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4 Reasons why you need travel insurance for your cruise 

By: CAA North & East Ontario
Published Date:

3 Minute Read

Your cruise is booked, and you’re already daydreaming about relaxing on board. Now it’s time to write your packing list. Ensure you have all the travel documents and remember your travel insurance.   

While most cruise lines offer cancellation policies, they’re not as comprehensive as you may think. Even the Canadian Government recommends that travellers purchase travel insurance that at least covers accidental injuries, hospitalization and medical evacuation while at sea before embarking on a cruise. Most cancellation policies only cover you for specific cancellations, and you won’t always get the full amount back. Plus, your cruise line won’t cover you for transportation and accommodations prior to your cruise or excursions booked outside your cruise line. What happens if you have a delayed flight, lose your luggage or have to cancel your trip? That’s where a travel insurance plan has your back.   

Finding your perfect coverage will smooth over any bumps along your cruise and can help you get your money back in case of delays or cancellations. Still not convinced? Here are four reasons you need travel insurance for a cruise.    

Disruptions happen

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Whether there’s a natural disaster or technical issues on your ship, disruptions can happen, and they can cause you to miss parts of your vacation that you’ve already paid for. Travel insurance provides financial protection against trip cancellations or interruptions, allowing you to reschedule or get back the non-refundable expense.   

Plus, disruptions can end up costing you more. Your cruise ship won’t wait if you’re late for boarding because of a missed flight. But your travel insurance can help you cover the extra costs to catch your ship at its next port. With CAA’s trip cancellation and interruption insurance plans, you don’t need to worry about anything that might delay your trip or unexpectedly return home before your vacation is over. 

Having to cancel your cruise because someone is sick is disappointing, but at least your travel insurance will make sure you get back those costs. Or, say you receive a phone call that your mother is sick, and you have to get back to Canada. Your travel insurance will work with you to get you home and help cover the costs. 

Medical emergencies at sea

Accidents can happen anywhere. Even while at sea, you could injure yourself or fall ill. While cruise ships have medical facilities, more severe health issues may require treatment off the boat. If you need treatment on board or in a foreign port, expect a costly bill that not every health insurance plan will cover.   

But travel insurance covers medical expenses, including evacuation, ensuring you receive the necessary care without draining your savings. In rare but critical situations, such as a medical emergency or a geopolitical crisis, travel insurance can arrange and cover the cost of emergency evacuations, ensuring your safety and well-being.  

Lost or delayed baggage

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Say you make your connecting flight just in time, but your bags don’t. Replacing your essentials with money from your travel budget can wreck your vacation mood.  

Make sure to add baggage coverage to your travel insurance for your cruise in case your luggage takes a detour during your travels. Travel insurance covers lost or delayed luggage, so you can relax, enjoy your cruise, and let your travel insurance worry about your baggage.   

Peace of mind for the unpredictable

Life is unpredictable, and things can go wrong even on the most perfectly planned cruise vacation. Travel insurance provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re protected from unforeseen circumstances.  

Plus, you can customize the travel insurance coverage to protect your vacation investment. Whether you’re embarking on multiple trips or need riders to top up your insurance, you’ll find the coverage you need. 

Get travel insurance with CAA

With CAA travel insurance, you can customize your coverage to best suit your needs and your vacation. Are you embarking on an excursion where you’ll zipline through rainforests? Add a sport and speed rider.  

Did you know your CAA Travel Consultant can help you find the best travel insurance policy for your vacation? They’ll answer all your insurance questions and can help you find the best coverage for your needs and budget.  

 

CAA Travel Insurance is provided by Orion Travel Insurance and underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire is required if you are 60 years of age and older. Quotes are valid for 30 days. 

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