Planning a cruise for sometime soon? You have probably already thought of just about everything: what to pack, which sights you will go see, and which activities you plan to participate in once you are underway. But, what about travel insurance for a cruise: is it really needed or can you get by without it?

If you plan to go on a cruise in the near future, you may be wondering, “Do you have to get travel insurance for a cruise?” While it is not required by law to buy travel insurance before a cruise, here are 5 things to consider:

1. You plan to engage in any high-risk experiences while away:

If you plan to engage in any activities that are considered high-risk at any time during your cruise, you should consider buying travel insurance with medical coverage. Such activities would include, for example: scuba diving, sky diving, bungee jumping, rock climbing, high-altitude hiking, surfing, or mountain biking. While you are likely covered by such activities under your normal medical insurance plan while at home, your current medical plan probably does not cover them when you are abroad.

2. There is a chance you could have to cancel or change your travel plans:

Are you someone who has at least a 5-10% chance of having to change your travel plans at the last minute due to potential family issues, a change in business plans, or possible medical concerns? Travel insurance coverage can be bought to reimburse you for lost trip expenses.

3. You have medical issues or are in a high-risk medical category:

If you are overweight, have high blood pressure, or are just a bit out of shape, you have a higher chance than average of experiencing medical problems while away on a cruise. Medical coverage under a good travel insurance policy will cover your medical expenses should anything arise while you are away. Some plans even include evacuation and repatriation to your home country.

4. You enjoy straying from the beaten path when cruising:

Are you a free spirit who might, for example, go exploring far from the ship when it lands at its destination island or country? If so, you run the risk of literally missing the boat when it embarks. Avoid the potentially huge costs associated with this risk by getting insurance coverage for this very situation.

5. Your airline, tour company or cruise ship operator could go out of business:

The following nightmare scenario has been known to happen: a person books a cruise and buys travel insurance from the cruise or tour operator. That operator then goes out of business during the cruise. Since the insurance was issued by the same company who operated the cruise or tour, it was rendered invalid. That person ends up being stranded with no insurance and no way home.

These things can and do happen each year, so if you buy travel insurance, buy it from a third party other than your cruise operator. Doing so will make sure your expenses for getting home – including airfare and any required ground or sea transportation – are covered if such an unforeseen cancellation should occur.

Take these 5 reasons to buy travel insurance for a cruise to heart as you plan your exciting vacation with increased peace of mind.

Author Bio: Find more info and great deals on travel insurance for a cruise at: Cruise Travel Insurance Deals.

Category: Travel
Keywords: Do You Have To Get Travel Insurance For A Cruise, 5 Things to Consider when going on a cruise