Cruises have risks that ordinary holidays don’t: medical care at sea, missed ports and ships that change route. A standard policy may not cover all of these, so it’s worth checking the detail before you book.
Why cruises need specific cover
Medical care on a ship can be costly, and emergency evacuation from the sea is expensive. A GHIC is of no help on board. See GHIC vs travel insurance. Many insurers treat cruises as an add-on, and some exclude them from standard cover.
Cruise benefits to look for
- Medical expenses on board and ashore, including ship’s doctor fees.
- Emergency evacuation from the ship to hospital, and repatriation home. See repatriation cover.
- Cabin confinement, if you’re confined to your cabin on medical advice.
- Missed port or itinerary change, if the ship skips a stop for reasons beyond your control.
- Missed departure, if you miss the ship’s sailing because of covered delays on the way to the port.
- Unused excursions, if you can’t take pre-booked trips for covered reasons.
- Cancellation and curtailment, including for the cruise fare. See cancellation cover.
Things to check
- Is a cruise covered at all? Look for it in the policy or as an add-on.
- Medical limits. Make sure they’re sufficient for the regions you’ll visit, particularly if the cruise calls at the USA or the Caribbean.
- Pre-existing conditions. Declare them accurately. See pre-existing conditions.
- Pre-booked excursions. Check whether they’re covered if you miss the ship.
- Ship or cruise line insurance. It may be cheaper but narrower. Compare it with a stand-alone policy.
- Age and trip length limits. Longer voyages may need a specialist policy.
Cruise-specific exclusions
Common exclusions include conditions that weren’t declared, activities such as scuba diving or water sports that aren’t covered, and cancellation for events that were already known at booking. See common exclusions.
Single trip or annual?
If you cruise once a year, single trip cover with a cruise add-on may be simplest. If you take several trips, check whether an annual policy includes cruises. See annual vs single trip and which add-ons are worth it.
Frequently asked questions
Does standard travel insurance cover cruises?
Not always. Many policies need a cruise add-on or exclude cruises, so check before you book.
Is the GHIC valid on a cruise ship?
No. Healthcare on board isn’t covered by the GHIC, so you need travel insurance.
What is cabin confinement cover?
A benefit that pays if you’re confined to your cabin on medical advice, usually a set amount per day.
What happens if I miss the ship?
Missed departure cover may pay for getting to the next port, if the reason is covered. Check the policy terms.
Related travel insurance guides
- What Does Travel Insurance Cover? A Plain-English UK Guide
- How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost in the UK in 2026?
- How to Make a Travel Insurance Claim: Step-by-Step
- Why Was My Travel Insurance Claim Rejected? Common Reasons
- Travel Insurance Cancellation Cover: What Reasons Are Accepted?
This article is general information, not financial or insurance advice. Always read the policy documents before you buy.
