Best Cruise Travel Insurance for Seniors

Coverage and Features

AXA’s emergency accident and sickness medical coverage varies by plan, from $25,000 with the Silver plan to $250,000 with the Platinum plan. AXA Travel Protection pays reasonable and standard rates for medical services both on the ship and off, so in some instances there may be out-of-pocket charges for the care you’ve received.

Like John Hancock’s travel insurance, AXA’s telemedicine services prove particularly valuable at sea, connecting you with doctors via video chat when the ship’s medical facilities may be limited. Coverage extends to emergency dental treatment and prescription replacement, which are common concerns for older travelers.

Your policy also will cover emergency evacuation for medical, political or natural reasons, such as hurricanes. Ship cancellations, interruptions and delays, as well as missed connections, are covered in part or full by most of AXA’s plans. The Platinum plan even covers lost golf days. Keep in mind, however, that unlike Seven Corners, AXA requires you to purchase your insurance within 14 days of your first trip deposit. (Seven Corners gives you 20 days, which is a definite plus.)

Pricing

Our team requested quotes for various sample trips to get quotes for the companies on our list. For a 70-year-old on a seven-day Caribbean cruise that costs $3,000, expect premiums around $180 to $250, depending on coverage level. It’s not the cheapest option, but we believe the comprehensive medical protection may justify the cost for seniors who prioritize health coverage.

Customer Experience

AXA is not rated by the Better Business Bureau.1 Their reviews on the site are mixed, although many are positive for issues such as claim-processing speed.

AXA’s mobile app allows easy access to policy documents and direct messaging with assistance teams, which is particularly helpful when dealing with time zone differences during international cruises.

Coverage and Features

To be eligible for the Seven Corners preexisting condition waiver, you must purchase cruise insurance within 20 days of paying your initial deposit. That is longer than some other insurers, including Aegis.

When we spoke to a Seven Corners customer-service representative, he explained that there is a 60-day look-back period on your medical history, which excludes chronic but controlled health conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. If you are newly treated for an unmanageable condition during that timeframe, you may not be eligible for the preexisting condition waiver.

If you’re planning a group cruise to celebrate yours or someone else’s 100th birthday, Seven Corners won’t be your best bet. Unlike Aegis and IMG, Seven Corners caps coverage at 99 years of age.

Pricing

During our research, we found that costs typically range from $150 to $220 for standard coverage on a weeklong cruise. Adding cancel-for-any-reason coverage increases costs by roughly 40 percent, but it provides maximum flexibility if you’re concerned about changing health conditions and other variables.

Customer Experience

Although the sales team was knowledgeable and patient, we found them to be a bit aggressive. The company’s reviews, however, are largely positive. Many online customers mention that Seven Corners processes most claims within 10 business days, which is faster than the industry average of 30 days. Their online claim submission portal simplifies documentation, although some customers report longer phone wait times during peak travel seasons.

Coverage and Features

IMG’s iTravelInsured Choice Cruise plan provides:

• Medical coverage up to $100,000
• Telehealth
• 100 percent trip cancellation cost
• Medical evacuation up to $500,000 per person
• Up to 150 percent of trip cost for trip interruptions

IMG’s standout feature is their medical evacuation coverage. Their global assistance network includes relationships with air ambulance services and medical facilities in major cruise ports worldwide.

If you’re traveling with one grandchild under 18, they’ll be covered at no additional cost. Your grandkids can come with you on a cruise, but your pets cannot. Additional pet kennel fees caused by travel delays are covered by the Choice plan. We also like IMG’s telehealth feature, which many other insurers, including Aegis, also provide.

Pricing

Expect to pay $200 to $300 for comprehensive coverage, with medical evacuation limits driving the higher premiums. The peace of mind, however, proves worthwhile for cruises to remote destinations, where medical facilities may be hours away.

Customer Experience

IMG’s 24/7 assistance center staffs medical professionals who can coordinate care directly with ship medical staff and shoreside facilities. Their proactive approach includes checking in with travelers who report illnesses to ensure that they receive appropriate care.

Coverage and Features

For older adults, there will be changes in health and health-care needs as you age. But that doesn’t mean you can’t plan for vacations ahead of time. If you take multiple cruises and trips during the year, Aegis insurance may be a good bet for you. Their multitrip plans are cost effective and save you the hassle of constantly renewing or searching for cruise insurance. AXA also offers multitrip plans.

If you’re not sure if Aegis is for you, you can cancel your policy within 15 days if you haven’t left port or filed a claim. This customer-friendly practice is not standard across insurance companies, and it may not be offered on all of AXA’s plans.

Some seniors may find their preexisting condition waiver challenging to meet, however, since the look-back period is longer than many other leading insurers.

Pricing

Annual plans range from $400 to $800 depending on coverage levels and age. For seniors taking three or more cruises or other types of trips annually, that represents significant savings compared to individual trip policies.

Customer Experience

Aegis maintains a streamlined claims process, with most decisions made within 15 business days. Their customer-service team specializes in helping older adults understand coverage details, and representatives are trained to explain policies clearly without insurance jargon.

Coverage and Features

John Hancock’s cancel-for-any-reason add-on insurance reimburses up to 75 percent of nonrefundable costs when you cancel for reasons not covered by their standard policies.

Their Gold and Platinum plans include coverage for nonmedical emergencies, such as cruise line mechanical breakdowns and itinerary changes, which are increasingly common issues that can derail vacation plans.

Pricing

Basic plans start around $140 for a weeklong cruise, and cancel-for-any-reason coverage adds 40 percent to 50 percent to premiums. The investment pays off for older adults who value flexibility over maximum reimbursement.

Customer Experience

John Hancock’s claims process is relatively streamlined and easy to use. Their online portal allows real-time claim tracking and secure document upload from mobile devices. We like how easy it is for customers to file claims. We found John Hancock’s website harder to navigate than Four Corners or AXA, however.