Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-07-10
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
With cruise ships offering more exciting amenities than ever, they’ve become a top choice for an unforgettable holiday. But to fully enjoy your cruise, securing cruise insurance is a must for peace of mind. What exactly is cruise insurance? How does it differ from travel insurance? And what should you consider when choosing a policy? The Bowtie team has compiled all the essential info, including a price comparison of cruise insurance plans!
What Is Cruise Insurance?
| Cruise Insurance | General Travel Insurance | |
| Coverage Scope | Coverage is tailored for cruise trips, including personal accident protection due to ship sinking or pirate kidnapping, cruise trip interruption coverage, and emergency communication expenses on cruises. | Offers only general travel protection, which may not fully cover an entire cruise journey or provide related compensation. |
| Premium | Due to the broader coverage provided, premiums for the same duration are relatively higher.
For a 7-day adult insurance plan, premiums start at HK$400 (see table below for details). |
Due to the limited coverage provided, premiums for the same duration are relatively lower.
For a 7-day adult insurance plan, premiums start at HK$84.8. |
| Compensation Amount | Generally offers higher compensation amounts for the same item. | Compensation amounts are generally lower. |
| COVID-19 Coverage | Depending on the company, coverage may include various compensation items related to COVID-19. | |
What to Consider When Buying Cruise Travel Insurance?
Are the Premium and Coverage Sufficient?
Generally speaking, the higher the premium, the greater the coverage. However, what’s more important is choosing a coverage amount that suits your needs. This way, you ensure adequate protection while also saving on premiums.
Understand the Coverage of the Insurance Plan
Different insurance companies offer varying coverage in their plans. Therefore, you should read and compare the details of each plan and select one that fits your needs. Some insurers even provide specific coverage tailored for cruise travel, which can be a bonus.
Check Covered Destinations in the Plan
Before purchasing, make sure the insurance plan covers your travel destination. Some plans only include specific regions, and if you travel outside these areas, the insurer won’t provide coverage. On the flip side, plans with limited regional coverage might come with lower premiums if your destination is included. Lastly, check if your destination is listed as a “do not travel” area, as such locations may be excluded from coverage.
Look for High-Risk Activity Coverage
Modern cruises offer an array of activities, some of which, like surfing or zip-lining, are high-risk. If you plan to participate in such activities, check if your cruise insurance covers them. If it does, you won’t need to buy additional high-risk activity insurance.
Choose the Right Single/Multi/Annual Plan
Cruise travel insurance can come as single-trip, multi-trip, or annual plans. The longer the coverage period, the higher the premium. However, compared to buying multiple single-trip plans, multi-trip or annual plans are often more cost-effective. Pick the one that best matches your travel itinerary.
- * Based on the maximum compensation for personal accident coverage
Cruise Insurance Comparison Guide
| Z Insurance Company | P Insurance Company | A Insurance Company | |
| Personal Accident Coverage | ✅
Includes: Accidents during sea travel due to shipwreck or pirate kidnapping |
✅ | ✅ |
| Medical Coverage | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Emergency Assistance | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Personal Belongings & Liability | ✅
Includes:
|
✅ | ✅ |
| Trip Disruption Coverage | ✅
Includes:
|
✅
Includes:
|
✅
Includes:
|
| Other Coverage |
|
|
|
| Premium (Based on 7 Days & Adult) | HK$429 | HK$919 | HK$426 |
| Compensation Amount* | HK$1,500,000 | HK$1,500,000 | HK$1,200,000 |
| Coverage Area | Worldwide | Worldwide | Worldwide |
| COVID-19 Coverage | Not Specified | ❌ | ✅
Includes:
|
Cruise Insurance FAQs
Can I buy both cruise and travel insurance for the same trip and claim compensation?
Travel insurance falls under general insurance, and insurance companies often share compensation costs. If you purchase two travel insurance policies, the insurers will coordinate to simplify the claims process, so you don’t need to file separately with each company.
Will cruise insurance cover compensation if I’m forced into quarantine on a cruise?
It depends on whether your insurance plan includes such coverage. Be sure to carefully read the policy terms and exclusions to understand if forced quarantine on a cruise is covered.
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