Do I need travel insurance for a cruise?

Do you need travel insurance for a cruise? Learn about cruise medical cover, cancellation, repatriation and choosing travel insurance in the UK.

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Travel insurance is not usually a legal requirement for taking a cruise, but it is strongly recommended for UK cruise customers. Standard holiday insurance may not automatically provide the specialist cover a cruise can require, including medical treatment at sea, repatriation, missed port departures and cancellation. Check your policy carefully before you travel.

A cruise can involve several countries, time at sea and travel arrangements that are difficult or expensive to replace. If you become ill onboard, need treatment ashore or have to return home unexpectedly, your usual UK healthcare arrangements may not cover the full cost. A suitable policy can help with eligible medical expenses and repatriation, subject to its terms, limits and exclusions.

Look for a policy that specifically covers cruises and provides appropriate levels of:

Not always. Some insurers include cruises within their standard cover, while others require you to add cruise cover or choose a specialist policy. Confirm that the policy covers the whole itinerary, including countries visited, sea days, excursions and any pre- or post-cruise accommodation. Check whether activities such as diving, skiing or motorised watersports need extra cover.

They may be covered, but you must answer the insurer’s medical questions accurately and disclose relevant conditions, treatment and medication. The insurer may apply an additional premium, exclusions or special terms. Failing to disclose information could affect a claim. Take your policy details and emergency assistance number with you, and check whether the insurer requires approval before treatment or repatriation.

No. A GHIC or valid EHIC can provide access to some state healthcare in certain European countries under the relevant local arrangements, but it is not a replacement for travel insurance. It does not generally provide cover for private treatment, the cost of returning you to the UK, cancellation, missed departures or treatment onboard a ship.

Buy your policy when you book the cruise, rather than waiting until departure. Cancellation cover can only respond to insured events that happen after the policy starts, and policies commonly have conditions about when cover begins. Read the wording for cancellation reasons, financial limits, supplier failure, scheduled airline or transport delays and any exclusions.

The best travel insurance for cruises in the UK is the policy that matches your health, itinerary and needs, rather than necessarily the cheapest option. If you are unsure whether a policy covers a particular situation, ask the insurer before booking or travelling.