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Cruise Holiday Insurance

  • Find the Right Cover for Your Cruise – Quickly and Easily
  • Planning to set sail? Make sure you’re protected at every port. With Clarity Compare, you can explore a range of cruise-specific travel insurance options in minutes.
  • Plus, enjoy a full year of exclusive perks and rewards—just for choosing your cover through us.
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How to Choose the Best-Value Cruise Insurance for Your Trip

To get the right level of cruise cover at a price that suits your budget, here are some key things to consider before choosing your policy.

Your Destinations Matter

The cost of medical treatment can vary widely from country to country. If your cruise includes stops in regions with high private healthcare costs, your premium might be higher. These areas often include:
A. USA, Canada, and Central America
B. China and Hong Kong
C. Popular EU destinations like France, Spain, and Portugal
Insurers factor in the cost of medical care in each location, so be sure your policy includes full cover for the places on your itinerary.

What You’re Packing

Cruises often involve longer travel times—and more generous luggage allowances—than flights. If you’re bringing more clothes, valuables, or electronics, make sure your policy includes:
A. Sufficient baggage cover to protect your belongings
b. Gadget cover for items like smartphones, tablets, or cameras, especially if you're using them frequently during your trip
The more valuable your items, the more cover you may want to consider.

Your Onshore Adventures

Planning on getting active during your stopovers? Many cruise excursions include water sports, cultural activities, or even extreme sports. Not all standard policies cover these as default.
a. Look for a policy that either:
b. Includes common excursion activities, or
Allows you to add adventure or sports cover if needed

What Does Cruise Travel Insurance Typically Include?

Cruise-specific travel insurance gives you tailored protection for the kinds of things that can go wrong at sea—and on land in between ports.
While each insurer’s policy can vary, here’s what’s usually included:

1. Trip Cancellation or Early Return

If you have to cancel your cruise or return home early—perhaps due to illness or a family emergency—your policy may reimburse costs for parts of the trip you miss.

2. Cabin Confinement Cover

If you're unwell and ordered to stay in your cabin by a medical officer, you may be entitled to compensation for missed activities, meals, or excursions during that time.

3. Lost or Stolen Baggage

If your luggage goes missing or its contents are stolen while on your cruise, your insurance could cover the cost of replacing your items.

4. Missed Departure

If unexpected issues prevent you from reaching your departure port—like car trouble, public transport delays, or strike action—you could be reimbursed for the cost of catching up with your ship.

5. Missed Excursions

Some policies cover prepaid excursions you’re unable to attend due to illness, injury, or accident. This usually applies to activities booked before your cruise—not necessarily ones arranged after boarding.

6. Emergency Medical Cover

Cruise insurance typically includes protection for medical costs such as:
a. Emergency treatment on board
b. Ambulance or hospital care at port
c. Helicopter evacuation if required
d. Getting you home if you’re unfit to travel on your scheduled ticket

7. Cruise Interruption

If you're forced to disembark for treatment and later need to catch up with the cruise at a new port, your insurance may cover the costs of rejoining the ship.

8. Missed Port Stop

If bad weather, mechanical problems, or scheduling issues cause your cruise to skip a planned port, you could be compensated for the missed destination.

9. Travel Companion Support

If you’re hospitalised or need help getting home, your policy may cover costs for a friend or relative to stay with you and travel back together.

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Cruise Travel Insurance: 3 Key Things to Check Before You Buy

Planning a cruise? Make sure your travel insurance is up to the task. Cruise holidays come with unique risks — from missed ports to medical emergencies at sea — so it’s essential to get cover that matches your needs. Here are three important things to look out for when choosing your policy:

Cabin Confinement Compensation

ness keeps you confined to your cabin, some insurers will pay a daily benefit. Be sure to check: Daily payout limits – usually between £25 and £100 Total cover available – often capped between £500 and £2,000 Excursion refunds – see if your policy reimburses missed on-shore activities

Overall Cover Amount

Cruises can be expensive, and cancelling one can result in big losses. Make sure your policy covers: Your full cruise cost – policies typically offer between £5,000 and £20,000 All pre-paid extras – such as transfers, hotels, or excursions Trip curtailment – in case you have to return home early

Emergency Medical and Evacuation Cover

Medical care at sea or overseas can be extremely costly. Most cruise lines require: At least £2 million in medical cover Evacuation and repatriation services – including air ambulance or helicopter if needed Hospital fees, onboard treatment, and return travel

What Is Cruise Travel Insurance?

Cruise travel insurance is a specialist type of cover designed for holidaymakers heading out to sea. It includes protection for cruise-specific issues—like missing a scheduled port stop, falling ill while on board, or needing emergency evacuation from the ship.

Unlike standard travel insurance, this type of policy addresses the unique risks of cruising, including delays at sea and onboard medical treatment. Some policies even cover missed excursions or being confined to your cabin due to illness.

Importantly, many cruise lines require you to have cruise insurance before you’re allowed to board. So having the right policy isn’t just a smart move—it’s often essential.

You can choose to add cruise cover to a regular travel insurance plan or opt for a policy made specifically for cruises. Whichever you choose, Clarity Compare makes it easy to find the right option for your journey.

Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

If you’re living with a medical condition, travel insurance might cost a bit more—but it’s crucial to be honest. Leaving out details or providing inaccurate information could result in your policy being invalid or a claim being denied.

At Clarity Compare, when you let us know about your medical history, we only show you quotes from insurers who are willing to cover your conditions—without applying hidden exclusions.

If your condition is complex or serious and you’re struggling to find cover online, you can also contact the MoneyHelper travel insurance directory. It offers a list of providers who specialise in covering pre-existing conditions.
📞 Call them on +44 (793) 486-4416 to speak with someone directly.

Common Questions About Cruise Travel Insurance

Can I still buy insurance after booking my cruise?

Yes, you can arrange cruise travel insurance after booking your trip — but the sooner, the better. Buying early means you’re covered straight away for cancellations or other unexpected events before your departure.

You can often buy cover right up until the day before you set sail. However, some insurers may not provide cancellation protection if the policy is taken out too close to the cruise date, so it’s best not to leave it too late.

The GHIC gives UK residents access to basic state healthcare in many European countries. While it’s helpful, it won’t cover private treatment, medical evacuation, or cruise-specific issues — so comprehensive travel insurance is still essential.

Yes, many insurers offer family or group cruise insurance policies. These allow everyone in your party to be covered under a single plan, which may be easier to manage — and sometimes cheaper than separate policies.

Cruise insurance typically costs more because it includes extra features — such as cover for cabin confinement, missed ports, or emergency medical evacuation from a ship. The higher risk and value of cruise holidays also contribute to the price.

Yes, even cruises around the UK come with risks. Medical emergencies, missed departures, or cancellations can still happen — and many cruise operators require proof of travel insurance regardless of the destination.

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