Best Travel Insurance for Cruises in 2024
Taking a cruise remains one of the most popular vacation options for travelers around the world. A survey from the Cruise Line Industry Association shows two-thirds of all travelers would consider taking a cruise, while an even higher share of those who disembarked from one in the past six months say they would do it again. Because cruise ships spend most of their time at sea, travelers should always consider cruise travel insurance as part of their vacation plans.
Finding the best cruise insurance for your next vacation isn’t a difficult task. The experts at Squaremouth have ranked the best travel insurance for cruises based on several factors, including total sales, average premium prices, and customer satisfaction.
Cruise insurance is a specialized type of travel insurance designed to provide coverage for travelers going on a high seas adventure. It offers protection against various risks and potential issues that are specific to cruise vacations, such as medical evacuations from a ship and coverage if you miss your cruise’s departure.
Due to the growing demand, many reputable travel insurance providers now offer plans specifically for cruises. Most cruisers typically purchase a comprehensive travel insurance plan that includes coverage for a wide-range of travel disruptions that may arise during the course of their trip.
Best Travel Insurance for Cruises for 2024
- Best Overall Cruise Insurance
- Most Affordable Cruise Insurance
- Best Cruise-Specific Travel Insurance Benefits
- Best Cruise Insurance for Seniors
- Best Cruise Insurance for Families
- Best Overall Cruise Insurance
- Trawick International
- 100% Trip Cancellation coverage
- Early purchase benefits include Travel Provider Financial Default and Pre-Existing Condition Waiver
- Trip Delay covered after 6 hours
Year over year, Trawick International plans continually rank among the best cruise insurance plans. With an average premium of around $285, many of their plans offer generous limits. Key benefits include 100% Trip Cancellation coverage and Trip Delay benefits if a common carrier is stopped for six hours. Early purchase benefits including Pre-Existing Condition Waivers and Travel Provider Financial Default.
- Tin Leg
- Most plans include Primary Emergency Medical with No Deductible
- Most plans include 24 Hour Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage
- Most plans offer Cancel for Work Reasons coverage as an early-purchase benefit (where available)
One of the reasons Tin Leg ranks high among the best travel insurance for cruises is because of the Emergency Medical benefits. In addition to offering high coverage limits, most plans offer Primary Emergency Medical with zero deductible and 24 hour accidental death and dismemberment coverage, helping travelers save money if they get injured or seriously ill while on their cruise. If revoked vacation time forces them to cancel their cruise, Cancel for Work Reasons coverage is available as an early purchase option.
- Seven Corners
- Optional coverage includes Cancel for Any Reason and Interruption for Any Reason
- Employment Layoff coverage applies if employed for 1 continuous year (after 30-day wait period)
- Travel Delay and Baggage Delay covered after 6 hour delay
Seven Corners is among the best choices among travel insurance for cruises because of the multiple add-ons. Alongside Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage, travelers can add Cancel for Any Reason and Trip Interruption for Any Reason benefits. These options can help travelers recover a part of their non-refundable trip costs if they decide not to travel or take an early return.
- Most Affordable Travel Insurance for Cruises
- Global Underwriters
- Offers up to $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage
- Includes coverage for Travel Delay and Baggage & Personal Item Loss
- Home Country Coverage optional
With an average premium around $114.29, it’s easy to see why Global Underwriters is among the most affordable travel insurance plans for cruises. The policy built for U.S. residents offers up to $50,000 of Emergency Medical coverage, with an option for Home Country Coverage. Travel delays are also covered under this plan, making it a top choice for the frugal cruise traveler.
- GeoBlue
- Policies offer up to $1 million in Emergency Medical coverage
- Up to $500,000 in Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage
- Cancel for Medical Reasons included in Trip Interruption
GeoBlue remains one of the best cruise insurance plans for travelers who are primarily concerned about paying for medical care. At an average premium of $176.91, GeoBlue plans offer up to $1 million in Emergency Medical coverage, with deductibles as low as $100. Most plans also include up to $500,000 in Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage. Unlike most health only plans, GeoBlue also offers benefits for Trip Interruption, Baggage Delay, and Baggage Loss.
- Travel Insured International
- Inclusive plans with Travel, Medical, and Baggage Protection
- Offers benefit upgrades including Cancel for Any Reason and Medical Expense Upgrade
- Family-friendly plans include Kids are Free coverage
Travel Insured International ranks on our list of best travel insurance for cruises with full-service benefits at a lower price. At the average premium of $328, this provider has the only budget cruise insurance plan offering Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption. Travelers who buy their plan within 14 days of their first deposit can qualify for a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver and add Cancel for Work Reason benefits.
- Best Cruise Specific Travel Insurance Benefits
- Seven Corners
- Airfare change fee benefits if a covered situation forces you to change your flight
- Missed Connection benefits take effect on cruises after a 3 hour delay
- Travel Delay benefits start at up to $250 per person, with a limit of up to $100 per day
Not only does Seven Corners offer some of the most flexible travel insurance plans for cruises, but they also have some of the best benefits specifically built for cruises. The Round Trip Economy and Round Trip Elite plans offer an air only change fee benefit, covering up to $75 if you are forced to switch flights for your trip, while the Round Trip Choice plan offers up to $200 of coverage if you need to change travel arrangements for a reason covered by trip cancellation or trip interruption.
- TravelSafe
- Itinerary change benefits in case a travel supplier makes changes to your trip which force you to miss a prepaid activity or shore excursion
- Missed Connection coverage starts at up to $2,500 per person, taking effect after a 3 hour delay
- Financial Default and Employment Layoff are covered after a 14-day wait period
Itinerary changes can happen on any trip for any reason, ranging from bad weather to an unexpected shift at home. TravelSafe has specific benefits for those unforeseen circumstances, ranking them among the best travel insurance for cruises. The Classic and Classic Plus plans offer up to $250 in itinerary change coverage, allowing travelers to recover some of their prepaid activity costs if a travel provider change forces them to miss a planned event, and the provider cannot provide a comparable activity of equivalent cost to replace it.
- Trawick International
- Itinerary change benefits if a travel supplier makes changes to your trip resulting in a missed prepaid activity or shore excursion
- Travel Delay and Baggage Delay are covered after a 12 hour delay
- No limit on maximum number of cruises for Safe Travels Annual plans
Trawick International consistently ranks among the best travel insurance for cruises for their dedication to the traveler. In addition to all of their other coverage options, the Safe Travels Annual Deluxe and Safe Travels Annual Executive also offer an itinerary change benefit. If a travel provider makes a shift which forces a cruiser to miss a prepaid activity or shore excursion and does not reschedule it for later, these plans may offer up to $300 in coverage per trip. To qualify, the cruise line or travel supplier must provide verification.
- Best Cruise Insurance for Seniors
- Trawick International
- Medical Evacuation & Repatriation Coverage starts up to $500,000
- Cancel for Medical Reasons included in Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption
- Missed Connections for cruises covered after a 3 hour delay
Health concerns can affect older travelers at any time, which is why Trawick International ranks as one of the best cruise travel insurance options for seniors. Missed Connection coverage begins after a 3 hour delay, which may help travelers if they don’t get to the ship on time. If a doctor orders a medical evacuation, Trawick International plans offer Medical Evacuation & Repatriation coverage starting at up to $500,000. Cancel for Medical Reasons is a covered reason for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption, allowing seniors to recover non-refundable costs if a condition forces their trip to end.
- Seven Corners
- Medical Evacuation & Repatriation Coverage starts up to $250,000
- Cancel for Medical Reasons included in Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption
- Optional coverage includes Cancel for Any Reason and Interruption for Any Reason
Seven Corners is among the best cruise travel insurance for seniors because of the many add-on options available. Early purchase benefits include Cancel for Any Reason or Interruption for Any Reason options. In addition, Cancel for Medical Reasons is covered by both Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption. If a senior needs to be airlifted from their cruise due to an emergency illness or injury, Seven Corners plans offer Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage starting at up to $250,000.
- Tin Leg
- Medical Evacuation & Repatriation Coverage starts up to $250,000
- Pre-Existing Condition Waiver available on most plans as an early purchase benefit
- Optional coverage includes Cancel for Any Reason and Enhanced Accidental Death & Dismemberment
Tin Leg ranks with the best cruise travel insurance for seniors for the number of plans available and the common benefits. Medical Evacuation & Repatriation benefits start at $250,000, and Pre-Existing Condition Waivers are available on most plans as an early purchase benefit. And if you’re unsure about taking that trip, Cancel for Any Reason coverage can be added to most plans.
- Best Cruise Insurance for Families
- Trawick International
- Emergency Medical coverage starts up to $150,000 per person
- Coverage may extend until all covered family members are fit to travel
- Options include Rental Car Damage coverage and Cancel for Any Reason
When it comes to family travel, Trawick International is a top pick among the best travel insurance for cruises. In addition to Emergency Medical coverage starting at $150,000 maximum per person, families can add additional coverages for their extended vacation. Options include Rental Car Damage coverage and Cancel for Any Reason. Plan benefits may also be extended until everyone is able to return home, making it easier to keep the family together.
- Travel Insured International
- Cancel for Medical Reasons covered under Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption
- All plans include Primary Medical Coverage
- Pre-Existing Condition Waiver available for all plans
Because family travel is often unpredictable, Travel Insured International offers a wide range of benefits, making them one of the best travel insurance options for cruises. All plans include Primary Medical Coverage for everyone on the policy, while Cancel for Medical Reasons are covered under the Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits. Pre-Existing Condition Waivers are also available as an early purchase benefit.
- Tin Leg
- Cancel for Medical Reasons included in Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption
- Medical Evacuation and Repatriation coverage begins at $200,000 maximum
- Pre-Existing Condition Waivers available on most plans
Tin Leg plans rank in the best cruise insurance for families because of their wide range of plans. No matter which plan your family chooses, Medical Evacuation and Repatriation coverage begins at a maximum of $200,000. Cancel for Medical Reasons are also included under most Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits.
How Much Does Cruise Insurance Cost?
The cost of cruise insurance can vary depending on several factors, including the age of the travelers, trip duration, destination, coverage limits, and the insurance provider. On average, cruise insurance typically ranges from 5% to 10% of the total trip cost.
What Benefits Does the Best Travel Insurance for Cruises Include?
Every traveler’s insurance needs are different. Because cruises embark to remote places, travelers aboard face the potential for higher-than-normal expenses. That’s why it’s critical to understand how travel insurance benefits for cruises affects your situation.
The good news is that buying travel insurance is a simple and straightforward process. By comparing benefit levels, everyone can get the right plan which balances budget with benefits. Cruisers should keep these travel insurance benefits in mind:
- Emergency Medical Coverage: If you were to get seriously ill or injured at sea, cruise ships offer medical care onboard. But don’t expect to pay with a health insurance plan or Medicare. Medical coverage may reimburse travelers for costs related to visiting the infirmary, such as medical services or prescription medications. We recommend having at least $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage for cruises.
- Medical Evacuation: In the event of a true medical emergency, a doctor may order a traveler to evacuate on an air ambulance. Without Emergency Medical Evacuation insurance, travelers may be forced to pay over $10,000 for the ambulance. We recommend travelers carry $250,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.
- Trip Cancellation: Over 70% of travelers buy Trip Cancellation insurance to help recover some costs of their trip if they are forced to cancel due to a covered emergency. Travelers should purchase insurance to cover non-refundable costs, including cruise deposits and prepaid hotel reservations.
- Trip Interruption: Emergencies at home can happen when you are on vacation. Trip Interruption benefits can help you cover the costs of returning home early for a covered reason. Most plans offer coverage between 100% and 150% of the insured trip cost.
- Missed Connection: Airline and railway delays can happen at any time, causing travelers to miss their ship’s departure time. Missed Connection coverage can help cruisers pay for the costs to reconnect with the ship, up to the plan maximum.
- Hurricane & Weather: If a cruise is significantly delayed or canceled due to severe weather, Hurricane & Weather coverage can help travelers recover non-refundable costs and pay for a return trip home. In order for this benefit to cover a trip, travelers must purchase their insurance plan before a storm is named and meet a minimum delay requirement.
- Baggage Delay: Luggage can get lost anytime it’s checked, whether it is on an airplane or aboard a cruise ship. Baggage Delay benefits may help you pay for emergency replacement items, including clothes and personal items, if your bags are lost for an extended period of time.
- Cancel for Any Reason: Not sure your family can make the cruise? Cancel for Any Reason benefits helps you recover a portion of your non-refundable costs if you decide not to go, regardless of the reasons why.
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