P&O Cruises Demands Travel Insurance or You Won't Board
If you’ve booked a P&O Cruises holiday, there’s one item you absolutely must pack alongside your passport: proof of travel insurance. The cruise operator has made it clear that without it, you won’t be allowed to board — and you’ll be out of pocket for the full cost of your trip.
P&O Cruises, which operates seven ships departing from Southampton year-round, now requires all passengers to have specialist cruise travel insurance in place before setting sail. The company states on its website: “You will be denied boarding, at your own expense, if you’re unable to confirm you have arranged insurance.” You’ll need to bring either a printed or digital copy of your insurance documents as proof.
This isn’t just a suggestion — it’s mandatory. And it’s worth understanding why, because standard holiday insurance won’t cut it.
Why cruise insurance is different
A standard travel insurance policy designed for land-based holidays often won’t cover the specialist risks of cruising. Cruise holidays require more comprehensive cover, particularly for medical emergencies at sea. Your regular travel insurance may have limited cover and won’t protect you if you need medical evacuation from the middle of the ocean — which can cost tens of thousands of pounds.
What to look for in cruise insurance
When shopping for a policy, P&O recommends checking that your insurance:
- Specifically covers cruise holidays
- Covers the full length of your trip
- Includes all your destinations (worldwide cover if unsure)
- Includes medical and repatriation cover of at least £2 million
- Has adequate cancellation cover to protect your full booking cost
Importantly, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, you must declare them to your insurer. If you don’t, you risk not being covered and having to pay for treatment yourself.
What you should do now
If you already have a booking, check your insurance documents immediately. If your current policy doesn’t specifically mention cruise cover, contact your provider to ask what’s included, or shop around for a specialist cruise insurance policy. Many comparison websites can help you find quotes quickly.
Don’t leave this to the last minute — arrange it as soon as you’ve booked your holiday. It’s a small extra cost that protects a significant investment in your break.