Cruises are becoming increasingly popular with families. They offer the opportunity to visit multiple destinations in one trip, provide great value for money, and feature a wide range of onboard facilities. In fact, recent ABTA research reveals that the number of families taking cruises has doubled over the past five years.
But, before you reach for your card to book that well-deserved break for you and your family, money expert, Hannah Mayfield, working with travel insurance comparisonsite PayingTooMuch, warns travellers to avoid making one very costly mistake.
“Despite being cost-savvy and making the most of the discounted period to book a cruise, there’s one simple mistake that people make which can see them end up paying more than they need to. Buying your travel insurance cover directly from the cruise operator may seem convenient, but this can actually end up being a more costly option,” says Hannah.
Buying travel insurance for a cruise is essential to protect against unexpected disruptions, from medical emergencies to trip cancellations. With limited onboard medical care and unpredictable weather, insurance can help you so you won’t be left with costly bills.
“With costs already high, failing to do your research and selecting the wrong travel insurance could end up costing you even more — completely undoing the savings you hoped to gain by booking early,” adds Mayfield.
Compare policies to get the right cruise travel insurance
While some cruise operators offer discounted or even free fares for children under a certain age, not all operators have the same pricing and rules, meaning the cost for young passengers can vary and add up quickly.
That’s not all. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, it’s crucial to make sure you’re fully covered. Travelling, especially on a cruise, with medical conditions can sometimes lead to higher costs.
Hannah advises to do your research and compare cruise insurance costs on comparison sites before simply selecting the most convenient quote directly from a cruise provider. No matter your age, it’s always a good idea to shop around and find the right insurance to suit your needs. “Instead of automatically opting for the cruise provider’s policy, comparison sites can help you find better deals that provide the same cover — or even better. Travel insurance policies from other insurers tend to be more comprehensive than those you might purchase through a cruise line. Third-party insurance plans can often be far cheaper, offering the same level of protection for your family.”
Factor in unexpected expenses when choosing a policy
Hannah also shares just how much families can save by shopping around for the best cruise travel insurance deal:
“Take your time to compare offers and remember to look beyond just the cost of the cruise. With a little extra effort, you can save big on both the cruise itself and the added expenses, that can sneak up on you.”
“For example, travel insurance for a five-day trip to the United States for a family of three could cost anywhere from £95 to £211 when purchased directly from the cruise operators like Ambassador or P&O Cruise Lines*. However, by using a travel insurance comparison site, you can slash that price to just £78**, saving you a significant amount.”
So, before you get ready to set sail on that unforgettable family holiday, make sure to shop around for the best travel insurance cover that fits your budget and covers all your travel plans.
-ENDS-
NOTES TO EDITOR:
*The insurance costs were determined by evaluating the cost of a five-day single trip worldwide, including the USA and Canada, for two adults and one child. Prices were compared across the cruise operator websites, with cover options ranging from Bronze to Gold, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of the available plans.
**Please note, while the prices on the comparison site reflect current rates, they may fluctuate and should be considered as an estimate.
About Hannah Mayfield:
Hannah is a qualified financial advisor, with a diploma for financial advisers from the London Institute of Banking and Finance. Her expertise is in personal finance and understanding people’s financial habits and needs. Hannah is now PayingTooMuch’s money expert.
Alongside her own business, What is Wealth, which supports women in managing their finances and building their personal wealth, Hannah is passionate about sharing money saving habits to help people improve their financial wellbeing.
