A cruise holiday is both relaxing and exciting. It offers an adventure-filled experience as you can visit multiple destinations in one trip. Cruise ships are designed with the traveler in mind, you have access to amazing onboard entertainment as well as sumptuous buffets. However, there are additional risks associated with cruise travel that are not covered by regular travel insurance.
Quays offers a specialist cruise travel insurance that provides customized coverage for medical emergencies on board and delayed port departures. Having the right cruise insurance cover guarantees that your vacation goes smoothly from the time you step on the ship to when you disembark whether you’re sailing around the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or somewhere else.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about our specialist cruise cover, what it includes, and how Quays helps you sail with confidence, so you can focus on enjoying every moment of your journey, from the first port to the last.
Understanding cruise travel insurance
Cruise travel insurance is a specialized kind of insurance designed to cover the risks associated with going on a cruise. Standard travel insurance can offer some protection but it does not provide the extra coverage required for when you are at sea. A cruise cover ensures that you are covered from the time you board the ship till you step off.
Cruise travels are usually associated with strict itineraries and different port docks. If for any reason you miss your ship’s departure or require medical attention while on board, your cruise insurance will cover for the inconvenience if your cruise is cancelled or delayed as well as cover for medical treatment both on and off the ship.
For most cruise ships, medical facilities are private and can be expensive, this is why cruise travel insurance usually includes enhanced medical coverage which covers for even helicopter evacuation if it becomes necessary.
What is the difference between travel insurance and cruise insurance?
Travel insurance provides standard coverage for all your trips, it keeps you protected when you’re on holiday. If you suddenly become ill or injured during your trip, travel insurance covers for medical emergencies, lost, stolen or damaged baggage or any unforeseen circumstance that can force you to cancel your trip and return home earlier than planned.
Cruise insurance on the other hand offers standard protection provided by travel insurance in addition to covering risks related to cruises. It can be sold alone or as an optional extra to a standard travel insurance policy.
Why do you need cruise-specific travel insurance?
If you are going on a cruise, then getting a specialized cruise cover is a must. It is only debatable if you’re not sure that your journey might include getting on a ship at some point. Because cruise vacations differ greatly from typical travel, standard travel insurance does not provide adequate coverage. Even a minor disruption can have grave consequences when you’re at sea.
The purpose of cruise-specific travel insurance is to shield you from the specific dangers associated with being on a cruise ship. Some of the reasons include:
- Strict schedule
Cruise ships follow exact schedules and won’t wait for customers who arrive late. Cruise-specific coverage can assist in covering the cost of lodging and transportation to rejoin the cruise at the next port in the event that you miss the ship’s departure due to illness, transportation disruption, or an accident during a shore excursion.
- Onboard medical care
Onboard medical facilities are available on cruise ships, however they are private and can be quite costly. Your cruise ticket does not cover treatment, medication, or medical evacuation from a ship and standard travel insurance excludes or restricts these services. Enhanced medical coverage, including emergency evacuation to a mainland hospital if necessary, is offered by cruise-specific insurance.
- Refund on paid activities
Cruise vacations are paid for in advance because it usually includes airfare, lodging, excursions, and onboard activities in a single package. Cruise-specific travel insurance helps cover these non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel or shorten your cruise due to illness or an emergency.
- Missed ports
Cruise-specific insurance covers situations that are more common on cruises than on land-based vacations, such as missed ports, schedule modifications, and prolonged stays brought on by mechanical problems or bad weather.
What does cruise travel insurance cover?
All of the typical benefits of travel insurance are included in travel insurance for cruises, along with a few key features unique to cruise vacations. In the event that something goes wrong cruise travel insurance covers the following:
Medical emergency: medical care on board or at a port, including being evacuated from the ship and transported to a hospital, is typically covered by cruise insurance. Private onboard medical care can run into the hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Cruise coverage helps with medical expenses if you become ill.
Personal belongings: if your bags or valuables are stolen or damaged, your provider can replace them. Cruise travel insurance also covers:
- Missed port departures
- If you’re unable to leave your cabin due to illness or injury
- Cruise disruption
- Missed excursions due to bad weather or illness
- Itinerary modification
- Cruise cancellation
- Leaving the cruise due to an emergency
What does Quays cruise travel insurance cover?
At Quays, we provide a comprehensive coverage tailored to cruise travel including:
- Medical emergencies at sea: if you suddenly become ill or injured while on board, our policy covers onboard medical treatment, hospital stay in a foreign country, prescription medicines and tests.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation: if it becomes necessary, we cover emergency evacuation and repatriation.
- Missed port departure: if you missed the ship’s departure due to late arrival, we will cover the cost of travel and accommodation needed to rejoin the cruise at the next port.
- Baggage and personal belongings: we cover for lost, stolen or damaged luggage that are checked in so that you do not miss your essentials.
- Itinerary changes: if the schedule changes due to the weather or mechanical problems with the ship, we will cover for missed excursions and activities.
- Cruise cancellation or disruption: quays cruise insurance will cover for non-refundable costs if you need to cancel or cut short your cruise due to illness or other covered reasons.
- Emergency assistance: we provide round the clock emergency support both on sea and land
What it does not cover
There are exclusions that you should be aware of, just like with any insurance policy. Generally speaking, Quays cruise travel insurance does not cover:
- Pre-existing medical conditions not disclosed
- Elective or non-emergency medical care
- Incidents involving drugs or alcohol
- High-risk activities not included in your policy
To find out exactly what is and isn’t covered, always go over the policy’s terms
Single trip vs annual cruise travel insurance
When planning for a cruise holiday, you will have to decide whether you want single-trip coverage or annual cruise coverage. The best option will depend on your overall travel plans and how frequently you cruise, but both options provide essential protection.
Single trip cruise insurance is intended to cover a single cruise vacation. It begins as soon as you depart the United Kingdom and concludes when you return home. If you’re on a one-time cruise or don’t travel regularly during the year, this is the best option. It enables you to customize your cover to fit your precise cruise itinerary, including your destination, the duration of the voyage, and any extra activities or excursions you have scheduled.
Annual cruise travel insurance on the other hand covers multiple cruise vacations within a 12-month period. If you love frequent short vacations, take multiple cruises a year, or prefer the flexibility of knowing you’re protected whenever you travel, this choice is perfect for you. One coverage offers continuous protection instead of setting up insurance every time you make travel arrangements.
Consider how often you travel, the duration of each cruise and whether you prefer flexible or tailored coverage when choosing between single and annual cruise travel insurance. For a seamless and worry-free voyage at sea, be sure your policy covers cruise-specific coverage, regardless of the plan you select.
What is cruise insurance for pre-existing medical condition
According to the Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA), the average age of UK cruise passengers is 54years. Most people in this demographic tend to have one pre-existing condition or the other, making medical cover that includes pre-existing conditions even more important.
In addition to providing cruise coverage, Quays cruise insurance covers pre-existing medical conditions. However, you must fully disclose your condition and sometimes undergo a medical screening before it is accepted.
Declaring your conditions upfront ensures you’re fully protected and avoids issues with claims later.
Why Choose Quays Cruise Travel Insurance
Quays is one of the UK’s trusted travel insurance providers with proven expertise within the industry. We offer affordable pricing and a wide range of travel insurance policies to suit your travel needs no matter where your adventure takes you.
Here are some key reasons why you should choose Quays for your next cruise vacation:
- Cruise-specific benefits that standard travel insurance does not cover
- Pre-existing medical conditions are covered
- Flexible single trip and annual trip policies
- Optional add-ons like gadget cover, upgraded medical cover and winter sports cover
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Clear policy wording with no hidden surprises
- Competitive pricing for UK cruise travelers
Cruise with confidence
Quays cruise travel insurance protects you from risks associated with cruise travel such as missed port departures or medical emergencies onboard. Instead of worrying about what might go wrong, you can relax and enjoy the onboard entertainment, sumptuous meals and the many exciting activities that take place aboard a cruise ship.
Whether it is your first time aboard a ship or you are a seasoned cruise passenger, Quays offers reliable protection, 24/7 emergency helpline and peace of mind every step of the way.
Ready to set sail? Get a quote today and enjoy your cruise with confidence.
