Why You Shouldn’t Buy Your Cruise Insurance From the Cruise Line

Planning a trip to a far off destination is an opportunity to pursue thrilling adventures and passion. Getting the right travel insurance is a must, especially when there’s a need to participate in activities at various ports in addition to your time spent on a cruise ship. Unexpected emergency situations such as unforeseen sicknesses can come up when visiting ports or while relaxing on the cruise ship.

However, deciding on the ideal trip insurance is important and anyone can make a rush decision to buy the insurance offered by the cruise line as opposed to shopping around for the right coverage for their needs (at the right price). By taking advantage of captive customers in the booking process, cruise lines generally offer a single trip protection plan at the time of purchase. At first, it might seem like an easy solution to buy the single plan offered by the cruise line, but it will generally be higher priced and with lower benefits than a plan you can find if you compare your options from multiple providers on TravelInsurance.com.

The best time for getting travel insurance is immediately after buying your cruise ticket. By buying right away, you can be covered for pre-departure benefits (such as trip cancellation coverage) for the longest period possible and also take advantage of certain available upgrades such as Cancel For Any Reason coverage.

Cancellations

After a long time of planning, unforeseen circumstances can result in canceling your trip at the last minute. Travel insurance companies offer protection from substantial cancellation charges and can refund costs for the prepaid cruise as well as flights and accommodations booked, if you cancel for a covered reason. When it comes to dealing with the cruise line, do not assume they will be forgiving or understanding in such times, as they might not refund you under their plan, but rather give you a credit for use on another one of their cruises, if they agree to your cancellation at all.

Trip Interruptions

Sometimes a cruise line has to halt the entire travel due to mechanical failure, weather or safety issues. Another trip interruption reason can be an emergency at home that needs your immediate attention. Unlike the coverage from the cruise lines, cruise insurance will cover your remaining unused trip costs and travel costs back home if you interrupt your trip for a covered reason.

Insurance Costs

Buying cruise insurance from the cruise line is usually more expensive. An insurance company can offer trip protection with more benefits for the same amount of money. However, it is important to research before purchasing and compare prices and benefits to get the right the protection at the right price.

Missed Connections

Cruise ships run on tight schedules, and they will not cover any missed departure time. The leading causes of missing a cruise ship include delayed flights or adverse weather conditions. On the other hand, travel insurance (via Missed Connection coverage) can reimburse the traveler for a set dollar amount to re-book travel to catch up with their cruise at the next port.

The most important thing to do after booking a cruise is to compare your options for cruise travel insurance. Check multiple providers and plans to find the right fit for you and your trip. Use our easy to use quote form to quote, compare and buy now.