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20
Companies Reviewed
500
Quotes Collected
36
Rating Factors
The Best Cruise Insurance
Here are our top picks for the best cruise insurance plans:
- Nationwide Travel Insurance: Luxury Cruise
- Faye: Travel Protection Plan
- Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: WaveCare®
- Travelex Insurance: Travel Basic
- AXA Assistance USA: Gold Plan
- Trawick International: Safe Travels Voyager
How To Shop For Cruise Insurance
According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) 2023 State of the Cruise Industry Report, cruising continues to be one of the fastest-growing sectors of tourism, with a projected 36 million people choosing a cruise vacation in 2024. While purchasing travel insurance to cover your cruise vacation is a personal decision, there are some coverages to look for that can enhance your policy.
If you’re worried about illnesses or potential injuries during your cruise, travel medical insurance covers medical expenses up to a maximum amount. This coverage is worth considering if you’re cruising abroad, as domestic healthcare may provide limited to no coverage out of the country. If you’re worried about suffering a medical emergency and requiring transport to a hospital while at sea, it is important to also have emergency medical evacuation coverage.
Trip cancellation insurance and interruption coverage can reimburse you if you cancel or cut your cruise short for a covered reason. If you’re concerned about canceling your trip for a reason not listed under a policy’s coverage terms, consider cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage. If you’re looking at plans explicitly marketed for cruises, you may find special benefits like cruise diversion, cruise disablement and prepaid excursion reimbursem*nt.
Other benefits to look for with a cruise insurance policy include travel delay coverage, baggage insurance and missed connection coverage. If you are concerned about pre-existing conditions or COVID-19 coverage, check if a cruise insurance plan offers these protections as you shop for a policy.
How We Picked the Best Cruise Insurance Companies
To recommend the best providers to our readers, we looked for the following factors when evaluating coverage options for cruise insurance:
- Cruise-specific plan options: Our team sought out travel insurance providers that offer cruise-specific plans with coverages not found on standard policies, such as shipboard service disruption coverage, prepaid excursion reimbursem*nt and more.
- Medical coverage: This protection helps pay for medical care at a local facility if you’re injured on your cruise. Companies with more generous medical coverage limits ranked higher in our roundup.
- Medical evacuation: We prioritized companies offering higher medical evacuation coverage, which can benefit you depending on how long and far you are from a port while on the cruise ship.
- Coverage maximums: We considered whether a provider offered higher-value coverage options for travelers planning longer trips or opting for an all-inclusive luxury package.
- Cost: We requested sample quotes from dozens of travel insurance providers and compared price and coverage options to determine the insurer offering the best values.
Top Cruise Insurance Plans at a Glance
| Company | Cost* | Recommended Plan | CFAR Coverage | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $208 | Luxury Cruise | Yes, up to 75% | GET QUOTE |
| $193 | Travel Protection | Yes, up to 75% | GET QUOTE | |
| $163 | WaveCare® | Yes, up to 75% | GET QUOTE | |
| $134 | Travel Basic | Yes, up to 75% | GET QUOTE |
| $198 | Gold Plan | Yes, up to 75% | GET QUOTE |
| $204 | Safe Travels Voyager | Yes, up to 75% | GET QUOTE |
| Company | Cost* | Recommended Plan | CFAR Coverage | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $208 | Luxury Cruise | Yes, up to 75% | GET QUOTE |
| $193 | Travel Protection | Yes, up to 75% | GET QUOTE | |
| $163 | WaveCare® | Yes, up to 75% | GET QUOTE | |
| $134 | Travel Basic | Yes, up to 75% | GET QUOTE |
| $198 | Gold Plan | Yes, up to 75% | GET QUOTE |
| $204 | Safe Travels Voyager | Yes, up to 75% | GET QUOTE |
No results were found.
*We determined costs by averaging quotes we pulled for four different traveler profiles. Your actual cruise insurance plan costs and CFAR coverage availability will vary.
The Best Cruise Insurance Options
To determine the best cruise insurance options for our review, we collected several sample quotes, carefully examined policy and coverage details, and evaluated providers with specialized cruising plans. Our thorough research found that the following travel insurance companies provide the best cruise insurance plans in the industry.
Nationwide Travel Insurance
Our pick for most coverage reimbursed
4.6
Our Rating
Cost: 5/5
Coverage Extras: 1.875/5
Coverage Details: 5/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 4.2/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.8/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 4.375/5
Credit Rating: 4/5
Average Cost$208Recommended PlanLuxury Cruise
Pros and Cons
Pros Offers multiple plans specifically for cruising Provides CFAR coverage up to 75% of your trip cost Gives travelers 10 days to request a refund Cons CFAR coverage is not available as an add-on with the Basic Cruise plan Medical coverage is secondary to your primary health insurance plan
Cruise Insurance Highlights
- Nationwide offers plans specifically for cruises with benefits such as shipboard service disruption, prepaid excursion reimbursem*nt and missed connection benefits.
- Cruise-specific policies include medical and non-medical evacuation coverage.
- Nationwide covers up to 100% of your total trip costs for a covered cancellation and up to 150% of your total costs for trip interruption.
Coverage and Cost
Plans and Coverage
Nationwide offers three cruise insurance plans with varying coverage limits. Each plan also includes missed connection coverage and reimbursem*nts for itinerary changes.
| Coverage Item | Universal Cruise | Choice Cruise | Luxury Cruise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trip cancellation | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs |
| Trip interruption | 125% of trip costs | 150% of trip costs | 150% of trip costs |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $1,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Baggage delay | $250 | $500 | $1,000 |
| Medical expenses | $75,000 | $100,000 | $150,000 |
| Emergency evacuation | $250,000 | $500,000 | $1 million |
Add-On Options
Nationwide allows you to add the following optional coverages to your cruise travel insurance plan:
- Accidental death and dismemberment
- CFAR coverage (up to 75%)
- Vendor financial default coverage
- Preexisting medical conditions coverage waiver
- Rental car collision coverage
Cost
Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Nationwide’s average trip cost is $182.17.
*A.M. Best ratings accurate as of July 2023
Faye
OUR PICK FOR ALL-ONLINE EXPERIENCE
4.6
Our Rating
Cost: 4/5
Coverage Extras: 4.4/5
Coverage Details: 4.7/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 5/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.8/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 4.7/5
Credit Rating: 3/5
Average Cost$193Recommended PlanTravel Protection
Pros and Cons
Pros Offers a pet care add-on that covers additional boarding expenses for a prolonged trip Equips policyholders with 24/7 live emergency assistance Provides add-on CFAR coverage up to 75% of your total trip cost Cons No plans specifically for cruises Only offers one policy choice
Cruise Insurance Highlights
- Faye provides policyholders with a comprehensive mobile app and 24/7 customer service, a potential benefit for travelers at sea and restricted to internet-based communication.
- Covers medical and non-medical emergency evacuation, with medical benefits capped at $500,000 and non-medical at $100,000.
- Faye’s travel insurance plan treats COVID-19 like any other illness, including any required care under its emergency accident and sickness medical expense coverage.
Coverage and Add-Ons
Plans and Coverage
Unlike most competitors, Faye only offers one travel insurance policy with the following included coverages:
| Coverage Item | Standard Plan |
|---|---|
| Trip Cancellation | 100% of trip costs |
| Trip interruption | 150% of trip costs |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $2,000 |
| Baggage delay | $200 |
| Medical expenses | $250,000 |
| Emergency evacuation | $500,000 |
It also includes other coverage that could benefit cruise-goers, such as a passport replacement benefit, up to $200 for in-trip inconveniences and protection for sporting equipment.
Optional Add-Ons
Faye offers the following add-on coverage options — though residents in some states such as New York only have access to limited add-ons.
- Cancel for any reason (CFAR)
- Rental car damage or theft
- Adventure and extreme sports protection
- Vacation rental damage protection
- Pet care
Cost
Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Faye’s average trip cost is $298.
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
Our pick for luxury travelers
4.6
Our Rating
Cost: 4.5/5
Coverage Extras: 3.75/5
Coverage Details: 5/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 3.5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 4.2/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.6/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 5/5
Credit Rating: 5/5
Average Cost$163Recommended PlanWaveCare®
Pros and Cons
Pros Covers cruise-specific events such as ship disablement and cruise diversion Provides 24/7 access to emergency assistance services Offers affordable coverage compared to other providers on our list Cons Caps medical expense coverage at $75,000 No CFAR coverage add-on available with WaveCare®
Cruise Insurance Highlights
- WaveCare® covers up to 100% of your total trip costs for covered cancellations and 150% of your total trip costs for covered interruptions.
- Berkshire Hathaway’s cruise-specific plan offers coverage beyond the norm, including cruise disablement, cruise diversion and river cruise diversion coverage.
- WaveCare® provides coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation up to $750,000.
Coverage and Cost
Plans and Coverage
While Berkshire Hathaway offers various travel insurance plans, WaveCare™ is specific to cruise protection. In addition to the coverage outlined in the chart below, this plan also includes $500 in fixed coverage if your cruise ship is disabled.
If you are going on a high-value cruise and would prefer increased coverage limits, Berkshire Hathaway also offers travel insurance plans designed for vacations with expensive inclusions. Its LuxuryCare plans include additional leisure protections, such as concierge services and up to $100,000 in insurance coverage.
| Coverage Item | WaveCare™ |
|---|---|
| Trip cancellation | 100% of trip cost |
| Trip interruption | 150% of trip cost |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $1,500 |
| Baggage delay | $200 |
| Medical expenses | $75,000 |
| Emergency evacuation | $750,000 |
Add-On Options
Berkshire Hathaway currently offers the following additional coverage options:
- CFAR coverage
- Vendor financial default coverage
- Preexisting conditions waiver
Cost
Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Berkshire’s average trip cost is $163.
Travelex
Our pick for families
4.7
Our Rating
Cost: 4.75/5
Coverage Extras: 2.5/5
Coverage Details: 5/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 5/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.6/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 4/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 5.2/5
Credit Rating: 5/5
Average Cost$134Recommended PlanTravel Basic
Pros and Cons
Pros Plans include 24/7 travel assistance Offers a 15-day money-back period after purchasing a policy Provides the most affordable plan in our review Cons No CFAR add-on coverage available with Travel Basic Caps trip interruption benefits at 100%
Cruise Insurance Highlights
- Travelex offers some of the most affordable plans of the providers on our list, and allows parents to extend coverage to their children for a slightly higher rate.
- Add-on coverages available through the Travel Basic plan include car rental collision coverage and flight accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D).
- The Travel Basic policy has no deductible and is considered a primary coverage plan.
Coverage and Cost
Plans and Coverage
Travelex offers three travel insurance plans that can protect your cruise. The Travel America Plan, which can cover up to eight travelers, also includes unique protections like inconveniences caused by sporting equipment delays and medical expenses for your pet.
| Coverage Item | Travel Basic | Travel Select | Travel America |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trip cancellation | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs |
| Trip interruption | 100% of trip costs | 150% of trip costs | 150% of trip costs |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $500 | $1,000 | $250,000 |
| Baggage delay | $100 | $200 | $1,000 |
| Medical expenses | $15,000 | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Emergency evacuation | $100,000 | $500,000 | $100,000 |
Add-On Options
The following add-on coverages are available on Travel Select plans:
- Car rental collision
- Additional medical coverage
- Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) benefits for air travel
- Adventure sports coverage
- CFAR coverage
Note that add-on options may be limited for the Travel Basic Plan.
Cost
Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Travelex’s average trip cost is $242.
AXA Assistance USA
Our pick for leisure travelers
4.3
Our Rating
Cost: 4/5
Coverage Extras: 3.1/5
Coverage Details: 4.7/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 2.9/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.6/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 4.6/5
Credit Rating: 4/5
Average Cost$198Recommended PlanGold Plan
Pros and Cons
Pros Caps Trip interruption coverage at 150% Extends emergency and non-emergency evacuation coverage The Gold Plan provides $100,000 in emergency medical protection Cons Optional sports coverages only available through the Platinum Plan Can only add CFAR coverage to the Platinum Plan
Cruise Insurance Highlights
- AXA Assistance’s plans include 24/7 concierge services to help you with travel-related services and emergencies.
- The Gold Plan offers $100,000 in emergency medical coverage, $500,000 in emergency evacuation and 100% trip cancellation coverage.
- Rental car coverage is available through the Gold and Platinum Plans.
Coverage and Cost
Plans and Coverage
AXA Assistance offers three travel insurance plans that you can purchase to protect your cruise. If you are planning sporting or leisurely activities, the Platinum Plan includes daily coverages for lost skier days, lost golf rounds and sporting equipment rentals.
| Coverage Item | Silver Plan | Gold Plan | Platinum Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trip cancellation | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs |
| Trip interruption | 125% of trip costs | 150% of trip costs | 150% of trip costs |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $750 | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| Baggage delay | $200 | $300 | $600 |
| Medical expenses | $25,000 | $100,000 | $250,000 |
| Emergency evacuation | $100,000 | $500,000 | $1 million |
Add-On Options
AXA Assistance offers the following optional add-ons for its Platinum Plan:
- CFAR coverage (up to 75%)
- Rental car collision waiver
While you can also add rental car collision protection to the Gold Plan, the Silver Plan is not eligible for any add-on coverages.
Cost
Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, AXA’s average trip cost is $265.50.
Trawick International
Our pick for student travel insurance
4.5
Our Rating
Cost: 5/5
Coverage Extras: 2.5/5
Coverage Details: 5/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 3.3/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.6/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 4.2/5
Credit Rating: 3/5
Average Cost$204Recommended PlanSafe Travels Voyager
Pros and Cons
Pros Provides $1 million in medical evacuation coverage with the Safe Travels Voyager plan Covers the emergency evacuation of a hospital companion Offers optional CFAR coverage of up to 75% of your trip costs Cons Some plans only available to U.S. citizens and residents Caps evacuation coverage for your hospital companion at $1,000
Cruise Insurance Highlights
- The Safe Travels Voyager plan, marketed as Trawick’s most popular cruise insurance coverage, includes 30 covered reasons for trip cancellation.
- Trawick offers various optional add-on benefits, such as CFAR coverage, 24-hour AD&D, trip interruption for any reason (IFAR) coverage and more.
- Trawick provides a stipend for a hospital companion to evacuate with you during a medical emergency.
Coverage and Cost
Plans and Coverage
Trawick has three options for annual cruise insurance, with each plan offering coverage for up to 30 days per trip.
| Coverage Item | Safe Travels Basic Annual | Safe Travels Deluxe Annual | Safe Travels Executive Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trip cancellation | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs |
| Trip interruption | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $500 | $750 | $1,000 |
| Baggage delay | $100 | $200 | $250 |
| Medical expenses | $10,000 | $20,000 | $50,000 |
| Emergency evacuation | $50,000 | $100,000 | $250,000 |
Add-On Options
Trawick Travel Insurance does not currently offer add-ons for its annual cruise policies.
Cost
Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Trawick’s average trip cost is $208.41.
How Much Does Cruise Insurance Cost?
The cost of cruise insurance can vary between customers. The best way to determine what you will pay for your coverage is to get a quote. According to data from Berkshire Hathaway, you can expect to pay between 5% and 10% of your total cruise vacation price for insurance.
To help you get a better idea of what you might pay for cruise insurance, we requested multiple quotes from the providers in our review using various sample traveler profiles. The table below summarizes our findings:
| Provider | Our Plan Recommendation | Cost |
| Nationwide | Luxury Cruise | $73–$346 |
| Faye | Travel Protection Plan | $76–$328 |
| Berkshire Hathaway | WaveCare® | $54–$260 |
| Travelex | Travel Basic | $34–$224 |
| AXA Assistance USA | Gold Plan | $69–$354 |
| Trawick International | Safe Travels Voyager | $47–$401 |
To calculate costs, we collected quotes for each of the following trips and traveler profiles:
- 70-year-old couple taking a $3,000, seven-day cruise in Mexico
- 65-year-old taking a $1,200, five-day cruise in the Bahamas
- 34-year-old couple taking a $6,000, seven-day cruise in Greece
- 21-year-old taking a $900, five-day cruise in the Caribbean
What Affects the Cost of Cruise Insurance?
As with most types of insurance, the cost of a cruise insurance policy will vary depending on your trip and personal details. Some of the most significant factors that insurance providers consider when pricing cruise policies include the following:
- Your age: According to the CLIA, the average age of a cruise tourist is around 46 years old. Travelers above the age of 50 will pay higher rates than younger travelers.
- Total trip cost: Expect to pay more for your insurance if you take a luxury or higher-value cruise trip.
- Total trip length: The number of days you travel likely increases your chances of getting sick or injured, raising your cruise insurance cost.
- Plan type: There are several types of cruise insurance policies. The more protection you need, typically the more expensive your cruise insurance quote.
- Number of travelers: While you can buy a single policy for multiple travelers, each traveler will have their own premium, increasing the total cost of your trip coverage.
- Destination: Destination may affect the cost of your cruise trip insurance, especially when you consider on-shore excursions. For example, if you’re embarking on a cruise to a jungle with adventure-centered excursions, you will likely pay more for coverage than someone taking a cruise to a quiet beach town.
Is Cruise Insurance Worth It?
Determining whether cruise insurance is worth it is a personal decision. Cruises can get expensive quickly, so if you’re embarking on a 14-day international cruise that you’ve spent months saving up for, you may prefer to protect your investment. Spending a fraction of your total cruise expenses on insurance can help prevent you from forfeiting the entire cost of a non-refundable trip should the worst happen.
Angela Borden, a product marketing specialist at Seven Corners, noted that “When you’ve made a financial investment in your trip or need to protect your health when you travel, travel insurance is 100% worth it.” She also pointed out that coverage can help you recoup your expenses if the unexpected happens.
“Travel insurance can also reimburse you if your belongings are lost, stolen, or damaged and you need to replace them during your trip,” she added. “Again, that’s a financial savings you would have missed out on if you didn’t have travel insurance.”
If you are unsure whether cruise insurance is worth it, we recommend getting a quote from our highlighted insurance providers before you set sail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Insurance
Cruise insurance should provide you with 100% coverage for trip cancellation and at least 100% trip interruption coverage. Your policy should also include baggage loss, trip delay coverage, medical care and emergency evacuations.
While your trip insurance cost might not increase if you buy a policy at the last minute, it’s best to buy coverage as soon as you make your initial trip deposit. Most insurance companies only allow you to add CFAR coverage a few days after you make your first trip payment. If you’re considering this insurance add-on, buy coverage as soon as possible.
Whether you need travel insurance specifically for cruises depends on the provider. While some travel insurance companies specify that policies provide coverage even if you’re on a cruise, others may exclude cruises from standard travel plans. For this reason, it’s best to check the terms of your coverage before purchasing a policy.
Some companies, like Nationwide and Berkshire Hathaway, offer cruise-specific protection plans in addition to standalone travel insurance policies.
There are multiple benefits to investing in a cruise insurance policy. Cruise insurance provides you with money back for nonrefundable trip expenses, which can help you recoup a portion of your costs if you need to cancel at the last minute. Cruise insurance also provides protection when you’re on a boat and visiting international ports of call, with medical insurance coverage and compensation for travel expenses if you’re forced to evacuate during your vacation.
Travel insurance policy purchases have spiked since the COVID-19 pandemic. Most travel policies consider COVID-19 the same as any other illness, which means you may be entitled to use your insurance benefits if you’re hospitalized or cannot travel due to COVID-19. However, this also means that the fear of catching a new COVID strain will not entitle you to use your cruise insurance.
If you’re concerned about the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on your vacation plan, consider upgrading to CFAR coverage.
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Sarah HorvathAuthor
Sarah Horvath is one of the home service industry’s most accomplished writers. Her specialties include writing about home warranties, insurance, home improvement and household finances. You can find her writing published through distributors like HouseMethod, Architectural Digest, Good Housekeeping and more. When not writing, she enjoys spending time in her home in Orlando with her fiance and parrot.
Tori AddisonEditor
Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.
