General travel insurance may not automatically cover cruise itineraries; no compensation will be provided unless additional coverage is purchased. If you purchase travel insurance specifically designed for cruise travel, most policies will cover allowances for cancellations or shortened shore excursions due to non-personal reasons, or additional transportation or accommodation costs for missing boarding at a port and needing to travel to the next port for boarding. However, different insurance plans have different coverages, and policyholders should carefully review the policy terms to ensure that the relevant items are covered.
Which cruise insurance is better? Hong Kong Cruise Travel Insurance Comparison | Price and Exclusive Coverage in one article
Author
Cassidy Wong
Created On
2026-04-13 10:49:46
Edited On
2026-05-17T06:12:38.000000Z
When planning a cruise vacation, in addition to itinerary arrangements, cruise insurance is often a crucial element in ensuring a smooth trip. Kwiksure breaks down the coverage and specific underwriting details of different cruise travel insurance policies to help you find the most suitable protection plan for your trip.
Table of contents
- Why should I buy "cruise insurance" when traveling on a cruise?
- Cruise insurance vs. general travel insurance + cruise protection
- Which cruise insurance is better? A comparison of coverage from 6 major insurance companies.
- How are cruise insurance prices calculated?
- 5 must-read terms before buying cruise insurance
- Useful tips for cruise travel
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should I buy "cruise insurance" when traveling on a cruise?
Cruise travel involves extended periods on board, and the journey is susceptible to weather conditions. Basic travel insurance can cover baggage loss and medical needs encountered on a cruise, but its coverage is not as comprehensive as insurance plans specifically designed for cruise travel. Cruise insurance provides comprehensive coverage for risks that may arise during a trip, including cruise cancellations and disruptions, cancellations of shore excursions due to inclement weather, emergency satellite phone communication costs, and even personal accidents resulting from pirate kidnapping.
Cruise insurance vs. general travel insurance + cruise protection
What is cruise insurance?
Cruise travel insurance is designed specifically for cruise journeys, in addition to general tourism protection. In addition, it will also cover targeted and specific protections, such as cruise ship sinking or pirate kidnapping, to ensure that passengers receive appropriate protection in various emergencies.
Differences in coverage and premiums
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Differences in coverage and premiums |
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|
Independent cruise insurance |
General travel insurance + additional cruise insurance |
|
|
Coverage |
The insurance is specifically designed for cruise journeys and includes coverage for cruise ship sinkings, emergency satellite communication costs, cruise journey disruptions, shortening or cancellations, and even personal accident coverage for pirate kidnappings. |
In addition to the basic coverage of general travel insurance, additional targeted coverage can be added at an extra cost, such as coverage for shortened or canceled cruise itineraries, or cancellation of shore excursions due to inclement weather. |
|
premium |
Due to their broad coverage and targeted nature, premiums are typically higher. |
Because the additional coverage needs to be paid for out of pocket through the travel insurance plan, the premium will be higher than that of regular travel insurance, but lower than that of cruise insurance. |
|
Compensation amount |
Generally, higher compensation amounts are offered for the same project. |
The compensation amount is relatively low |
Which cruise insurance is better? A comparison of coverage from 6 major insurance companies.
Below is a comparison of cruise travel insurance from 6 popular insurance companies. Travelers can also contact them for more information. Kwiksure compares insurance plans that best suit your needs and helps you apply for insurance immediately.
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Comparison of cruise travel insurance coverage from 6 major insurance companies (HKD) |
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Cruise trip cancelled |
Boarding Missed Guarantee |
End the cruise trip early |
Shore excursions cancelled |
Additional visa fees due to cruise route changes |
Emergency Satellite Communications |
Cruise ship hijacked or kidnapped |
premium for one adult |
|
|
Zurich"Breezy Travel Insurance” Core Plan(with cruise travel protection) |
25,000 |
10,000 |
/ |
10,000 |
500 |
/ |
/ |
300 |
|
AXA "SmartTraveller Plus” - Premier Plan (with cruise travel protection) |
25,000 |
10,000 |
25,000 |
5,000 |
/ |
3,000 |
20,000 (2,000 per day) |
362 |
|
BOCG Bank of China Group Universal Voyage Travel Insurance Plan - Gold (Asia, with cruise travel protection) |
30,000 |
8,000 |
30,000 |
5,000 |
/ |
3,000 |
/ |
291 |
|
Blue Cross Travel Smart - Cruise Plan |
50,000 |
25,000 |
50,000 |
10,000 |
/ |
3,000 |
/ |
362 |
|
Dah Sing Insurance"JourneySure" - Diamond Cover |
50,000 |
5,000 |
10,000 |
5,000 |
/ |
/ |
/ |
191 |
|
QBE Travel Insurance - Silver Plan (Additional cruise ship insurance) |
10,000 |
10,000 |
/ |
10,000 |
/ |
/ |
20,000 |
194 |
*The insured is assumed to be a 30-year-old adult on a 5-day trip to Asia.
*The above information is for reference only as of April 10, 2026. All information is subject to the announcements of the relevant insurance companies.
*The above information is for reference only as of April 10, 2026. All information is subject to the announcements of the relevant insurance companies.
Comparison of cruise insurance coverage for seniors and children
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Comparison of cruise travel insurance coverage for seniors and children by 6 major insurance companies (HKD) |
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|
Insured age |
Medical Security |
Personal accident |
Emergency medical transport |
Children's discount |
|
|
Zurich"Breezy Travel Insurance” Core Plan(with cruise travel protection) |
Cruise insurance is limited to those aged 75 or under. |
800,000 |
800,000 |
Actual cost |
/ |
|
AXA "SmartTraveller Plus” - Premier Plan (with cruise travel protection) |
30 days or more |
Premiums for those aged 18 to 70, under 18, and those paying adult premiums: 500,000 |
Premiums for those aged 18 to 70, under 18, and those paying adult premiums: 500,000 |
Comprehensive protection |
Free coverage for all children insured under the same policy as their parents. |
|
BOCG Bank of China Group Universal Voyage Travel Insurance Plan - Gold (Asia, with cruise travel protection) |
6 weeks to 80 years old |
18 to 70 years old: 1,000,000 |
18 to 70 years old: 1,200,000 |
Actual cost |
/ |
|
Blue Cross Travel Smart - Cruise Plan |
6 weeks or more |
70 years or younger: 1,200,000 |
18 to 70 years old: 600,000 |
No upper limit |
You can apply for the "Family" premium group to cover all unmarried children under the age of 18. |
|
Dah Sing Insurance"JourneySure" - Diamond Cover |
6 weeks to 85 years old |
75 years or younger: 500,000 |
18 to 75 years old: 500,000 |
Actual cost |
The family plan is priced for two people only, with no limit on children under the age of 18 |
|
QBE Travel Insurance - Silver Plan (Additional cruise ship insurance) |
All ages |
70 years or younger: 1,200,000 |
18 to 75 years old: 500,000 |
Actual expenditure |
Children traveling with relatives can receive a premium discount. |
*The above information is for reference only as of April 10, 2026. All information is subject to the announcements of the relevant insurance companies.
How are cruise insurance prices calculated?
Factor 1. Number of travel days
Cruise insurance typically offers single, multiple, and annual plans. The more days of coverage, the higher the premium. However, multiple and annual plans are cheaper than purchasing multiple single travel insurance plans separately. Travelers can choose the appropriate coverage plan based on their travel needs.
Factor 2: Location of coverage
Premiums are affected by the coverage area of the insurance plan; insurance plans that cover global waters are significantly more expensive than those that only cover Asia and designated islands or the high seas. Since cruise ships dock at various ports, it's crucial to carefully consider the coverage area when purchasing insurance to ensure coverage at the destination.
Factor 3: Guaranteed amount
Generally speaking, the higher the premium, the higher the coverage amount. When purchasing cruise insurance, passengers can choose the appropriate coverage amount according to their needs.
Factor 4: Coverage
Different cruise travel insurance plans offer varying coverage. Some plans may cover high-risk activities and water sports during the cruise, such as surfing, ziplining, and other high-altitude activities. The more comprehensive the coverage, the higher the premium. Travelers can carefully compare different plans to choose the one that best suits their needs and budget.
5 must-read terms before buying cruise insurance
1. Trip Cancellation and Shortening Policy
Cruise insurance typically covers unused and unrecoverable travel expenses due to unavoidable non-personal factors, such as severe weather, strikes, or flight delays, which may prevent departure from taking place on schedule or require a shorter trip. All delays that exist or are announced before the trip are not covered by insurance.
2. Missed boarding guarantee
Most cruise insurance plans cover cancellations or delays caused by missing boarding due to "non-personal factors," but you should pay attention to the minimum delay time specified in the plan and the reasons for the delay or cancellation, such as natural disasters, mechanical and electrical failures of public transportation, etc. If the insured misses the boarding time due to being late, it will not be covered.
3. Support for onshore sightseeing activities
Not all cruise insurance plans cover shore excursions and high-risk activities such as surfing, scuba diving, and skydiving. When purchasing insurance, you need to carefully review the policy terms regarding coverage for amateur dangerous sports, and some plans may require additional coverage.
4. Age restrictions and past medical history
If the policyholder is an elderly person or a minor, it is important to be aware of the age restrictions in the insurance plan. Some insurance plans have age restrictions, and even those without age restrictions may have additional clauses restricting elderly or minors traveling alone. Furthermore, any pre-existing injuries, congenital or hereditary diseases are not covered.
5. Details of General Travel Insurance with Additional Cruise Coverage
If you choose to purchase general travel insurance with cruise coverage, you need to carefully pay attention to the details and coverage amounts of the additional coverage items. Some additional coverages only compensate for "missing boarding" and not for "having your trip interrupted after boarding the cruise ship," and the compensation amount for each item is also relatively low. Therefore, you need to pay extra attention to the terms and conditions of the additional coverage when purchasing insurance and choose a plan that meets your needs.
Useful tips for cruise travel
Preparations before departure
When traveling abroad by cruise ship, you must carry your passport. Since the original passport is usually collected upon boarding, so that the ship's staff can handle immigration procedures, it's best to prepare a copy for shore excursions and tax refunds. Passengers should also note down important contact numbers, such as the 24-hour emergency hotline of their travel insurance company, for unforeseen circumstances.
Keep proof of trip delay or cancellation.
Travelers must keep all relevant receipts and documents for the trip, such as pre-purchased activity tickets and payment receipts, shore excursion receipts, and flight or public transportation company delay certificates. In case the trip is unfortunately delayed and needs to be shortened or canceled, the necessary documents can be provided to the insurance company to apply for compensation.
Choose a cruise insurance plan that suits your needs.
There are many travel insurance products available, but not all of them automatically cover cruise trips. Some may require additional purchase or be subject to specific terms and conditions. Besides comparing insurance plans from different companies yourself, you can also contact Kwiksure to instantly compare cruise insurance plans from over 60 insurance companies and provide objective recommendations to suit your cruise itinerary and budget. Get a quote and apply for travel insurance instantly via WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I've already purchased travel insurance, do I still need to add cruise insurance?
Travel insurance plans may not automatically cover all cruise trips; some may require additional purchase or specific terms and conditions. Policyholders should carefully review the terms and conditions of their purchased travel insurance to see if cruise travel insurance is included. If the plan does not cover it, an additional purchase is required to obtain coverage for cruise cancellations or shortened trips, missed boarding, and shore excursions.
If I miss boarding due to bad weather or flight delays, will my insurance cover it?
Severe weather or flight delays are considered "non-personal factors," and most cruise insurance plans cover trip cancellations or delays caused by these factors. However, the insured must provide proof of delays from the flight or public transportation company when making a claim in order to be covered. Delays caused by personal lateness are not covered.
What should retirees or seniors pay special attention to when buying insurance for cruise ships?
Retirees and seniors need to pay attention to age restrictions and coverage limits in insurance policies. Some policies have age restrictions or additional restrictions for seniors traveling alone. Therefore, when purchasing travel insurance, in addition to the scope of coverage, special attention should be paid to whether the maximum age limit for enrollment and the coverage amount for each item are sufficient.
