does my saga travel insurance cover cruises

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

Saga travel insurance review

Saga travel insurance review highlights:

• No upper age limit
• Covers most pre-existing medical conditions
• 5 Star Defaqto Expert Rated Insurance
• Emergency medical cover of up to £20million*

Get a Saga travel insurance quote

Who is Saga?

Saga is a British based holiday and insurance specialist for the over 50s. Having started life as a Folkestone based travel company in 1951, Saga now owns its own cruise ships, has a chartered fleet of river cruise ships and offers a wide range of insurance and financial products including car insurance, home and health insurance and equity release.

Saga travel insurance is underwritten by Astrenska Limited and administered by Collinson Insurance Services Limited.

What does it cover?

Saga provide single trip and annual travel insurance for the over 50s . Their travel insurance is comprehensive, includes cruise insurance as standard and has no upper age limit. It also covers most pre-existing medical conditions and over 40 popular leisure activities.

Here’s how each option works:

Saga single trip holiday insurance

Saga offers 3 levels of single trip insurance:

• Essential Single
• Standard Single
• Plus Single

Their Plus Single trip insurance covers you for a single trip to one or more destinations for up to 180 days. This includes the following services as standard:

• Up to £15,000 cancellation cover
• Up to £15 million emergency medical cover
• Up to £7,500 baggage cover
• Up to £1,000 missed departure cover
• Up to £15,000 abandonment cover
• 24/7 travel helpline
• Flexibility to add family and friends under 50 years of age

Compare Saga travel insurance

Saga annual travel insurance

Annual travel insurance provides the same benefits as single trip insurance with one big difference - w ith their Plus Annual, you are covered for multiple trips throughout the year. This includes insurance for up to 180 days per year, with a maximum of up to 45 days per trip and with an option to increase this to 60 or 90 days for some regions.

Their are 2 levels of annual multi-trip travel insurance:

• Standard Annual
• Plus Annual

Depending on the level of cover you choose, Saga travel insurance protects you in the following regions:

• Worldwide excluding USA, Canada, Mexico and all Caribbean islands

The Plus Annual also includes:

• Up to £20,000 cancellation cover
• Up to £20million emergency medical cover
• Up to £10,000 baggage cover
• Up to £1,500 missed departure cover
• Up to £20,000 abandonment cover

Take a look at over 50s travel insurance

Does Saga offer coronavirus travel insurance cover for the over 50s?

All Saga travel insurance policies include covid-19 cancellation or abandonments cover of up to £20,000 depending on your cover level should you test positive for coronavirus within 14 days of travel.

This is in addition to emergency medical cover if you were to become ill with coronavirus whilst on holiday.

If you travel to a country where the  FCDO  advise against all but essential travel for a non-essential reason, you’’ have no cover for any policy if your claim relates to why the FCDO advice is in place.

How much does Saga travel insurance cost?

The cost of Saga travel insurance depends on the traveller’s age, health and the type of cover required.

Am I eligible for Saga travel insurance?

To be eligible as the policy holder for Saga travel insurance you must be at least 50 years of age however there is no upper age limit. You must live in the UK and disclose any pre-existing medical conditions, or your policy could be invalid.

Saga will only look to provide cover for diagnosed medical conditions therefore if you are under investigation or awaiting test results of an undiagnosed condition, no cover will be available.

Is Saga travel insurance any good?

My review of Saga travel insurance is designed to help you compare plans and find the best option for you. I would always recommend that you review all of your options to ensure you’re getting the best deal that suits your budget and needs.

Saga travel insurance has the highest possible Defaqto rating. It also has a Trustpilot score of 4.1 out of 5 for all its insurance products.

With no upper age limit and cover for most pre-existing medical conditions, Saga offers comprehensive travel insurance as standard. This means it’s simple to arrange yet still offers flexibility to tailor the policy by changing the excess, adding additional travellers and changing the level of cancellation cover.

How to get a Saga travel insurance quote

To get a Saga travel insurance quote, visit their website for more details.

Getting a quote is easy and there is no obligation to proceed.

Travel insurance for over 50s

Frequently asked questions

Who is saga travel insurance underwritten by.

Saga Travel Insurance is underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited, which meets our high standards of quality and service.

Does Saga travel insurance cover include repatriation?

Saga travel insurance includes repatriation fees as part of the emergency medical cover. This includes your repatriation if it is medically necessary and one friend or relative if the doctor thinks it’s appropriate.

Do Saga holidays and Saga Cruises include travel insurance?

All overseas Saga Holidays and Cruises include optional comprehensive travel insurance, subject to a medical screening. However, should you prefer to choose your own travel insurance, a price reduction would be available.

*Depending on your level of cover

Did you find this information helpful?

We work with

If you have enjoyed visiting our website we would love you to visit and like our Facebook page where you will find our latest news

How this site works

Our aim is to provide you with clear and accurate information to help you research your chosen financial products and services. The material on this site is for general information only and does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation.

If a link has an * by it, it means it is an affiliated link to an insurance company or broker that may result in a payment to the site. Should you use the equity release calculator, speak to an Age Partnership adviser and take out a plan out using their services, we receive a commission, however this will not affect the price you pay.

Also, from time to time you may see advertisements from third party companies who pay us a fee to advertise their services on our site.

None of the above arrangements constitute advice or recommendations, as other products and companies are available. You should always obtain independent, professional advice for your own situation.

The information provided on this site is accurate at the date of publication, occasionally however, things will change before we have had the opportunity to update them, so please do check. Always do your own research and take independent advice.

We do not investigate the solvency of any company mentioned on our website and are not responsible for the content on websites we link to.

Over50choices is an independent company and regulated by the FCA (No.594280) for insurance products only and a member of the Equity Release Council.

• Saga Cruises

Saga included insurance

By nosapphire , May 22, 2020 in Saga Cruises

Recommended Posts

BEWARE anyone who has taken Saga included insurance with their booking, and think that you will be covered for Coronavirus because it was added to your booking prior to 3rd April.

When you pay the holiday balance after the 3rd April, your documentation will show that this is a new insurance and you will not be covered for ANYTHING relating to coronavirus.

I have to contact Saga about this, as if this is correct it feels extremely underhand - let me believe that because insurance was added to the booking in May 2019 I was covered, but because the final balance is paid May 2020 it is treated as being taken out after 3rd April.

I'll come back and update after I have spoken (cruise is almost certainly going to be cancelled anyway).

Link to comment

Share on other sites, silversurf1.

I have already checked this. We booked for 5 January 2021 in October 2019 then changed it to July 2021. Our insurance rolls on and covers us for the virus.

Got it recorded on my phone where young lady from Saga assured me of this 100%

we would have cancelled if this wasn’t so.

Slightly different.

We have not rolled over the booking, it is the same booking just the insurance has changed.

It is the inaugural cruise booked back in 2018.

Insurance was added in May 2019. Received documents in May 2019 showing included insurance.

Final balance paid today.

Revised documentation for the cruise now states that the included insurance does NOT cover coronavirus.

Emailed them to ask why an insurance that did cover coronavirus is now saying it does NOT cover coronavirus.

I'd recommend getting Saga to conform yours in writing to be safe.

This is worrying, and I agree it does seem underhand.  How on earth can Saga have information on their website which states that insurance purchased prior to April 3 includes Covid cover, and then issue documentation stating that it does not?  If correct, it means that anyone who pays the balance of their cruise after April 3 is not covered.    

I  hope Saga reads these boards and provides clarification.

I've asked the question, should get a reply next week, and I'll come back with their answer.

I am hoping that it is a mistake created by their useless computer system - fingers crossed.

2 hours ago, nosapphire said: I've asked the question, should get a reply next week, and I'll come back with their answer. I am hoping that it is a mistake created by their useless computer system - fingers crossed.

Good luck - their insurance is a bit hit and miss. Last year my wife declared a probably insignificant condition awaiting diagnosis a few days before our cruise, something our GP considered not to be of any concern. Saga promptly cancelled her cover without explanation, while admitting on the phone that many people in the same situation simply don't admit such conditions in order to keep their cover. The travel insurance bundled with our bank account simply doesn't cover conditions awaiting diagnosis rather than refusing any cover at all.

Quick update. I had a reply this morning, which was totally useless as it was so generic.

The impression given was that either they did not know the answer, or they knew the answer but did not want to commit it in writing.

I've asked them for a specific answer to my specific booking.

I have a suspicion that if I push them hard enough I will find out that the insurance is not actually taken out with the underwriters until the final balance is paid.

Which means that nobody relying on Saga's included insurance will be covered for coronavirus.

I'll let you know of progress.

Thanks for posting nosapphire.  If Saga can’t sort this  out, they’re going to lose  a lot of customers.

I now have an email confirming that my specific booking IS covered for Covid-19, ad Saga are working on getting corrected documentation.

Which is good news for anyone who added Saga included insurance to their booking prior to 3rd April 2020, as they will be covered.

Great news nosapphire.  Now we just have to hope that our cruises go ahead!

Thank you for this nosapphire. Reassuring.

• 2 weeks later...

Seems very underhand to me. Did not the contract become established on payment of the first amount, you would have lost that if you cancelled the cruise. I think you would have a good legal case that the Insurance was issued

a year ago on first payment. They would have be liable under the policy for any illness nine months ago.

In my opinion, not underhand - just incompetent.

Saga have confirmed by email that the insurance is valid. They have said that they are working on correcting the paperwork (no idea how long that will take them).

The standard of accuracy in the paperwork Saga issue is steadily deteriorating - over the last 2 years we have had to contact them for corrections of various mistakes, including under-calculated advance registration discounts, wrong cabin numbers, missing insurance, dates of birth being mysteriously changed mid-booking, etc. I still have to contact them about a final balance payment date for another cruise which is stated on the paperwork as being due a month too early.

I assume the coumputer system was updated to reflect the fact that new bookings will not be covered for Coronavirus without any consideration of the people who had already booked.

Though - on reflection - maybe it is underhand, and being passed off as incompetence. Sigh.

https://www.worldofcruising.co.uk/travel-insurance-covid-19-medical-cover-cruise-holidays

I received this email today .   Those of you commenting on this post may find it interesting. 

I note on the saga website that there is a statement that from 1st June, policyholders will be covered under the medical section only, this seems to indicate no cover under the other sections of the policy, Such as  cancellation, etc. It still appears to me that policyholders who booked a cruise for late 2020 or 2021 and paid any deposit in say late 2019 would have valid cover and a valid claim under all sections of the policy , since coronavirus was not mentioned or excluded.

so there now at least two classes of covered policy holder.

And probably a third class of policyholder, and claimant  following the “coronavirus exclusions” announced in the spring of 2020.

it is an area ripe for discussion by the lawyers.

The recent note on the SAGA website needs to “Precisely” define what the policies state and what the cover is for each traveller.

SAGA cannot retrospectively change the cover.

They have muddied the waters for prior policyholders, in trying to clarify the situation of policyholders in the future.

They have opened a can of worms in their treatment of prior policy holders, the legal profession will have a field day in pursuing claims.

Their website is confusing (nothing unusual there).

Saga optional included travel insurance taken out on or after 3rd April 2020 will cover coronavirus only under the emergency medical section, and only for travel which started on or after 1st June (I assume that is June 2020).

New Saga insurance policies taken out on or after 1st June (again, I assume 2020 as the year is not mentioned) will cover coronavirus only under the emergency medical section, same as above.

For all policies taken out before 6pm on Friday 13th March 2020 - simply tells you who to contact if you need to claim. No mention of coronavirus one way or the other.

No mention of insurance taken between 6pm 13th March 2020 and 3rd April 2020 - maybe nobody booked anything in this period.

Just to muddy the waters, the insurance page, under "get a quote" clarifies that new policies will now offer emergency medical treatment abroad for claims related to coronavirus, then adds that exclusions related to coronavirus for policies dated 13th March onward continue to apply to the rest of the policy.

By the way, I still don't have any corrected paperwork. Although as now the sailing date, and probably the itinerary and price, will have to be changed, maybe it will all get done together.

I wonder when the policy is deemed to be taken out , when you initially book and pay your deposit, when you pay the final tranche of the fare, when you board the vessel or when you claim.

it may all be irrelevant if the Spirit od Discovery is not delivered until 2021.I believe SAGA has said it will be delivered in the next year, a very precise date.

We booked a 2021 cruise on 16th March 2020, with the optional included insurance.  We assumed we would be covered for treatment abroad and repatriation to the UK for COVID-19.  Not so sure now.  What a mess!

It is sure a mess.

I do not think anyone knows, SAGA included.

35 minutes ago, Fred989 said: It is sure a mess.   I do not think anyone knows, SAGA included.

Well, I think that post has summed it up accurately enough.

Just to add to the confusion - on the Saga cruises page it simply states that :

QUOTE: If you have purchased the optional Saga Holidays Travel Insurance after 00:01am on Friday 3rd April, 2020, the following applies:

Please be aware this policy will not provide cover for any claims caused by or relating to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), or any mutation of unless your trip begins on or after 1st of June, in which case this policy will only provide cover for any claims caused by or relating to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), or any mutation of, under the 'Emergency medical associated expenses' section of your policy book. This section provides insurance for emergency medical and associated costs not covered by the National Health Service or any reciprocal health agreement. END QUOTE.

Which is not quite the same as any of the others.

To be honest, I have no idea now whether the email I have confirming that my insurance does cover coronavirus means I am fully covered, or just for emergency medical treatment abroad.

While Saga say that "Saga will assist" in the event of repatriation (because of coronavirus) they do not also say "Saga will pay".

They must be updating things on the website (and hopefully the documentation), as there is no longer a link to the policy book for the included insurance, and the link to the summary is not to the insurance, just to Saga.

Glad the only Saga travel insurance we have is linked with 2 cruises on the Adventure which are almost certain to be no-shows, so the insurance is academic.

I booked acruise back in December 2019 to be taken in May 2020. In March 2020 I ttransferred the booking to a cruise for June 2021. The booking No did not change.

I phoned SAGA this morning for some clarification and was assured that the insurance taken out in December 2019  would roll over to the re-booked cruise.

I am not convinced  and will be asking for some written confirmation.

They might insure you , but for what, under what terms and conditions?

your old pre virus insurance would have covered you under all sections for a virus event.

even the new improved recent T&C’s excludes virus events in all but one sections.

All this uncertainty and reduction in original insurance cover is a sign of financial difficulties.Hope not as we enjoyed our Saga cruises to date and UK/UK cruising without Flying is very appealing.

2 hours ago, brimary said: All this uncertainty and reduction in original insurance cover is a sign of financial difficulties.Hope not as we enjoyed our Saga cruises to date and UK/UK cruising without Flying is very appealing.

I do not think the reduction in insurance cover is a particular sign of financial trouble.

The Covid-19 exclusion has been happening across the board from all insurers;  Saga themselves do not provide the insurance, their travel insurance is provided by Great Lakes.

The problem is the lack of clarity, with nobody knowing exactly what is or is not covered, and no concise answers being given by Saga, and what this (in my opinion) does show is extremely poor management from Saga.

It does not matter if it is financial difficulty or poor management, either could bring the company down.  

The two new build vessels will survive and as are both marked as boutique cruisers, not SAGA, so could be sold on easily to a stronger survivor cruise line.

A market for Cruises from Southampton exists and will be filled by a company who survives the crisis.

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started 9 hours ago

LauraS · Started 15 hours ago

LauraS · Started Thursday at 06:37 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 04:40 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 03:08 PM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

• Credit Cards
• All Credit Cards
• Find the Credit Card for You
• Best Credit Cards
• Best Rewards Credit Cards
• Best Travel Credit Cards
• Best 0% APR Credit Cards
• Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
• Best Cash Back Credit Cards
• Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
• Best Credit Cards to Build Credit
• Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping
• Find the Best Personal Loan for You
• Best Personal Loans
• Best Debt Consolidation Loans
• Best Loans to Refinance Credit Card Debt
• Best Loans with Fast Funding
• Best Small Personal Loans
• Best Large Personal Loans
• Best Personal Loans to Apply Online
• Best Student Loan Refinance
• Best Car Loans
• All Banking
• Find the Savings Account for You
• Best High Yield Savings Accounts
• Best Big Bank Savings Accounts
• Best Big Bank Checking Accounts
• Best No Fee Checking Accounts
• No Overdraft Fee Checking Accounts
• Best Checking Account Bonuses
• Best Money Market Accounts
• Best Credit Unions
• All Mortgages
• Best Mortgages
• Best Mortgages for Small Down Payment
• Best Mortgages for No Down Payment
• Best Mortgages for Average Credit Score
• Best Mortgages No Origination Fee
• Adjustable Rate Mortgages
• Affording a Mortgage
• All Insurance
• Best Life Insurance
• Best Life Insurance for Seniors
• Best Homeowners Insurance
• Best Renters Insurance
• Best Car Insurance
• Best Pet Insurance
• Best Boat Insurance
• Best Motorcycle Insurance
• Best Travel Insurance
• Event Ticket Insurance
• Small Business
• All Small Business
• Best Small Business Savings Accounts
• Best Small Business Checking Accounts
• Best Credit Cards for Small Business
• Best Small Business Loans
• Best Tax Software for Small Business
• Personal Finance
• All Personal Finance
• Best Budgeting Apps
• Best Expense Tracker Apps
• Best Money Transfer Apps
• Best Resale Apps and Sites
• Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) Apps
• Best Debt Relief
• Credit Monitoring
• All Credit Monitoring
• Best Credit Monitoring Services
• Best Identity Theft Protection
• How to Boost Your Credit Score
• Best Credit Repair Companies
• Filing For Free
• Best Tax Software
• Best Tax Software for Small Businesses
• Tax Refunds
• Tax Brackets
• Taxes By State
• Tax Payment Plans
• Help for Low Credit Scores
• All Help for Low Credit Scores
• Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit
• Best Personal Loans for Bad Credit
• Best Debt Consolidation Loans for Bad Credit
• Personal Loans if You Don't Have Credit
• Best Credit Cards for Building Credit
• Personal Loans for 580 Credit Score Lower
• Personal Loans for 670 Credit Score or Lower
• Best Mortgages for Bad Credit
• Best Hardship Loans
• All Investing
• Best IRA Accounts
• Best Roth IRA Accounts
• Best Investing Apps
• Best Free Stock Trading Platforms
• Best Robo-Advisors
• Index Funds
• Mutual Funds
• Home & Kitchen
• Gift Guides
• Deals & Sales
• Pet Week 2024
• Sign up for the CNBC Select Newsletter
• Subscribe to CNBC PRO
• Privacy Policy
• Your Privacy Choices
• Terms Of Service
• CNBC Sitemap

Follow Select

Our top picks of timely offers from our partners

What does cruise travel insurance cover?

Cruise insurance coverage can be customized, but some add-ons can dramatically increase the cost..

Going on a cruise can cost you a pretty penny, so it makes sense to consider cruise insurance to protect your finances if something goes wrong. When you're shopping for a cruise or travel insurance plan , it's important to understand what types of coverage are available and what is covered by different plans. This can help you find the perfect balance between getting the coverage you need and keeping the price of cruise insurance as low as possible.

Here's what you need to know about what cruise insurance covers, how it works and when your travel credit card insurance applies to going on a cruise.

Cruise insurance guide

What is cruise insurance, what does cruise insurance cover, should you buy insurance for a cruise, does credit card travel insurance cover cruising, bottom line.

Cruise insurance is a specific type of travel insurance you can buy to help cover the costs of expenses caused by covered events, such as trip cancellations, delays or medical emergencies. Many general travel insurance policies also cover cruises.

The cost of a cruise insurance plan depends on the types of coverage and coverage limits that are included. For example, some plans offer cancel-for-any-reason coverage (CFAR) , which is an additional cost but allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and be reimbursed a percentage of the cost. If you prefer to have the flexibility of CFAR coverage, AIG's  Travel Guard Preferred plan is CNBC Select's best cruise insurance plan for CFAR coverage. This option provides coverage up to 48 hours before your originally scheduled departure.

Travel Guard® Travel Insurance

The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote

Policy highlights

Travel Guard offers a variety of plans to suit travel ranging from road trips to long cruises. For air travelers, Travel Guard can help assist with tracking baggage or covering lost or delayed baggage.

24/7 assistance available

You can usually purchase cruise insurance directly from the cruise line when you book your trip. Alternatively, you can purchase it separately from a third party. In any case, it's always important to shop around to compare not only prices but also what's covered.

Cruise insurance plans offer a range of coverage options, including:

• Trip interruptions or cancellations
• Trip delays
• Delayed or lost baggage
• Travel to and from the cruise
• Pre-existing conditions
• Medical evacuation
• Emergency medical care
• Missed connections
• Job loss cancellation

There are stipulations, coverage limits and deductibles that can apply. For example, if a pre-existing conditions waiver is offered, you'll typically need to purchase it shortly after booking your cruise and paying for the initial deposit(usually within 2-3 weeks).

Insurance plans have exceptions where the coverage won't apply. If you're injured while intoxicated, don't expect your travel insurance to cover your medical expenses or missed travel. Certain high-risk activities may also be specifically excluded from a cruise insurance plan, such as scuba diving or jet skiing. If you plan on participating in an excursion that isn't normally covered, you'll want to take a look at the World Nomads Explorer Plan , which has a list of hundreds of sports and adventure activities that are covered by the plan.

World Nomads Travel Insurance

World Nomads offers travel insurance for all sorts of travelers, from families to solo adventure travelers. Policies are underwritten by Nationwide and offer strong coverage of emergency accident and illness situations, as well as emergency evacuation scenarios.

Cruise insurance normally costs 3% to 8% of the cost of the cruise, but can be higher if you opt for expensive add-ons, such as CFAR coverage. It's important to shop around to ensure you're getting the coverage you need, the right coverage limits for your trip and the best price. Before you purchase a separate cruise insurance plan, make sure your trip isn't already covered by your credit card or any other travel insurance you may have.

Credit card travel insurance usually covers cruise trips and the travel you book to and from your port of call. For your credit card coverage to apply, you'll need to pay for the trip with an eligible card.

Before you whip out your card and use it to book your trip, double-check that it includes travel insurance and be aware that the level of coverage you get with a credit card won't be as robust as what you can get with a dedicated travel or cruise insurance plan.

That said, one of the best cards for cruise bookings is the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . It offers insurance for trip delays, trip cancellation/interruptions, baggage delays, lost baggage, rental cars, emergency medical and dental, emergency evacuation and travel accidents. It also earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which are a valuable type of travel reward you can use to book cruises, flights and rental cars.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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 plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025

Welcome bonus

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℠.

Regular APR

22.49% - 29.49% variable

Balance transfer fee

5%, minimum $5

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed.

Terms apply.

Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve® review.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Cruise insurance can be a relatively inexpensive investment to protect a costly vacation. Depending on the plan, it covers delays, cancellations, emergency medical and more while you're on a cruise or traveling to and from your cruise. Some cruise insurance plans even offer cancel-for-any-reason coverage, which provides the ultimate flexibility when your plans change. With so many options available, it's important to understand what is and isn't covered by each specific cruise insurance policy.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors . While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of  credit cards ,  banking  and  money , and follow us on  TikTok ,  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

• First-time homebuyer grants: What you need to know Kelsey Neubauer
• Earn elevated perks during Amex's Platinum Card anniversary celebration Andreina Rodriguez
• How to use the Chase Sapphire Preferred hotel credit Jason Stauffer

• Latest News

Saga introduces Covid-19 cover to travel insurance policy

Treatment abroad for Covid-19 and repatriation to the UK will be included as standard as part of Saga travel insurance policies for all trips from 1 June.

The over-50s insurance and holidays specialist has said that it has added the cover to help customers feel more comfortable travelling once the government advice changes to say that it is safe to do so.

The cover has been added across both standalone travel insurance products and the optional cover offered to all Saga holiday and cruise customers.

The policy update will compensate and care for customers should they fall ill with coronavirus while travelling outside the UK, including those with underlying health conditions.

The introduction has come in response to increasing customer demand with 74 per cent of Saga customers saying that they would be unlikely to take out travel insurance if it didn’t cover Covid-19 risks.

Saga was one of the first to offer cover to customers stranded due to volcanic ash clouds, pay claims as result of scheduled airline failure, and offer cover for laptops when they had to be stored in the hold on certain flights.

The company has said that will continue to review its policy to ensure customers receive “significant value” from the cover and customer feedback will be central to further policy updates.

Head of product, Saga health and travel insurance, Kevin McMullan, said: “Understandably, the current crisis has put travel plans on hold for many people.

“However, with the UK’s strict lockdown measures beginning to lift, more people may be planning both exciting and much-needed trips away over the coming months.

“We recognise that this may be a daunting process, particularly for customers with underlying health concerns. We want to give people the confidence and reassurance that if they were to fall ill abroad, we’re there to help and get them back home safely.

“We’re continuing to review and innovate our products to ensure they work as well as they can for our customers.

“However, we know the impact of coronavirus is far-reaching. We’d encourage customers to contact us directly if they’d like to discuss their individual circumstances and how we can best support them through these uncertain times.”

Visit saga.co.uk for more information.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with all the latest news and incentives in the Cruise Trade News Newsletter.

• cruise travel insurance
• latest news
• travel insurance

arrow_outward Related Articles

Saga Group’s river operation returns to profit for...

Saga Group's river cruise arm has returned to profit for the first time since the...

Iain Powell leaves Saga to take on Hurtigruten...

Saga Travel Group trading director Iain Powell has the left the company to join Hurtigruten...

Saga ‘exploring options’ for ocean cruise partnership agreement

Saga Group has responded to reports in the national press that it is floating the...

Cruise Croatia hails agents for driving ‘record-breaking’ season

Cruise Croatia has reported its best-ever sailing season, carrying more than 4,000 passengers between May...

Cruise Trade News is the only dedicated trade title for the UK cruise sector. It is published by Real Response Media.

• Digital Issues
• Knowledge Hub
• Agent Incentives
• Meet the team

TERMS PRIVACY

Travel Insurance for a Cruise

The appeal of cruises is that so many of the activities and amenities are included for you. But you may want to add cruise insurance to your packing list. 

You may not always be required to have travel insurance for a cruise, but having cruise travel insurance may ease your mind if an unforeseen event were to occur on your trip. 

  What Is Cruise Travel Insurance? 

Cruise travel insurance is an added layer of coverage to your travel plans, specifically geared toward cruise trips. It is a type of insurance you would purchase specifically geared to protect against cruise-specific incidents: 

• Port-of-call itinerary changes made by the cruise line 
• Last-minute cancellations made by the cruise line 
• Ship mechanical problems or breakdowns 
• Disruptions to shipboard services 
• Missed port connection  

Where travel insurance covers protection against injury or illness, expenses for lost luggage, or cancellations, cruise travel insurance covers those, plus events that may happen on your cruise. Cruise insurance typically covers: 

• Trip interruptions 
• Trip cancellations 
• Medical evacuations or emergencies 
• Sickness or injury 
• Ship disablement 
• Lost luggage 
• Missed connection 
• Inclement Weather 

Cruise insurance covers prepaid, non-refundable expenses such as airfare, hotels, and expedition deposits. 

Does Cruise Travel Insurance Cover My Flight? 

Yes! AXA’s Travel Protection plans can offer coverage for certain prepaid, non-refundable expenses, such as airfare, associated with your cruise. 

Is Cruise Travel Insurance Mandatory? 

Not always. Cruise insurance may not always be required; some carriers may allow you to board without it. Emergencies can occur anywhere, anytime, and you don’t want to be without coverage if any unfortunate situation arises on your cruise trip (or before it). 

Do I need Travel Insurance for Domestic Cruises? 

Your cruise line may or may not require travel insurance to cover your medical expenses and emergency evacuations, but there can be several other situations that may warrant travel insurance. These include last-minute cancellations or unforeseen events like bad weather, ship breakdowns causing significant delays, itinerary changes, or missing your ship.  

Does AXA Travel Insurance Cover Cruises? 

Yes, AXA offers  travel protection plans for cruises. AXA’s Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans offer travel protection benefits to help cruisers steer with peace of mind on their next cruise voyage. The specific coverage provided can vary depending on the plan you choose, but some of the common coverages that may be included in AXA Travel Protection Plans for cruises are: 

• Trip Cancellation:  This coverage can reimburse you for non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel your cruise due to a covered reason such as illness or injury. 
• Trip Interruption:  This coverage can provide reimbursement for unused portions of your cruise if you have to interrupt your trip due to a covered reason, such as a medical emergency. 
• Emergency Medical and Dental Expenses:  This coverage may assist with payment for medical or dental expenses incurred while on your cruise due to illness or injury due to a covered reason. 
• Emergency Evacuation:  This coverage may include payment for emergency medical transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility due to a covered reason such as illness or injury while on your cruise and require medical attention that is not available on the ship. 
• Baggage Loss or Delay:  This coverage can reimburse you for the cost of replacing lost or delayed baggage. 
• COVID coverage: If your trip is interrupted or even canceled due to COVID, our plans covers unused prepaid expenses. 
• 24/7 Assistance Services: AXA’s travel plans also include 24/7 assistance services, such as travel and medical assistance, concierge services, and emergency travel services, which can be helpful if you need assistance during your cruise. 

GET YOUR FREE QUOTE  

  Disclaimer:  It's important to note that the specific coverage and terms and conditions of each plan can vary, so it's a good idea to review the policy documents carefully to understand the coverage provided and any exclusions or limitations that may apply

How Does Crusie Travel Insurance Work? 

Like other travel insurance plans, you need to be sure you purchase cruise insurance well before your trip. Most agencies recommend you purchase within 14 days of paying for your trip deposit. The earlier you buy insurance, the greater your coverage window. 

And, like other travel insurance, you’re offered reimbursement or protection against covered incidents. Talk with a licensed agent today to get specifics for your plan’s notification window. 

How Much Does Cruise Insurance Cost? 

You can expect cruise insurance to run around 5-8% of your total trip prepaid expense cost.  

Other Things to Consider 

Like any other type of insurance, buying a policy for your cruise trip requires taking a close look at it to ensure it offers what you need. Here are a few key things you must consider: 

Does your health insurance cover medical expenses onboard a ship? 

Many people assume that their health insurance will cover any medical expenses that may be incurred on domestic cruises—but this isn’t always the rule. Some insurance providers do not offer medical coverage onboard a ship or if it is an international cruise.   Be sure to check with your healthcare insurance provider before departing. 

Do you or your traveling companion have a pre-existing condition? 

AXA offers coverage for pre-existing medical conditions with the Gold and Platinum plans. The availability and terms of coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may vary depending on the specific plan you choose, the nature of your condition, and your state of residency.     If you have a pre-existing medical condition and wish to obtain coverage under an AXA travel protection plan, you will need to meet certain criteria: 

• Your pre-existing medical condition was diagnosed 60 days prior to your effective policy date 
• Your premium for pre-existing medical coverage is received within the time-sensitive period of 14 days of the initial trip deposit date 
• You are medically able to travel on your departure date 

Travel Insurance & Credit Cards 

Many major credit card companies offer travel protections, such as trip cancellation or trip interruption reimbursement benefits. In fact, many people even redeem credit card points to fund their travel. 

However, it’s important to note that cruise travel insurance offers additional protection that isn’t covered by your basic credit card benefit. AXA’s travel protection plans offer the ability to cancel for any reason, with greater coverage protection against claims for baggage loss, medical claims, or missed connections. 

How Do I Get Cruise Insurance? 

Check out AXA’s Travel Plan Guide to see which plan is right for you. 

Need Help Choosing a Plan? 

Speak with one of our licensed representatives or our 24/7 multilingual Insurance advisors to find the coverage you need for your next trip. From Medical Coverage to Trip Cancellation protection, our team of travel experts will help you choose the right coverage.    Receive a  free quote  within minutes  Or call us at 855-327-1441 to speak with our licensed Travel Insurance Advisors.  Monday-Saturday, 8AM-7PM Central Time    Also see:  Plan Comparison Table  | Silver Plan |  Gold Plan  |  Platinum Plan   

Disclaimer 

AXA Assistance cannot guarantee the availability of assistance services everywhere or under all conditions, as there may be times when circumstances beyond AXA’s control hinder its endeavors to provide services. 

The insurance benefits in the Silver, Gold and Platinum plans are underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and affiliated companies including Nationwide Life Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio. Benefits are administered by AXA Assistance USA, Inc. (in California, doing business as AXA Assistance Insurance Services, License Number 0H74893). Non-insurance assistance services are provided by AXA Assistance USA, Inc. and are not underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.    

AXA already looks after millions of people around the world

With our travel insurance we can take great care of you too

Get AXA Travel Insurance and travel worry free!

Speak with one of our licensed representatives or our 24/7 multilingual insurance advisors to find the coverage you need for your next trip.

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

Faye Travel Insurance Review: Is It Worth the Cost?

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Travel insurance can be a worthwhile investment, especially if you’re worried about unexpected costs during your trip. There are a ton of different travel insurance companies out there, so finding one that suits your needs can be a struggle. That’s why we’ve done the work for you.

Let’s take a look at travel insurance provider Faye to see what type of plans the company offers, the coverage levels you can expect and whether Faye travel insurance is right for you.

About Faye travel insurance

Faye is the brand name for customizable travel protection plans offered by a company called Zenner Inc. Its website notes that it specializes in quick reimbursements, which can be a big draw for travelers. Policies issued by Faye are underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company.

» Learn more: How to pick between travel insurance providers

Faye insurance plans

Unlike many other travel insurance companies , Faye offers only one plan.

To find out what types of coverage Faye travel insurance plans include, we generated a quote for a 44-year-old woman from Arizona who was traveling to Italy for two weeks. Her total trip cost came in at $2,000.

Here’s what Faye provides:

This plan costs 7.03% of the overall trip cost, which is typical according to NerdWallet's analysis .

The plan is comprehensive and includes coverage you don’t typically see, such as reimbursement for lost credit cards and a payment for being inconvenienced.

Faye also offers a number of customizations; there are different add-ons from which to choose, all of which vary in price. More on your options in the next section.

» Learn more: How travel insurance for domestic vacations works

Plan add-ons

If you'd like to customize your Faye travel insurance plan to meet your needs more specifically, you can add on extra coverage for more money.

» Learn more: How does travel insurance work?

What isn’t covered by Faye

Even if you purchase a very comprehensive travel insurance policy, there are still situations where you’re not covered.

These include:

Bad weather, including hurricanes, if the policy was purchased after the storm was named.

Intentionally self-inflicted injuries or suicide.

Expenses incurred while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

High-risk sports for which you are paid. 

Psychological disorders, unless you’re hospitalized. 

War and acts of war. 

Illegal acts. 

Piloting or learning to pilot or acting as crew of an aircraft. 

To find the full list of exclusions for your specific policy, be sure to review your plan’s benefits schedule.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

How to choose a Faye plan online

Purchasing a Faye travel insurance plan online is simple. You’ll first want to head to the company’s website to generate a quote.

You’ll need to input information like your age, where you live, where you’re going and how long you’re going to be away. Once you’ve got that all entered in, you’ll be taken to the results page.

Here, you’ll be able to see what plan options you have available, as well as what add-ons there are to pick.

After you’ve selected the coverage you’d like, you’ll need to go through the online checkout process.

» Learn more: Is travel insurance worth it?

Which Faye plan is best for me?

Although Faye has just one base plan available for purchase, it has plenty of different add-ons from which to choose. Faye sorts its bundles and add-ons according to the trip you’re taking, so you may see your bundled offer vary from time to time.

For tentative plans . Choosing to add on a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy can provide peace of mind if your travel plans aren’t solid. With the ability to get up to 75% of your money back, you’ll just want to make sure you’re canceling at least 48 hours in advance. 

For pet owners . Not many travel insurance companies include coverage for your pets , especially not when it comes to vet bills. With a low overall cost, this add-on can make a huge difference if you end up delayed on your return. 

For those wanting to customize everything . Faye’s base plan allows customers to create tons of different customizations according to their travel needs. Even though it’s costly, it makes up for it with wholly comprehensive coverage. 

Faye’s travel insurance offerings may suit your needs, but before purchasing a plan, take a look in your wallet. Many different travel credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance , which can include benefits such as trip cancellation reimbursement, rental car insurance and more.

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

Terms apply.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

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

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.