More and more people decide to plan a cruise for their vacation these days and with such a growing number of travelers interested in this type of holidays, it is important to know why having a cruise travel insurance is crucial. In this article, we will give you some tips about what you need to pay attention to when buying a cruise travel insurance.
Why do I need insurance for a cruise?
The reason is simple: standard travel insurance may not cover all the problems that might occur when you are on a cruise. It was found that only around one third of all travel policies actually include cover for cruises in their standard packages. This means that most of them require you to choose the premium options in order to be covered for a travel insurance cruise.
When policies do cover a cruise, the prices can differ greatly from one to another. This is why it's important to search for the best option that will cover both the cost of your cruise and your needs.
Medical cover
Keep in mind that the cost of medical expenses can be higher for people who need to go on a cruise than for those who are planning standard holidays. This can apply to a situation when you would need to pay a visit to the doctor from the ship or in case you have to be transported to a close hospital. The same goes for the unfortunate situation of being very ill, to the extent of possibly needing a repatriation.
To have an idea, if you want to make sure that everything is covered, the minimum amount of medical cover that is recommended to have would be £1 for Europe and £2 for other parts of the world.
It's good to know that cruise insurance also offers extended cover for people who are older. Usually, all medical conditions that you already have are covered.
If you want to cancel
Since cruises are booked months in advance and are quite expensive, it is crucial to already decide on a travel insurance at the same moment when you buy your cruise. Don't forget that the maximum amount you can get back for cancellation varies a lot from one policy to another, so when you choose a policy, do it wisely.
Stuck in your cabin?
If the weather is playing a joke on you or if you become ill, you might have no other choice but to stay in your cabin. You should know that most polices for cruises can pay-out a daily amount. In this case, just as in all the others, limits vary greatly depending on the policy.
Also, some policies may offer compensations for changes to itineraries, as well as higher limits for damage to a baggage (or loss of one).
