There is nothing like cruising to enjoy a unique blend of luxury, adventure, and relaxation. Managing your cruise plans can be challenging if you don’t consider the risks involved. Medical emergencies at sea and port delays can turn a dream vacation into a costly nightmare. Princess Cruises travel insurance offers Vacation Protection Plans with Standard and Platinum tiers to address these concerns.
These plans cover trip cancellations, medical expenses, emergency evacuations, baggage issues, and trip delays. A key highlight is the ‘Cancel for Any Reason‘ benefit, offering 75% future cruise credit with the Standard Plan and 100% with the Platinum Plan.
These plans serve a convenient purpose, but they may be limited in terms of medical emergency and evacuation coverage compared to third-party insurance providers.
In this blog, we examine the question: Is Princess Cruises travel insurance worth the investment? Our goal is to help you make an informed decision about protecting your cruise vacation by examining its benefits, costs, and drawbacks.
What Does Princess Cruises Travel Insurance Cover?
Princess Cruises offers two tiers of travel insurance through its Vacation Protection Plans: Standard and Platinum, each designed to cover various travel-related risks. Below is a breakdown of the benefits provided by each plan.
Standard Plan Benefits
The Standard Plan offers essential coverage for cruise travellers, including
Trip Cancellation: Refunds of up to 100% of the trip cost for cancellations due to eligible reasons like illness, injury, or death. For cancellations under the “Cancel for Any Reason” feature, passengers receive 75% of non-refundable costs as future cruise credits.
Medical Expenses:
Coverage for accident or illness-related medical expenses up to $10,000 during the trip.
Emergency Evacuation:
Provides up to $50,000 for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.
Baggage Protection:
Baggage Loss/Damage: Coverage up to $1,500 per trip.
Baggage Delay: Reimbursement up to $500 per trip.
Trip Interruption:
Cash refunds of up to 150% of the prepaid cruise cost for interruptions due to covered reasons.
Trip Delay:
Reimbursement for delays en route or returning home, up to $500 pre-cruise and $1,500 post-cruise (maximum $1,500 combined).
Platinum Plan Benefits
The Platinum Plan enhances coverage limits and adds extra benefits compared to the Standard Plan:
Trip Cancellation:
Same as the Standard Plan—100% refund for eligible cancellations and 100% future cruise credits under “Cancel for Any Reason” .
Medical Expenses:
Doubled coverage for accident or illness-related medical expenses, up to $20,000.
Emergency Evacuation:
Medical evacuation and repatriation coverage has been increased to $75,000.
Baggage Protection:
Baggage Loss/Damage: Higher reimbursement limit of $3,000 per trip.
Baggage Delay: Same as Standard—up to $500 per trip.
Trip Interruption:
Same as Standard—cash refunds up to 150% of prepaid cruise costs.
Trip Delay:
Same as Standard plan: Up to $500 pre-cruise and $1,500 post-cruise (max $1,500 total).
Comparison Of Coverage Levels
| Benefit | Standard Plan | Platinum Plan |
| Trip Cancellation | Up to 100% of trip cost | Up to 100% of trip cost |
| Cancel for Any Reason | 75% future cruise credits | 100% future cruise credits |
| Medical Expenses | Up to $10,000 | Up to $20,000 |
| Emergency Evacuation | Up to $50,000 | Up to $75,000 |
| Baggage Loss/Damage | Up to $1,500 | Up to $3,000 |
| Baggage Delay | Up to $500 | Up to $500 |
| Trip Interruption | Up to 150% of trip cost | Up to 150% of trip cost |
| Trip Delay | Up to $1,500 combined | Up to $1,500 combined |
The Platinum Plan offers higher limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuation, plus double the baggage loss coverage. Travelers seeking more robust protection may find the Platinum Plan worth the additional cost. However, both plans lack pre-existing condition waivers and may have limitations compared with third-party insurance providers.
Cost Analysis Of Princess Vacation Protection
When considering Princess Cruises Vacation Protection Plans, understanding the pricing structure is crucial to determining whether the coverage aligns with your budget and needs. The cost of these plans is calculated as a percentage of the total cruise fare, with minimum premiums applied.
Pricing Structure
Standard Plan: Coverage costs 9% of the individual’s total cruise price.
Platinum Plan: Costs 12% of the total cruise fare per person.
Both plans are subject to minimum premiums:
$39 for the Standard Plan.
$59 for the Platinum Plan.
Example Cost Breakdown for a Typical Cruise
Letʼs consider an example to illustrate the cost
Cruise Fare: $2,500 per person
Standard Plan Cost: 9% * $2,500= $225 per person
Platinum Plan Cost: 12% * $2,500= $300 per person
For a couple booking this cruise:
Total cost for the Standard Plan: 2*$225=$450
Total cost for the Platinum Plan: 2*$300=$600
If the cruise fare is lower (e.g, $500 per person), the minimum premiums apply:
Standard Plan: $39 per person.
Platinum Plan: $59 per person.
Key Considerations
Travelers with lower-priced cruises may find the minimum premiums more attractive due to their proportionality to the trip cost. The cost of these plans can be significant for cruises over $3,000 per person.
Third-party insurance providers often offer more comprehensive coverage (e.g., higher medical and evacuation limits) at similar prices. Similar third-party plans cost about $231 for a trip costing $4,246 but offer much higher coverage.
Princess Cruises Travel Insurance Vacation Protection provides convenience and cruise-specific benefits, but its value may vary depending on the complexity of your trip.
Strengths of Princess Cruises Travel Insurance
Princess Cruises Travel Insurance Vacation Protection Plans offer several advantages that make them a convenient and cruise-specific travel insurance option. Here are the key strengths of these plans:
Convenience of Bundling Insurance with Cruise Booking
You can bundle travel insurance directly with your cruise booking with Princess Vacation Protection. This eliminates the need to research and purchase separate insurance, saving time and effort. Travellers can add coverage at booking or later, making it seamless.
“Cancel for Any Reason” Feature
The “Cancel for Any Reason” CFAR) feature is an exclusive offering that provides flexibility if you need to cancel your trip for reasons not covered under standard cancellation policies:
Standard Plan: Provides 75% of non-refundable cancellation costs as future cruise credit.
Platinum Plan: Provides 100% of non-refundable cancellation fees as future cruise credits.
This feature is particularly valuable for travellers who want added flexibility and peace of mind. It allows them to recover a significant portion of their investment even in unpredictable situations.
Coverage Tailored to Cruise-Specific Risks
Princess Vacation Protection is designed with cruise travellers in mind, addressing risks unique to cruising:
Trip Delays: Reimbursement for expenses caused by delayed flights or missed connections, up to $500 pre-cruise and $1,500 post-cruise.
Onboard Medical Emergencies: Coverage for medical expenses up to $10,000 Standard) or $20,000 Platinum), as well as emergency evacuation costs up to $50,000 Standard) or $75,000 Platinum).
Baggage Protection: Coverage for lost or delayed luggage, including up to $1,500 Standard or $3,000 Platinum) for baggage loss/damage and up to $500 for baggage delays exceeding 24 hours.
Designed exclusively for cruise passengers, these benefits safeguard against typical voyage disruptions.
24/7 Worldwide Assistance
Both plans include access to 24/7 worldwide assistance services through Live Travel. You can request help with medical emergencies, legal services, passport replacements, and more. Round-the-clock assistance ensures peace of mind no matter where you are.
Princess Cruisesʼ travel insurance plans combine convenience, flexibility, and cruise-specific coverage. Many travelers prefer them because of their ease of use and focus on cruising, even though they may not offer the highest limits.
Limitations of Princess Cruises Travel Insurance
There are a few limitations to Princess Cruises’ Vacation Protection Plans that may not fit all travellers’ needs. Here are the key drawbacks.
Low Coverage Limits for Medical Expenses and Emergency Evacuation
The Standard Plan provides $10,000 in medical coverage, doubling to $20,000 with the Platinum Plan. Similarly, emergency evacuation coverage is limited to $50,000 under the Standard Plan and $75,000 under the Platinum Plan.
These limits are significantly lower than those offered by many third-party travel insurance providers, which often provide medical coverage of at least $100,000 and evacuation coverage of up to $1 million. Imagine a $250,000+ medical evacuation bill; inadequate insurance could leave you financially vulnerable in an emergency.
Lack of Pre-Existing Condition Waivers
Neither the Standard nor the Platinum plans waives pre-existing medical conditions. The policy may not cover any medical issues diagnosed or treated before the look-back period (known as the “look-back period”).
This limit concerns older travellers or those with ongoing medical conditions. Many third-party insurers offer pre-existing condition waivers if policies are purchased within a specified time frame after booking.
Limited Protection Beyond the Cruise
The Princess Cruises Travel Insurance Plans focus on cruise-related risks and do not cover other aspects of travel. Coverage for flights is only available if booked through Princess Cruisesʼ’ eZAir program and may be limited to future credits rather than cash refunds.
Independent bookings, such as pre- or post-cruise stays or excursions arranged outside Princess Cruises, are not covered unless explicitly included in the plan. Third-party insurers offer comprehensive coverage regardless of how you booked flight, accommodations, and activities.
Princess Cruises travel insurance plans may be sufficient for basic cruise-related risks, but they fall short for more complex travel needs. Consider third-party insurance if you want higher medical coverage limits, pre-existing condition waivers, or broader trip protection.
Third-Party Alternatives: How Do They Compare?
Travel insurance offered by third-party providers is often more comprehensive and flexible than cruise line plans like Princess Vacation Protection. Our comparison evaluates third-party insurance providers versus Princess Cruises’ coverage options.
Overview of Third-Party Travel Insurance Providers
Several reputable third-party insurers specialize in travel coverage, including:
Allianz Global Assistance:
Known for its customizable plans and robust medical and emergency evacuation coverage. Offers add-ons like Cruise Packs for enhanced cruise-specific protection.
AIG Travel Guard:
Provides high-end plans like the Deluxe Plan, which includes medical coverage up to $100,000 and emergency evacuation up to $1 million, along with pre-existing condition waivers if purchased within 15 days of booking.
Trawick International:
Offers flexible plans with high coverage limits, including trip cancellation, interruption, and medical evacuation. Their First Class plan includes $150,000 in medical and $1,000,000 in evacuation coverage.
Higher Medical and Evacuation Coverage
Third-party insurers typically provide far superior coverage limits than Princess Vacation Protection.
Medical coverage:
Princess Standard Plan: $10,000.
Princess Platinum Plan: $20,000.
Third-party providers like AIG and Trawick: Up to $100,000-$250,000.
Emergency evacuation:
Princess Standard Plan: $50,000.
Princess Platinum Plan: $75,000.
Third-party providers like Allianz and Trawick: Up to $1 million.
These higher limits are significant for travellers venturing far from home or visiting remote destinations where medical emergencies can be costly.
Lower Costs for Comprehensive Coverage
Third-party plans often provide better value for money. For example, Trawick’s First Class plan offers robust protection—150,000 in medical coverage and 150,000 in medical coverage and 1 million for evacuations—at just $231 for a sample trip. That’s far greater value than Princess’ Standard Plan, both in coverage and cost.
Even Trawickʼs First Class plan with Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) benefits cost less than Princessʼ Platinum Plan.
Flexibility in coverage
Third-party insurers offer extensive protection beyond the cruise travel:
Coverage for flights (including missed connections), pre/post-cruise stays, and independently booked excursions is standard with many third-party plans.
Pre-existing condition waivers are available if policies are purchased within a specified time frame after booking—something Princess Cruises Travel Insurance does not offer.
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) options from third-party providers often provide cash refunds rather than future cruise credits, offering additional flexibility.
While Princess Cruisesʼ travel insurance plans offer convenience and comfort, they lack the limits and flexibility you need for cruising. Allianz, AIG Travel Guard, and Trawick International offer significantly higher medical and evacuation coverage for comparable or lower costs. Under CFAR provisions, their policies offer broader trip protection and cash refunds for cancellations. When looking for comprehensive cruise protection, travellers should consider third-party options.
Check Out Our Allianz Cruise Travel Insurance Guide.
Tips for Choosing the Right Cruise Travel Insurance
Selecting the best travel insurance for your cruise requires careful consideration of your individual needs, budget, and the available options. Here are some crucial tips to guide you:
Evaluate Your Personal Needs
Start by assessing your unique travel requirements:
Medical Risks: If you have pre-existing medical conditions or travel to destinations with limited healthcare facilities, prioritize plans with robust medical coverage and evacuation benefits.
Trip Complexity: For itineraries involving multiple flights, pre/post-cruise stays, or independently booked excursions, opt for comprehensive coverage that protects all aspects of your trip.
Budget: Determine how much you will spend on insurance relative to your total trip cost. Balance affordability with adequate coverage.
Compare Costs and Benefits
Take the time to compare Princess Vacation Protection with third-party insurers:
Coverage Limits: Third-party providers like Allianz or Trawick often offer higher limits for medical expenses (up to $100,000 or more) and emergency evacuation (up to $1 million). Princess plans provide lower limits of $10,000 to $75,000.
Flexibility: Third-party plans typically cover flights, accommodations, and activities booked independently, while Princess Vacation Protection is limited to cruise-related expenses.
Cost Efficiency: Third-party insurance can be more cost-effective, offering broader coverage at similar or lower prices than cruise line plans.
Check Credit Card Travel Insurance Benefits
Before purchasing a separate policy, review the travel insurance benefits included with your credit card:
Travel credit cards offer complimentary coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss/delay, and medical emergencies when travel expenses are charged to the card.
Some premium cards provide high coverage limits and additional perks like rental car insurance and emergency evacuation.
Ensure that the credit card’s coverage aligns with your needs—some cards may require activation or only cover certain expenses booked through the card.
Explore Comprehensive Guide to Budget-friendly Cruise Insurance.
Conclusion
Princess Cruises Travel Insurance Plan covers most cruise-related risks, including trip delays, baggage issues, and medical emergencies onboard. Third-party insurers offer higher limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuations. In addition, they do not offer pre-existing condition waivers or comprehensive coverage for non-cruise travel. Allianz, AIG Travel Guard, and Trawick International may offer better value for robust medical coverage, evacuation limits, and trip protection, as well as cash refunds under Cancel for Any Reason policies.
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