Cruise insurance with Covid cover: what do I need to know?
Despite updating policies to control infections, cruise ships have still seen coronavirus outbreaks. If you’re going on a cruise, you should make sure that your cruise holiday insurance policy covers you for claims around Covid 19. Check your policy wording so you know exactly what’s covered.
Some cruise travel insurance policies include Covid 19 emergency medical cover, meaning you’re covered if coronavirus causes you to fall ill or die while on your cruise. Policies can also cover you if you have to cancel or cut your trip short due to Covid 19.
Cancellations tend to apply if you’re diagnosed with coronavirus 14 days before your cruise ship sets sail or if you’re denied boarding due to having Covid 19 symptoms. You may also be covered by your cruise insurance if you need to cancel the trip within 14 days of departure due to a close relative being hospitalised or dying from Covid 19.
Covid-19 entry requirements vary from country to country, so it’s important to plan your trip in advance. The GOV.UK website provides useful information on foreign travel during coronavirus, including your destination’s entry requirements and your return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Those returning to the UK from red list countries would face more strict requirements, including having to book a quarantine hotel package.
There are currently no countries on the red list, but before buying cruise travel insurance, you should think about what could happen if your destination moves to the red list. You may face travel restrictions and extra costs that won't be covered by your cruise insurance policy.
If you travel against Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice, you won't be covered by any cruise travel insurance policy you buy. It’s important to read the latest FCDO advice before you travel, and it’s also worth keeping tabs on any updates the government makes to its international cruise ship travel guidelines during coronavirus.
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Need more help?
What is cruise cover in travel insurance?
You’ll only have cruise cover on your travel insurance policy if you choose to include it when you buy.
You’ll still get standard travel insurance to cover things like lost and stolen belongings, trip cancellation, medical expenses and repatriation. But you’ll also have insurance specific to cruises, which can include cover such as missed port departure, cruise cabin confinement, unused excursions, cruise itinerary change and cruise interruption.
Does my insurance cover me on a cruise?
Standard travel insurance will cover you for things like lost and stolen belongings but taking out cruise travel insurance means you’ll also be covered for things more specific to cruises, including missed port departure, cruise cabin confinement, unused excursions, cruise itinerary change and cruise interruption.
When should I buy cruise insurance?
You should buy cruise insurance as soon as you’ve booked your holiday – you may need to cancel your trip if you fall ill prior to departure.
Are cruises covered by ATOL?
You can find out whether your cruise is ATOL protected or not by checking your holiday provider’s website – look for the ATOL protected logo. If your cruise is covered by ATOL, you should also receive a certificate with all the details of your ATOL protection.
If you have any doubts, be sure to check with your holiday provider before you book.
Can you buy cruise travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can buy cruise insurance after booking. It’s best to buy your cruise insurance as soon as possible after booking your trip, that way you’re covered against cancellations.
Do I need travel insurance for a domestic cruise?
If your domestic cruise is only on river water, you don’t need a cruise insurance policy. If you’re going on a proper UK cruise in sea waters, then you’ll need one.
Do I need cruise insurance for a river cruise?
If you’re going on a river cruise, taking out cruise holiday insurance could help cover you for things like missed schedule stops, something that a standard travel insurance policy might not cover.
Do I need special travel insurance for a cruise?
If you’re going on a cruise it makes sense to take out cruise travel insurance. With standard travel insurance, you won’t be covered for things like cruise cabin confinement and missed port departure. Many cruise ship operators now require passengers to have a certain minimum level of insurance in place.
Is cruise insurance different from travel insurance?
Yes, taking out cruise insurance means you’ll get cover that’s tailormade for cruises, including cover for missed port departure, cruise cabin confinement, unused excursions, cruise itinerary change and cruise interruption. But you’ll also get cover that’s associated with standard travel insurance, including for medical expenses and personal belongings.
You should make sure your cruise holiday insurance has a good level of medical cover, including for medical emergencies requiring helicopter transfers.
Will the countries I visit affect the price of my cruise insurance?
Yes, the cost of cruise travel insurance can vary quite a lot depending on which countries you’ll be visiting. This is partly because the cost of private health care is more expensive in some countries than others.
What our travel insurance expert says
Cruise holidays are growing in popularity and offer a different experience to your standard beach break. Getting cruise insurance for your trip is the best option if you want peace of mind. Knowing you’ve got the cover you need to sail off into the sunset. Don’t leave it too late, buying your policy early should offer protection against cancelled holidays and could help save you money.
Jac Morris
Travel Insurance Product Executive
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