Passengers preparing to embark on a P&O cruise have been reminded to carefully review the rules before packing, as failing to comply could lead to being turned away at the terminal. After spending considerable time researching and booking their holiday, travellers may be met with disappointment if they overlook a crucial requirement.
Mandatory Travel Insurance
According to P&O’s terms and conditions, every guest must possess valid travel insurance that also covers pre-existing medical conditions. Social media user @tim_cruise highlighted this common pitfall, warning: “Don’t make this one big, huge mistake because if you get this wrong, it could cost you thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of pounds. And that is making sure you’ve got the right travel insurance for a cruise. Don’t scrimp on this because it’s very important.”
He emphasised that the insurance must include cruise-specific cover, as onboard medical facilities are expensive. “You need to make sure your travel insurance has some kind of cruise cover in it. They will cover your medical expenses because you have to use the onboard medical centre, which is very, very expensive,” he added.
Repatriation and Missed Ports
@tim_cruise also addressed the often-overlooked aspect of repatriation costs, such as helicopter evacuations, which can be extremely costly. “You’ve got to make sure your travel insurance includes that. Lots of them do. Many standard travel insurance policies have that basic level of cruise cover in them, including ones that come with your bank account.” Regarding missed ports, he explained that cruise lines provide a letter to allow passengers to claim for missed ports on their insurance, though he personally opts not to take that extra cover.
P&O's Official Rules
P&O Cruises stipulates that at a minimum, insurance policies must provide medical and repatriation coverage of no less than £2 million. Passengers are responsible for obtaining appropriate insurance for the entire duration of their trip. For UK residents, including those from the Channel Islands or Isle of Man who have lived in the UK for at least six months in the past year, P&O states: “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.”
Insurance must include cover for emergency evacuations and medical expenses related to COVID-19, as well as travel, cancellation, and curtailment. Full cover for all existing medical conditions, worldwide or at least in the countries visited, is also required. “The travel insurance documents will be checked at the terminal and must cover the entire duration of the holiday. Unfortunately, guests will be denied boarding at their own expense if they don’t have appropriate cover,” P&O warns.
