Cruise holidays for 2018 are continuing to increase, as more people take to the sea for their next big trip.
Whilst they can be a great way to see the world, they can also be slightly expensive.
British travellers may not purchase travel insurance, something many admit to despite it potentially leaving them out of pocket.
Over a third of British travellers admitted they struggled to get insurance due to medical conditions or age.
As part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Travel Aware campaign, medical travel insurance provider AllClear has advised what people should look out for when booking travel insurance to ensure they are fully protected by the policy.
Cancellation cover
Cruise holidays can be one of the pricier ways to travel, meaning it may not be fully covered by insurance.
Many only offer up to £5,000 protection which only partially covers the costs.
Look for insurance policies that offer higher amounts with some going up to £25,000.
Medical emergencies
A serious illness on a cruise ship is easy to do when contained in such a small space.
The correct travel insurance means that this will be protected and is something most cruise providers insist on having before joining the trip.
This can also include compensation for any time being confined to the cabin as advised by a doctor during the trip.
Missing departure
Sometimes the worst happens and the cruise ship leaves without a passenger during an excursion.
This can be a pricy accident, especially if the traveller is left on land through no fault of their own.
Some insurance will cover accommodation and travel expenses until being able to reboard at the next port.
itinerary changes
The planned route for a cruise liner can often change at the last minute due to a number of reasons such as weather conditions or timetabling problems.
Compensation for any missed ports can often be covered but many cruise liners may offer cruise vouchers instead of monetary value.
Missing excursions
If falling ill or becoming injured, travel insurance can help passengers get their money back if they are forced to miss a pre-booked excursion afterwards.
Susan Crown, Head of the FCO’s Travel Aware campaign, commented on why cruise holidayers should always take out travel insurance and read the small print.
She explained: “It is vital that people take out adequate travel insurance which covers their pre-existing medical conditions and any activities they want to do while abroad. Everyone should read their policies carefully.
“The FCO does not give financial assistance and cannot help with unexpected costs if you travel while uninsured.”
“For many, cruises will be months or years in the planning, and could be a high-cost trip of a lifetime,” adds Garry Nelson, Head of Marketing at AllClear.
“Ensuring specific, comprehensive travel insurance is in place will help mitigate significant disappointment should anything not go to plan.”
