About This Guide – This page explains what Cruise Cover includes, who it’s suitable for, what cruise-specific benefits are provided, and how Cruise Cover works alongside your travel insurance. It also highlights key considerations, medical requirements and tips to help you choose the right level of cover for your cruise holiday.
Cruise Cover
Cruise holidays are a unique way to explore multiple destinations in one trip — but they also come with risks that standard travel insurance may not fully protect you against. Cruise Cover is designed to give you specialist protection at sea, including missed port stops, cabin confinement, medical emergencies and disruptions to your itinerary.
If you’re booking a cruise, adding Cruise Cover to your travel insurance ensures you’re properly protected throughout your journey.
Do I Need Cruise Cover?
Yes — if you’re going on a cruise, Cruise Cover is highly recommended. Unlike standard travel insurance, it provides benefits created specifically for cruise holidays, such as:
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Missed port departure
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Skipped ports due to weather or timetable changes
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Cabin confinement due to illness
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Protection for formal cruise attire
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Shore excursion cover
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Cruise interruption
Cruises involve long periods at sea and multiple port stops, which means the risks differ from typical land-based holidays.
What counts as a cruise?
A cruise is any trip on an ocean, sea or river vessel that provides both accommodation and transportation.
A ferry crossing does not count as a cruise.
What Does Cruise Cover Include?
When you add Cruise Cover, you unlock several cruise-specific protections. Cover limits vary by policy level.
- Missed Port Departure — up to £1,500
Covers additional travel costs required to reach the next port if you miss your ship because:
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Your vehicle broke down or was involved in an accident
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Public transport was delayed
- Skipped Port Benefit — up to £1,000
If your cruise operator cancels a scheduled port due to:
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Bad weather
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Operational restrictions
You can receive a benefit for each missed stop.
- Cabin Confinement — up to £750
Provides compensation if illness or injury requires you to remain in your cabin or stay in hospital as an in-patient.
- Cruise Attire Cover — up to £1,000
Protects your formal cruise clothing if it is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed (excluding hired or loaned attire).
- Delayed Cruise Attire — up to £250
Covers emergency replacement clothing if your formal attire is delayed for 24+ hours on your outward journey.
- Shore Excursion Cover — up to £1,000
Covers pre-paid excursions if:
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A medical practitioner advises you not to go due to illness/injury (including COVID-19), or
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Your ship cannot dock at the scheduled port
- Cruise Interruption — up to £1,500
Covers additional travel expenses to re-join your cruise at the next port if you require treatment on land.
- Low / High Water Cover (River Cruises) — up to £2,000
Covers disruption if your river cruise itinerary changes because:
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Only land-based accommodation is provided, or
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You need to switch ships
- Denied Boarding — up to £250
If you are denied boarding due to suspected contagious illness (including pandemic diseases), you’ll be covered for:
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Food and refreshments
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Communication costs
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Additional travel expenses
👉 For full terms and exclusions, please refer to the Policy Wording.
Do I Still Need Cruise Cover If I Have an EHIC or GHIC?
Yes.
EHICs and GHICs do not cover cruise-specific risks and do not replace travel insurance.
They:
❌ Do not cover onboard medical treatment
❌ Do not cover repatriation
❌ Do not cover missed ports or cruise itinerary changes
❌ Only apply on land within participating European countries
Cruise Cover includes all of this — plus additional benefits tailored for cruise travellers.
Do Cruise Destinations Affect the Cost of My Travel Insurance?
Yes — your itinerary can influence your premium.
Higher private healthcare costs in destinations such as:
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North America
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Central America
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China & Hong Kong
…can increase the price of your policy.
A single hospital stay and repatriation from the USA can reach £100,000+, which is why adequate medical cover is essential for cruise holidays.
Do I Need to Declare Pre-Existing Medical Conditions?
Yes — always declare pre-existing medical conditions during your quote.
If a medical emergency occurs and it relates to a condition you didn’t declare, your claim may be declined.
Examples of conditions to declare include:
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High blood pressure
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Diabetes
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Heart conditions
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Respiratory issues
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Cancer
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Recent medical treatment or surgeries
👉 For more details, see our page on Travel Insurance for Medical Conditions.
Top Tips When Choosing Cruise Cover
✔ Select cancellation cover that matches the full cost of your cruise
Cruise holidays are often more expensive than standard trips — choose a cancellation limit that covers everything you’ve paid for.
✔ Check medical cover limits
General guidance:
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Europe: £1 million minimum
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Worldwide: £2 million minimum
Covered2Go policies include £5–£10 million as standard.
✔ Declare all medical conditions
This ensures you’re properly protected during your cruise.
✔ Consider itinerary risks
Look for cover that includes missed ports, delays, itinerary changes and cruise interruption.
Top FAQs About Cruise Cover
Do I need Cruise Cover for my holiday?
Yes. Cruise Cover protects you against cruise-specific risks such as missed ports, itinerary changes, onboard medical issues and cabin confinement.
Is Cruise Cover included in standard travel insurance?
No. Cruise Cover is an optional upgrade that must be added to your policy.
Does Cruise Cover apply to river cruises?
Yes. Both ocean and river cruises are covered, including disruption from low or high water levels.
Will my medical conditions be covered on a cruise?
Yes, as long as you declare all pre-existing medical conditions during your quote.
Does my EHIC or GHIC replace Cruise Cover?
No. EHIC/GHIC only applies to some state healthcare on land — not onboard ships or cruise-related risks.
Am I covered if my cruise ship misses a port?
Yes. Skipped Port benefits apply if your ship cannot dock due to weather or timetable restrictions.
Does Cruise Cover include shore excursions?
Yes. Pre-paid excursions are covered if illness, injury or docking issues stop you from attending.
👉 For full terms, conditions and exclusions, please refer to the Policy Wording.
Related Travel Insurance Options
If you’re comparing different types of cover for your trip, you may also find the following options helpful:
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Ideal if you’re taking one holiday or cruise and want cover for that specific trip.
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Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
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Perfect for frequent travellers who take several holidays throughout the year, including cruises.
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Medical Conditions Travel Insurance
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Specialist cover for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions who need tailored protection.
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Designed for senior travellers looking for flexible cover, with the option to add Cruise Cover.
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If your holiday includes skiing or snowboarding alongside your cruise, this additional cover can be added to your policy.
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Essential Travel Resources for UK Holidaymakers Booking a Cruise Holiday
Travel Advice & Requirements
- UK Foreign Travel Advice – Get up-to-date information on visa requirements, travel restrictions, and safety tips for your destination.
- NHS Fit for Travel – Find health advice, vaccinations, and travel health recommendations.
- U.S. ESTA Application – If travelling to the USA, apply for your ESTA visa waiver online.
Cover limits, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Policy Wording carefully to ensure the cover meets your needs.
Page last updated: December 2025
