What travel insurance to book for your next cruise?

Cruising offers a holiday experience like no other, but having the right travel insurance is a requirement, not just a recommendation. Most cruise lines require proof of insurance at check-in, ensuring passengers are covered.  

Standard travel insurance may not be enough for medical emergencies, missed ports and cancellations, so it’s crucial to choose a cruise-specific policy.

With years of experience in the industry (and having witnessed emergency medical evacuations firsthand), I know how vital the right protection can be. In this guide, I'll walk you through what cruise insurance covers, what’s required at check-in and how to choose the best UK policy.

Cruising is one of the most exciting ways to travel – but having the right insurance is essential, not just for peace of mind, but because many cruise lines require proof of cover at check-in.  

Unlike standard travel insurance, a cruise-specific policy protects you against medical emergencies at sea, missed ports, itinerary changes and even emergency evacuations. Without it, you could face huge medical bills or even be denied boarding.  

In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what cruise insurance covers, which policies are best for UK travellers and what to check before you sail. 

Why cruise travel insurance is mandatory 

Do you need special insurance for a cruise? Yes. Unlike land-based holidays, many cruise lines require proof of travel insurance at check-in. This is particularly important for cruisers that travel outside the EU, where medical costs can be extremely high.

What happens if you don’t have insurance for a cruise? 

If you decide you don’t want cruise travel insurance, you need to be aware of the following: 

• You may be denied boarding without proof of cover (especially on certain cruise lines).
• If you fall ill or get injured at sea, you’ll face huge medical costs.
• Some ports refuse medical treatment unless you can provide proof of financial coverage. 

Which cruise lines require insurance at check in?

Azamara:

• Insurance required: Strongly recommended; not mandatory
• Minimum cover: N/A

Carnival Cruise Lines:

• Insurance required: Yes, on selected sailings
• Minimum cover: Varies on sailings; guests must present printed proof at check-in

Celebrity Cruises:

• Insurance required: Strongly recommended; not mandatory
• Minimum cover: N/A

Cunard:

• Insurance required: Yes
• Minimum cover: £2m+ medical cover minimum

Disney Cruise Line:

• Insurance required: Strongly recommended; not mandatory
• Minimum cover: N/A

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines:

• Insurance required: Yes
• Minimum cover: Not specified; £2m+ medical cover minimum

Holland America Line:

• Insurance required: Strongly recommended; not mandatory
• Minimum cover: N/A

MSC Cruises (UK):

• Insurance required: Yes
• Minimum cover: Medical and COVID-19 cover as minimum

Norwegian Cruise Line:

• Insurance required: Strongly recommended; not mandatory
• Minimum cover: N/A

P&O Cruises (UK):

• Insurance required: Yes, on selected sailings
• Minimum cover: Medical and repatriation

Princess Cruises:

• Insurance required: Yes
• Minimum cover: Policy must explicitly cover cruise holidays

Royal Caribbean (UK):

• Insurance required: Strongly recommended; not mandatory
• Minimum cover: N/A

Seabourn:

• Insurance required: Strongly recommended; not mandatory
• Minimum cover: N/A

Silversea:

• Insurance required: Strongly recommended; not mandatory
• Minimum cover: N/A

What does cruise insurance cover?

One of the most common questions first-time cruisers ask is, "Is cruise insurance worth it?". The simple answer is yes – standard travel insurance does not offer the protection you need at sea. Cruise-specific insurance or travel insurance that includes cruise cover, helps with unique risks, such as medical evacuations, missed ports, and itinerary changes, which can be costly without the right policy.

Do you need health insurance for a cruise? 

• Since medical care at sea is private and expensive, cruise policies typically cover:
• Medical cover at sea (Onboard treatment + helicopter evacuation)
• Cabin confinement (Compensation if quarantined due to illness)
• Missed port cover (Compensation if scheduled stops are skipped)
• Itinerary changes (If diverted due to emergencies)
• Emergency repatriation (If you need to be flown home)
• Delayed/lost luggage 

Buying cruise insurance: Cruise line vs. independent providers

Understanding the travel insurance requirements of various cruise lines is essential. While some cruise lines mandate proof of insurance at check-in, others strongly recommend it.  

But should you buy travel cruise insurance directly from your cruise line?

Some cruise lines offer in-house insurance, but it’s often more expensive and has lower coverage limits.  For example, P&O Cruises requires passengers to provide proof of insurance, but their own policy may not be the most cost-effective option, especially when you consider the availability of annual policies that cover multiple cruise lines and other land-based holidays you may take.  

Independent travel insurance providers tend to beat the cruise lines’ offerings in key aspects, including medical cover, missed ports, cancellation cover and price.  

What is the best cruise travel insurance? 

Cruise insurance is essential regardless of the cruise line policy, so choosing the right provider matters.  Every cruiser will have different requirements and personal circumstances, so it's important to do some research before committing. As a good starting point, Which? provides a handy breakdown of the best policies.

Have the GHIC or EHIC? Here’s why it’s not enough

Some UK travelers assume their GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) covers them on a cruise – it doesn’t. GHIC only applies to state hospitals on land, meaning it won’t cover private treatment onboard or an emergency medical evacuation. 

Final tips for choosing your cruise travel insurance

Choosing the right cruise insurance policy can make all the difference in ensuring your holiday is stress-free. Here are the essential final tips to keep in mind as you prepare for smooth sailing:

• Check if cruises are included in any existing travel insurance policies – some policies require a specific "cruise add-on"
• Look at medical cover limits – aim for £10M+ to cover emergencies onboard
• Bring proof of insurance (your policy number, name of provider and a way to contact them should suffice) – you may need it at check-in
• Annual vs. single trip – frequent cruisers may save with annual cover

Cruise insurance is not just a recommendation. It’s often mandatory for many itineraries and provides essential protection for your peace of mind. From covering unforeseen medical emergencies and last-minute cancellations to accommodating itinerary changes, the right policy safeguards your financial investment and personal well-being.  

Whether you choose to book through your cruise line or a trusted travel insurance provider, ensure you include cruise-specific coverage. Don’t forget to carry proof of your policy, as it’s often required at check-in. Investing in cruise insurance means you can relax and focus on enjoying your adventure, knowing you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.