Quick Answer
Buy travel insurance as soon as you book your cruise. Look for cruise-specific cover if possible, especially for missed departure, cancellation, medical treatment, repatriation, cabin confinement, missed ports and excursions.
What To Check
| Cover area | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Medical treatment abroad | Cruise medical centres and overseas hospitals can be expensive |
| Repatriation | Getting home after illness or injury can cost a lot |
| Cancellation | Protects the money you pay before travelling |
| Missed departure | Useful if travel to the port goes wrong |
| Cabin confinement | Cruise-specific policies may include this |
| Missed ports | Some cruise policies offer a benefit if ports are skipped |
| Excursions | Activities such as kayaking or winter sports may need extra cover |
Declare Medical Conditions
Always declare pre-existing medical conditions honestly. A cheaper policy that refuses a claim is not cheaper. It is just paper with confidence.
GHIC Is Not Enough
A GHIC can help with some state healthcare in certain countries, but it does not replace travel insurance and does not cover everything a cruise traveller may need.
When To Buy
Buy insurance soon after booking so cancellation cover starts early. Waiting until the week before travel leaves a gap when a lot can still go wrong.