Cruises are becoming a popular trend among young and older travelers alike. If you are planning to set sail on a river or ocean cruise, it’s wise to look into cruise the benefits and importance of cruise travel insurance.
Cruise travel insurance plans cover you against the specific risks associated with a cruise holiday. Traveling by cruise is considered comparatively safer than other travel modes, but medical insurance cruises are the most largely purchased forms of travel insurance. The reason for this is the expensive nature of cruise travels, their heavy dependence on the weather, and dangers involved (i.e., drowning and seasickness).

What are the possible risks on a cruise?
Following is a list of the unexpected mishaps or risks, which cruise travelers may be subject to:
1. Delay or loss of luggage
Although not as prevalent as it is at the airports across the globe, the loss of luggage is a risk factor in a cruise as well. You can witness a delay in getting your luggage, or can even lose it completely.

2. Missing the ship
Due to multiple reasons, missing a ship is a common occurrence. In case you do miss your cruise and you have to cancel the trip, cruise travel insurance can be of crucial help.

3. Medical emergencies
Seasickness and a wide assortment of illnesses and injuries while on a cruise demand an ideal insurance policy that can keep you and your family well covered.

4. Loss of documents and valuables
Losing important documents, cash, cards, or valuables while on a cruise can turn out to be a gruesome situation. However, cruise travel insurance can come to your rescue.

What do cruise travel insurance plans cover?
Medical insurance cruises policies vary from a provider to another, but every policy should typically include the following coverage:

• Emergency medical treatment costs, which include emergency helicopter transfers, hospital, and ambulance fees.
• Missed port cover, in case you miss out on an island or a particular spot you were supposed to visit as a part of your cruise trip due to bad weather or any other emergency, this cover offers some money back.
• Cabin confinement cover, which can occur due to an illness where you have been confined to your cabin on the cruise. This medical insurance coverage enables you to claim a refund.
• Lost baggage cover , should you lose your baggage or some of its contents while on the trip. This coverage can provide you some refund for the stolen or lost items.
• Unused excursions protection , due to illness, accident, or injury you happen to miss your cruise excursion, the insurance provider refunds you a part of your expense.
• Cancellation or curtailment, which provides relief in response to the cancellation of the trip or its curtailment.

Do normal travel insurance plans include cruise coverage?
Most of the travel insurance policies do not include cruise coverage, but providers may offer it as an optional add-on.

Therefore, it is recommended that you contact your insurance company prior to setting sail, or seek out an insurance provider that specializes in providing medical insurance for cruises. Remember, that some travel insurance coverage is subject to:

• Age

Some providers charge a premium elderly travelers or refuse to cover people over 65.

• Pre-existing medical conditions

Most plans offer limited flexibility for pre-existing medical conditions, like diabetes.