Cruise line plan or independent plan
Cruise line protection is convenient, but it often refunds cancellations as future cruise credit rather than cash, and it may have lower medical limits. Independent plans usually pay cash and cover flights and hotels booked separately.
Must-have benefits
- Medical evacuation: helicopter or ship-to-shore transfers are extremely costly.
- Missed connection: pays to catch up with the ship if a flight delay makes you miss departure.
- Itinerary change: some plans pay if ports are skipped.
- Trip interruption: covers getting home if you have to leave the cruise.
Weather
Hurricanes often reroute cruises rather than cancel them, and a reroute is usually not a covered loss. See our hurricane guide.
Tip
Fly in the day before departure. It's the cheapest protection you can buy.
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General information only, not insurance advice. Coverage varies by plan, state and country. Always read the policy wording before you buy.
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