Travel Insurance for Cruises: What You Need to Know

Travel insurance for cruises is a special type of cover that safeguards travellers against unforeseen situations that might happen during cruise vacations. These unforeseen situations can be medical emergencies, accidents, or other events that might add additional financial expenses. However, by purchasing a cruise insurance cover, travellers can protect themselves against those risks.

Since cruise coverage is usually offered as an add-on coverage, you will need to pay extra to get this coverage for your cruise vacations.

TATA AIG stands out by offering customised travel insurance plans for cruises that are tailored based on travellers' unique requirements, ensuring that you get the coverage you need for your specific cruise.

• Travellers who are going on an expensive cruise vacation for which they have waited for years should definitely consider buying TATA AIG travel insurance online for a cruise to protect their investment.

• Newlyweds who choose cruise vacations for honeymoon trips also consider buying travel insurance for cruises to avoid any complications or distractions during the trip.

• Families travelling with young kids or taking their first cruise vacation should also consider buying travel insurance to protect themselves and their families against unforeseen situations.

• Senior citizens who are taking a cruise trip need to consider buying travel insurance online to protect themselves from unforeseen medical emergencies and other situations.

Unexpected Events: One significant reason to buy travel insurance online for a cruise vacation is unexpected events or emergencies. Cruise vacations are costly, and any mishap can cause financial burdens. However, with a TATA AIG travel insurance policy for a cruise, you are not just covered against unexpected events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations due to emergencies and more, but also financially protected, ensuring that your investment in the cruise is secure.

Medical Cost: Another reason to invest in a TATA AIG travel policy with cruise insurance coverage is the high medical costs on a cruise. Medical emergencies at sea are very common, and they could add additional financial burden if you do not have insurance. With a TATA AIG travel insurance policy for a cruise, you will get medical coverage.

Baggage Loss or Delay: Baggage loss or delay is very unusual during cruise trips. However, when ships run at high capacity, sometimes the staff loses or delays a bag. In this situation, the TATA AIG travel insurance policy for the cruise covers the cost of buying personal or necessary items until your luggage is found.

Missing the Cruise: In some exceptional cases, travellers miss their cruise ship due to accidents, getting stuck in traffic or any other reason. In that case, the TATA AIG travel insurance policy for the cruise will cover the cost incurred as per the policy terms and conditions.

Lost Travel Documents: Misplacing or forgetting important travel documents, such as your passport or visa, can often happen during a cruise vacation. This can cause significant trouble and add an unexpected financial burden. However, with travel insurance for cruises, you can be covered for document loss or theft, helping you with the cost of replacements.

Emergency Assistance: Travelling to new places can be challenging due to language barriers, a lack of knowledge about local rules and regulations, etc. However, with a TATA AIG travel insurance policy for a cruise, you will get emergency assistance from representatives during crises.

Also Read: Here Are Five Reasons You Need Travel Insurance

Accident & Sickness Medical Expense: TATA AIG travel insurance for cruises provides coverage for medical expenses if you fall ill or get injured while on your cruise trip. This includes any treatment or hospitalisation needed due to an accident or illness during your trip. Whether you need emergency medical care, doctor visits, or hospital stays, the plan offers financial protection.

Trip Curtailment or Interruption Benefits: The travel insurance for cruises from TATA AIG also offers trip curtailment or interruption benefits to cruisers. This means that if travellers have to cut short their trip due to any reason or their trip gets interrupted in between, the plan will reimburse for pre-paid and unused portions of accommodation and travel expenses.

Accidental Death and Repatriation: In rare cases, accidents on cruise trips can turn fatal, leading to death. In that case, a TATA AIG travel insurance policy for cruises will offer the nominee a full sum assured amount. The policy will also cover the cost of repatriating the individual's remains back to their home country.

Trip Cancellation: In case of an emergency, travellers may need to cancel their entire cruise. Cancelling at the last minute can lead to significant financial loss. However, with TATA AIG travel insurance for cruises, travellers can be reimbursed for pre-paid bookings and accommodations according to the policy’s terms and conditions.

Medical Evacuation: In some medical situations, patients may need to be transferred to a better medical facility. Thankfully, TATA AIG travel insurance for cruises includes medical evacuation coverage. This means the policy will cover the expenses for transferring you to a more advanced medical facility if needed, ensuring you receive the best possible care during your trip.

Delayed or Lost Baggage: In some unfortunate situations, cruise travellers sometimes have to deal with delayed or lost luggage situations. Under that circumstance, TATA AIG travel insurance for cruises offers financial compensation to policyholders so they can buy the necessary items as per the policy terms and conditions.

Personal Liability: Any accident on a cruise can be dearly harmful if a third party or property is injured or damaged. A TATA AIG travel insurance policy for cruises offers personal liability coverage for third-party or property damage caused by the policyholder.

Assistance While Travelling: TATA AIG travel insurance for cruises also includes assistance during the trip if something goes wrong. This feature is quite helpful as it offers necessary assistance to policyholders, such as legal help, cash transfer, emergency travel services and more.

• Complications from pre-existing illness, unless it is life-threatening, will not be covered.

• Any injuries or accidents that are self-inflicted are not covered under the plan.

• The plan does not cover any kind of involvement in illegal activity that leads to an accident or injury.

• If you shipped your luggage before your intended travel date, it is not covered under the plan.

• Participation in adventure activities like scuba diving, etc., that lead to accident or injury is not covered under the plan. You will need an add-on for this.

• Any kind of manual labour or work that could possibly harm or injure you is not covered under the plan.

• Any injury or accident that happens under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not covered under the plan.

• Any diseases that are sexually transmitted are not covered under the plan.

Assess Your Travel Needs: Before buying travel insurance online for a cruise, assess your travel needs. By knowing your travel plans, the destination you are visiting and more, you will be able to understand what kind of plan you need.

Cruise-Specific Coverage: Another crucial thing travellers need to look for while searching for travel insurance for a cruise is coverage. The coverage should be cruise-specific, such as medical emergencies at sea, medical evacuation, trip cancellation and more.

Compare Plans: Before selecting a cruise plan, travellers should compare different travel insurance policies. This will help them choose the best coverage at competitive prices.

Claim Process: Another important factor is the claim process of travel insurance for cruises. Instead of purchasing any cheap cruise travel insurance with a complex claim process, you should go with a company that has an easy claim process.

Policy Inclusion and Exclusions: Policy inclusion and exclusion are also important when purchasing travel insurance for a cruise. Understanding what is covered under the plan and what is not is key.

Step 1: Visit the official website of TATA AIG to buy travel insurance online for a cruise. Click "Personal" and then choose “Travel Insurance".

Step 2: Enter the travel destination and start and end dates of travel. If you are travelling to multiple locations, you need to add all those destinations.

Step 3: Add your DOB and phone number. You can also add other family members or travel companions under your plan at this stage. Click Next.

Step 4: Choose the travel insurance plan that fits your requirements. Click “Proceed to Add-ons”

Step 5: Choose the “Cruise Bundle” Add-on to add to your policy. Click “Continue”.

Step 6: Enter your KYC details and Click “Pay”. Upon successful payment, the issued travel insurance policy will be sent via email address.:

The cost of cruise insurance can vary depending on various factors, including the coverage you choose, the length of your cruise, your age, the destination and the overall cost of the trip. Below are some factors that play a crucial role in international travel insurance costs for cruise vacations.

Trip Duration: One of the essential deciding factors in cruise insurance cost is the trip duration. If the cruise trip duration is long, it means coverage is required for an extended period, resulting in higher premiums.

Age: Another important factor that affects the cost of cruise insurance is age. Generally, the older you are, the higher the premiums will be. This is because older travellers are considered to be at higher risk for medical emergencies during the trip.

Coverage: The type of coverage you choose is another key factor influencing the cost of international travel insurance. Opt for a comprehensive policy that provides broad protection, including trip cancellation, medical emergencies, baggage loss and medical evacuation. The premium will be higher compared to basic coverage plans.

Destinations: Another crucial factor that affects the travel insurance for cruises is destinations. Suppose the cruise is too remote or high-risk destinations with poor medical infrastructure. In that case, the premium of the plan will be high due to the increased risk of medical emergencies or evacuation needs.

Saving on cruise insurance does not mean buying cheap cruise travel insurance. It means implementing ways to reduce the cost of your cruise insurance while still ensuring you are adequately protected. Some of the tips to save on travel insurance for cruises are listed below:

• One of the best ways to save on cruise insurance coverage is to compare different plans based on coverage and premium. Make sure to compare the coverage levels, exclusions and benefits to get the best value for your money.

• Buy insurance as soon as you book your cruise. Many insurers offer discounts for early purchases, and buying sooner can also provide coverage for cancellation or trip interruption due to unforeseen events before your departure.

• If you plan to take more than one trip in a year, consider a multi-trip travel insurance policy. It can be more cost-effective than purchasing separate policies for each cruise or holiday. Many insurers offer annual travel insurance, which covers multiple trips over a year.

• If you are a first-time cruiser, you need to be extra attentive to the safety protocols of cruise ships. Every ship has a safety protocol, which it is recommended that you thoroughly read.

• Cruise ship crew members also take their passengers to the muster drill at the start of their journey. It is crucial to be attentive at that time so that you know what to do during an emergency situation.

• Rough seas or high waves can cause discomfort, especially if you are not used to the motion of the ocean. It is advisable to pack the seasickness medication.

• Cruises offer unlimited drinks, but overindulging in alcohol can lead to accidents, illness, or behaviour that may get you into trouble. It is advisable not to over consume alcohol while on a cruise ship.

• There is a wide variety of food options available on the cruise, which may cause stomach-related issues if you are not mindful of your eating.

• While cruises are generally smooth, weather conditions can change quickly, especially in tropical areas. Storms or rough seas may impact your cruise. It is important to know the weather forecast of the destination and pack accordingly.

• Cruises offer a wide range of activities, from water sports to shore excursions. Not all activities may be suitable for everyone, and some can be physically demanding or risky.

• It is important to travel with a buddy, avoid dark or isolated areas of the ship late at night, and always keep your phone charged in case of emergencies.

Also Read: Cruise Safety Tips

If you are planning to take a cruise vacation, a travel insurance policy is necessary as it offers protection against various unanticipated situations. Cruise insurance will cover baggage delays, medical emergencies and other situations that may arise during the trip.

When looking for a travel insurance policy for a cruise, it is best to go with a reputable insurance provider. TATA AIG offers travel insurance policies with a cruise bundle add-on that can be added during policy purchase. We also offer additional cover and benefits like adventure sports cover, paperless policy purchases, 24*7 customer assistance and more. Secure your cruise vacation with our travel insurance plans today!