Historic Norovirus Outbreak Sparks Cruise Concerns: How Travel Insurance Can Help

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Norovirus is reaching historic levels in 2025, according to new data from the CDC, with cruise ships at the epicenter. These outbreaks are raising concerns not only for travelers already on cruises, but also for those who are considering canceling their trips altogether. 

Squaremouth, the nation's leading travel insurance marketplace, outlines how travel insurance can provide coverage for travelers worried about Norovirus impacting their cruise plans.

"Getting sick before or during a trip is a top concern for most cruisers, and this outbreak is only amplifying those fears," says Jenna Hummer, spokesperson for Squaremouth. "Travel insurance can help ease some of that stress by covering medical expenses if a traveler gets sick on board along with covering the unexpected costs of returning home early if a cruise is disrupted by an outbreak."

Can I still purchase coverage for Norovirus?
Yes, you can purchase a policy that includes both Trip Cancellation and Emergency Medical benefits, provided you are healthy and have not shown symptoms or been diagnosed with Norovirus at the time of purchase.

What if I contract Norovirus before my cruise?
If you have a travel insurance plan with Trip Cancellation coverage and you fall ill before your cruise, your policy  can cover the cost of canceling your trip. In order for coverage to be available, you must provide medical documentation from a licensed physician prohibiting travel.

What if I get Norovirus while on my cruise?
If you become sick during your cruise, your policy can cover medical expenses, including the cost of a Medical Evacuation if you need to be disembarked, and even the expenses of returning home early, if medically necessary.

Can I cancel my cruise if I'm worried about getting the Norovirus? Fear of contracting the Norovirus is not a covered reason to cancel a trip under standard Trip Cancellation policies. However, you can purchase the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade for the most possible flexibility, including canceling if you no longer want to travel due to Norovirus concerns.

For more information on travel insurance coverage for cruises, visit Squaremouth's Cruise Travel Insurance Information Center.

About Squaremouth: Squaremouth.com has insured over 3 million travelers. Using Squaremouth's intuitive quoting and comparison engine, award-winning support team, and verified customer reviews, travelers can save time and money to find the best travel insurance policy for their trip.

Available Topic Expert: Jenna Hummer is available for comment and interview. jhummer@squaremouth.com

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SOURCE Squaremouth