Travel Insurance for Cruises (2025)

Cruise insurance is a type of travel insurance aimed at cruise travel. In some cases, you can purchase it from the cruise line. You can also buy coverage from a travel insurance company.

Depending on the company, a regular travel protection policy might also include cruises.

Double-check any coverage you have to see if it’s missing anything you need for your trip. If you don’t have cruise insurance, consider getting a policy for peace of mind and to ensure that you’re covered in the event of an emergency.

Here’s what you need to know about cruise insurance.

What can cruise insurance cover?

Coverage varies by company, but cruise insurance often includes reimbursement for nonrefundable expenses if the cruise line doesn’t issue a refund. Additionally, cruise insurance can include coverage before your cruise, such as for flights and hotel stays the night before.

Here are some things that cruise insurance commonly covers:1

What it doesn’t cover

When reviewing a policy’s terms and fine print, make sure you understand what cruise insurance doesn’t cover. Each policy varies, and the insurance coverage that a cruise line offers might cover less than a more extensive travel insurance policy.

Cruise travel insurance might not include issues caused when you’re under the influence of controlled substances, if you’re engaging in illegal activities, or by pregnancy-related medical issues. Cancellation coverage might not apply if you become afraid of going on the cruise or for other uncovered reasons.2

If you want specific health coverage, you might need to speak with your health insurer to see if you can get a travel protection rider. Your homeowners insurance might also cover theft, even if you’re traveling on a cruise.

Travel insurance vs. stand-alone cruise insurance

Some travel insurance policies include all types of trips, including cruises. Stand-alone cruise insurance is designed specifically to cover a cruise.

Review the products and coverages a travel insurance company offers to verify that cruise coverage is included. If it isn’t, review the cruise line’s policy.

Depending on your situation — such as if you travel multiple times per year — it might make more sense to get a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers you for multiple trips outside the U.S.

On the other hand, if you just plan to go on a single cruise during the year for your major travel, getting a stand-alone cruise policy that only covers one trip might make more sense.

Where to buy cruise insurance

Your credit card issuer might include cruise insurance coverage in its benefits, or you can purchase it from the cruise line or an insurance company.

• Cruise line: Each cruise line offers its version of travel protection. If you book directly with the cruise line, you can usually purchase this coverage when you make your reservation.

• Credit card issuer: Depending on your credit card, you might have access to travel protection, including trip cancellation, lost baggage, and delays. Check the terms, conditions, and requirements to determine whether items related to cruise travel are included. Normally, this coverage is automatically enacted when you purchase the travel with your credit card.

• Insurance companies: Several insurance companies specialize in travel insurance. These products, services, and policies can be part of a larger policy that covers all travel, or it can be specific to cruises.

How much does cruise insurance cost?

Cruise insurance costs vary by insurer, but you’ll generally pay between 4% and 10% of a trip’s cost for coverage, whether it’s a regular travel insurance policy or a cruise insurance policy.3

Some of the factors that influence the cost of cruise insurance include:

• Number of travelers

• Destination

• Cost of the trip

• Add-on coverages

• Age