Cruising Without Insurance? Here’s What It Could Cost You

What cruise travel insurance actually is

Cruise travel insurance is designed specifically to protect travelers from the unique risks associated with cruising. These plans can reimburse non-refundable trip costs if you need to cancel or shorten your cruise, cover emergency medical expenses at sea or in foreign ports, arrange costly medical evacuations, and help with baggage delays or missed embarkations. These benefits can save travelers thousands of dollars in unexpected expenses.

How much it costs in 2025

The average cost of cruise insurance is typically between 4% and 10% of the total trip cost. For instance, a single-trip cruise policy with cancellation benefits may cost around $570, while more basic medical-only plans can average just over $110. These relatively modest premiums can offer protection against much higher financial losses.

Medical costs during cruises are often significantly higher than most travelers expect. Onboard clinics charge standard medical rates, and even a minor illness like the flu could lead to bills over $10,000. If a passenger needs to be medically evacuated to the nearest hospital, the cost can range from $30,000 to $100,000 or more, especially from remote locations. Air ambulance services can reach even higher totals. Cruise insurance that includes emergency medical and evacuation coverage is essential to protect against these potential expenses.

Plans tailored to travelers over 60

For seniors, cruise insurance is even more important. Original Medicare does not provide any coverage once a cruise ship is more than six hours away from a U.S. port. Even supplemental plans like Medigap have limited emergency benefits, often capped at $50,000. That’s why many experts recommend cruise insurance to anyone over 60 planning to travel by sea.

There are insurance plans tailored for older travelers that offer higher levels of emergency medical and evacuation coverage. Popular choices include plans with $100,000 to $500,000 in medical coverage and up to $1 million for evacuation. These plans often waive the exclusion for pre-existing conditions if purchased shortly after making the first trip deposit, typically within 21 days. This is especially important for seniors managing ongoing health conditions. On average, seniors can expect to pay around $28 per day for a comprehensive cruise policy.

Why seniors can’t rely on Medicare at sea

Original Medicare pays nothing once a vessel is more than six hours from a U.S. port, and even Medigap emergency benefits are capped at $50,000 for life. That gap is a chief reason travel‑insurance providers recommend buying a policy whenever seniors cruise outside territorial waters.

Why people choose, and should choose, to insure

Travelers buy cruise insurance not just for medical peace of mind, but also to protect against disruptions caused by weather events, itinerary changes, or missed departures due to flight delays. Additionally, some plans help cover quarantine-related expenses in case of illness outbreaks on the ship. Since cruise lines usually do not offer full refunds for such disruptions, having personal travel insurance helps travelers avoid losing their investment.

Conclusion

Cruise travel insurance is no longer an optional add-on. For seniors especially, it provides essential financial protection. Without it, travelers risk paying large sums out of pocket for medical emergencies, missed connections, or trip cancellations. Buying a policy at the time of booking, confirming coverage limits, and ensuring the inclusion of key benefits like pre-existing condition waivers can make a significant difference. In today’s uncertain travel landscape, cruise insurance offers peace of mind and real security. From the moment you set sail to the time you return home.