Cruise Travel Insurance
Sail with confidence. An Atlas Journey Elevate plan from WorldTrips can reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable cruise costs if you need to cancel or cut your voyage short for a covered reason. It also includes emergency medical, medical evacuation, missed connection, travel delay, and baggage protection benefits to keep you covered from departure to return.
What Cruise Travel Insurance Covers
Cruise travel insurance helps protect your investment in a cruise trip by reimbursing nonrefundable expenses if you must cancel or interrupt your voyage for a covered reason such as illness, injury, or certain weather events. It also offers travel protection benefits to help cover costs from delays, missed departures, or lost baggage.
With an Atlas Journey Elevate plan, you get more than basic trip protection. You receive medical coverage for unexpected emergencies at sea or in foreign ports. Eligible costs may include:
- Doctor or hospital visits
- Ambulance transportation
- Anesthetics, X-rays, and laboratory services
If you suffer a covered, critical medical emergency and local care isn’t sufficient, your medical evacuation benefit can organize and cover approved transport to an appropriate facility, with necessary care provided en route. Repatriation of remains coverage is also included if a covered traveler dies during the trip.
Travelers can also enhance protection with Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage or other optional upgrades that allow you to customize your plan for added flexibility and peace of mind. Coverage and limits vary by plan and state. Review your plan documents for complete details.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Cruise?
Many travelers wonder, should I get travel insurance for a cruise? A cruise vacation is more than just your time on the ship. It often includes flights or travel to your port, hotel stays before or after the voyage, and multiple international destinations — all of which can increase your risk of unexpected disruptions. Here are several reasons why travel insurance for cruising can be worth it:
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The ship will not wait: A delayed flight or missed connection could cause you to miss embarkation. Missed connection benefits can help you reach the next port.
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Care at sea or in port may be limited: Ship infirmaries and small island ports often have limited facilities. In life-threatening cases, a medical evacuation may be needed.
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Domestic health plans may not cover you abroad: Many U.S. health insurance policies do not cover care outside the country or medical evacuation. Check your current health insurance provider to see if you’re already covered for emergency care and evacuations abroad.
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Weather and itinerary changes happen: Hurricanes or storms can cancel ports and delay trips. Buying coverage early helps protect you against these disruptions.
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Independent bookings are common: If you book flights or hotels outside your cruise line’s package, a third-party cruise travel insurance plan can cover them.
Real Traveler Experiences: What Reddit Users Say About Cruise Insurance
Travelers have shared many of their cruise insurance stories on Reddit and cruise forums—some positive, others cautionary. These firsthand experiences highlight why it’s important to research and compare coverage carefully.
One Reddit user on r/Cruise noted:
“No one needs travel insurance - until they do. It's like all insurance. The odds are you won't use it. But if you are that one, well you'll be glad you have it. …. We generally get it if the cruise cost is high, only because we are old enough that we could have an unexpected health event. But for a last minute lark that was cheap, we don't."
Source: r/Cruise
Even on CruiseCritic, one user summarized the gap many cruisers discover too late:
“I ALWAYS make sure we have Cancel For Any Reason. Many third-party policies will give you that option for additional purchase. I have found that the cruise line offers Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) included (although it may be in the form of cruise credit) at a cheaper price than third party. Are you comfortable with the $20K limit for medical? $25K limit for medevac? Those are very small in comparison to many other insurance plans.”
Source: CruiseCritic
These discussions show the range of traveler experiences—from smooth travel insurance reimbursements to unexpected limitations. They also reveal a consistent theme: many cruisers assume the cruise line’s insurance provides as broad of protection as third party provider trip protection plans, only to learn later that it may not.
When in doubt, always read the travel insurance policy documents and fine print.
Cruise-Line Insurance vs Third-Party Cruise Travel Insurance
When planning your trip, you’ll likely see two types of cruise travel insurance options: insurance sold by the cruise line (usually sold during the booking process) and independent third-party cruise insurance.
Cruise-Line Insurance
What it is:
An add-on sold by cruise lines like Royal Caribbean or Carnival that covers cancellations and basic onboard incidents.
Typical limitations:
- Often limited to events that occur during your cruise (not before you embark).
- Some policies reimburse in future cruise credits instead of cash.
- Medical coverage limits may be lower and it may not cover emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.
- May not cover independently booked flights, hotels, or excursions.
- Usually lacks pre-existing* condition waivers or CFAR flexibility.
Third-Party Cruise Travel Insurance
What it is:
An independent plan, such as Atlas Journey Elevate, that provides comprehensive protection before, during, and after your cruise.
Advantages over Cruise-Line Insurance:
- Broader coverage, including independent flights and hotels.
- Higher medical and evacuation limits.
- Cash reimbursement for covered events rather than cruise credits.
- CFAR and pre-existing condition waiver options.
- 24/7 travel assistance for medical and logistical emergencies.
What to check:
Make sure your policy explicitly covers cruises, missed ports, independent bookings, and medical evacuation. Check policy documents for exclusions such as extreme sports or pre-existing conditions.
Overall, third-party plans like Atlas Journey Elevate are often a better fit for cruise travelers who value flexibility, higher coverage limits, and overall coverage for the entirety of their trip, not just for what happens on the ship.
The Best Cruise Travel Insurance Benefits to Look For
If you’re searching online for best cruise travel insurance, focus on covered benefits that relate closer with your trip plans and needs. Here’s what the best cruise travel insurance options typically include:
Benefit |
Why It Matters |
Atlas Journey Elevate |
|---|---|---|
| Trip Cancellation and Interruption | Cruises are prepaid and nonrefundable. You need reimbursement if you cancel for a covered reason. | Reimburses prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs for over 40 covered reasons (average is between 20-30 covered reasons). |
| Missed Connection or Missed Port Coverage | Weather or flight delays can cause you to miss embarkation. | Covers costs to rejoin your ship at the next port for covered reasons. |
| Medical Expense and Evacuation Coverage | Medical care on ships or at ports can be expensive. | Includes high-limit medical and evacuation coverage for critical illness or injury. (Read policy documents for full terms and “Hospital of Choice” add-on) |
| Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) | Adds flexibility when plans change | Available as an optional upgrade. |
| Pre-Existing Condition Waiver | Important for older travelers or those with health conditions. | Available if purchased within the required time window. |
| Baggage Delay and Loss | Lost or delayed luggage can ruin your start. | Reimburses for essential items or losses. |
| Independent Booking Coverage | Protects self-booked flights or hotels. | Covers independently arranged travel segments. |
“WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024, based on our analysis of cost and coverage options.”
Cost and When to Buy Cruise Travel Insurance
Typical cost: Comprehensive cruise travel insurance usually costs a small percentage of your total trip. Plans with CFAR or higher limits may cost more.
Plan Name |
Age |
Destination |
Total Trip Cost |
Trip Length |
Plan Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas Journey Elevate | 40 yrs. | France | $3,000 | 7 days | $122 |
| Atlas Journey Elevate | 23 yrs. | Australia | $7,000 | 10 days | $238 |
| Atlas Journey Elevate | 51 yrs. | Brazil | $4,250 | 15 days | $276 |
*Quote Data from October 2025. Pricing will vary based on individual and trip-related factors.
Timing matters: Buying within 21 days of your first trip payment can preserve eligibility for a pre-existing* condition waiver.
Pro tip: Buy early to maximize protection for hurricanes or other time-sensitive events.
Only Need Medical and Evacuation Coverage?
If you already have cancellation protection or only need health and evacuation coverage, consider Atlas Travel.
This travel medical plan provides coverage for unexpected illnesses and injuries, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains while abroad. Premiums start at less than $1 per day, making it a budget-friendly choice for those focused on medical protection during their cruise.
Cruise Travel Insurance FAQs
Do I need cruise travel insurance for a domestic cruise?
If your cruise visits foreign ports or includes non-refundable expenses, cruise travel insurance can help provide extra coverage that your domestic health insurance cannot cover.
Will cruise travel insurance cover a missed flight connection to the ship?
Third-party cruise insurance plans, like Atlas Journey Elevate, can include coverage for missed flight connections. However, a cruise-line’s travel insurance policy may not cover this since many of those plans typically only cover what happens on the ship itself.
What medical evacuation limit should I choose?
This depends on your specific needs and travel plans. Medical evacuations from remote cruise locations can cost over $250,000, so be mindful of that when considering cruise travel insurance.
Is my credit card’s travel insurance enough?
Most credit card coverage is limited and may only protect the card holder and purchases made on that specific credit card. Third-party plans like Atlas Journey Elevate can provide higher limits and broader coverage.
Should I buy the cruise line’s insurance or a third-party policy?
Cruise line coverage often reimburses using credits instead of cash and may not extend the cover past the boundaries of their own ship. This means flights, hotels, and any off-ship excursions may not be covered. Third-party plans like Atlas Journey Elevate reimburse in cash and offer more comprehensive coverage across the entirety of your trip.
*Pre-existing conditions are excluded from WorldTrips Atlas Journey coverage unless you meet both of these requirements:
- you purchase your Atlas Journey Elevate or Explore plan within 21 days or purchase your Atlas Escape plan within 14 days of the date you made your first payment toward your trip; and
- you are medically able to travel on your coverage effective date.
If you do not purchase your Atlas Journey plan within the required time period, a 90-day lookback period will apply to pre-existing conditions. View the "Exclusions" section below to see what qualifies as a pre-existing condition.
Pre existing condition means an illness, disease, or other condition during the 90 day period immediately before your coverage effective date for which you did any of the following:
• received a test, examination, or medical treatment
• received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment
• took or received a prescription for medication
Item (3) above does not apply to a condition that is treated or controlled solely through the use of prescription medication and remains treated or controlled without any change in required prescription throughout the 90 day period before your coverage effective date.
Change in required prescription means the dosage or frequency has been increased, reduced, stopped, and or new medication has been prescribed due to the worsening of the condition being treated. Exceptions include:
• switching between brand name and generic medication with equivalent dosage
• adjustments to insulin or anti-coagulant dosage
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WorldTrips is a service company and a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies.
WorldTrips' Atlas Travel Series and StudentSecure international travel medical insurance products are underwritten through binding authorities with TMHCC (CI) Insurance SPC Ltd and Houston Casualty Company (HC).
WorldTrips' Atlas Journey, Atlas Cruiser, and Atlas On-The-Go trip protection insurance products are underwritten by Tokio Marine HCC's U.S. Specialty Insurance Company (USSIC). USSIC is a Texas-domiciled insurance company operating on an admitted basis throughout the United States. Coverage is available to U.S. residents of the U.S. states and District of Columbia only. This plan provides insurance coverage that only applies during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home, and automobile insurance policies. Coverage may not be available in all states.
In the State of California, operating as WorldTrips Insurance Services. California Non-Resident Producer License Number: 0G39705