Cruise Insurance: What's Covered & What's Not

What is Cruise Insurance Cover?

Some insurers offer cruise insurance as an optional cover with travel insurance. In general, travel insurance does not cover risks associated with cruise travel. You can extend your travel insurance coverage to these risks by paying an additional premium.

Why Should You Buy Cruise Travel Insurance? Top 3 Benefits

Cruise travel insurance is a great option for securing your voyages. Here are the top reasons why.

• Safeguard from Expensive Medical Treatments: Medical treatments can be extremely expensive on cruises, depending on the country you are travelling to. Medical emergencies on a cruise are not covered under standard insurance policies unless a specific cruise insurance add-on is purchased.
• Coverage for Non-refundable Expenses: If you need to cancel your cruise journey for personal reasons, the cruise company may not refund your booking cost. However, a cruise insurance cover can help you get reimbursement for non-refundable expenses.
• Emergency Travel Assistance: Travel insurance companies have support helplines you can contact 24/7 for insurance-related queries, foreign language help, and other travel assistance. This can be helpful while handling any emergencies on the cruise.

What Does Cruise Insurance Cover?

Right from missed shores to medical emergencies, here is a glimpse into the specific risks that the cruise insurance coverage includes.

1. Hospital Treatment

   If you require emergency hospitalisation while on the cruise, the cost of hospital treatment for sudden illnesses and injuries is covered under cruise insurance.

2. Daily Cash Allowance

   If you get hospitalised for treating an accidental injury incurred on a cruise, your insurance policy can pay daily cash assistance.

3. Medical Evacuation

   Cruise insurance also covers emergency transportation and evacuation required due to any illness contracted or an accidental injury incurred on a cruise.

4. Cruise Trip Interruption

   Cruise insurance covers the expense of making alternative travel arrangements if your cruise trip is disrupted by hospitalisation for sudden illnesses and injuries.

5. Unused Excursions

   Cruise insurance cover reimburses the non-refundable cost of pre-booked cruise excursions that you couldn't use because you were hospitalised due to an illness or accident.

What Is Not Covered By Cruise Insurance? Understanding The Exclusions

Understanding the exclusions of cruise insurance helps you stay financially prepared to handle these risks and avoid claim rejections.

1. Treatment for Specified Diseases

   Cruise insurance does not cover medical treatment for certain diseases. This generally includes pre-existing diseases (that you were already diagnosed with), Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and mental health disorders.

2. Accidents and Injuries Related to Illegal Activities

   The treatment for any accidents or injuries incurred while engaging in an unlawful activity is not covered. This can include using a banned substance on the cruise, violating the safety rules of the cruise, or assaulting someone.

3. Deliberate Injuries

   Self-harm, suicide attempts, or any other intentional injuries caused to yourself are not included under cruise insurance.

4. Consumption of Intoxicants

   Damages and injuries incurred while you were under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other intoxicating substance will not be covered.

5. Adventure Sports

   If you engage in risky sports like snorkelling, kayaking, or diving, the related injuries and accidents will be excluded from cruise insurance coverage. However, you may cover these risks by purchasing Adventure Sports Cover, a separate optional cover.

6. Travelling Against Medical Advice

   If a doctor has advised you not to travel on a cruise due to your medical condition, you are expected to avoid doing so. If you travel despite the medical advice, the resulting medical issues will not be covered under cruise insurance.

7. Specified Medical Treatments

   If you get injured or fall sick on a cruise, the following medical treatments may not be covered under cruise insurance.

   • Dental treatments other than emergency ones.
   • Non-urgent medical treatments can be done after returning to India.
   • Chiropractic care or physiotherapy.
   • Routine medical checkups.
   • Cancer screenings and mammography.
   • Pre-planned medical treatments.

It is to be noted that the inclusions and exclusions may vary from insurer to insurer. Hence, you must read the policy wording carefully before purchasing the cruise insurance.

You May Like to Read: 4 Pros & Cons of Travel Health Insurance That You Must Know

Wrapping Up

A cruise journey is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it can also be quite expensive. Cruise travel insurance can provide financial support during unexpected situations while navigating the sea. Although this add-on cover comes at an additional premium, it is ideal for protecting your journey.