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The Guide to Cruise Travel Insurance

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Table of Contents

Look to your credit cards, first

What to consider if you buy a separate cruise travel insurance policy, what cruise travel insurance doesn't cover, how to shop cruise travel insurance options, is cruise travel insurance necessary.

Travel insurance can save you when you’re in a pinch, and cruises are especially important to protect. Whether you experience a flight delay, your car breaks down or you get sick, having a backup plan that will cover the cost of your trip, or at least help you get there without extra expense, can be essential. It’s recommended to arrive one day before the departure of your cruise to allow for any delays because if you arrive late to the departure point, the ship may have already left.

If you find yourself stranded at the pier long after your cruise has left, or aren't able to get to the pier at all, cruise travel insurance can help. These are some of the best travel insurance options for cruises.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Many credit cards provide sufficient travel protection that can help you in the event of a delay or cancellation. It can even help if you arrive on time, but your bags do not. Other travel protections include helping if you need medical attention or evacuation during your trip, as well as insurance for a rental car if you decide to drive in one of the ports you visit.

Some of the popular credit card options that provide ample protections include:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card .

Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card . Terms apply.

United℠ Explorer Card .

You'll need to review the policy before the trip to decide if you need to purchase additional coverage.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

If you don't have a credit card with coverage or you want to add more protection, it is wise to buy insurance as soon as possible after booking the cruise. Some companies require that you buy cruise insurance within two weeks of making the initial deposit, particularly if you're hoping for pre-existing medical coverage.

The longer you wait to buy cruise insurance, the higher the price may become.

Also, your own health insurance may not cover cruise travel or medical attention onboard a ship. Often, some personal insurance plans do not protect passengers once they have sailed more than six hours from any U.S. port. This may come as a surprise for those who thought they were protected, which is why it can be wise to purchase additional coverage for a cruise.

Since medical treatment on a ship may be more expensive, and evacuation at sea may require a helicopter or small boat, having emergency coverage can be essential.

If you’re still deciding on additional protection, consider these factors:

Destination: Is it remote or far from an airport or medical facility? How difficult will it be for you to find medical care or leave the ship?

Length of stay: How long will you be traveling? If it's only a few days, the probability that you will need coverage is less than if the trip were longer or farther from home.

Credit card protections: Read the fine print of your credit card benefits. If you used that card to pay for your travel, you may already have protection in the event of trip delay or cancellation, missing or lost luggage, medical reasons or weather issues.

Personal liability: Will you be engaging in activities that may make you responsible for someone else’s injury? Will you be renting a car or participating in activities like boating, biking or motorized water sports? If you may be held liable for someone else’s injury, insurance can help protect you.

As important as knowing how you will be protected, it is also paramount to know what is not included.

For example, if any injury or health issue is alcohol-related, it may not be covered. You might also want to know if natural disasters like a hurricane, terrorist incidents or bankruptcy by the cruise line are also covered. Sometimes, there are specific carve-outs for such situations.

Another important factor to consider is COVID-19 protection , as not all insurance plans include it. You will want to consider what happens if you get sick before the sailing or onboard since you may have to find accommodation if you are not able to travel for a period of time.

Some cruise insurance policies will cover itinerary changes. This means if you have your heart set on visiting a particular place, but it gets cut from the itinerary (a common occurrence due to weather conditions), you would receive some form of compensation. Not all plans include this, and for certain trips with a popular port (like visiting Alexandria, Egypt, to drive to the Pyramids), it may be wise to check if you are covered.

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

There are many providers of travel insurance, and often, cruise companies will recommend a partner when making a reservation. Those are often best since the cruise line has a history of working with that company and has considered the intricacies of the various ports its ships are visiting. Still, policies vary.

If you want to buy a policy beyond what is already offered by your credit card, start with an aggregator site like Insure My Trip that compares several policies based on the criteria you choose. How long will you be gone? Where are you going? Do you have any pre-existing conditions? All of these things can affect the price of a policy that you purchase.

There are other respected insurance options like Travel Guard , which has policies specifically geared toward cruise trips. SafeCruise from VisitorsCoverage is another plan that is designed for cruise travel, and it includes an upgrade for a partial Cancel For Any Reason reimbursement.

Deciding if you want to protect your trip probably depends on your budget. If you can afford a worst-case scenario without protection, then maybe you won’t need to purchase travel insurance for cruises.

But for most travelers, having a backup plan in case anything goes wrong makes the trip that much more enjoyable.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Cruise travel insurance: What it covers and why you need it

What does cruise travel insurance cover? And does it pay to buy cruise travel insurance?

The answer is not always clear-cut, as we'll discuss in this guide. But consider this: It's not always smooth seas when it comes to cruising. Even the best-laid plans for a cruise vacation can sometimes be thrown off course by an unexpected event.

You might need to cancel a cruise in advance due to the sudden onset of an illness, such as COVID-19 or the flu. Or, maybe you fall ill during the cruise and need emergency medical attention. Maybe your flight to your ship gets canceled, and you miss the vessel's departure. Or your ship is late arriving in port at the end of a voyage, and you miss your flight home.

In all of these situations, you might benefit from having cruise travel insurance — keyword "might."

Cruise insurance policies vary widely, and not every policy covers every type of mishap. That's why it always pays to read the fine print in a travel insurance policy before you purchase it to know what you're getting in advance.

It's also why you should read this introduction to everything you need to know about cruise insurance. It has many details, but the next time something unexpected happens on your cruise vacation, you'll be glad to be educated and covered by a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

What does travel insurance cover when you cruise?

The typical cruise insurance policy covers a wide range of circumstances that can go wrong in conjunction with a vacation at sea — both before and during the sailing.

For starters, policies often will reimburse you for the cost of canceling a cruise due to a last-minute crisis. They will also often cover costs related to an interruption of a cruise (maybe your ship breaks down, requiring you to fly home mid-voyage ). These two elements are known as trip-cancellation and trip-interruption insurance, and they are bundled into a typical travel insurance policy.

Some policies will also cover out-of-pocket costs related to a flight delay or cancellation that results in you missing your cruise departure (for instance, the cost of catching up to the ship at its next port). Expenses related to baggage delays and loss are often covered as well.

But perhaps most importantly, many travel insurance policies will cover medical expenses you incur while on a cruise. Some will even cover the cost of evacuating from a foreign destination if you are in the midst of a medical crisis.

Travel insurance giant Allianz Global Assistance reports that 53% of all cruise-related "billing reasons" for claims are because of illness for the insured person, while 14% are for an injury. Another 8% are for the illness of a family member, 4% for the death of a family member and 4% for the illness of a traveling companion, among other reasons.

Those percentages include illness and accidents that happen to cruisers just before a trip, making travel impossible. But, in many cases, such claims result from illness and injuries that occur during voyages.

"People often take risks during vacation that they might not take back home, whether riding a jet ski, zipping around on a motorized scooter in a city they don't know well or hiking unfamiliar terrain," James Page, senior vice president and chief administration officer of AIG Travel, told TPG .

Some policies also cover the financial default of a travel provider. In such cases, if your cruise line goes out of business before you sail, you could get all — or at least some — of your money back.

Cruise travel insurance policies don't cover everything. For instance, standard travel insurers generally will not reimburse you for the cost of a cruise you cancel due to worries about an outbreak of an illness. That's true even if a U.S. government agency such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issues a recommendation that you don't cruise due to an illness outbreak, as it did during the COVID-19 pandemic .

If you want the ultimate flexibility to cancel for such a reason or any other, you'll want to look into a more expensive cancel for any reason travel insurance upgrade.

Related: Avoiding outbreaks isn't covered by most travel insurance policies

Where to find a cruise travel insurance policy

You can buy a travel insurance policy directly from your cruise line when booking your trip or through your travel agent (if you're using one, which often is a good idea when booking a cruise). You also can go directly to a third-party travel insurance provider or a travel-insurance aggregator site, such as InsureMyTrip or TravelInsurance . Your credit card might even give you some travel protections.

Here's what you need to know about each type of cruise travel insurance.

Third-party insurance companies

Third-party insurance companies that specialize in writing travel insurance include AIG Travel, Allianz Travel Insurance, Travelex Insurance and American Express Travel Insurance.

One reason to use a travel agent or a travel aggregator: They can help you find a policy that offers added coverage specific to cruising.

Related: The Points Guy's guide to the best travel insurance companies

"Many plans now offer benefits that will specifically appeal to cruise travelers, such as missed connection, missed port-of-call and cruise disablement coverage," Stan Sandberg, cofounder of TravelInsurance.com, said.

Missed connection coverage reimburses cruisers for a set dollar amount if they need to rebook travel to catch up with their cruise at the next port. Missed port-of-call coverage pays a benefit if the cruise ship misses a scheduled port of call due to weather, a natural disaster or a mechanical breakdown.

Cruise disablement coverage pays a benefit if the traveler is confined on a ship for more than five hours without power, food, water or restrooms.

As noted, policies vary widely. It's a good idea to compare plans and make sure the one you buy has the elements that are most important to you. One size doesn't fit all.

Credit cards with travel benefits

Some premium credit cards offer valuable travel protections comparable to what you might get from a standard travel insurance plan. For example, the travel insurance provided when you pay for travel with select cards can reimburse you for expenses if your baggage is damaged, you're stranded overnight due to a flight delay or cancellation, or you have to return home to handle a family medical emergency.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card, for example, offers trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, emergency medical coverage and even medical evacuation coverage , among other benefits. And yes, cruise lines are considered common carriers just like airlines.

If you're planning to rely on a card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or The Platinum Card® from American Express * (among others) for travel insurance, just be sure to recheck your card's benefits and limits carefully against regular travel insurance. You must pay for at least part — and sometimes all — of the trip with that credit card to take advantage of its protections.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Find out if your credit card protection includes travel accident insurance or covers preexisting medical conditions, and figure out when it will pay you back. Other questions to ask: What are the coverage limits? Will you have to pay for a foreign hospital bill upfront and then seek reimbursement later?

Cruise lines

Cruise lines often ask consumers booking a cruise to buy the line's own protection at the time of purchase. If specifics about the coverage are lacking, always ask the line for details in advance, review coverage perks and limits; then, compare those to one or two independent travel insurance policies or your credit card's insurance benefits.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Cruise line travel insurance policies sometimes have quirks. Many cruise companies will only offer a travel voucher or credit for future use in the event of a covered cancellation, not an outright refund.

Also, financial default may not be a covered event in a cruise line-sold policy, but it's typically covered with plans from third-party travel insurance companies.

Cruise line policies also can be more restrictive.

"Cruise line insurance seems to have become better and has more widespread coverage than in the past, but it typically won't cover air or pre- and post-travel [arrangements] unless those elements are purchased through [the line]," said Debra Kerper, a Cruise Planners travel adviser from Carrollton, Texas, who books travel and sells private insurance. "This is when private insurance coverage becomes so very important."

How much does cruise insurance cost?

Expect to pay anywhere from 4% to 8% of your total prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses for a travel insurance policy. That's a wide range, we know, but it reflects the wide range of products out there.

You'll also find some basic plans that cost even less than 4% of your trip expenses, while some super-premium plans that cover just about any conceivable issue can cost as much as 12% of your trip expenses.

Related: What's included in your cruise fare?

All reputable insurance companies will offer a "free-look period" during which you can receive a 100% refund on your premium. This allows you to review the policy you've selected and return it for any reason within the period allotted — usually for a small administration fee of less than $10.

Under normal circumstances, you don't need to purchase a so-called "cancel for any reason" add-on to your cruise travel insurance policy unless you really need the flexibility. The upgrades are significantly more expensive.

You can receive a quote and purchase a policy online in minutes with any credit card. Although you may think travel insurance should code as "travel" when paid on a credit card and thus be eligible for bonus points on certain cards, that isn't always the case. Your points earnings will depend on the individual underwriter's merchant code. When in doubt, expect the purchase to fall under the insurance category for earnings.

Should I buy travel insurance for a cruise?

Whether you buy travel insurance is a personal decision that will depend on many factors. Would you be willing to absorb the loss of canceling a cruise on short notice due to an illness or accident? Could you afford an evacuation flight from a far-off port if you suddenly became seriously ill? Only you can answer those sorts of questions.

Here are some things to consider as you make that decision.

You might not be covered by regular medical insurance while cruising

If you're a U.S. citizen traveling internationally (which will be the case for most cruises), you may find that most private medical insurance plans in the U.S. won't cover you.

Additionally, Original Medicare only covers people traveling outside U.S. borders in limited circumstances.

While certain Medicare Supplement Plans do have some foreign emergency medical benefits, not all do. Be sure to talk to your Medical Supplemental Plan provider to see if you're covered, what's covered, what the limits are and how the bill is paid.

Also note that, in some countries (particularly those in Central and South America), travelers may not be discharged from a hospital until their bill is paid in full.

Related: Trip wrecked: 7 ways to prepare for any kind of travel disaster

Plus, if you have a medical incident overseas, you could find yourself stuck in a shared hospital room without air conditioning or a private bathroom. The level of care may not be what you expect.

"For people traveling internationally, it's crucial to know beforehand where to go for any treatment … and how they're going to pay for that treatment," Page said.

Getting evacuated for a medical condition is expensive

Most airlines won't accept seriously ill passengers, those carrying bulky medical equipment or those requiring a full medical team.

Even a low-cost weekend getaway on a cruise to the Bahamas out of Miami can turn costly if you suffer a serious accident or illness requiring medical treatment or an emergency medical evacuation.

Related: Do cruise ships have doctors, nurses, medical centers or hospitals?

Being flown back to the U.S. from a far-flung overseas location in a private, medically equipped aircraft, with a professional medical team on board, can run between $70,000 and $180,000, according to Mike Hallman, president and CEO of Medjet, a medical transport membership company.

"Domestic transports, which we cover as well, can cost upwards of $30,000," Hallman said.

Without proof of medical evacuation coverage, foreign providers will also want that money upfront. Hallman said that regular travel insurance will typically get you to an acceptable overseas hospital and even to a higher-level care facility if "medically necessary." Alternatively, medical evacuation coverage means you can fly home to your own hospital, doctors and family — without claim forms, cost caps on transports or surprise bills.

The tandem approach — buying both travel insurance and a separate medevac transport membership — is a good option, Hallman said.

"We always recommend travel insurance, as it covers trip interruption, which is important, as well as medical coverage for the hospital and treatment costs," he said. "We pick up where they leave off."

You can't predict the weather

Cruising is a great way to explore multiple destinations in one trip. But it's good to remember that unexpected delays, interruptions or cancellations due to weather can happen during cruises, particularly during hurricane seasons in places such as the Caribbean and Asia (where hurricanes are called typhoons).

During a typical hurricane season (June 1 to Nov. 30), Allianz pays about 6,000 claims from customers whose travel plans in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and southeastern U.S. are affected by the storms, according to a spokesperson for Allianz Global Assistance USA.

If you're hoping to insure against a storm-related disaster, it's good to buy travel insurance as early as possible. Once a storm or hurricane is named, it's too late to buy travel insurance to cover it.

Of course, cruise lines will move ships away from a weather threat. When the port lineup is adjusted or the cruise shortened, the company will offer the guest an onboard credit, onboard gift or future cruise credit rather than any refund. It depends on the circumstances of that specific voyage. You won't be able to make a claim on your cruise travel insurance policy just for a minor itinerary change .

Related: Everything you need to know about cruising during hurricane season

Costs can mount quickly when things go wrong

Even if the cruise line does provide a full or partial refund or cruise credit for an itinerary change or some other interruption, travelers could have to swallow the cost of other travel elements not purchased through the line. That could include nonrefundable flights , prepaid resort or hotel nights, nonrefundable tour fees and more.

Travel insurance can cover those, plus help with flight delays or cancellations, baggage loss or theft.

If a winter storm causes you to miss your flight to where the ship is boarding , "travel insurance could help you get to the next port to join the cruise, so you don't miss your entire trip," Page said.

In fact, 13% of "billing reasons" for claims to Allianz are for common carrier delays (such as a flight delay), while weather and natural disaster-related claims account for about 3%.

The government probably won't bail you out

While cruise ships have medical facilities, they're usually not equipped to treat serious illnesses. If you experience a serious medical problem on a vessel, you may have to get off the ship in a foreign port to seek treatment at a hospital. In such a case, if you don't have medical evacuation insurance, you may then find yourself stranded in that port awaiting a medical evacuation.

Don't expect Uncle Sam to step in and help foot the bill.

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs clearly states the importance of buying travel insurance.

"The U.S. government does not provide medical insurance for U.S. citizens overseas," the bureau says on the website. "We do not pay medical bills. You should purchase insurance before you travel."

You may need more assistance than you think

If you're injured or become severely ill during a cruise, especially in a foreign country, it may be difficult to access help without the assistance of trained professionals that comes with many insurance plans.

Many travel insurance companies provide around-the-clock assistance with locating overseas clinics and pharmacies, getting to a doctor or hospital, refilling lost or depleted prescriptions, assisting with up-front payments to hospitals, and arranging flight changes so you can get home.

Travel insurance companies also can arrange for an air ambulance, a nurse escort, oxygen and a lie-flat seat on a flight home if your medical condition warrants it.

You want to be careful if you have preexisting conditions

When you cruise, it's important to be fully covered, which means having comprehensive medical coverage that includes any preexisting conditions. Otherwise, if you head into a doctor's office overseas, have any tests completed, or visit an urgent care center or emergency room, you might not be covered.

Here, timing is extremely important. Cruisers seeking coverage of preexisting conditions, as well as cancel for any reason insurance, generally must book within seven to 21 days of the first payment they make for a trip. The timing varies by insurer.

Bottom line

Cruise insurance isn't for every traveler — or even for every sailing. It's not inexpensive. However, it can bring a lot of peace of mind if you're about to head out to sea. Do your homework, compare plans and always assess the risks.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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• Select your account 
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It is always a good idea to have some cash when you travel.

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We recommend that you pay in local currency  rather than Sterling so that you get the most up to date exchange rate. 

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It is such an easy, secure and quick way to pay and you can pay for larger transactions than you can with contactless.

Terms and conditions apply.

Packaged travel perks

With travel insurance underwritten by U K Insurance Limited you can make the most of your travel.

Reward Silver

• Silver travel insurance covers UK and European travel for you and any joint account holder. It covers you up to 22 days per trip, including winter sports. Make sure you add any extensions to your insurance like over 70's cover or pre-existing medical cover. 
• No non-sterling transaction fees when you buy with your debit card abroad. Fees apply to ATM withdrawals. 

Reward Platinum

• Platinum travel insurance covers worldwide travel for you and your family. It covers up to 31 days per trip, including winter sports. Make sure you add any extensions to your insurance like over 70's cover or pre-existing medical cover.
• No non-sterling transaction fees when you buy with your debit card. Fees apply to ATM withdrawals. 
• Platinum travel service helps you get 10% off the base price of packaged holidays, hotels, car hire, airport parking, and attractions booked with us and 5% off the base price of cruises. 
• Get lounge access for 2 people with any holiday booking. 

Helpful reminders

Get all your documents sorted for your travels and avoid any unexpected costs. 

You will need a passport to travel abroad. 

• For travelling in the EU make sure that your passport is valid for at least 3 months after the day you are due to leave your destination country and it should be less than 10 years old. e.g. if you are due to travel home on September 25th your passport will have to be valid until December 25th. 
• Some international countries require you to have 6 months after the day you are due to leave your destination country and it should be less than 10 years old. e.g. if you are due to travel home on September 25th your passport will have to be valid until at least March 25th of the following year. 
• Some countries will need up to 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps. 
• Check your destinations requirements before you travel. 
• Ordering a passport can take over 10 weeks so  check how long the process is likely to take  and plan ahead if you need a new one before you travel. 
• If you urgently need a passport you can get it in 1 week through the  fast track or online premium service . 
• Order a passport here.

Medication, Vaccines, and Covid-19 requirements

Plan 2 months in advance if you need to take any prescription medication with you on your trip and check your destinations rules. 

Some destinations will require you to be  vaccinated 6-8 weeks in advance of travel  so make sure you get all the ones you need and that you get them in plenty of time. 

Each destination might differ in their entry requirements, so  check out the coronavirus information for your destination. 

Key things to book in advance

Before you travel make sure you: 

• Book your airport parking 
• Book lounge access
• Organise fast track security
• Sort out your transfers
• Book car hire at your destination
• Organise any trips you want to take

Roaming charges

Make sure you check your roaming allowances with your network and switch it off in your phone settings if you need to and avoid any unexpected bills.

Visas and Insurance

You may need a visa

• To stay in some countries you might need a visa which covers the length of your visit so they know why you are there and how long you are going to stay.
• View  travel advice  from the government for your destination and make sure you have all of the documents you will need. 

Get travel insurance

• Make sure you have a suitable travel insurance policy and note down your policy number and insurance company contact details in case you need them. 
• Check if you would benefit from a GHIC  in addition to your insurance package.

Get to know your destination

Before you travel make sure you are familiar with your destination country and make sure you are fully prepared. 

• Check ATM and card usage to make sure you have enough money for your trip.
• Have a look at the government advice website to see if there are any travel warnings you need to be aware of.
• Locate the British embassy and how you can get in touch with them.
• Use the link below to explore your destination.

Airport preparation

Arrive to the airport in plenty of time and check ahead to make sure you know where you are parking or where your transport will drop you off. Use the links below to get familiar with your airport layout. 

You can also book lounge access, fast lane security, and parking via your airport website.

Flying out of England?

Find your airport below and explore

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Flying out of Wales or Scotland?

• Edinburgh 
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Have you got everything?

Don't get caught out! View our guides below to make sure you pack everything you might need. 

Top tips for packing

Packing for a trip can be overwhelming so we have some top tips to take the stress away. 

• Take a map or travel guide for the local area if you are going to be exploring to make sure you see all of the sights. You can also download maps onto your phone and use them without data if you prefer. 
• Weigh your case before you get to the airport so you won't have to pay extra for going over the limit. Consider if you want to leave space for bringing home any souvenirs or shopping and account for that before you leave. We also recommend getting a travel scale if you want to weigh it again before you head home from your trip. 
• Be prepared for all weather and take something warm just in case the temperature changes. 
• You might want to take a smaller bag/backpack if you are planning on going on day trips or being out and about to keep your essentials in. 
• Downloading a translator app can help you get fully immersed into the local culture. 

Commonly forgotten items

• International plug adaptors for your chargers are an essential if you are travelling with any devices. It is also handy to have a portable charger if you are going to be out all day. 
• Pack all of your sun essentials if you are heading somewhere sunny, including sunglasses (and ones for reading), suncream, and sunhats. 
• Just in case you might need it, a first aid kit is always good to have especially if you are travelling with children!
• Finally, don't forget your medications, documents, or your insurance information!

Contact our packaged support team

Contact our membership services if you want to discuss your perks before travelling. We also have a number you can use when you are abroad if you need support. 

• Reward Black and Black accounts: 0345 601 7188
• Platinum account: 0345 609 0453
• Silver account: 0345 601 5219

Calling from abroad: +44 2392 660 340

Relay UK: 18001 0345 601 7188

Get support with cancelled travel

If you have any issues with your travel then you should speak to the travel provider you booked with first.

If your travel has been cancelled we can support you to get your money back if you need to raise a dispute. 

If you have any other banking questions you can speak with our digital chatbot, Cora. 

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One mistake to never make with travel insurance - top tips for buying cruise cover now

Author: Harriet Mallinson

Published on: 07 December 2021

Updated on: 20 December 2021

Cruise travel insurance is vital when embarking on your holidays but many might be worried about what the latest Omicron Covid variant means for holiday cover. We spoke to the experts.

Cruise insurance has never been more important than during the Covid pandemic as travel plans continually change amid ongoing unpredictability.

How do you know what travel cover to get for your cruise holidays? What is the best travel insurance for cruises? What mistakes should you avoid?

World of Cruising spoke to insurance expert Neil Wright, travel pro and managing director of Cedar Tree travel insurance for his advice on buying cruise insurance.

This is what you need to know.

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It's vital to buy policies that automatically cover a cruise holiday, with set additional benefits, as part of standard cover. Look out for policies underwritten by AXA, Wright recommends.

"Having travel insurance, in general, is necessary," the expert said. "Most cruise companies will not let you board unless you are covered, nor should you travel anywhere without it, as the costs of a medical emergency can be horrific, even for the wealthy."

- READ MORE: Cruises cancelled as red list changes and new travel rules launch -

Does travel insurance cover Covid - and the Omicron variant?

Incredibly, travel insurance comparison site, Squaremouth.com, reported a 53 percent increase in travel insurance sales following the news of the Omicron variant. So what should you do to make sure you're covered during this tricky time?

Policies that cover previous variants will likely cover Omicron.

"The existing Covid cover currently in place for all our three insurers (CoverForYou, Cedar Tree and Outbacker) also covers the Omicron variant (the same as it did with the Delta variant)," said Wright.

"As far as we’re concerned, it’s just another variant. Covid cover is included as standard – at no extra cost – on all new and existing Single-Trip and Annual Multi-Trip policies.

"However, travellers should check policies with other insurers to understand exactly what they’re covered for, and to what extent."

What mistakes should you avoid when buying insurance?

Wright warns against trying to cheat the system when it comes to illness.

"It is really important that ALL pre-existing medical conditions are declared at the time of purchase as an omission could mean that the whole policy is invalid as the underwriter is not fully able to assess the risk," he cautioned.

- READ MORE: 'Go book' foreign holidays - what you must do before travelling -

How to choose travel insurance

When buying insurance for your cruise do check you're getting enough Covid cover - reading the fine print is vital.

Wright explained: "In the current climate, Covid cover continues to be one of the top priorities. Most insurers are now offering Covid cover.

"But, be warned, despite insurers saying they have this type of cover, it’s the bare minimum, or you have to pay extra, so it’s easy to get caught out. Make sure you check what the insurers’ policy is for vaccinated versus unvaccinated travellers."

Important types of Covid cover to look out for

• You are not allowed to board a cruise due to detected Covid symptoms
• You fall ill with Covid-19 or another pandemic illness and cannot travel
• You, or a member of your household, have to self-isolate at home and cannot travel
• During travel, travel restrictions for a pandemic illness are imposed which were not in force ahead of travel, requiring you to return home
• You are due to travel, but the country you are travelling to introduces a quarantine period on arrival and you no longer wish to travel and want to cancel your holiday

- READ MORE: Do you need special travel insurance for a cruise? -

Does travel insurance cover cancellation?

The good news is you will get your money back, in some form.

"Your cruise company is legally required to reimburse you for the money you have paid," Wright confirmed, "In some instances, they will offer either a voucher for future use or a different holiday.

"It is entirely up to you whether or not you accept these alternatives, you are fully entitled to decline and insist on a cash refund."

How much is travel insurance UK?

"The cost will vary depending on the cover required," Wright detailed. "Expect to pay around £8 for a Single-Trip policy for a long weekend."

Is travel insurance more expensive if you're older?

Travellers over 70 do face high premiums as they are more likely to incur a medical claim hence premiums reflect the increased risk that underwriters face.

- READ MORE: Travel insurance costs can double after 70 years old -

Can you be reimbursed for travel insurance if your holiday is cancelled?

No, you cannot get your money spent on insurance back if your trip does not go ahead.

Wright elaborated: "You will have been ‘On Risk’ for cancellation arising from a series of risks, as set out in your policy, including being hospitalised or being medically unfit to travel, from the moment you purchase insurance until you actually start your journey, this can be a number of months.

"As a result, your policy has been used and insurers will not usually refund the premium. In all circumstances, you will be able to get a full refund if you cancel your insurance within 14 days of purchase. Some insurers are willing to change the dates of your policy at no cost if you have accepted a different holiday.

"With insurers that already cover cruises as part of their standard policies, or depending on the level of cruise ‘add on’ you have purchased with policies where cruises don’t come under standard cover, you’ll automatically be covered for cancellation, along with medical needs and evacuation."

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What Does Travel Insurance Cover for a Cruise? Six Key Benefits

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Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

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To apply, you must be 18+ and a Jersey, Guernsey, Gibraltar or Isle of Man resident. Applicants from Gibraltar must be an existing customer. £18 monthly fee.

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For £18 a month, get more with gold.

• Arranged overdraft with preferential rates and an £100 interest-free buffer available (subject to status). 
• Credit interest on current account balances
• Travel insurance for you and your family, including winter sports cover
• 24/7 dedicated concierge service
• Private Motor Excess Insurance and car rental loss damage waiver insurance

Only available to Gold account customers. 

Why choose a Gold account?

Travel insurance in detail.

One of the primary Gold benefits is the travel insurance. The built in travel insurance offers comprehensive cover when travelling and includes winter sports cover.

If you experience difficulties while abroad, you have access to 24/7 emergency medical assistance. Wherever you are in the world, one simple phone call will provide you with instant help and support, day or night.

• Family cover includes you and your partner, plus any dependent children under age 18 at the start of the journey, (under 23 if they’re in full-time education). 
• Children must be living at the home address (or with the other parent), and be neither married or in a civil partnership.
• Your partner is the person you, the account holder, lives with at the same home address in a relationship, whether married or cohabiting.

Medical conditions

If anyone covered by the policy has a medical condition, you may need to pay an additional premium or accept that your cover may exclude certain conditions. 

For full details about exclusions and limitations please  read our insurance guides

For more information on how coronavirus (COVID-19) affects your Gold account travel insurance, please review our  frequently asked questions .

Emergency medical assistance and claims

If you are injured or ill while you are away, please contact us on:

Contact number until 16th July 2024

020 8763 3040

Call +44 (0) 20 8763 3040 from abroad

Using Relay UK? Call 18001 020 8763 3040

Contact number from 17th July 2024

020 3433 3988

Call +44 (0) 20 3433 3988  from abroad

Using Relay UK? Call 18001 020 3433 3988

email: [email protected]

Lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls may be recorded.

Non-emergency claims

For non-emergency claims, please contact us on:

023 9267 6060

Call +44 (0) 23 9267 6060 from abroad

Using Relay UK? Call 18001 023 9267 6060

email: [email protected]

Lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Calls may be recorded.

What the concierge service offers

NatWest International has teamed up with Ten, a leading lifestyle management company to bring Gold account customers a 24/7 concierge service.

Our members enjoy a whole host of exclusive dining, travel, entertainment and retail benefits that have been negotiated with world-leading brands by our team of specialists.

• Unlimited dining, travel and ticket requests
• Savings on flights departing from the UK with Ten’s partnered airlines including various long-haul destination flights with British Airways.
• Access to the experts at Ten concierge

How to get started with Ten

Call or email Gold membership services on:

+44 (0) 2392 676060

email: [email protected]

When emailing Ten concierge, please remember to include your full name and details of how they can help you.

Lines open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm. If you’re calling outside of these hours, please call 0207 479 3447.

Private Motor Excess Insurance

The insurance works alongside your existing car insurance. It covers the cost of your excess if you have to make an ‘at fault’ claim where the damage to your vehicle is greater than your excess limit. Should you need to make a claim on your car insurance, you pay your excess as normal and then claim it back. Cover is available for persons who own and insure their private motor vehicle. £3,000 is the limit under the policy.

To notify the insurer of a claim:

Policy number: NWI - PME

Membership Services:  02392 676060 Monday to Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm

email:  [email protected]

You must give all information or help that you are asked for. Further details of how to claim are included in the policy document.

Car Rental Loss Damage Waiver Insurance

£50,000 (or equivalent in local currency incurred as a result of damage, fire, vandalism, theft of use of the rental vehicle. £20 per day (up to a maximum of £200) if the car rental is cancelled or cut short on the advice of a physician. £200 to pay for drop-off charges incurred through the car rental station following an accident or illness. £50 for calling out a locksmith if a named beneficiary unintentionally locks their keys in the rental vehicle.

Policy Number: NWI - LDW

Membership Services:  02392 676060 Monday to Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm

This insurance provides cover for rental periods of up to 31 days. Cover is available for persons aged 21 to 84, at the time when the car rental booking is made.

Only available to Gold account customers. Private Motor Excess Insurance and Car Rental Loss Damage Waiver Insurance provided by AWP P&C SA and administered in the UK by Allianz Global Assistance.

Switch your account to us

The Current Account Switch Service makes switching from one bank or building society to another simple and stress-free. You can choose a switch date to suit you, just make sure you allow a minimum of 7 working days.

The Current Account Switch Service is not available for accounts held in Gibraltar.

Important information

We recommend that you read these documents before contacting us to start the switch.

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Online banking is a fast and secure way to manage your everyday finances with features including:

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• Manage your Direct Debits and standing orders
• Create text alerts and more

Online banking available to customers aged 11+ with a NatWest International account.

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Banking has never been so convenient with our simple mobile banking app.

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App available to customers aged 11+ with compatible iOS and Android devices and a Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK or international mobile number in  specific countries .

Common questions about insurance cover and benefits

How has the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic affected the gold travel insurance.

Working with our Travel Insurer provider Allianz we have made improvements to your travel insurance cover for claims arising from epidemic or pandemic diseases.

For more information on how coronavirus (COVID-19) affects your Gold account travel insurance, please review our  frequently asked questions .

Who can I contact about a claim on the Gold travel insurance?

Policy Number: TRVNGOLD

Key information about your Gold travel insurance (PDF, 59 KB)

020 8763 3040 Call +44 (0) 20 8763 3040 from abroad

Lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Only available to Gold account customers. Gold travel insurance is underwritten by AWP P&C SA and administered in the UK by Allianz Global Assistance.

How do I get Concierge assistance?

Email Ten concierge: [email protected]

Call our Membership Services:  +44 (0) 2392 676060

Lines open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm.

If you’re calling outside of these hours, please call 0207 479 3447 .

How do I make a claim on the Private Motor Excess Insurance or Car Rental Loss Damage Waiver Insurance?

Membership Services:  02392 676060 Monday to Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm

email:  [email protected]

Membership Services:   02392 676060 Monday to Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm

Ready to apply?

Before you apply, we've outlined the eligibility for the account below, along with our terms and conditions so you can make sure it's the right account for you.

You can apply for a Gold account if you are:

• permanently resident in Jersey, Guernsey, Gibraltar or the Isle of Man, and;
• applicants from Gibraltar must also be an existing customer.

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• Personal Banking Account Terms and Fees (PDF, 293 KB)
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• Current account interest rates (PDF, 54 KB)

Insurance product information for our Gold account

We're making some changes to Gold account travel insurance on 16th August 2021. Please review the following documents to ensure our policies fully meet your needs and the cover is right for you.

• Insurance product information (PDF, 211 KB)
• What you need to know about the insurance cover (PDF, 56 KB)
• Key information about Gold travel insurance (PDF, 58 KB)
• Private excess motor insurance & car rental loss damage waiver guide (PDF, 188 KB)
• Travel insurance guide (PDF, 303 KB)

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Get your online application started by clicking 'Start your application' below. The full name you put on this form must exactly match the one on the photo ID you'll use to apply.

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This account is currently only available to applicants located in Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man or Gibraltar. 

Our International Personal Banking service is available to customers that meet our minimum age, residency, balance and/or deposit requirements.

Find out more about International Personal Banking

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Natwest travel insurance: protecting you and your travels.

Travel insurance is necessary when you are planning a trip abroad. It provides you protection against unforeseen scenarios and losses you might suffer on a trip and give you the financial means to deal with it. If you are looking for reliable, comprehensive and affordable travel insurance, then NatWest Travel Insurance is a popular option. In this blog, we’ll cover what NatWest Travel Insurance, what coverages and policies it provides, and most importantly, if it’s the right travel insurance provider for you. 

What is NatWest travel insurance?

NatWest Travel Insurance is a product offered by NatWest, a popular UK-based bank that offers a variety of financial services to customers. Like most leading travel insurance, NatWest travel insurance is designed to protect policyholders against unexpected events that might occur during a trip or a holiday. 

Travel insurance by NatWest can be bought as a part of their packaged bank account. The company offers a range of covers, including single-trip, annual multi-trip, backpacker, and winter sports. Read on to find out about these covers in detail and how you can get NatWest travel insurance as a part of their packaged bank account. 

Covers offered by NatWest travel insurance

NatWest offers a range of travel insurance covers to suit the diverse travel needs and budgets of its customers. Here are the main types of coverages that you can avail from NatWest: 

NatWest Single-Trip Travel Insurance

NatWest’s Single-Trip Travel Insurance is for those who travel less and far in between. The policy covers a single trip, usually up to 90 days in duration. The policy covers medical expenses, cancellation, personal liability, baggage loss, and travel delays. 

NatWest Annual Multi-Trip Insurance

NatWest’s Annual Multi-Trip Insurance is for those who frequently travel throughout the year. This is a cost-effective way of securing your travels, where you buy a collective plan instead of paying for each trip separately. This policy covers an unlimited number of trips during the year. Your trip duration can be up to 31-45 days at the maximum, depending on the policy you choose. 

NatWest Backpacker Travel Insurance

If you are taking a gap year or want to travel for an extended period of time, then this cover will be the right choice for you. Whether you are taking a gap year or on a mission to travel around the world, NatWest will tailor the policy to your needs. The policy cover trips for up to 18 months, where you can avail protection against medical emergencies, trip cancellations and personal liability. 

NatWest Winter Sports Travel Insurance

Winter sports like skiing and snowboarding are popular amongst travellers. They are not only exhilarating but also bring you one of a kind experience. If you are planning on participating in this excitement on your next trip, then NatWest’s Winter Sports Travel Insurance is meant for you. This policy offers you additional coverage for winter sports equipment, ski passes and piste closure.

NatWest Bank Accounts for travel insurance

NatWest offers three types of bank accounts: Silver, Platinum and black. Each of these accounts comes with travel insurance coverage as well as additional benefits such as mobile insurance, car breakdown coverage and airport lounge access. Find the details of the travel insurance cover under each account below. 

1. NatWest Silver Travel Insurance

The NatWest Silver account comes with Silver travel insurance which provides cover for the usual, including cancellation or cutting off your trip earlier than planned and medical emergencies and treatment. For medical expenses, you can get up to £10 million in cover, and for cancellations and curtailment, you can get up to £5,000. You can also avail of additional benefits for an added cost like baggage loss or travel delay.

As we mentioned earlier, you can also get a mobile phone cover of up to £1,500 for repair or replacement. Another cover that the NatWest Silver account provides is the car breakdown cover that includes roadside assistance and recovery in the UK & Europe. 

2. NatWest Platinum Travel Insurance

The NatWest Platinum account comes with Platinum travel insurance but with higher levels of coverage for medical expenses, cancellations and curtailments. The policy includes up to £10 million for medical expenses and £10,000 for cancellations. The policy also includes a cover of up to £2 million for personal liability and £50,000 for personal accidents. 

Coming to mobile insurance, which covers loss, theft or accidental damage, you can avail of up to £2,000. Like the Silver account, you will receive car breakdown cover and additional lifestyle benefits like discounts on travel and entertainment. 

3. NatWest Black Travel Insurance

The NatWest Black account comes with Black travel insurance with the highest levels of coverage for medical expenses, cancellations and curtailments. The policy includes up to £15 million for medical expenses and £20,000 for cancellations. As for the cover for personal liability and personal accidents, you will get up to £2 million and £100,000, respectively. 

The mobile phone cover is also more in NatWest Black travel insurance, summing up to £2,500. As a standard, this policy, too, includes car breakdown cover along with other benefits like airport lounge access and discounts on travel and entertainment. 

NatWest is a premium travel insurance provider that offers comprehensive policies and covers, leaving no stone unturned. The level of coverage and benefit you receive will depend on which cover you have invested in. Before you sign up for any of their covers, make sure to read the fine print carefully so that you are not blindsided. For more information on travel insurance, visit Tripcoloumn. 

Do I need to register for travel insurance?

NatWest account owners don’t have to register for travel insurance as they are already covered. If you want to extend your cover to include pre-existing medical conditions, then connect with NatWest’s support team, as that might require some additional costings. 

Do I need to inform NatWest about my travel plans? 

No, you don’t have to inform NatWest about your travelling plans. If you have one of their bank accounts – Silver, Platinum, or Black, then you are already covered by your travel insurance. 

How can I make a claim?

To make a claim for your NatWest travel insurance, you can log in to Membership Services and complete the online form. This is where you can manage all your account details. You can also call the NatWest support team for further assistance. 

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Natwest Travel Insurance Review and Quotes

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Table of Contents

It might be the least exciting thing about your journey. But travel insurance is a must-have when it comes to getting assistance from the other side of the world.

Are you aware of this and are here to know whether Natwest is the right company to go on holidays with?

In this definitive Natwest review, we will tell you everything you need to know about their travel insurance policies: coverage options, prices, contact details, cancellation or claim process and much more. Let’s dive in!

Is Natwest the best travel insurance for you?

Always just going for the cheapest travel insurance might not be the best option when it comes to getting assistance or a refund abroad.

At Safe, we strive to help any people travelling from the UK to get the best travel insurance to leave home with complete peace of mind. This is why we’ve dug into Natwest travel insurance policy booklet and attributed our own neutral rating based on five weighted criteria as shown below.

4,2 Safe overall rating for Natwest

Natwest travel insurance reviews by expert and consumers

To check if Natwest is the right travel insurance for you, you can use our free travel insurance comparison tool and get quotes from main travel insurance companies in a few seconds only. 100% anonymous and free.

Find the best travel insurance in just a few seconds!

What does Natwest travel insurance cover?

Natwest travel insurance offers different travel insurance covers to suit any traveller needs, whether you’re leaving for three days alone in Scotland or six months in Antarctica with your partner or whole family.

NatWest's Travel Insurance Policies are available for individuals, couples and families.

Natwest single-trip and annual multi-trip travel insurances

You will find below the limits breakdown per level of cover for single and annual multi-trip insurance policies at Natwest:

Natwest winter sports travel insurancet

The winter sports travel insurance is usually an option that you can take on top of your single or annual multi-trip policy.

Winter Sports Cover is available as standard and it comes with the following benefits:

• Up to £400 ski equipment cover
• Up to £250 ski pack cover.

What are the other travel insurance options available at Natwest?

Due to Brexit, some outbound flights from international airports might be delayed or cancelled. We would advise you to call Natwest before travelling and make sure you get the right compensation amount for your flight or journey if it is cancelled or delayed as well as for Schedule Airline Failure Cover.

How much is Natwest travel insurance?

You'll find below indicative quotes per level of cover at Natwest:

It is, however, quite difficult to give precise price ranges as Natwest travel insurance policy quotes will depend on a range of factors such as:

• Your age at the time of travelling
• The length of your stay
• Your trip destination (Europe, North America, Worldwide)
• The period you wish to be covered for (single trip, annual multi-trip, extension)
• If you need specific insurance (cruise, ski, backpackers, gadget cover)
• Your medical condition before travelling
• Who is travelling with you (on your own, as a couple, as a family).

Can I get travel insurance discounts or promo codes at Natwest?

There are no discounts mentioned on the website.

Use our travel insurance comparison tool to be aware of latest promo codes and vouchers available at Natwest.

What else should I know about Natwest travel insurance?

What are the general exclusions at natwest travel insurance.

To be eligible for the travel insurance policy at NatWest:

• You have to have a valid bank account with them
• You have to be under the age of 70 years unless you buy an age extension
• You must be transparent about any pre-existing medical conditions
• You must have already planned on a return date from your trip.

How do I get travel insurance quote from Natwest?

Nothing easier. Use our 100% online travel insurance comparison tool to compare all policies in just a few seconds, without giving any personal details. If Natwest is the right one for you, then just click on get quote and you'll be automatically directed through the company's sale channel.

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Shopping around while shopping for personal insurance and not auto-renewing is always the best way to get the best deal and benefit from new customers discounts.

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Through the customer portal, you can view every benefit that comes with your account. You can log in to your account through this log in page

How to claim at Natwest travel insurance?

There are 2 ways to make a claim and that is either online or through a phone call.

How do I contact Natwest travel insurance?

Natwest contact phone numbers, natwest other contact details, how to cancel your annual natwest travel insurance policy.

You will find below main information to cancel your travel insurance policy at Natwest:

Our opinion on Natwest travel insurance

NatWest is a bank that offers travel insurance policies that come along with their current accounts. The insurance policies are available across 3 levels based on the account types: Silver, Platinum and Black. The company's travel insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the FCA and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

The travel insurance covers available are Annual Multi Trip with up to 31 days for Silver and Platinum accounts and up to 90 days for Black accounts. The insurance covers come as standard when you open the current accounts therefore, there are no additional premiums to pay for unless you opt for an optional additional cover.

Aside from the travel insurance cover, depending on the type of bank account, you're also covered for the following: mobile phone insurance, free debit card purchases abroad, UK and European breakdown cover, access to over 1000 airport lounges, and 24/7 concierge services.

We would only recommend you consider Natwest if you're actually looking to open a current account that comes with travel insurance cover.

Alexandre Desoutter has been working as editor-in-chief and head of press relations at HelloSafe since June 2020. A graduate of Sciences Po Grenoble, he worked as a journalist for several years in French media, and continues to collaborate as a as a contributor to several publications. In this sense, his role leads him to carry out steering and support work with all HelloSafe editors and contributors so that the editorial line defined by the company is fully respected. and declined through the texts published daily on our platforms. As such, Alexandre is responsible for implementing and maintaining the strictest journalistic standards within the HelloSafe editorial staff, in order to guarantee the most accurate, up-to-date information on our platforms. and expert as possible. Alexandre has in particular undertaken for two years now the implementation of a system of systematic double-checking of all the articles published within the HelloSafe ecosystem, able to guarantee the highest quality of information.

• Marella Cruises (formerly Thomson)

travel insurance through bank account query

By BABBY , June 7, 2022 in Marella Cruises (formerly Thomson)

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we have travel insurance through our bank account and we have been informed that it covers cruises as well,  as per the wording down below under cruise travel:

But see Marella state comprehensive travel insurance required, but doesn't mention anything else regarding this?, but our bank travel insurance covers all the same as a land based holiday apart from missed ports/missed excursions as stated below, so take it our bank travel insurance is acceptable to take? 

(I have taken out the insurance provider name)

Has anyone had any issues when taking there travel ins (through the bank) with them to the port?

Many thanks

Cruise Travel

Although not specifically mentioned in the policy handbook the .......  travel   insurance is a Worldwide annual multi-trip policy that covers trips up to *31 days and does include cover for travelling on a Cruise ship.

The ........  travel insurance is not a cruise-specific policy so will not provide cover for missed ports of call or missed excursions due to a change in itinerary for example, if the policyholder requires these benefits they would need to purchase specialist cruise travel insurance.

The benefits include but are not limited to:

•   Emergency medical and associated expenses (including emergency repatriation and   Covid-19) up to £10,000,000

•   Cancellation or Curtailment cover up to £5,000

•   Travel disruption up to £5,000

•   Baggage up to £2,500

*upgrades available

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For many years I had travel insurance with my bank account that covered cruises in pretty much the same way as you describe. i had to make claims and they were speedily met. When i stopped cruising a few years ago I changed to a different account with the same bank which did not have travel insurance but had a cheaper annual price. Now I am cruising again i have bought single trip policies but will consider the bank option again. The bank was NW

I have travel insurance with my bank account (NatWest) and was told by my bank advisor that as it does not have covid cover nor specific cruise cover it was insufficient so I have taken another policy through the post office for less than £100 annual couples cover with covid and cruise even if the bank advisor is wrong for that kind of money and what is going on at the airports at the moment it simply wasn’t worth the stress to me

Marella are only worried about the medical and evacuation cover - which the bank policy provides. We have the Nationwide account with insurance which gives this cover and there is an option to add the extra cruise cover for things like Missed port and confined to cabin, but these are not required.  

Travelled with it back in January, but they don't look for any documentation to check your policy.

If you have the Nationwide policy you can get a "Confirmation of Cover" letter online.

Jim The Scot

We also have insurance through Nationwide with our flex plus account and it comes with cruise cover(standard)but as you say it covers medical/evacuation/repatriation but not the  likes of  missed port,confined to cabin and the like..Options extras like that with Nationwide cost £40 I think

Cruised for years with Nationwide standard cruise cover

Get the impression TUI use of the word comprehensive is an attempt to push customers into taking the insurance they offer via AXA?

Thank you for your replies - yes we wasn't bothered re cover for missed port

So looking forward to going on  a cruise again -  just be glad to get the test over with

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