On the list of topics cruise travelers do not want to talk about: travel insurance.  This lackluster optional cost often takes a budget back seat to more glamorous alternatives. Shore tours, spa treatments or beverage packages come to mind. Nowhere in there is the question “Would travel insurance help if I was thrown in jail on my cruise ?”  Ok, so maybe the odds are really slim that you or someone you travel with will end up in jail.  Checking in with insurance comparison experts at Squaremouth: you might.

Taken To Your Cruise Ship Jail

All travel insurance providers have 24 hour Emergency Assistance, which can include legal assistance. Travelers who find themselves in cruise jail can call their provider’s emergency assistance line to get help with finding a legal advisor. I know, I asked the same thing, “find a legal advisor at sea?” Their travel insurance provider may also be able to provide payment for those legal fees. They can also help arrange a funds transfer from a family member or friend…like to the ship or bar in Mexico. No really, that’s true.

While Emergency Assistance will provide the traveler with immediate help, it’s important to understand that if the traveler was put in cruise jail because of an unlawful act, their travel insurance will not provide any coverage. Breaking the law is always excluded from travel insurance coverage. Bummer.

Abandoned in a Foreign Countries Cruise Jail

If a traveler ends up in cruise jail for an offense that’s worse than just having a little too much to drink, they may be ordered to disembark from their ship at the next port. Being alone in a foreign country, especially if the traveler doesn’t speak the language, can be scary. Travel insurance can help make arrangements for hotel accommodations and transportation home. However, if the traveler is in the situation because they broke the law, they will only receive help making the arrangements and won’t be paid back for any of these expenses.

Alcohol and Cruise Jail Don’t Mix

If a traveler was intoxicated when they were detained and put in cruise jail (on ship or on land), travel insurance will not pay them back for any expenses. Intoxication is always excluded by travel insurance providers. Additionally, a claim will be denied if a traveler needs medical treatment for an injury or illness and their medical documentation indicates that they were drinking past the legal limit…which obviously does not apply in Mexico.

Considering all of the above, if a trip to cruise jail is still something that will probably never ever happen to you there is still value here.  I did not waste your time with all of the above. While Jail may not be in the cards, taking a look at lesser-known coverage items might indeed reveal coverage cruise travelers did not know they have.  When we talk about travel protection, thoughts almost always go first to coverage for cancellation then immediately to medical coverage with a focus on flying us out of some foreign place back home.  Those valuable coverage benefits can include concierge services, trip delay, security assistance, missed connections, lost luggage and more.