Experts claim that seniors are the most experienced cruisers, spending more money on longer trips than other age groups. However, they routinely make a huge and potentially costly insurance mistake.
Squaremouth reports that 95% of seniors (those 65 and older) cruising in 2026 are repeat sailors, often booking voyages of two weeks or longer with an average spend of nearly $7,000.
Despite their extensive experience at sea, many senior cruisers — a staggering 76% — miss out on important travel insurance protections by assuming their Medicare coverage extends abroad. In reality, most traditional health insurance plans don't provide coverage outside of the United States.
Not only that, but many seniors who do purchase travel insurance policies still end up underprotected. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that medical evacuations can cost upward of $250,000. Yet, 35% of seniors buy less than $250,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage, while 32% purchase less than $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage.
For example, Royal Caribbean's standard travel insurance policy only includes up to $25,000 in Emergency Accident Medical coverage and $50,000 in Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage.
As a result, roughly one-third of senior cruisers are underinsured while at sea. That means that, even if you think your insurance policy will help during unexpected emergencies, you could still be left paying tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket, depending on the final costs.
Beyond underinsuring, here are two other mistakes senior cruisers make when it comes to travel insurance.
Waiting too long to buy travel insurance
Seniors commonly have pre-existing health conditions compared to other age groups, such as heart issues or diabetes. As such, they're at a greater risk of complications while traveling, highlighting the need for added protections like Cancel for Any Reason and Trip Interruption for Any Reason.
However, if you don't purchase a travel insurance policy within a certain window, you could be out of luck. Many seniors aren't eligible for these important protections because policies often must be bought within 14 to 21 days of making your initial cruise deposit.
Consequently, waiting too long to purchase travel insurance could greatly reduce or eliminate all flexibility to cancel or interrupt your trip for (nearly) any reason.
Skipping out on key cancellation coverage
Cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, offer their own travel insurance policies that you can purchase when you book your cruise. However, according to Squaremouth, they have poor cancellation terms and only provide future cruise vouchers, rather than cash refunds.
If you don't have any non-refundable trip expenses or have credit card coverage, you should always add Trip Cancellation coverage. Unfortunately, 23% of seniors don't think this is necessary.
With Trip Cancellation coverage, you are protected against costly pitfalls.
How old is too old to go on a cruise?
Research from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) indicates that Baby Boomers are the wealthiest generation in history — and they love to travel!
Seniors have the time to get away and travel because they are retired. However, as previously mentioned, they also face a greater risk of complications while traveling due to underlying health conditions that are common as one ages.
While cruise lines don't enforce a maximum age limit for their passengers, seniors must take extra precautions before hitting the high seas to ensure that they can have a safe, fun vacation.
These measures include consulting with their primary doctor and ensuring that they purchase not just adequate but robust travel insurance that provides a safety net for emergencies and mishaps.
Additionally, seniors with mobility issues should plan ahead and reserve an accessible stateroom, as they're limited compared to the number of standard cabins available. For example, Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas has 41 accessible rooms, while Vision of the Seas, one of its oldest and smallest ships, has just 14.
These wheelchair-friendly staterooms feature wider doorways, roll-in showers, grab bars, lowered surfaces, and more.
Read more: How old is too old to go on a cruise? What an expert recommends
