How to Determine if You Need Cruise Insurance

If you’re cruising this season, do you really need to purchase cruise insurance? According to Squaremouth, it’s definitely something to consider.

According to the travel insurance comparison site, in 2026, the average traveler will spend nearly $8,000 to book a cruise, with a noted increased interest in luxury and premium cruises. A cruise insurance policy will be only a fraction of that cost, at 5–10 percent of your booking total, or an average $541.

Typically, a cruise insurance policy will cover a few key things: medical emergency or evacuation costs, non-refundable deposits and similar expenses if you need to cancel or shorten your cruise, and costs incurred if you miss your cruise departure due to issues such as flight cancellations or weather.

“From missed departures to possible six-figure medical evacuations, even one disruption can result in significant out-of-pocket expenses for travelers without cruise insurance,” commented Chrissy Valdez, senior director of operations, Squaremouth. “Purchasing insurance can be the smartest expense you’ll spend on the entire cruise.”

While some cruise lines may offer their own cruise insurance, Squaremouth cautions these policies may not offer truly comprehensive coverage, so a third-party policy is typically ideal.