Guests should be aware of the policy ahead of any upcoming bookings
The travel rules help to keep everyone safe (stock photo)(Image: Getty)
All passengers making bookings with P&O Cruises should be aware of the cruise line’s travel rules. The holiday firm has a travel insurance policy, and everyone on board is required to follow it.
The P&O Cruises website explains: “It is a condition of the Contract that every guest must have valid travel insurance (which must cover for pre-existing medical conditions) in force for the entire duration of the Package. The insurance policy must, as a minimum, include medical and repatriation coverage for not less than £2 million. It is the guest’s responsibility to get travel insurance and find a provider who will cover them.”
The cruise line explains that travel insurance is required for safety reasons. “It is mandatory for all UK guests to take out comprehensive cruise-specific travel insurance for their holiday with us. While we hope guests never have to use it, the policy will ensure they’re able to relax and enjoy their holiday with the peace of mind that they’re protected, should they need it,” says P&O Cruises.
According to the website, these documents will be checked at the terminal. The cover must cover the length of the holiday and all countries being visited. The cruise line says: “You may be asked for proof of your cruise travel insurance so please be sure to bring either a printed or digital copy of your insurance documentation that confirms cover for the named travellers over the dates of travel.”
P&O Cruises also warns of the risks for passengers without travel insurance. It says: “It is your responsibility to ensure you have appropriate cover in place for the duration of your holiday. Unfortunately, you will be denied boarding, at your own expense, if you’re unable to confirm you have arranged insurance.”
While some people may already have travel insurance, it’s important to check that cruises are covered. A dedicated page on the P&O Cruises website explains that cruises may not be covered by some standard insurance policies.
“You will need to look into the level of cover your travel insurance provides. Some bank accounts include travel insurance but the policies often offer limited amounts of cover,” the advice says.
“Standard travel insurance is generally meant for a land-based holiday and as such, won’t cover many of the elements of a cruise holiday. A cruise holiday requires more specialist cover, for example if there was a need to be medically evacuated at sea.
“The most important thing is to make sure you’ve told your insurer you are going on a cruise holiday.” For example, a dedicated policy might cover issues such as missed ports of cabin confinement, which would not occur on a typical holiday.
Consumer expert Martin Lewis advises all holidaymakers to get travel insurance ASAB, or as soon as you book. He says: “Travel insurance is not just to cover you while you’re away.
“It’s also very important to cover you in case something happens before you go that stops you going.” He added: “Do not get your travel insurance the day before you go. You get your travel insurance ASAB.”
