When it comes to taking a cruise it is not surprising that the top concern of most onboard travelers is the prospect of coming back sick. In fact, in a recent survey of 2,289 U.S. cruisers who purchased in insurance during the past 24 months through InsureMyTrip, the vast majority of cruisers ended up experiencing some kind of travel itinerary disruption during a trip. Of those, nearly a quarter (24 percent) filed a travel insurance claim for a cruise-related issue. Health reasons led the majority of those claims with travelers.

The survey found that illness or injury affecting a trip is a top concern and medical issues drive majority of travel insurance claims. Cruise itinerary and reviews are key deciding factors when booking a cruise. The Caribbean and Europe are preferred destinations for cruisers

In fact, cruisers are more concerned about an illness or injury affecting a trip than bad weather or terrorism. Fifty-two percent worry most about themselves or a family member getting sick or injured (3 percent increase from last year). Twenty-nine percent worry most about bad weather affecting a cruise. Twenty-four percent have experienced seasickness or a stomach illness during a voyage.

Tip: When planning a trip, cruisers should look for a comprehensive travel insurance plan that includes emergency medical coverage and trip interruption coverage.

 

Cruising: Expecting the Unexpected

During a voyage, 38 percent of those polled experienced an unexpected itinerary change. Despite this type of disruption, most cruisers are pleased with their overall experience. Sixty-one percent stated cruising has always met their expectations.

Tip: When comparing travel insurance, cruise passengers should look for a comprehensive travel insurance plan geared for cruisers.

Cruising: Itinerary, Reputation as Deciding Factors

The study found that the cruise itinerary (60%) is the top reason why travelers choose to book a particular cruise. Other top factors included reputation and reviews (17%). Price (14%) is also a consideration. 

Cruising: Claim Frame

Travelers, who voluntarily participated in this survey, had all researched or purchased travel insurance within the past two years and 24 percent ended up making a claim. Here are common reasons for filing a claim:

  • Medical care required during a cruise
  • Medical issue forced a trip cancellation
  • Bad weather forced a delay or cancellation of cruise
  • Missed flight led to a delay or cancellation of cruise
  • Items were stolen or lost during a trip

Tip: Cruisers should seek a comprehensive package that provides a variety of benefits, including emergency medical coverage, emergency travel services, baggage protection, and trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

 

 

Cruising: Domestic Health Coverage Abroad

This year, cruisers report a better understanding of whether their health insurance works outside the US. Thirty-six percent said their domestic health insurance would provide coverage, while 37 percent believed their insurance plan would offer no coverage.  Twenty-seven percent polled were not sure whether their domestic health insurance plan would cover any doctor or hospital visits while traveling out of the country, a decrease when comparing results from last year.

Tip: It is important for travelers to know about any limitations of domestic health insurance for emergency medical coverage while out of the country. In most cases, there are gaps in coverage. Some gaps are significant. Travel insurance is recommended because it can act as supplemental or primary coverage and also provide emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Cruising: Lure of the River; Ports that Call

Eighty-one percent of those polled have either been on a river cruise or would like to go on a river cruise. Eleven percent have no desire to go.

Meanwhile, the Caribbean and Europe continue to be cruise hot spots. The Caribbean and Europe are favorite cruise destinations while 12 percent chose Alaska as a top place to visit.

  • 35.4% Europe
  • 33.9% Caribbean
  • 12.4% Alaska
  • 18.2% Other