Babr

FCC is nice to have when you are cancelling for a non-covered reason. It is less expensive to get the CFAR provision through Celebrity rather than a third-party policy, and the 90% FCC is a better return than 75% cash from a third-party policy as long as you are able to use it. But there is no reason to accept 90% FCC when you can get 100% cash reimbursement when cancelling for a covered reason. There are plenty of policies offering a waiver of pre-existing conditions as long as you buy it in the time-sensitive window. There are even some that grant the waiver if the policy is purchased at final payment. If there is a greater cost, it is because the third-party policy also provides higher dollar limits for medical/evacuation services.

Port fees, taxes, onboard spending like dining/drink packages, spa passes, etc. are refunded to the original form of payment. Cruise fare is refunded as FCC.

https://coverage.archinsurancesolutions.com/description-of-coverage/EKCJe8iaZ6aHu3cTFIBUK1Uw0uoMftK77ka3NcXykkUZ7cW3e81189rlXdDBTjqw3Q44 Here is a link to the policy. Note under Restrictions that it does not cover pre-existing conditions that have presented in the 60 look-back period. If you have any test, treatment, or RX change as described in the definition, the claim will be denied. If you are not comfortable with those terms, there are any number of comprehensive travel policies that will grant a waiver of the pre-existing conditions provision if you buy the policy within 14-21 days of making the initial deposit. You will have to meet other requirements such as being able to travel on the day of purchase and/or insuring all prepaid nonrefundable expenses, depending on the policy. Many on these boards recommend Trip Insurance Store for assistance in buying a policy appropriate for your needs. Call them and give them the details so you can be sure you are adequately covered.

Travel insurance, including the HAL policy, reimburses you. You have to pay out of pocket first then file a claim. The HAL policy is sold with their name on it, but it is simply branding. The policy is actually underwritten by Nationwide. HAL is not in the insurance business, and the medical personnel on board are contractors who bill separately. It is charged to your onboard account which must be settled before you disembark.

I don’t know that people have been allowed to join the cruise beyond the original point of embarkation since COVID, but things are changing. I’d ask HAL directly to see what they will do.

With the lifting of restrictions and the expiration of the COVID Protection Plan in a couple of weeks, I expect passengers will be picking up other extra costs as well.

If you are concerned that you’ll miss your cruise because of a cancelled or delayed flight, look for a policy that has Missed Connection coverage. Not all do, and there are varying stipulations such as length of delay before it will pay. A call to a professional like one of the people at Trip Insurance Store is in order to help you find the right policy. Tell them what you are concerned about, and let them direct you. It does not cost any more to buy from them because insurance is regulated by the states.

I expect it will. You are cancelling for a valid reason. You just need to provide the necessary documentation. Glad to hear it is going well so far.

Sorry for the anxiety and stress of a last minute health issue. As far as cancellation, I’m not sure why you expect to get FCC. HAL will refund port fees and taxes then the rest is up to insurance. With two insurance policies, you have to decide how to file. HAL will refund 90%, but you are cancelling for a covered medical reason so the travel policy should cover 100%. I don’t see the need to file with both. Did you buy the third-party policy through your travel agent or a broker? I’d call for advice on how to handle it, but it seems the travel policy should take care of it all.

And be sure to read the fine print regarding the insurance offered by the credit card. It does not perform the same as a comprehensive policy. Be aware of the gaps in coverage, and be sure you understand the definition/application of the pre-existing conditions provision.

A significant point for those who depend on credit card insurance instead of a comprehensive travel policy. Those who rely on their credit card benefits need to be clear about what it covers and willing to accept the financial responsibility for the gaps.

Medical evacuation is usually part of a travel policy whether comprehensive or medical. If you want just transportation without any other coverage for medical expenses/travel risks, you need to look into a medical transport membership like MedJet Assist. It isn’t really insurance. You pay a membership fee to access services.

That is the best part. The solution was in your hands all along.

Obviously, you have weighed all the possibilities and developed a system that is right for you. Many combine annual medical with CC coverage successfully. I just did not want others who may be less familiar with travel insurance to think that it was a less expensive solution to all their problems. Pre-existing conditions catch a lot of people unaware. They don’t understand the definition, the look-back period, or even if it applies to them.

Apparently that has worked well for you, but others who may now consider it need to know that credit card insurance is not a true comprehensive policy. It offers limited protection applicable in some situations. For instance, it does not cover pre-existing conditions. Trip Interruption reimburses unused nonrefundable expenses if your trip is cut short for a covered reason, but it does not cover return transportation - only change fees. Trip Delay is minimal ($500pp) for mechanical delays only - not illness. Many people find those terms acceptable and enjoy the extra perk as part of their annual fee. The key is to understand how it works and be willing to accept some of the risk.

35. Your or Your Traveling Companion’s Pet or Service Animal is sick, diagnosed with a terminal illness, injured or dies within thirty (30) days prior to the Scheduled Departure Date. You must provide veterinary records documenting the illness, injury or death of Your or Your Traveling Companion’s Pet or Service Animal; Here is the language in question. It should appear in your policy as well. The link is to the SE policy - not state specific.

https://www.insuremytrip.com/pdf.php?cert=IMG/ITISE/ITISEr15_cert_defaultFulfillment Here is a link to the IMG SE policy. Look under the section for Travel Arrangement Protection. There are four items under Trip Cancellation then a heading “Other Covered Events.” The one concerning pets is #35 on page 5 of the policy. It is #31 in the section of the policy dealing with Trip Interruption. Let me know if you find it.

In that case, the policy in question is the least likely to meet your needs. If MedJet can’t get to you, then you need Seal Team 6. I think the lesson of the rimmit post is that sometimes the unthinkable happens in spite of your best efforts. Unless you are willing to travel with wads of cash when you go to exotic locations, there is only so much you can do.

I did see language that stated payment for medical and evacuation services would be made to providers if they complied with terms of the policy and had not been paid by others. Specifically, advanced payment could be arranged for hospital admission, but evacuation says “pay” rather than “reimburse.” I’m not sure if that means they will pay directly because there is the issue of your other health coverage. Which is primary? TriCare may operate under different rules than private insurance. Also, the issue of pre-existing conditions is a concern. This policy does not cover pre-existing conditions that occur within 180 days. That is an unusually long look-back period. I did not find language that defines how to obtain a waiver. I think a phone call is in order.

See Item 35 under Covered Reasons for Cancellation and Item 31 under Trip Interruption in the IMG plans. It is rather low on a long list of covered reasons, but it is there.

Medicare itself does not cover you outside the US, but Medicare Advantage or Medigap plans do with varying levels of coverage depending on each plan.

I have had that exact concern and only recently found a policy to address it. Look at IMG SE or LX policies to see if they meet your needs or call Trip Insurance Store to see if they can suggest other options.

You can’t find them because they don’t exist. The closest thing you’ll find is the travel benefits with premium credit cards, but that kind of coverage has significant gaps. It does not cover pre-existing conditions for Cancellation or Interruption. Travel Interruption does not provide for return transportation - only change fees. Trip Delay is minimal and only for mechanical problems - not illness. Nevertheless, you may find it adequate for your needs. The best practice is to discuss specific circumstances with a professional. As mentioned in the previous post, if you have worked with Trip Insurance Store, return to them for advice in finding the best solution.

Failure to provide required documentation in a timely manner is not a covered reason for cancellation under anybody’s insurance - not even credit card travel benefits. The best bet for reimbursement is the CFAR provision in the Princess plan.

There are some significant details that were not revealed in the original question, making any earlier comments pretty useless for your situation. That is why it is important to talk directly with Steve about specific circumstances. Sorry it was not the answer you were hoping for, but at least you got accurate information so that there will be no false expectations or nasty surprises if a problem arises. Insurance is complex as it is and becomes even more so when dealing with credits, vouchers, or FCC. Thanks for the update.