan makes sense if you’re working with a shoestring budget.

Nationwide didn’t make the cut because CFAR is only available if you choose the Luxury plan, meaning that you will need to purchase the most expensive plan to include this add-on to your travel insurance for a cruise. Also, the medical coverage you get is secondary to your existing health insurance policy, and dental coverage is limited to $750 for all three plans.

World Nomads Travel Insurance

• Covers over 200 cruise-oriented activities
• You can extend your insurance coverage mid-trip
• Coverage period of up to 180 days
• Seniors must choose Silver Nomads policy
• Cancellation and interruption protections are capped at specific dollar amounts instead of a percentage of the total trip cost

World Nomads offers cruise insurance policies geared toward adventurous travelers. It provides coverage for over 200 activities, including skydiving, scuba diving and bungee jumping. The company allows you to buy coverage for up to 180 days, and you can extend your policy mid-trip.

World Nomads Travel Insurance didn’t make the cut because the company pushes its Explorer policy more than the Standard policy, which makes it more suitable for adventure travel rather than general cruising. World Nomads caps trip cancellation and interruption protection at dollar amounts — $10,000 and $2,500 for Explorer and Standard policies, respectively — rather than as a percentage of your total trip cost, which is the industry standard. Also, if you are a senior traveler of 70 years or more, you must include the Silver Nomads add-on to your policy, which may push your cost of cruise insurance upward unnecessarily.

John Hancock Travel Insurance

• Travel delay compensation kicks in after only three hours of delay
• High baggage protection of up to $2,500
• Hurricane and weather protection available
• Costlier than most other cruise insurance policies
• Baggage delay compensation kicks in after a 12-hour wait
• Low tier plans provide minimal coverage

John Hancock has three different travel insurance plans: the Silver, Bronze and Gold plans. Silver is the most basic plan, Bronze is mid-level for the traveler with an average budget while Gold is for the luxury cruiser. The Gold plan covers preexisting medical conditions if you buy the policy within 14 days of making a deposit for your trip, but the other two don’t have this option.

John Hancock didn’t make the cut because of its high premiums, especially if you choose its Gold plan. For the same type of coverage, you can get a cheaper policy from another company if you compare different cruise insurance options.

Cruise Travel Insurance Guide

What is cruise travel insurance.

Cruise travel insurance is a type of insurance that protects you while you are on a cruise. It typically covers unexpected events such as trip cancellations or interruptions, medical emergencies, lost or delayed luggage and ship disablement.

Although some of the best travel insurance companies may offer general travel plans that cover cruises, some companies also sell specific policies for these kinds of trips.

How does cruise travel insurance work?

As with most types of insurance, policyholders pay a premium to the insurance company in exchange for coverage. Policyholders can file a claim to receive compensation for related expenses if an unexpected event occurs.

Cruise travel insurance policies can reimburse you for the cost of canceling a cruise trip. Some common cancellation reasons that you will find in a typical policy include:

• The death of a family member, business partner or travel companion
• If you, your family member, business partner or travel companion falls ill
• If you or your travel companion are forced to quarantine or are summoned for jury duty
• If you or your travel companion’s home is rendered uninhabitable by a natural disaster, fire or another event beyond your control
• If you or your travel companion are involved in a road accident just before you start the cruise
• If an unannounced strike causes the cruise company you booked to halt operations

Cruise travel insurance policies often cover trip interruptions as well. For example, the policy may cover your expenses if the ship breaks down and you have to fly home mid-voyage.

Beyond cancellation and interruption, many policies often cover the medical expenses you may incur while on the ship. These may include the cost of treatment and, if necessary, evacuation to a medical facility or back home.

Types of cruise travel insurance coverages

Emergency medical evacuation coverage.

This coverage helps you pay for evacuation expenses if you have a medical emergency while on a cruise ship if the ship’s medical providers can’t treat you. The coverage will reimburse for the cost of transportation to the nearest medical facility or your home.

Trip interruption coverage

This coverage reimburses your prepaid, unused, nonrefundable expenses in case you must cut your cruise trip short due to an unexpected event, such as illness, death, injury or a family emergency back home.

The coverage typically includes a last-minute return ticket home or to your desired destination. Keep in mind that the policy must state the reason for an interruption for this coverage to be valid. In most cases, your typical cruise travel insurance won’t cover things like parasailing excursions, scuba diving, cancellations due to foreseeable events, such as CDC and NOAA warnings or the death or illness of a pet.

Trip cancellation coverage

Trip cancellation coverage reimburses the prepaid and nonrefundable deposits that you would lose in case you must cancel your cruise trip for a reason covered by the policy. These reasons range from death and illness to jury duty summons and family emergencies.

Cancel for any reason coverage

Typically offered as an add-on, CFAR coverage reimburses a percentage of your trip cost — usually 75% — for any reason, including those not listed on your policy. Many insurance companies often have a time window where you can cancel a trip for any reason. For example, your policy may allow you to cancel at least 48 hours before your set departure date.

Coverage for preexisting medical conditions

Coverage for preexisting medical conditions in cruise travel insurance refers to the extent that an insurance policy covers medical expenses related to a medical condition that the insured had prior to purchasing the policy. To qualify for the coverage, travelers must meet certain requirements such as purchasing the policy within a limited period after paying your first deposit for the trip and purchasing travel insurance for 100% of the trip cost, among others.

Coverage can vary depending on the specific policy and insurer, with some policies excluding coverage entirely for specific conditions or offering limited coverage or waiting periods. It is important to disclose preexisting conditions when purchasing the policy and carefully review the policy’s coverage for such conditions and the aforementioned exclusions or waiting periods.

How much is travel insurance for a cruise?

The cost of cruise insurance varies depending on several factors, including your age, destination, length of cruise, trip cost and the time left before your departure date. Different insurance providers will also have their own underwriting criteria, which leads to varying prices for a single trip.

That said, cruise insurance will typically cost anywhere between 4% and 12% of the total trip cost. Using these percentages, for a $10,000 trip, you should consider budgeting between $400 and $1,200 for travel insurance costs.

How to choose the best cruise travel insurance

Determine if your trip needs to be insured.

Travel insurance is mandatory in some countries and optional in others. Countries that require you to have travel insurance include : Algeria, Antarctica, Argentina, Aruba, Cuba, Ecuador, Fiji, Georgia, Lebanon, Iran, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Moldova, Morocco, Nepal, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Schengen countries, Seychelles, Singapore, Togo, Turkey and the UAE. That said, even if you’re not legally required to have it, travel insurance may still be beneficial for your protection and peace of mind.

Compare policies

Compare travel insurance policies from various providers to see which one fits your needs and budget. Several cruise insurance comparison travel booking sites may help, including SquareMouth, Insubuy and Aardy.

Get multiple quotes

After you compare travel insurance companies, narrow down your options to policies that provide the amount of coverage you’re looking for. Get online quotes from the company websites and compare the different packages they offer. Make sure to always read the fine print. because that’s where you’ll discover what a policy does and doesn’t cover.

Cruise Travel Insurance FAQ

Does travel insurance cover covid-19, what does cruise travel insurance cover, when to buy travel insurance for a cruise, how we chose the best cruise travel insurance.

We selected the best cruise travel insurance companies based on these criteria:

• The policy options available for cruisers
• The cost of premiums for coverage
• The coverage types the company offers
• Whether the company offered preexisting conditions add-ons
• The percentage of reimbursement for trip cancellation and interruption
• AM Best ratings of the companies

Summary of Money’s Best Cruise Travel Insurance

© Copyright 2023 Money Group, LLC . All Rights Reserved.

This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer .

The best travel insurance policies and providers

It's easy to dismiss the value of travel insurance until you need it.

Many travelers have strong opinions about whether you should buy travel insurance . However, the purpose of this post isn't to determine whether it's worth investing in. Instead, it compares some of the top travel insurance providers and policies so you can determine which travel insurance option is best for you.

Of course, as the coronavirus remains an ongoing concern, it's important to understand whether travel insurance covers pandemics. Some policies will cover you if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 and have proof of illness from a doctor. Others will take coverage a step further, covering additional types of pandemic-related expenses and cancellations.

Know, though, that every policy will have exclusions and restrictions that may limit coverage. For example, fear of travel is generally not a covered reason for invoking trip cancellation or interruption coverage, while specific stipulations may apply to elevated travel warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Interested in travel insurance? Visit InsureMyTrip.com to shop for plans that may fit your travel needs.

So, before buying a specific policy, you must understand the full terms and any special notices the insurer has about COVID-19. You may even want to buy the optional cancel for any reason add-on that's available for some comprehensive policies. While you'll pay more for that protection, it allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and still get some of your costs back. Note that this benefit is time-sensitive and has other eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify.

In this guide, we'll review several policies from top travel insurance providers so you have a better understanding of your options before picking the policy and provider that best address your wants and needs.

The best travel insurance providers

To put together this list of the best travel insurance providers, a number of details were considered: favorable ratings from TPG Lounge members, the availability of details about policies and the claims process online, positive online ratings and the ability to purchase policies in most U.S. states. You can also search for options from these (and other) providers through an insurance comparison site like InsureMyTrip .

When comparing insurance providers, I priced out a single-trip policy for each provider for a $2,000, one-week vacation to Istanbul . I used my actual age and state of residence when obtaining quotes. As a result, you may see a different price — or even additional policies due to regulations for travel insurance varying from state to state — when getting a quote.

AIG Travel Guard

AIG Travel Guard receives many positive reviews from readers in the TPG Lounge who have filed claims with the company. AIG offers three plans online, which you can compare side by side, and the ability to examine sample policies. Here are three plans for my sample trip to Turkey.

AIG Travel Guard also offers an annual travel plan. This plan is priced at $259 per year for one Florida resident.

Additionally, AIG Travel Guard offers several other policies, including a single-trip policy without trip cancellation protection . See AIG Travel Guard's COVID-19 notification and COVID-19 advisory for current details regarding COVID-19 coverage.

Preexisting conditions

Typically, AIG Travel Guard wouldn't cover you for any loss or expense due to a preexisting medical condition that existed within 180 days of the coverage effective date. However, AIG Travel Guard may waive the preexisting medical condition exclusion on some plans if you meet the following conditions:

• You purchase the plan within 15 days of your initial trip payment.
• The amount of coverage you purchase equals all trip costs at the time of purchase. You must update your coverage to insure the costs of any subsequent arrangements that you add to your trip within 15 days of paying the travel supplier for these additional arrangements.
• You must be medically able to travel when you purchase your plan.

Standout features

• The Deluxe and Preferred plans allow you to purchase an upgrade that lets you cancel your trip for any reason. However, reimbursement under this coverage will not exceed 50% or 75% of your covered trip cost.
• You can include one child (age 17 and younger) with each paying adult for no additional cost on most single-trip plans.
• Other optional upgrades, including an adventure sports bundle, a baggage bundle, an inconvenience bundle, a pet bundle, a security bundle and a wedding bundle, are available on some policies. So, an AIG Travel Guard plan may be a good choice if you know you want extra coverage in specific areas.

Purchase your policy here: AIG Travel Guard .

Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz is one of the most highly regarded providers in the TPG Lounge, and many readers found the claim process reasonable. Allianz offers many plans, including the following single-trip plans for my sample trip to Turkey.

If you travel frequently, it may make sense to purchase an annual multi-trip policy. For this plan, all of the maximum coverage amounts in the table below are per trip (except for the trip cancellation and trip interruption amounts, which are an aggregate limit per policy). Trips typically must last no more than 45 days, although some plans may cover trips of up to 90 days.

See Allianz's coverage alert for current information on COVID-19 coverage.

Most Allianz travel insurance plans may cover preexisting medical conditions if you meet particular requirements. For the OneTrip Premier, Prime and Basic plans, the requirements are as follows:

• You purchased the policy within 14 days of the date of the first trip payment or deposit.
• You were a U.S. resident when you purchased the policy.
• You were medically able to travel when you purchased the policy.
• On the policy purchase date, you insured the total, nonrefundable cost of your trip (including arrangements that will become nonrefundable or subject to cancellation penalties before your departure date). If you incur additional nonrefundable trip expenses after purchasing this policy, you must insure them within 14 days of their purchase.
• Allianz offers reasonably priced annual policies for independent travelers and families who take multiple trips lasting up to 45 days (or 90 days for select plans) per year.
• Some Allianz plans provide the option of receiving a flat reimbursement amount without receipts for trip delay and baggage delay claims. Of course, you can also submit receipts to get up to the maximum refund.
• For emergency transportation coverage, you or someone on your behalf must contact Allianz, and Allianz must then make all transportation arrangements in advance. However, most Allianz policies provide an option if you cannot contact the company: Allianz will pay up to what it would have paid if it had made the arrangements.

Purchase your policy here: Allianz Travel Insurance .

American Express Travel Insurance

American Express Travel Insurance offers four different package plans and a build-your-own coverage option. You don't have to be an American Express cardholder to purchase this insurance. Here are the four package options for my sample weeklong trip to Turkey. Unlike some other providers, Amex won't ask for your travel destination on the initial quote (but will when you purchase the plan).

Amex's build-your-own coverage plan is unique because you can purchase just the coverage you need. For most types of protection, you can even select the coverage amount that works best for you.

The prices for the packages and the build-your-own plan don't increase for longer trips — as long as the trip cost remains constant. However, the emergency medical and dental benefit is only available for your first 60 days of travel.

Typically, Amex won't cover any loss you incur because of a preexisting medical condition that existed within 90 days of the coverage effective date. However, Amex may waive its preexisting-condition exclusion if you meet both of the following requirements:

• You must be medically able to travel at the time you pay the policy premium.
• You pay the policy premium within 14 days of making the first covered trip deposit.
• Amex's build-your-own coverage option allows you to only purchase — and pay for — the coverage you need.
• Coverage on long trips doesn't cost more than coverage for short trips, making this policy ideal for extended getaways. However, the emergency medical and dental benefit only covers your first 60 days of travel.
• American Express Travel Insurance can protect travel expenses you purchase with Amex Membership Rewards points in the Pay with Points program (as well as travel expenses bought with cash, debit or credit). However, travel expenses bought with other types of points and miles aren't covered.

Purchase your policy here: American Express Travel Insurance .

GeoBlue is different from most other providers described in this piece because it only provides medical coverage while you're traveling internationally and does not offer benefits to protect the cost of your trip. There are many different policies. Some require you to have primary health insurance in the U.S. (although it doesn't need to be provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield), but all of them only offer coverage while traveling outside the U.S.

Two single-trip plans are available if you're traveling for six months or less. The Voyager Choice policy provides coverage (including medical services and medical evacuation for a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition) for trips outside the U.S. to travelers who are 95 or younger and already have a U.S. health insurance policy.

The Voyager Essential policy provides coverage (including medical evacuation for a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition) for trips outside the U.S. to travelers who are 95 or younger, regardless of whether they have primary health insurance.

In addition to these options, two multi-trip plans cover trips of up to 70 days each for one year. Both policies provide coverage (including medical services and medical evacuation for preexisting conditions) to travelers with primary health insurance.

Be sure to check out GeoBlue's COVID-19 notices before buying a plan.

Most GeoBlue policies explicitly cover sudden recurrences of preexisting conditions for medical services and medical evacuation.

• GeoBlue can be an excellent option if you're mainly concerned about the medical side of travel insurance.
• GeoBlue provides single-trip, multi-trip and long-term medical travel insurance policies for many different types of travel.

Purchase your policy here: GeoBlue .

IMG offers various travel medical insurance policies for travelers, as well as comprehensive travel insurance policies. For a single trip of 90 days or less, there are five policy types available for vacation or holiday travelers. Although you must enter your gender, males and females received the same quote for my one-week search.

You can purchase an annual multi-trip travel medical insurance plan. Some only cover trips lasting up to 30 or 45 days, but others provide coverage for longer trips.

See IMG's page on COVID-19 for additional policy information as it relates to coronavirus-related claims.

Most plans may cover preexisting conditions under set parameters or up to specific amounts. For example, the iTravelInsured Travel LX travel insurance plan shown above may cover preexisting conditions if you purchase the insurance within 24 hours of making the final payment for your trip.

For the travel medical insurance plans shown above, preexisting conditions are covered for travelers younger than 70. However, coverage is capped based on your age and whether you have a primary health insurance policy.

• Some annual multi-trip plans are modestly priced.
• iTravelInsured Travel LX may offer optional cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason coverage, if eligible.

Purchase your policy here: IMG .

Travelex Insurance

Travelex offers three single-trip plans: Travel Basic, Travel Select and Travel America. However, only the Travel Basic and Travel Select plans would be applicable for my trip to Turkey.

See Travelex's COVID-19 coverage statement for coronavirus-specific information.

Typically, Travelex won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition that existed within 60 days of the coverage effective date. However, the Travel Select plan may offer a preexisting condition exclusion waiver. To be eligible for this waiver, the insured traveler must meet all the following conditions:

• You purchase the plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment.
• The amount of coverage purchased equals all prepaid, nonrefundable payments or deposits applicable to the trip at the time of purchase. Additionally, you must insure the costs of any subsequent arrangements added to the same trip within 15 days of payment or deposit.
• All insured individuals are medically able to travel when they pay the plan cost.
• The trip cost does not exceed the maximum trip cost limit under trip cancellation as shown in the schedule per person (only applicable to trip cancellation, interruption and delay).
• Travelex's Travel Select policy can cover trips lasting up to 364 days, which is longer than many single-trip policies.
• Neither Travelex policy requires receipts for trip and baggage delay expenses less than $25.
• For emergency evacuation coverage, you or someone on your behalf must contact Travelex and have Travelex make all transportation arrangements in advance. However, both Travelex policies provide an option if you cannot contact Travelex: Travelex will pay up to what it would have paid if it had made the arrangements.

Purchase your policy here: Travelex Insurance .

Seven Corners

Seven Corners offers a wide variety of policies. Here are the policies that are most applicable to travelers on a single international trip.

Seven Corners also offers many other types of travel insurance, including an annual multi-trip plan. You can choose coverage for trips of up to 30, 45 or 60 days when purchasing an annual multi-trip plan.

See Seven Corner's page on COVID-19 for additional policy information as it relates to coronavirus-related claims.

Typically, Seven Corners won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition. However, the RoundTrip Choice plan offers a preexisting condition exclusion waiver. To be eligible for this waiver, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• You buy this plan within 20 days of making your initial trip payment or deposit.
• You or your travel companion are medically able and not disabled from travel when you pay for this plan or upgrade your plan.
• You update the coverage to include the additional cost of subsequent travel arrangements within 15 days of paying your travel supplier for them.
• Seven Corners offers the ability to purchase optional sports and golf equipment coverage. If purchased, this extra insurance will reimburse you for the cost of renting sports or golf equipment if yours is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed by a common carrier for six or more hours. However, Seven Corners must authorize the expenses in advance.
• You can add cancel for any reason coverage or trip interruption for any reason coverage to RoundTrip plans. Although some other providers offer cancel for any reason coverage, trip interruption for any reason coverage is less common.
• Seven Corners' RoundTrip Choice policy offers a political or security evacuation benefit that will transport you to the nearest safe place or your residence under specific conditions. You can also add optional event ticket registration fee protection to the RoundTrip Choice policy.

Purchase your policy here: Seven Corners .

World Nomads

World Nomads is popular with younger, active travelers because of its flexibility and adventure-activities coverage on the Explorer plan. Unlike many policies offered by other providers, you don't need to estimate prepaid costs when purchasing the insurance to have access to trip interruption and cancellation insurance.

World Nomads offers two single-trip plans.

World Nomads has a page dedicated to coronavirus coverage , so be sure to view it before buying a policy.

World Nomads won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition (except emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains) that existed within 90 days of the coverage effective date. Unlike many other providers, World Nomads doesn't offer a waiver.

• World Nomads' policies cover more adventure sports than most providers, so activities such as bungee jumping are included. The Explorer policy covers almost any adventure sport, including skydiving, stunt flying and caving. So, if you partake in adventure sports while traveling, the Explorer policy may be a good fit.
• World Nomads' policies provide nonmedical evacuation coverage for transportation expenses if there is civil or political unrest in the country you are visiting. The coverage may also transport you home if there is an eligible natural disaster or a government expels you.

Purchase your policy here: World Nomads .

Other options for buying travel insurance

This guide details the policies of eight providers with the information available at the time of publication. There are many options when it comes to travel insurance, though. To compare different policies quickly, you can use a travel insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip to search. Just note that these search engines won't show every policy and every provider, and you should still research the provided policies to ensure the coverage fits your trip and needs.

You can also purchase a plan through various membership associations, such as USAA, AAA or Costco. Typically, these organizations partner with a specific provider, so if you are a member of any of these associations, you may want to compare the policies offered through the organization with other policies to get the best coverage for your trip.

Related: Should you get travel insurance if you have credit card protection?

Is travel insurance worth getting?

Whether you should purchase travel insurance is a personal decision. Suppose you use a credit card that provides travel insurance for most of your expenses and have medical insurance that provides adequate coverage abroad. In that case, you may be covered enough on most trips to forgo purchasing travel insurance.

However, suppose your medical insurance won't cover you at your destination and you can't comfortably cover a sizable medical evacuation bill or last-minute flight home . In that case, you should consider purchasing travel insurance. If you travel frequently, buying an annual multi-trip policy may be worth it.

What is the best COVID-19 travel insurance?

There are various aspects to keep in mind in the age of COVID-19. Consider booking travel plans that are fully refundable or have modest change or cancellation fees so you don't need to worry about whether your policy will cover trip cancellation. This is important since many standard comprehensive insurance policies won't reimburse your insured expenses in the event of cancellation if it's related to the fear of traveling due to COVID-19.

However, if you book a nonrefundable trip and want to maintain the ability to get reimbursed (up to 75% of your insured costs) if you choose to cancel, you should consider buying a comprehensive travel insurance policy and then adding optional cancel for any reason protection. Just note that this benefit is time-sensitive and has eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify.

Providers will often require CFAR purchasers insure the entire dollar amount of their travels to receive the coverage. Also, many CFAR policies mandate that you must cancel your plans and notify all travel suppliers at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

Likewise, if your primary health insurance won't cover you while on your trip, it's essential to consider whether medical expenses related to COVID-19 treatment are covered. You may also want to consider a MedJet medical transport membership if your trip is to a covered destination for coronavirus-related evacuation.

Ultimately, the best pandemic travel insurance policy will depend on your trip details, travel concerns and your willingness to self-insure. Just be sure to thoroughly read and understand any terms or exclusions before purchasing.

What are the different types of travel insurance?

Whether you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or rely on the protections offered by select credit cards, you may have access to the following types of coverage:

• Baggage delay protection may reimburse for essential items and clothing when a common carrier (such as an airline) fails to deliver your checked bag within a set time of your arrival at a destination. Typically, you may be reimbursed up to a particular amount per incident or per day.
• Lost/damaged baggage protection may provide reimbursement to replace lost or damaged luggage and items inside that luggage. However, valuables and electronics usually have a relatively low maximum benefit.
• Trip delay reimbursement may provide reimbursement for necessary items, food, lodging and sometimes transportation when you're delayed for a substantial time while traveling on a common carrier such as an airline. This insurance may be beneficial if weather issues (or other covered reasons for which the airline usually won't provide compensation) delay you.
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection may provide reimbursement if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason, such as a death in your family or jury duty.
• Medical evacuation insurance can arrange and pay for medical evacuation if deemed necessary by the insurance provider and a medical professional. This coverage can be particularly valuable if you're traveling to a region with subpar medical facilities.
• Travel accident insurance may provide a payment to you or your beneficiary in the case of your death or dismemberment.
• Emergency medical insurance may provide payment or reimburse you if you must seek medical care while traveling. Some plans only cover emergency medical care, but some also cover other types of medical care. You may need to pay a deductible or copay.
• Rental car coverage may provide a collision damage waiver when renting a car. This waiver may reimburse for collision damage or theft up to a set amount. Some policies also cover loss-of-use charges assessed by the rental company and towing charges to take the vehicle to the nearest qualified repair facility. You generally need to decline the rental company's collision damage waiver or similar provision to be covered.

Should I buy travel health insurance?

If you purchase travel with credit cards that provide various trip protections, you may not see much need for additional travel insurance. However, you may still wonder whether you should buy travel medical insurance.

If your primary health insurance covers you on your trip, you may not need travel health insurance. Your domestic policy may not cover you outside the U.S., though, so it's worth calling the number on your health insurance card if you have coverage questions. If your primary health insurance wouldn't cover you, it's likely worth purchasing travel medical insurance. After all, as you can see above, travel medical insurance is often very modestly priced.

How much does travel insurance cost?

Travel insurance costs depend on various factors, including the provider, the type of coverage, your trip cost, your destination, your age, your residency and how many travelers you want to insure. That said, a standard travel insurance plan will generally set you back somewhere between 4% and 10% of your total trip cost. However, this can get lower for more basic protections or become even higher if you include add-ons like cancel for any reason protection.

The best way to determine how much travel insurance will cost is to price out your trip with a few providers discussed in the guide. Or, visit an insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip to quickly compare options across multiple providers.

When and how to get travel insurance

For the most robust selection of available travel insurance benefits — including time-sensitive add-ons like CFAR protection and waivers of preexisting conditions for eligible travelers — you should ideally purchase travel insurance on the same day you make your first payment toward your trip.

However, many plans may still offer a preexisting conditions waiver for those who qualify if you buy your travel insurance within 14 to 21 days of your first trip expense or deposit (this time frame may vary by provider). If you don't need a preexisting conditions waiver or aren't interested in CFAR coverage, you can purchase travel insurance once your departure date nears.

You must purchase coverage before it's needed. Some travel medical plans are available for purchase after you have departed, but comprehensive plans that include medical coverage must be purchased before departing.

Additionally, you can't buy any medical coverage once you require medical attention. The same applies to all travel insurance coverage. Once you recognize the need, it's too late to protect your trip.

Once you've shopped around and decided upon the best travel insurance plan for your trip, you should be able to complete your purchase online. You'll usually be able to download your insurance card and the complete policy shortly after the transaction is complete.

Related: 7 times your credit card's travel insurance might not cover you

Bottom line

Not all travel insurance policies and providers are equal. Before buying a plan, read and understand the policy documents. By doing so, you can choose a plan that's appropriate for you and your trip — including the features that matter most to you.

For example, if you plan to go skiing or rock climbing, make sure the policy you buy doesn't contain exclusions for these activities. Likewise, if you're making two back-to-back trips during which you'll be returning home for a short time in between, be sure the plan doesn't terminate coverage at the end of your first trip.

If you're looking to cover a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition, select a policy with a preexisting condition waiver and fulfill the requirements for the waiver. After all, buying insurance won't help if your policy doesn't cover your losses.

Disclaimer : This information is provided by IMT Services, LLC ( InsureMyTrip.com ), a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 5119217) and a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. IMT's services are only available in states where it is licensed to do business and the products provided through InsureMyTrip.com may not be available in all states. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not create or modify any insurance policy terms in any way. For more information, please visit www.insuremytrip.com .