Should You Get the Disney Cruise Line Vacation Protection Plan? Everything You Need to Know

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Hey Disney Vacationers! Let’s keep it simple: You’re booking a Disney cruise. You’re spending thousands. Then you see the offer for the Disney Cruise Line Vacation Protection Plan and think… Is this worth it?

Here’s the breakdown — real, direct, and from someone who actually uses this stuff.

---

What is the Disney Cruise Line Vacation Protection Plan?

It’s Disney’s version of travel insurance. But with a twist. It includes a “Cancel for Any Reason” credit.

Let me be clear:
This is not just medical coverage. It’s a combo of:

• Trip cancellation
• Trip interruption
• Medical
• Evacuation
• Baggage
• Trip delay
• Partial credit if your cancellation isn’t covered

And it’s only available to U.S. residents.

---

When You Can Add (or Remove) It

Here’s the rule:
You can add the Disney Cruise Line Vacation Protection Plan anytime before your cruise is non-refundable.

But once you hit your final payment date, the window closes. No changes. No add-ons. No refunds.

Exceptions to know:

• Concierge Rooms: Non-refundable deposit. You’ll need to buy the plan when you book.
• Restricted Guarantee Rooms: Full payment upfront. So again, you buy the plan upfront.

Once final payment passes — that’s it. You can’t add it. You can’t drop it. And no, you don’t get a refund if you didn’t use it.

---

What Does It Cover?

This plan isn’t magic. But it covers a lot:

Coverage Type	Limit
Trip Cancellation/Interruption	Up to full trip cost (max $20,000)
Trip Delay	Up to $500
Medical (Accident/Illness)	Up to $20,000
Emergency Evacuation	Up to $30,000
Baggage Loss	Up to $3,000
Baggage Delay	Up to $500

Note: There are exclusions.
Pre-existing conditions? Not covered in full.
Flights? Only covered if you bought them through Disney.
Sudden family drama or school conflicts? Usually not covered.

---

Here’s Where It Gets Interesting — the “Cancel for Any Reason” Credit

This is the part that makes Disney’s plan stand out.

Let’s say you cancel for a reason not covered by insurance (like your teenager’s swim meet getting rescheduled). Disney still gives you a credit worth 75% of what you lost — in the form of a future cruise credit.

You have 12 months to use it.

---

Real Example From a Client

Let me show you how this worked for one of my clients:

• Cruise Cost: $5,030
• Insurance Cost: $343 (non-refundable)
• Cancellation Penalty: $859 (they canceled after final payment)
• Refund Received: $3,827
• Insurance Claim Submitted: $859

Now here’s the key:

If insurance doesn’t cover the reason, Disney still gives a $644 cruise credit (75% of the $859). So even worst-case, the client only lost $215.

That’s real protection. That’s the safety net.

---

Is the Disney Cruise Line Vacation Protection Plan Worth It?

Let’s talk value.

The plan costs around 8% of your cruise fare.

So here’s the real question:
Can you afford to walk away from a few thousand dollars?
Can you pay out-of-pocket for:

• A surprise medical bill?
• A hotel and flight to catch up with your ship?
• A last-minute cancellation?

If the answer is no — you need protection.
And yes, you could get third-party travel insurance. Some give better rates. Some give better commissions if you’re a planner. But most don’t give you that 75% credit if they deny your claim.

And let’s not forget: Disney has skin in the game. Their name’s on the policy. Their guests. Their ships.

---

Quick Note for Minnesota, New York, and Missouri Residents

If you live in Minnesota, New York, or Missouri, Disney won’t require you to buy their Vacation Protection Plan to receive the 75% credit. That’s due to state law.

So you’re covered with or without it.

---

Final Word

I’ve had to use the medical services onboard Disney Cruise Line. One of our kids had a concussion. Not fun. Not cheap. But the insurance helped — a lot.

This isn’t a scare tactic. It’s just the truth:
Stuff happens. Cruises are expensive. And once you’re past final payment, Disney’s cancellation penalties are real.

If I had to give you one sentence?

If you can’t afford to lose the money, you can’t afford to skip the insurance.

Whether you go with Disney’s Vacation Protection Plan or another policy — get covered. But if you want that safety net for the weird stuff (like a high school swim meet) — Disney’s plan is the only one that gives you something back even when the reason doesn’t “qualify.”

That’s why I recommend it. Every time.

Looking To Book Your Dream Disney Vacation?