Why Trust MoneySmart?Cruise ship holidays continue to be a popular getaway from Hong Kong for people of all ages, but with the cost and specific travel risks involved, a standard travel insurance policy isn’t enough. MoneySmart has put together some cruise insurance recommendations for you, saving you from scrolling through different websites to find the best cruise insurance.
Key Takeaways
Cruise travel involves unique risks requiring specialized coverage beyond what standard travel insurance policies offer.
Protection for scenarios like missed departures, onboard delays, shore excursion cancellations, and medical emergencies at sea is crucial.
Check age eligibility requirements, ensure adequate coverage for recreational activities and medical emergencies, and understand delay/cancellation policies.
Why Does Cruise Insurance Matter?
Many people mistakenly believe that cruise travel is similar to regular trips and that a standard travel insurance policy is sufficient. However, cruise travel comes with unique risks, making it essential to get cruise-specific coverage in your travel insurance. Here are some realistic scenarios to show you why:
Missed Departure
Imagine this scenario: You're flying from Hong Kong to Singapore to board your cruise, but your flight gets delayed due to a typhoon. By the time you land, the ship has already departed. With good cruise insurance, you'll receive compensation for the missed boarding and can arrange alternative transportation to meet your cruise at the next port.
Onboard Delays
Rough seas or port restrictions may delay your return to Hong Kong by a day or more. With cruise travel delay coverage, you can receive compensation for extra accommodation and meal expenses.
Shore Excursion Delay/ Cancellation
If your paid excursion is cancelled because the ship can't dock safely due to bad weather, local situations, or other issues, cruise insurance reimburses your prepaid fees.
Medical Emergencies at Sea
Cruise ships have onboard doctors, but serious illnesses often require air evacuation to the nearest port hospital. Medical evacuation can be extremely costly, especially in foreign countries, and a good travel insurance policy can cover these unexpected expenses.
What to Look for in Cruise Insurance?
For most travel insurance policies, cruise coverage is an add-on item that requires separate purchase, often resulting in a higher premium. There are also specialized cruise insurance plans designed specifically for cruise travel. Regardless of which option you choose, here are some common guidelines to follow:
Check Age and Eligibility
Many travel insurance policies limit coverage for elderly travelers, typically those aged 70 or above. Some may require additional medical screening or documentation, while others reduce coverage limits for important benefits like emergency medical expenses or evacuation services and charge higher premiums.
Before purchasing cruise insurance, make sure to verify the plan covers your age group adequately without excessive fees or unreasonable exclusions.
Assess Coverage Adequacy
Cruise ships offer a wide range of recreational facilities, allowing passengers to swim, ice skate, and enjoy various activities. If you're injured during these activities, while cruise ships do have medical staff onboard, serious cases will require treatment at the nearest land hospital.
A comprehensive cruise insurance should cover emergency transportation, medical consultation, hospitalization arrangements, translation services, and all associated expenses to ensure your complete protection.
Look into Delay/Cancellation Policies
Travel delays and cancellations in cruise travel are much more complicated than airline ones. Make sure to carefully review and understand the provisions for delays or cancellations related to various circumstances, including health emergencies, unexpected weather disruptions, personal reasons, or operational delays that may affect your travel plans. Take note of any refund eligibility, rescheduling options, and required documentation.
Travel Insurance Plans | Cruise Cancellation | Cruise Delay | Shore Excursion Cancellation Allowance | Satellite phone call on cruise |
AXA SmartTraveller Plus Premier Plan (with optional Enhance cruise benefit) | HK$25,000 | HK$25,000 OR HK$10,000 (Rejoining the Cruise at the next port) | HK$5,000 (HK$1,000 per excursion) | HK$3,000 |
Dah Sing Insurance JourneySure Travel Insurance - Diamond
| HK$50,000 | HK$15,000 + HK$5,000 (Additional transport ticket) + HK$ 750 per day (Cash allowance, max. 4 days) | HK$5,000 | N/A |
Zurich Deluxe (with optional benefit) | HK$50,000 + HK$20,000 (Top-up in Cruise Tour Cover) | HK$5,000 (HK$1,000 per excursion) | N/A | |
BlueCross Global Cruise Plan | HK$50,000 | HK$50,000 | HK$10,000 | HK$3,000 |
