Cruise travel insurance: What you need to know

Planning a cruise trip? Great! There’s a lot to consider, of course. Naturally, you’ll have questions. Where should you go? What time of year is best? Which cruise company should you choose? These are all normal questions. One consideration that sometimes gets forgotten about is cruise travel insurance. Seasoned travellers will know all about it, but if you are just getting started with your first cruise vacation, here’s a quick guide on what you need to know.

 

Is cruise travel insurance necessary?

Well, it depends. First and foremost, you should always travel with a reputable and trusted cruise operator. Australis has been organising dream cruise trips to Patagonia for a long time, and we have developed a strong reputation over time. Our partners are reputable, too. Our cruise lines have insurance that covers civil liability as set out in the Third Book of Commercial Code of the Republic of Chile. That’s all well and good, of course, but many passengers choose to take matters into their own hands and take out their own cruise travel insurance policy.

That’s all well and good, of course, but many passengers choose to take matters into their own hands and take out their own cruise travel insurance policy. None of us can tell the future, and having your own insurance can provide peace of mind and an extra layer of comfort and security.

How to book cruise travel insurance

As with any insurance policy, you’ve got options. The open market means that insurers are in direct competition with one another for your custom. What’s more, insurance comparison sites online make insurer’s rates more transparent than ever before. If you have a trusted insurance company, go with them. If you are looking for something new, those comparison sites are a great place to start.

• Top tip: Try a website like insuremytrip.com to compare the market and see what’s out there. Don’t be afraid to consult multiple insurance providers in order to see who can offer you the most suitable, comprehensive or affordable cruise travel insurance coverage.

Why you should have cruise travel insurance

Still not convinced? Cruise travel is one of the most relaxing and rewarding forms of vacation, but there are plenty of things that can go wrong. With a cruise travel insurance package you can rest assured that your holiday won’t be spoiled and you won’t be left out of pocket, no matter what happens. In case you were wondering, here are just three things that can get in the way of your dream cruise:

1. Your trip is cancelled. You’re all ready to go, but nature gets in the way. There’s a freak storm, let’s say, and that tropical trip is a no-go. Cruise travel insurance means you won’t lose out financially.
2. Your trip is delayed or interrupted. Almost as bad as a cancelled trip, and sometimes even worse. You’re already there, but your connecting flight is delayed or weather prevents the cruise liner from taking off. Uh-oh. Insurance is key here.
3. Medical issues. This is the big one, and you often overlook it until it’s too late. Your or your loved one becomes sick, needs to be hospitalised or needs medication. A comprehensive cruise travel insurance package will mean no sleepless nights.