Cruise Travel Insurance
Specialist cover for cruise holidays, including medical care and missed port protection.
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What is Cruise Insurance
Cruise insurance is a type of travel insurance tailored to cruise trips. This kind of travel needs specialised cover because it comes with different risks compared with other types of holiday.
Cruise cover protects you from the financial impact of things like:
- missing your ship’s departure
- needing to get to a hospital if you get sick while at sea
- being unable to get off the boat at planned stops
Do I need Cruise Insurance?
🚩 Several cruise companies will not let you board without insurance in place
Even cruise operators that do not require cruise insurance strongly recommend it.
You can sometimes add cruise cover to your regular travel insurance for an extra fee. Or you can take out a special policy just for cruises.
Your cruise insurance must cover you for all ports the ship will visit, even if you do not plan to get off the ship. That’s because you’d still be subject to that country’s medical and legal systems if something happened.
What does Cruise Insurance Include?
Policies vary from provider to provider, but cruise cover typically includes:
- Cancellation or curtailment
Provides cancellation cover for reasons beyond your control, such as illness, injury or a medical emergency.
- Missed departure
Protection if you miss your cruise’s departure due to events like train cancellations, strikes, traffic accidents or vehicle breakdowns.
- Cruise interruption
Protection if you need hospital treatment on land, covering the cost of re-joining your cruise once you’ve recovered.
- Missed ports
Protection if your ship can’t dock at a planned destination due to unexpected disruption, such as bad weather or mechanical issues.
- Unused excursions
Protection if you can’t take part in a pre-booked excursion because of illness, injury or an accident during your trip.
- Lost or stolen items
Baggage protection covers the cost of your items if lost, stolen or damaged. Valuable items such as jewellery or expensive evening wear may need extra cover.
- Cabin confinement
Protection if you become ill on board and must stay in your cabin to prevent spreading infection to other passengers.
- Repatriation
Protection if you need to be brought back to the UK for medical treatment following a serious illness or injury while abroad.
- Death while abroad
Protection if you or a travelling companion dies during your trip, covering the costs of returning the body to the UK.
Which Destinations are covered under Cruise Insurance?
Broadly speaking, travel insurance is split into regions:
Europe
Worldwide
USA
Canada
What optional add-ons are available for cruise insurance?
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Are there any exclusions I should know about?
An exclusion is a scenario or issue that you won’t be 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. Cruise cover is like standard travel insurance when it comes to pre-existing medical conditions. As long as you disclose the details of your conditions you can usually find cover – even if you have severe health problems.
There are also specialist insurers who offer medical travel insurance. The MoneyHelper website provides a list of these insurers,
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 kind of pets will I be caring for?
It varies! Most sits involve dogs or cats, but you may also find birds, rabbits, or other small animals. Each listing includes details about the pets, their routines, and what kind of care they need.
Can I choose where I want to sit?
Absolutely. You can filter opportunities by location, dates, and type of pet. Whether you want a countryside retreat or a city break, there’s something for every lifestyle.
How does Quays make sure sits are safe and genuine?
Every homeowner and sitter goes through ID verification and profile screening. You can also read transparent reviews from past stays, so you know exactly who you’re connecting with.
What support does Quays provide during a sit?
Our friendly UK-based support team is available 24/7. Whether you have a question, need help verifying a listing, or face an emergency, we’re always just a message away.
Can I bring a partner or friend with me on a sit?
In most cases, yes, as long as the homeowner agrees. You’ll see whether extra guests are allowed on each listing, and you can discuss it before confirming the sit.
Are Quays sitters verified?
Yes. Every sitter on Quays completes an identity verification process and is encouraged to build transparent profiles with photos, references, and reviews from past stays.
How do I know my pets and home will be safe?
Safety is at the heart of Quays. All sitters are reviewed and vetted, and you can arrange a meet-and-greet or video call before confirming your booking. You’ll also have 24/7 support throughout the stay.
Do I have to pay my sitter?
No. Sitters stay in your home for free in exchange for caring for your pets. It’s a meaningful, mutual exchange, you save on expensive boarding or kennels, and they enjoy a comfortable stay.
What kind of pets can I list on Quays?
You can list any pets, from dogs and cats to smaller animals or even farm pets. Just be sure to include details about their routines, personality, and any special care needs.
Can I choose who stays in my home?
You can list any pets, from dogs and cats to smaller animals or even farm pets. Just be sure to include details about their routines, personality, and any special care needs.