“Do I Really Need Travel Protection for my Cruise?” This Travel Pro Says ‘YES!’
When I book cruises for my clients, one of the first things I ask is, “do you want to purchase travel insurance?”
These clients often ask me if it’s worth it, and while travel needs vary from person to person and family to family, I often suggest they purchase a plan.
Keep reading to learn the basics of cruise travel protection, including what it is and why I think it’s something to consider.
What is Cruise Travel Protection?
Most major cruise lines offer travel insurance (also referred to as travel protection) to help cover the costs of unexpected expenses a traveler might incur while cruising.
Here’s a short list of what most policies cover:
Medical expenses related to sickness while traveling (even those related to COVID-19)
Medical expenses related to accidents while traveling
Baggage protection
Bag delays greater than 24 hours
Trip cancelations or delays
Want to learn more about each cruise line’s policies? Here’s a short list:
Do you really need travel insurance for your cruise vacation? Keep reading for my answer!
“Do I really need trip insurance?”
In my experience, purchasing travel insurance is a good idea.
Remember: cruising is a unique type of travel, and cruise ships often carry its passengers to multiple foreign ports through international waters.
And while many credit cards offer travel protection that covers cancelations and delays, they might not cover international medical expenses or evacuations.
This means that if you or a member of your travel party has a medical emergency that requires an evacuation, you might be responsible for upwards of $100,000 in expenses without travel protection!
“But what about my medical insurance?” you might think.
Most health insurance policies don’t cover international acute care or medical evacuations.
So, if you catch a bad cold or a GI bug and need to be seen by the on-board medical team (or seek care in a foreign port) you’ll likely have to pay out of pocket without travel insurance.
And here’s a bonus: travel protection will help you catch up to your ship if you miss its departure!
Related: 3 Reasons You Should Book a Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay
The Truth About Travel Protection Offered Through Credit Cards
If you consider using the travel protection offered through your credit card company, always read the fine print and keep these things in mind:
You might have to "activate” the travel protection after making travel reservations in order to get this benefit
You may have to spend a certain amount or a certain percentage of the travel reservation using the credit card to be eligible for travel protection offered by your card
You may not be eligible for travel protection if you didn’t book a return flight.
You may have to book your travel through your credit card’s affiliated travel site in order to be eligible for the travel protection offered by your card
Wrapping Up
In my opinion, purchasing travel protection for your next cruise is a good idea.
It protects you in case of injury or sickness in a foreign port, and even covers medical evacuations.
And while your credit card might also offer travel protection, it might not cover the cost of medical expenses.
In fact, your health insurance likely won’t cover medical evacuations or even acute medical care incurred in foreign ports.
If you’re thinking, “gosh! This is overwhelming!” You’re right!
That’s why I recommend you hire a knowledgeable travel professional to help you plan your next cruise and answer any questions you might have about travel protection.
Want to chat about your next vacation? Start by completing my travel quote request form!