Cruise Insurance for Seniors
Why Seniors Need Cruise-Specific Insurance
Cruises are a favorite travel option for seniors and retirees and it's certainly easy to see why. They offer ease, comfort, and itineraries that can adapt with older travelers' energy levels. And yet, at the same time, senior travelers get the benefit of visiting lots of different destinations instead of staying in one resort.
That said, seniors need a different level of travel insurance when they set sail. Cruise travel insurance for seniors takes into account the unique needs and medical complexities of being an older person at sea. Let's take a look at what seniors need to keep in mind when they purchase travel insurance for an upcoming cruise.
Senior travelers have more complex needs when it comes to their mobility and medical conditions. That's why cruise travel insurance for seniors is important — it provides coverage for pre-existing medical conditions and accounts for the fact that senior travelers can have a harder time with complex itineraries like transfers and long-haul flights.
Let's take a look at some of the most common medical issues and trip challenges that older travelers — especially senior cruisers — often face.
- Chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, and asthma
- Mobility issues including balance, a higher risk of falls, and difficulty walking long distances
- Medication management including missed doses and contraindications
- Increased risk of illness due to weakened immune systems that make seniors more vulnerable to colds, flu, and other infections (including norovirus on cruises)
- Hearing or vision limitations which can make travel more difficult
- Dehydration and sensitivity to heat and extreme temperatures
What to Look for in Senior Cruise Insurance
Cruise travel insurance for seniors is tailored to the unique risks of cruising and offers protection far beyond standard trip coverage. Here’s what the best cruise insurance for seniors should include.
Emergency Medical Care at Sea
A sudden illness or injury at sea can be both stressful and costly, and ship-wide disease outbreaks are not uncommon. Plus, seniors have more health risks and are more likely to fall ill if there are any viral or disease outbreaks on board. Medical insurance for cruise ships includes coverage for onboard doctor visits, treatment during outbreaks like norovirus, and necessary medical care while docked. Emergency medical coverage also covers hospital transfers at the nearest port if your condition requires advanced treatment.
Pre-existing Conditions Coverage
Senior travelers often have complex or enhanced medical needs. Which means that when they purchase a travel insurance policy, they need coverage for pre-existing medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, or high blood pressure. Cruise travel insurance for seniors can include coverage for these medical conditions as long as certain conditions are met. You must purchase travel insurance within a certain number of days (usually 14-21) of making your initial trip deposit, and make sure you declare all relevant conditions to your provider.
Prescription & Medical Equipment
When you embark on a cruise, it’s essential to bring all of your prescriptions and medical equipment that you may need during the course of your trip. Some of this gear can be costly to replace if you lose it, which is why prescription and medical equipment coverage is essential as part of your insurance policy. That way, if you need urgent replacement of insulin or some other vital medication, you don’t have to worry about the added cost of finding it on your trip.
Trip Cancellation & Interruption
A lot can happen in between the time when you pay for a cruise versus embark the ship. You may have an illness flare up, or have unexpected care responsibilities arise. Trip cancellation coverage or trip interruption coverage provides coverage for things that may come up, such as serious illness, family emergencies, severe weather like hurricanes, or even cruise line mechanical failures that delay or cancel your trip. You should check the “covered reasons” listed by your insurance policy to see what you’re allowed to make a claim for. If you think you might need to cancel for a reason that is not covered, then consider adding Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage to your policy.
Cruise Delays & Missed Connections
If your ship skips a scheduled port due to weather or mechanical issues—or if you’re delayed getting to your departure port—cruise insurance can reimburse you for missed experiences, added expenses, or the cost of rejoining your cruise.
The Best Redpoint Plans for Seniors
Redpoint is a travel insurance company that has a range of options for senior travelers depending on the type of cruise or trip they are going on. Here’s a look at our policy offerings:
- Ripcord: This is our most extensive policy, which is ideal for comprehensive medical evacuation and global coverage. If you’re planning on an extensive itinerary with lots of international or remote locations, it’s best to get the most coverage you can.
- Cavalry: This policy is great for luxury senior cruises, where you have a set itinerary planned to relax and enjoy your surroundings in popular and well-connected destinations.
- Harbor: Harbor is our most affordable option for short or domestic cruises when you’re not traveling too far from home.
Tips for Senior Cruisers
There are a few tips that senior travelers can follow to make sure they have a great time on their cruise.
- Carry a list of medications, allergies, and health history, as well as any contact information of specialists or doctors. If you have a serious health problem or are unconscious during your trip, having your medical history and relevant care team available for medical professionals is invaluable.
- Travel with an abundance of prescriptions. Cruises can be delayed or even quarantined for long periods of time. If you take daily prescriptions, it’s wise to bring extra in case your trip stretches longer than you planned.
- Research medical centers near each port. It can be wise to have a sense of where you can find high-quality medical care in each place you are visiting.
- If you need help finding care, contact Redpoint’s 24/7 assistance line, which can help direct you to the care you need.
Senior Cruise Insurance FAQs
1. Is travel insurance different for seniors?
While many of the benefits of a standard travel insurance policy—like trip cancellation, medical coverage, and lost luggage—are the same, travel insurance for older adults may have higher premiums and limited coverage options. This is due to age and a higher likelihood of pre-existing health conditions. Some plans are specifically designed for older travelers and include enhanced medical coverage and emergency assistance.
2. Will Medicare cover me on a cruise?
Just like standard travel insurance, Medicare typically does not cover care received outside the U.S., including while you're on a cruise. Even if your cruise stops at U.S. ports, care received from the ship’s medical staff or in foreign ports is usually not covered. That’s why supplemental cruise insurance with international medical coverage is highly recommended.
3. What’s the best cruise insurance plan for older travelers?
The best cruise insurance plan for older travelers includes strong medical insurance for senior cruises (at least $100,000), medical evacuation coverage (at least $250,000), and trip interruption/cancellation protection. Look for a plan that offers a pre-existing condition waiver and 24/7 emergency assistance — which all of Redpoint's plans offer.
4. Can I get coverage for my pre-existing medical conditions?
Yes, many cruise insurance plans offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, but you need to meet certain requirements. This includes purchasing the policy within a short window after making your initial trip payment. You also need to apply for a waiver where you declare all the conditions you may need treatment. Doing this will increase your policy premium. Be sure to read your policy carefully before you purchase travel insurance for seniors to make sure you're fully covered.
5. What if I need evacuation during the trip?
Emergency medical evacuation is one of the most important benefits for senior cruisers. If you have a serious illness or injury, cruise insurance can cover transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility — or even back home. Make sure your policy includes at least $250,000 in evacuation coverage, especially if you’re cruising in remote areas.
