Cruise travel insurance, what do I need to know?

What should you look for when comparing cruise travel cover prices?

As you do your research, we think it’s worth following our simple checklist.

That way, you can directly compare and contrast like-for-like policies.

You never know; some of these suggestions might help you reduce your premium without compromising on cover!

• Compare single trip vs annual policies. If you’re going away for less than 45 days, you may be OK to take out a single-trip policy, but for longer cruises, you will likely need an annual or multi-trip plan. If you are taking out a single-trip policy, always read the fine print to check that multiple destinations or ports are covered.
• Compare prices with different insurers but be aware of comparing like-for-like plans. Here at Insurance Dog, we can offer instant travel insurance quotes, allowing you to compare prices. Don’t be afraid to compare and contrast different policies – but when doing so, make sure that you’re looking at accurate comparisons. Will the excess be the same? What is the luggage cover? What are the cancellation policies?
• Will your travel insurance on a cruise ship cover you for all destinations and ports? If you’ve already taken out an existing multi-trip or annual policy, you should always triple-check that your policy covers you for the destinations on your cruise. That way, you can be confident that you’ve got the right cover that you need throughout your holiday.
• Does your complimentary travel insurance cover cruises? If you’ve received free travel insurance, perhaps part of your bank account, then make sure that the insurance meets your needs. It probably won’t provide cruise cover, but you could speak to the insurer to see if the add-on price is more cost-effective than taking out an entirely new plan.
• Check that you’re not duplicating insurance. There are a lot of travel insurance plans that promise to cover electronics, gadgets and other personal items. No one wants to lose their things while they’re on holiday, especially if you’re taking a lengthy cruise. But before you sign up for gadget cover, make sure that you’ve not already taken out insurance elsewhere. Phone insurance, or even contents insurance, might already cover you. It’s worth checking your terms and conditions to check that you’re not paying over the odds for insurance that you already have!
• Look at the whole package, not just the introductory price. As part of your research, you want to look at the specifics of your cruise insurance, such as how much the excess is. What is the compensation for lost luggage? Will it cover you for additional prescriptions? Will you need to pay for specific mobility aids, or will they be covered as standard? What is the claims procedure if you miss a port – will you be required to go home, or will it take you to the next destination to catch up with the ship? You need to pay close attention to the policy details rather than just assuming that the upfront cost tells you everything you need to know.
• Don’t forget to check your confirmation documents. Some cruise liners would require a specific level of travel insurance cover – often to ensure that you are not left at financial risk if you were forced to have a medical evacuation whilst at sea.
• Check if there are any exclusions. If you already have a known health problem, you should be fully aware of any exclusions that may be added to your policy. Feel free to send us a quick email if you’ve seen any exclusions or if you aren’t sure whether you understand the jargon or terms used.

Can you take out cruise cover with pre-existing medical conditions?

Yes, you can. The typical demographic for cruises is the over 50s, many of whom may be statistically more likely to suffer from pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or circulation issues.
While cruise ships have excellent medical facilities and pharmacies designed to cope with these conditions, you should still make sure that you have told your travel insurance provider so you are protected if you need medical care.

Many specific travel insurance firms specialise in dual cruise cover and pre-existing conditions. These firms understand the complexities of medical care at sea. As such, they’ll offer extensive packages designed to protect you if needed.

What is considered a pre-existing condition when it comes to cruise travel insurance?

Under the majority of standard travel plans, you’ll already be covered for most common health conditions. You could receive financial support if the waves cause you to have a fall on the deck or if you need medication to help you adjust to seasickness.

But if you’ve been affected by a pre-existing condition or you rely on a wide range of prescription medications or mobility aids, you will need to tell your insurer before you embark on the ship.

Typically, a pre-existing condition may include illnesses such as

• Cancer
• Heart conditions
• Respiratory or circulatory conditions
• Stroke
• Terminal illness

If you’re going to be away from home on a lengthy cruise, it makes sense that the insurance firm will want to know the intricate details of your condition. They’ll need to know what medication/treatment you are on when you last saw a doctor and what your prognosis is.

You may also need to provide details of your pre-existing condition to the cruise company so the captain can make an informed decision as to what medical treatment is accessible onboard.