Cruise Travel Insurance
Specialist cover for cruise holidays, including medical care and missed port protection.
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What is Cruise Insurance
Cruise travel insurance is a specialist policy designed for travellers going on cruises. It offers all the standard benefits of travel insurance, but with extra protection for situations related to cruise holidays, like missed port departures to cabin confinement, lost baggage, medical treatment on board, and itinerary changes due to weather. Cruise insurance helps you stay protected throughout your entire journey at sea and on land. With Quays, you can compare cruise insurance policies from trusted UK insurers and find the right level of cover for your next sailing.
Do I need Cruise Insurance?
Yes, cruise trips come with risks that are not always covered by a standard travel policy.
Because you are far from home, at sea, and often visiting multiple countries in one trip, you need a policy that supports:
- Medical emergencies on board
- Evacuation from the ship
- Delays affecting your planned route
- Missed ports
- Lost or damaged luggage
- Cancellations due to weather
Without dedicated cruise cover, these scenarios could lead to extremely high costs, especially when medical care at sea or emergency evacuation is involved.
What does Cruise Insurance Include?
Every insurer is different, but most cruise policies offer extra layers of protection beyond standard travel insurance.
Here’s what you can usually expect:
- Medical emergencies at sea
If you need urgent medical care while on the ship, your policy helps cover onboard medical treatment, hospitalisation in a foreign country, and medical evacuation if necessary.
- Missed port departure
If you arrive late and the ship has already left, your insurer may cover transport costs so you can rejoin the cruise at the next port.
- Cabin confinement
If you fall ill and a doctor instructs you to stay in your cabin during the cruise, you can receive compensation for the days you’re unable to enjoy the facilities.
- Itinerary changes
Weather conditions or mechanical issues can force a ship to skip a planned port. Cruise insurance may offer compensation for missed excursions or activities.
- Lost, stolen, or delayed luggage
If illness, injury, orCover for essential items, personal belongings, and checked baggage so you’re not left without your holiday essentials. unexpected events force you to cancel or cut your trip short, you may be reimbursed for unused portions of the cruise.
- Cruise cancellations or interruptions
If illness, injury, or unexpected events force you to cancel or cut your trip short, you may be reimbursed for unused portions of the cruise.
- Emergency assistance
24/7 helplines so you can get support whenever you need it whether at sea or on shore24/7 helplines so you can get support whenever you need it whether at sea or on shore
Which Destinations are covered under Cruise Insurance?
Most cruise policies allow you to select cover based on your route. Common options include:
European cruises
Mediterranean cruises
Worldwide cruises (excluding USA/Canada/Caribbean)
Worldwide cruises (including USA/Canada/Caribbean)
What optional add-ons are available for cruise insurance?
Depending on your trip, you may want extra protection. Many UK insurers offer optional add-ons such as:
- Cruise excursion cover
Reimbursement for prepaid excursions if you miss a port due to weather or schedule changes.
- Gadget and tech cover
Higher limits for cameras, tablets, phones, and other devices you bring on board.
- Upgraded medical cover
For travellers who want a higher limit for medical treatment, especially on long cruises.
- Winter sports or adventure add-ons
If your cruise includes skiing, scuba diving, hiking tours, or adventure excursions.
- Baggage upgrade
Extra protection for jewellery, designer items, or valuable clothing.
Are there any exclusions I should know about?
An exclusion is a scenario or issue that you won’t be
Like all travel insurance, cruise policies have exclusions. These may include:
- Travelling against medical advice
- Alcohol-related incidents
- Claims involving undeclared pre-existing conditions
- High-value items without upgraded cover
- Travelling to destinations with FCDO “do not travel” warnings
- Missing the ship due to personal delays (oversleeping, late taxis, etc.)
- Adventure activities are not included in your policy
covered for. Almost all insurers have exclusions, but they can vary between providers so always take the time to compare. Common exclusions include:
• Travelling to countries or regions that the Foreign Office has advised travellers not to visit
• Claims that are the result of drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs
• Cancellation for reasons that you have control over, such as having to cancel your holiday because you haven’t renewed your passport in time.
Can I get cruise insurance if I have medical conditions?
Yes, many UK insurers offer cruise insurance for travellers with medical conditions, as long as you declare them during your quote.
You may be asked a few questions about your health history, current medication, and recent treatments. Once approved, your policy will cover:
- Emergency treatment on board
- Hospital visits at port destinations
- Medical repatriation if you need to be brought home
Are there any exclusions I should know about?
Yes, it’s not uncommon for travel insurance policies to have age limits. These are usually between 75 and 85 years old. Some insurers also restrict cover for things like winter sports if you are an older traveller.
You can still find travel insurance for over 70s and travel insurance for over 80s, but you are likely to have fewer options and pay higher costs.
If you have health issues, or have been refused cover elsewhere, you may need a policy from an insurer that specialises in covering medical conditions.
Tips & Advice
Frequently Asked Question
What is cruise travel insurance?
Cruise travel insurance is a specialist policy that covers cruise-specific risks such as onboard medical treatment, missed port departures, cabin confinement, and itinerary changes, alongside standard travel insurance benefits.
Is cruise insurance different from standard travel insurance?
Yes. Cruise insurance includes extra cover for situations standard travel insurance often excludes, such as missed ports, medical care at sea, and cruise itinerary disruptions.
Do I need cruise insurance for a UK or European cruise?
Yes. Even UK or European cruises can involve high onboard medical costs and itinerary changes, which cruise insurance is designed to cover.
Does cruise travel insurance cover medical treatment on the ship?
Yes. Most cruise policies cover onboard medical treatment, emergency care at port destinations, and medical evacuation if specialist treatment is required.
What happens if I miss my cruise departure?
Cruise insurance may cover additional travel costs to help you rejoin the ship at the next port if you miss departure due to reasons beyond your control.
What is cabin confinement cover?
Cabin confinement cover provides a daily benefit if you’re medically required to remain in your cabin and unable to take part in cruise activities.
Can I get cruise insurance with a medical condition?
Yes. Cruise insurance is available for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions, as long as the condition is declared and accepted by the insurer.
Does cruise insurance cover shore excursions?
Yes. Most cruise insurance policies cover organised shore excursions, though high-risk activities may require an additional add-on.