{"id":99637,"date":"2026-10-22T16:33:46","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T16:33:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/cargo-ship-travel-insurance"},"modified":"2026-10-22T16:33:49","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T16:33:49","slug":"cargo-ship-travel-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/cargo-ship-travel-insurance","title":{"rendered":"Cargo Ship Travel Insurance: What Cover Do You Need for a Freighter Voyage?"},"content":{"rendered":"<head><style>\n.ch-post{font-family:inherit;line-height:1.7;color:#1f2937;max-width:820px;margin:0 auto}\n.ch-post h2{font-size:1.6em;margin:1.8em 0 .6em;color:#0b2545;border-bottom:3px solid #f5a623;padding-bottom:.25em}\n.ch-post h3{font-size:1.15em;margin:1.4em 0 .3em;color:#0b2545}\n.ch-post p{margin:0 0 1em}\n.ch-post ul,.ch-post ol{margin:0 0 1.2em 1.3em}\n.ch-post li{margin:.35em 0}\n.ch-post .ch-updated{font-size:.9em;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.2em}\n.ch-post .ch-table{overflow-x:auto;margin:1.2em 0 1.6em}\n.ch-post table{border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;font-size:.95em}\n.ch-post th{background:#0b2545;color:#fff;text-align:left;padding:.65em .8em}\n.ch-post td{padding:.6em .8em;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;vertical-align:top}\n.ch-post tr:nth-child(even) td{background:#f6f8fb}\n.ch-post .ch-faq{background:#f6f8fb;border-radius:12px;padding:1em 1.4em;margin:1em 0 2em}\n.ch-post .ch-faq h3{margin-top:1em}\n.ch-post .ch-cta{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#0b2545,#13315c);color:#fff;border-radius:14px;padding:1.6em 1.8em;margin:2.2em 0;text-align:center}\n.ch-post .ch-cta strong{display:block;font-size:1.35em;margin-bottom:.4em;color:#fff}\n.ch-post .ch-cta p{color:#dbe4f0;margin:.2em 0 1.1em}\n.ch-post .ch-btn{display:inline-block;background:#f5a623;color:#0b2545 !important;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;padding:.8em 1.6em;border-radius:999px}\n.ch-post .ch-btn:hover{background:#ffbb45}\n.ch-post em{color:#4b5563}\n<\/style><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n    \"@graph\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n            \"headline\": \"Cargo Ship Travel Insurance: What Cover Do You Need for a Freighter Voyage?\",\n            \"description\": \"What travel insurance do you need for a cargo ship voyage? Deviation cover, medical evacuation at sea, cancellation and missed departures explained, plus a checklist.\",\n            \"mainEntityOfPage\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\\\/cargo-ship-travel-insurance\",\n            \"image\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/09\\\/AdobeStock_364492002-1024x682.jpeg\",\n            \"datePublished\": \"2026-10-22\",\n            \"dateModified\": \"2026-10-22\",\n            \"inLanguage\": \"en-GB\",\n            \"author\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"CargoHolidays\"\n            },\n            \"publisher\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"CargoHolidays\",\n                \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n            \"mainEntity\": [\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Do I need travel insurance for a cargo ship?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Yes. Most shipping lines require insurance that covers medical evacuation at sea and deviation before you can board.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"What is deviation insurance?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Cover for the cost if the ship has to change course because of your medical emergency.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Will my normal travel insurance cover a freighter trip?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Often not. Some policies exclude cargo ships or lack deviation cover, so check the wording or ask the insurer in writing.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Is there a doctor on a cargo ship?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"No. The crew are trained in first aid, which is why medical certificates and evacuation cover are required.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"When should I buy freighter travel insurance?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"As soon as you pay your deposit, so cancellation cover protects you from the start.\"\n                    }\n                }\n            ]\n        }\n    ]\n}<\/script><\/head><div class=\"ch-post\"><p class=\"ch-updated\">Derni\u00e8re mise \u00e0 jour : 22 octobre 2026<\/p><p><strong>Most shipping lines will not let you board a cargo ship without specialist travel insurance.<\/strong> A freighter has no doctor on board and may be days from the nearest port, so standard holiday policies are rarely enough. This guide explains the cover you need, the terms to look for, and the questions to ask before you buy.<\/p><h2>Why freighter travel needs special insurance<\/h2><p>On a cruise ship there is a medical centre and a doctor. On a cargo ship there is a trained crew and a medical kit, but no doctor. If you become seriously ill, the ship may have to change course to a port or arrange a helicopter evacuation. Those costs can be very large, and that is what freighter-specific cover protects you against.<\/p><figure style=\"margin:1.6em 0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/AdobeStock_341009459-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"Rough stormy ocean waves seen from a ship at sea\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;display:block\" title=\"Rough stormy ocean waves seen from a ship at sea\"><figcaption style=\"font-size:.85em;color:#6b7280;margin-top:.45em;text-align:center\">At sea, help can be days away. That is why freighter lines insist on evacuation and deviation cover.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>The cover you need<\/h2><div class=\"ch-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Cover<\/th><th>What it protects<\/th><th>Why it matters on a freighter<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Medical expenses<\/td><td>Treatment abroad and in port countries<\/td><td>Ports may be in countries with expensive healthcare<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Medical evacuation and repatriation<\/td><td>Helicopter or ship transfer, then return home<\/td><td>Help can be days away at sea<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Deviation cover<\/td><td>The cost if the ship changes course for you<\/td><td>Lines often require this explicitly<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cancellation and curtailment<\/td><td>Money back if you cannot travel or must stop early<\/td><td>Fares are paid well in advance<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Missed departure and delay<\/td><td>Costs if the ship sails early or late<\/td><td>Cargo schedules change often<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Baggage and personal items<\/td><td>Loss, theft or damage<\/td><td>Useful for long voyages with valuable gear<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><h2>What is deviation cover?<\/h2><p>Deviation cover pays the costs if the ship has to divert from its route because of you, usually for a medical emergency. A container ship changing course can be expensive in fuel, port fees and delays to its cargo schedule. Many shipping lines ask for proof of deviation cover, so check the policy wording mentions it, or ask the insurer in writing.<\/p><figure style=\"margin:1.6em 0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/AdobeStock_308496369-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"Deck officer on the deck of a cargo ship\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;display:block\" title=\"Deck officer on the deck of a cargo ship\"><figcaption style=\"font-size:.85em;color:#6b7280;margin-top:.45em;text-align:center\">The crew are trained in first aid, but there is no doctor on board a cargo ship.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>Check these points before you buy<\/h2><ul><li><strong>Voyage length:<\/strong> the policy must cover every day of the trip, including possible delays<\/li><li><strong>Limites d'\u00e2ge :<\/strong> some policies cap the age of travellers or raise prices sharply for older guests<\/li><li><strong>Pre-existing conditions:<\/strong> declare them, or your cover may be void when you need it<\/li><li><strong>Sea travel exclusions:<\/strong> some policies exclude travel on cargo ships or non-passenger vessels<\/li><li><strong>Worldwide area:<\/strong> make sure every port country on the route is covered<\/li><li><strong>Proof:<\/strong> get a certificate or letter in English that you can send to the shipping line<\/li><\/ul><h2>How much does freighter travel insurance cost?<\/h2><p>Prices depend on your age, health, trip length and destinations. A long voyage costs more to insure than a two-week holiday, and older travellers pay more. Compare specialist and long-stay travel insurers, and always read the policy wording rather than just the summary.<\/p><h2>Insurance checklist for your booking<\/h2><ol><li>Confirm what the shipping line requires, especially deviation and evacuation cover.<\/li><li>Buy cover as soon as you pay your deposit, so cancellation cover starts early.<\/li><li>Declare all medical conditions and medication.<\/li><li>Send the shipping line a copy of your certificate of insurance.<\/li><li>Keep a printed copy and the 24-hour emergency number with your passport.<\/li><\/ol><h2>Foire aux questions<\/h2><div class=\"ch-faq\"><h3>Do I need travel insurance for a cargo ship?<\/h3><p>Yes. Most shipping lines require insurance that covers medical evacuation at sea and deviation before you can board.<\/p><h3>What is deviation insurance?<\/h3><p>Cover for the cost if the ship has to change course because of your medical emergency.<\/p><h3>Will my normal travel insurance cover a freighter trip?<\/h3><p>Often not. Some policies exclude cargo ships or lack deviation cover, so check the wording or ask the insurer in writing.<\/p><h3>Is there a doctor on a cargo ship?<\/h3><p>No. The crew are trained in first aid, which is why medical certificates and evacuation cover are required.<\/p><h3>When should I buy freighter travel insurance?<\/h3><p>As soon as you pay your deposit, so cancellation cover protects you from the start.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"ch-cta\"><strong>Not sure what cover your voyage needs?<\/strong><p>We will tell you exactly what the shipping line requires before you book your cabin.<\/p><a class=\"ch-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/sinformer-pour-une-croisiere-cargo\/\">Ask us about your voyage &rarr;<\/a><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What travel insurance do you need for a cargo ship voyage? Deviation cover, medical evacuation at sea, cancellation and missed departures explained, plus a checklist.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":887,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"single3.php","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[356,1027,1021,357],"tags":[1479,1480,1155,1481,1482],"yst_prominent_words":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99637"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=99637"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99637\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":99638,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99637\/revisions\/99638"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/887"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=99637"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=99637"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=99637"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=99637"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}