As cruises and other types of vacations become more expensive, adding the optional expense of travel insurance is a costly, but necessary investment for a trip. Spending a few hundred dollars on travel insurance coverage for a cruise can ensure that you don’t lose the thousands of dollars you spent on your vacation in the event that you have to cancel or miss your ship’s departure. It also protects you from getting stuck with huge medical bills if you get sick or injured during your vacation.
A recent cruise insurance cost report from travel insurance marketplace Squaremouth revealed what cruise travelers can expect to spend on cruise insurance in 2026 and the factors that lead to higher costs for coverage.
“It’s important to understand that the cost of travel insurance varies significantly from person to person, due to a range of factors that influence pricing,” said Squaremouth data report author James Clark.
After analyzing data from thousands of travel insurance sales made through its quote engine, Squaremouth is offering detailed insights on how five key factors influence the cost of your cruise insurance plan.
Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.
Cruise insurance is typically more expensive for seniors. Shutterstock / The Art of Pics
(Shutterstock / The Art of Pics)
1. Trip cost: cruise insurance costs more for pricier trips
As cruise costs rise, so do the costs to insure them. In general, comprehensive travel insurance premiums typically cost four to 10% of your total trip cost.
-
For cruises of $1,000 –$3,000, the cost for cruise insurance averages $163.
-
For cruises of $3,001 – $5,000, the average cruise insurance price is $275.
-
For cruises of $5,001 – $7,000, the cost for cruise insurance averages $379.
-
For cruises of $7,001 – $9,000, the average cruise insurance price is $509.
-
For higher-end cruises over $9,000, the cost for cruise insurance averages $1,253.
Related: Why cruisers need travel insurance
2. Trip length: longer cruises cost more to insure
If you’re considering a longer voyage for your next cruise, keep in mind that more days of travel insurance coverage comes with a higher cost. Travel insurance can be even more essential for a longer cruise though considering that there’s a higher chance of a medical emergency or trip interruption happening on a longer vacation.
-
For short cruises of four to seven days, the average cruise insurance price is $185.
-
For cruises of eight to 14 days, the average cost of cruise insurance is $390.
-
For long cruises of 15 to 30 days, the average cruise insurance price is $853.
3. Traveler age: cruise insurance for seniors is more expensive
Seniors can expect to pay significantly more for cruise insurance than younger travelers as insurers factor in increased health risks for older cruisers. Senior travelers are also more likely to take longer, more expensive cruises, which contributes to high travel insurance premiums.
-
For travelers under 60, the average cost of cruise insurance ranges from $302 – $367.
-
For travelers age 60 – 64, the average cruise insurance price rises to $506.
-
For travelers age 65 – 69, the average cruise insurance price increases further to $646.
-
For travelers over 70, the average cruise insurance price jumps to $906.
Related: How seniors can find the right international travel insurance for them
4. Destination: cruises to remote ports can require more coverage
If you’re cruising to more remote destinations or countries with elevated health risks, your travel insurance premium will likely be higher to provide increased coverage. Cruises to destinations close to the U.S. are typically much less expensive to insure than far-flung destinations like Japan or Antarctica.
5. Coverage type: comprehensive cruise insurance costs more than medical-only plans
No matter where you’re sailing or how long you’re cruising, the type of coverage you choose for your cruise will have the greatest impact on your cruise insurance cost. While most travelers purchase comprehensive cruise insurance that covers trip cancellation and medical expenses, a comprehensive policy is not necessary for all travelers.
Before purchasing travel insurance for a cruise, check if you have existing trip cancellation or delay reimbursement coverage through a travel credit card. If you have this kind of coverage, you could save money on cruise insurance by purchasing a medical-only travel insurance plan. The average price for a medical-only cruise insurance policy is $103 while comprehensive coverage averages $508.
Related: How to choose the best travel insurance and 5 of the best currently available
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
This story was originally published by TravelHost on Feb 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the Come Cruise With Me section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.