Cruises are one of the fastest-growing holiday types in the UK — and one of the most underinsured. Many travellers assume their standard travel insurance covers a cruise. In most cases, it doesn't — or at least, not properly.
Here's why cruise travel insurance is different, what extra cover you need, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Why Standard Policies Often Fall Short
A standard travel insurance policy is designed for flights to a hotel. Cruises introduce unique risks that standard policies either exclude or cap at inadequate levels:
- Medical evacuation at sea — Helicopter evacuation from a cruise ship can cost £50,000+
- Onboard medical treatment — Ship doctors charge private rates; a single consultation can cost £150–£300
- Missed port departures — If your plane is delayed and you miss your ship, standard policies may not cover getting you to the next port
- Cabin confinement — If you're confined to your cabin due to illness, it's essentially a lost holiday. Most standard policies don't cover this.
- Itinerary changes — If the cruise line skips a port due to weather or mechanical issues, you may want cover for excursion costs
What Cruise Travel Insurance Should Include
When comparing cruise-specific policies, look for:
- Cruise-specific medical cover — At least £10 million, given that at-sea evacuations are extraordinarily expensive
- Missed port departure — Cover for travel costs to rejoin the ship at the next port
- Cabin confinement — A daily payout (typically £50–£150/day) if you're confined due to illness
- Unused excursion cover — Reimbursement for pre-booked excursions you miss due to illness or itinerary changes
- Cancellation cover matching your cruise cost — Cruises are expensive; make sure your cover matches what you've paid
River Cruises vs Ocean Cruises
The cover you need depends on the type of cruise:
- Ocean cruises — Higher medical and evacuation cover needed. Ships may be days from the nearest hospital.
- River cruises — Lower evacuation risk (you're near land), but higher cancellation costs as they tend to be premium-priced.
- Expedition cruises — Arctic/Antarctic voyages require specialist cover due to extreme remoteness and conditions.
The Cruise Line's Insurance — Is It Enough?
Many cruise lines offer their own insurance packages. They can be convenient, but:
- They're often more expensive than buying independently
- Cover levels may be lower than specialist cruise insurance
- They rarely cover pre-existing medical conditions
- They may not include 24/7 emergency assistance from a UK-based team
Always compare the cruise line's offering with independent options before deciding.
Common Cruise Insurance Mistakes
- Not mentioning you're cruising — If you don't tell your insurer it's a cruise, claims may be rejected
- Under-insuring cancellation — A Mediterranean cruise for two can easily cost £5,000+. Make sure your cancellation limit matches.
- Ignoring the age factor — The average UK cruise passenger is 55+. Over-50s policies with cruise add-ons can offer better value.
- Forgetting excursions — Activities during port stops (snorkelling, quad biking, zip-lining) may need hazardous activities cover
The Bottom Line
A cruise is a significant investment — both financially and in terms of the unique risks involved. Don't assume your standard policy has you covered. Look for a dedicated cruise travel insurance policy that includes at-sea medical cover, cabin confinement, missed port cover, and cancellation matching your cruise cost.