• Cruise insurance can help you if you have to cancel your trip, get sick onboard, or lose your luggage.

• There are different coverages available, including trip cancellation, medical expenses, evacuation, baggage loss/delay, and cancel for any reason (CFAR).

• Cruise insurance is not mandatory, but it is recommended to protect yourself from unexpected events.

With the kind of relaxation, adventure and experience cruises offer, it's easy to see why they're a dream vacation for so many. But what happens when you get sick onboard or have to cancel the trip at the last minute? Moreover, with the high cost of a cruise vacation, travelers are right to wonder if adding cruise travel insurance is an unnecessary expense.

But is cruise insurance worth it? Let’s figure out.

What Does Cruise Insurance Cover?

We all dream of sunshine and smooth sailing when we book a cruise, not canceled flights or lost luggage. But here's the thing: life happens. You might miss your cruise because of rush hour traffic, or baggage handlers could lose your suitcase at a crowded international airport.

Now, cruise insurance can't prevent these things from happening, but it can help soften the blow and get you back on track to enjoy your trip. Before you snag the first policy you see, let's break down how cruise travel insurance can help protect you.
 

Trip Cancellation

Planning a cruise takes time, especially when you're coordinating outfits and shore excursions. But what happens if illness, a family emergency, or even a natural disaster plays a spoilsport before embarkation?

Beyond the disappointment - those carefully pre-booked flights, hotels, and dream experiences often aren't refundable. When it comes to significant investments like your cruise, you want to be protected.

A cruise travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage could reimburse a significant portion of your non-refundable costs if a covered reason forces you to cancel or cut your trip short. The good news is - AXA’s Travel Protection Plans can reimburse up to 100% of Trip Cost for covered reasons.
 

Medical Expenses and Emergency Evacuation

Cruises are supposed to be relaxing escapes, but accidents and illnesses can happen without warning. Even something minor like seasickness or a slip on a wet deck might require a trip to the ship’s doctor.

Now, cruise ship medical facilities are good, but they can also be expensive. On top of that, your regular health insurance might not work overseas. And foreign hospital bills? You know what those bills could shoot up to.

Fortunately, there's a solution. With a cruise travel insurance with medical coverages, you can get reimbursed for:

• Onboard and Onshore Medical Costs. Whether you need care from the ship's doctor or end up in a land-based hospital, medical expenses coverage can help foot the bill for essential treatment.
• Emergency Evacuation. If you need special treatment the ship can't provide, or need to be flown back home, cruise insurance can cover these often super-expensive evacuation costs .

Considering these potential medical costs, cruise travel insurance becomes an attractive option for many travelers.
 

Baggage and Personal Belongings

The average length of a cruise is 5–14 nights, but it can even stretch up to months depending on the itinerary. During this time, your luggage becomes your home away from home. But what if, at any stage during your trip, your bags get delayed, or your valuables get stolen? This can be a huge inconvenience.

• Your luggage gets lost or delayed: Cruise lines work hard to reunite passengers with misplaced luggage, but it can take time. Cruise travel insurance can help cover essential purchases like toiletries and the change of clothes needed while you wait for your bags to arrive.

• Your personal valuables get stolen: Cameras, jewelry, or laptops are all susceptible to theft, even on a seemingly secure cruise ship. Cruise insurance can help reimburse you for the stolen items' value, lessening the financial blow.

A pro tip - before buying baggage related coverage, assess your valuables and ensure that you chose the right limit. Consider options like AXA’s baggage loss protection which offers coverage up to $3,000 if you lose your bag or a valuable item.
 

Cancel for Any Reason

Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage is often an optional add-on you can purchase for travel insurance, including cruises. It allows you to cancel your trip and get reimbursed for a portion of your non-refundable cruise expenses, even if the reason for cancelling isn't listed in the standard cruise insurance plan.

If you are wondering how it works, let's say you buy CFAR with AXA's Platinum Plan . Now, if something unexpected comes up and you need to cancel your cruise, CFAR can reimburse you for up to 75% of your prepaid, non-refundable expenses.

Keep in mind - CFAR coverage typically begins on the effective date of your insurance policy. It also won't be available for purchase once your cruise has already departed.

What factors Influences Cruise Insurance Cost

Here are some important factors for you to remember:

• Fancy and long trips cost more: The more luxurious your cruise and the longer it lasts, the higher your premium will be.

• Age matters: Your age also plays a role here. For example, seniors are typically seen as higher risk and may need different coverage, like for pre-existing conditions.

• Coverage levels: Different plans have different coverage limits. For example, AXA’s baggage delay coverage ranges from $200 to $600. Higher coverage limits will cost more.

• Your deductible (the amount you pay before insurance comes on) impacts your cost. Simply put, if you opt for a higher deductible, that means a lower premium, and you might have to pay more out of your pocket if you file a claim.

So, if you are wondering “Is cruise insurance worth it?”, it’s a personal decision based on your risk tolerance and the cost of your trip. It's also not about finding the cheapest policy, but the one that gives you the right coverage for your perfect trip.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Cruise Insurance

Let's see how you can make the most of your cruise insurance cover:

• Purchasing insurance within a few weeks of booking your cruise can unlock your coverage options.

• Take the time to compare different options to find the perfect fit. AXA travel protection plans , for example, have several levels (Silver, Gold, Platinum) with different coverage options and features.

• For ultimate flexibility, consider the "Cancel for Any Reason" (CFAR) option in AXA's Platinum plan. This can allow for up to 75% refund on your trip cost.

• In case you can’t claim your insurance benefits while on the trip, follow your insurance company's claim procedures and get that paperwork ASAP for a smoother experience.

• If you have any pre-existing conditions, purchase the insurance policy within 14 days to enjoy the benefits of AXA Gold and Platinum plans with pre-existing medical condition waivers.

Understand that it's about you. Think about your age, health, the length of your trip, and your personal risk tolerance to know why you should purchase insurance.

Also read: How to Choose The Best Cruise Travel Insurance As a Senior, What to pack for a Cruise, How much does a cruise cost, Best time to book a cruise, What to wear on a cruise, Do you need a passport for a Cruise?
 

FAQs

1. I'm young and healthy. Do I really need cruise insurance?

While your risk of needing extensive coverage might be lower, unexpected events can still happen. Coverage for trip delays, cancelations, baggage loss, or emergency medical illnesses can help you travel with confidence.

2. Doesn't my regular health insurance cover me while on a cruise?

 It might offer some coverage, but likely with limitations. Medical costs on a ship or in foreign countries can be extremely expensive. Check your health insurance carefully for overseas coverage and any limits or exclusions.

3. How much does cruise insurance typically cost?

Cruise insurance costs vary depending on different factors (trip cost, destination, age, etc.) but generally range from 5% to 12% of the total cruise fare. Request a quote from AXA to get a better idea.

4. How do I find the best cruise insurance policy for me?

Here's your checklist:

• Assess your own needs and risk tolerance.
• Compare different plans and their coverage limits.
• Read the fine print of each policy carefully.
• Consider purchasing the policy early for better coverage options.

5. Is cruise insurance mandatory?

No, cruise insurance is generally not mandatory. It's an optional purchase that provides financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances.

6. When should I file a cruise insurance claim?

File a claim as soon as possible after a covered event occurs. Refer to your specific policy for detailed instructions and required documentation.

7. What if my reason for canceling the cruise trip isn't covered?

If your reason for canceling your cruise isn't covered by your insurance policy, you won't be reimbursed for the cruise itself. Consider choosing CFAR coverage, as it lets you cancel for a wider variety of reasons.
 

Speak with one of our licensed representatives or our 24/7 multilingual insurance advisors to find the coverage you need for your next trip. Get an instant quote