Cruise Travel Insurance: What You Need to Know

Cruise vacations are an incredible way to explore multiple destinations in one trip—but they come with unique risks. A missed connection, a medical emergency at sea, or an itinerary change can turn your dream vacation into a costly ordeal. That’s why cruise-specific travel insurance is one of the smartest investments you can make when planning your cruise.

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal, especially when it comes to cruises. Look for plans with robust medical and evacuation coverage (essential when sailing far from major hospitals), protection for missed port stops or embarkations, and the option to cancel for any reason (CFAR). If you have a pre-existing medical condition, make sure your plan offers a waiver—usually only available if you buy the policy soon after booking your trip. Below, we’ve highlighted five of the best options for U.S. travelers in 2025.

1. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection – WaveCare

WaveCare was designed specifically for cruise travelers and includes thoughtful benefits for common cruise-related disruptions. It features strong emergency evacuation coverage, cruise disablement benefits, and standard protections like trip cancellation and interruption.

  • Pros: High evacuation limit ($750,000) and $500 payout for cruise disablement
  • Cons: No Cancel For Any Reason option on the WaveCare plan (only on the LuxuryCare plan); only $500 in missed connection coverage

Contact Information:

  • Phone: 844-411-2487​
  • Email: bhtpsales@bhspecialty.com​
  • Website: www.bhtp.com

2. Nationwide – Cruise Plans (Universal, Choice, Luxury)

Nationwide offers cruise-specific plans in tiered levels to match different budgets and trip types. The higher-tier Luxury plan includes generous medical and evacuation benefits, plus optional CFAR coverage.

  • Pros: Up to $1M evacuation and $2,500 missed connection on Luxury plan; strong cruise disruption coverage
  • Cons: CFAR only available on Luxury tier; medical coverage is secondary

Contact Information:

3. AIG Travel Guard

While not cruise-specific, Travel Guard’s Deluxe and Preferred plans offer excellent medical and evacuation coverage, CFAR options, and 24/7 global assistance. It’s a trusted brand for international travel.

  • Pros: Wide global support network; up to $1M evacuation coverage on Deluxe
  • Cons: CFAR only reimburses 50%; no cruise-specific perks like port disruption payouts

Contact Information:

4. AXA Assistance USA

AXA’s Gold Plan is marketed as ideal for cruisers, while the Platinum Plan adds high medical limits and CFAR options. Their policies are well-rounded and competitively priced, making them a favorite for travelers seeking value.

  • Pros: $1M evacuation coverage and $1,500 missed connection benefit for cruises
  • Cons: CFAR only on Platinum plan; lower medical limits on entry-level plans

Contact Information:

5. Seven Corners – RoundTrip Choice

Seven Corners offers some of the most cruise-friendly coverage in the industry, including benefits for missed ports and itinerary changes. They also allow both CFAR and Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR) upgrades.

  • Pros: Unique cruise-specific benefits and flexibility to cancel or interrupt for any reason
  • Cons: Higher cost; benefits and rules vary significantly by state

Contact Information:

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