RTR08

On 2/20/2019 at 9:55 PM, iamtrustworthy said:

 

Hi RTR08,

 

Yes, but not because you are in a foreign country as you likely have not arrived there in the beginning of the trip.

 

It's a simple question with a complicated answer, so bear with me so there's no ambiguity. This wording is from its Certificate.

 

The "Home Country" is the U.S. "U.S." means the 50 states of United States of America including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

Excluded Services
The Plan does not provide benefits for Expenses incurred in the Home Country.

 

Trip Coverage Start Date: The Insured Person's coverage under the Policy for a trip during the Period of Insurance starts as stated below:
For a scheduled trip to a Foreign Country, when the Insured Person boards a conveyance at the start of the trip.
An Insured Person is eligible for benefits during his/her Period of Insurance ONLY during the Trip Coverage Period.

 

 

 

THank you ! 

Steve, are you the same “Steve” mentioned in Tom and Judy’s post above? 

If so, can I use the www link they mentioned, or do you want to send me a dot com address to make a connection? 

Chris 

1 hour ago, iamtrustworthy said:

 

You're welcome. This is the wording from the policy.

 

I'm surprised by how many people I speak with are travelling with a family member who has a State sponsored Medicaid plan and they want a plan that covers pre-existing conditions. They generally are past the deadline to get a plan with pre-ex coverage.

 

Not all Medicaid plans include "Medicaid" in its name so when someone wants a plan that covers pre-existing conditions, I get to deliver the news that there are no plans for that traveler.

 

Last Friday someone called me saying they thoroughly read the GeoBlue policy and were ready to buy it for their 22 yo son. When I asked what coverage he had, they said "It's a Medicaid plan." They were less than thrilled to hear my answer especially because the other places they called hadn't mentioned this fact.

 

Like many insurance policies, someone can easily and accidentally void their policy's coverage. They would end up finding out after the trip that they weren't covered.

Steve: Question please:   When the policy only covers foreign countries outside of the USA, would international Waters (such as a cruise ship) fall within the parameter of the policy? 

3 hours ago, iamtrustworthy said:

 

GeoBlue's a great plan. It only covers outside the USA, though.

Thank you!   👍🏻

16 minutes ago, TFree said:

RTR08:

 

A couple comments for whatever they are worth.

 

1.  I agree, I wish there was an annual trip cancellation/interruption/medical/evacuation policy available, as we also have multiple trips planned this year.  But I have never heard of one.

 

2.  There is a medical/evacuation annual policy available, the Geo Blue Trekker Choice Multi-Trip plan.  We bought it last year because we already had in place separate trip insurance on portions of the two major trips we had planned (poor planning on our part), so we already had most of the trip cancellation/trip insurance coverage we needed, but we needed medical and evacuation coverage for parts of the travel where we were on our own and not on a cruise.  If all you cared about was the medical and evacuation coverage, that might be an option.  This year my plan is to probably get the big box Travel Guard policy to cover both our spring trip and our fall trip (a Celebrity cruise with the big box as agent is part of both trips).  This will provide all the pieces we need in some fashion: trip cancellation/trip interruption/medical/medical evacuation.

 

3.  You can apparently tailor this policy (and I am sure the other competitor policies as well) to cover only the costs where you are truly at risk.  For example, on our spring trip, there are four components: international airfare, time on our own, a Collette Travel land tour purchased with Marriott Vacation Club points, and a Celebrity cruise purchased with cash.  We in effect had to buy Collette's own travel insurance on the cost of that tour, because only their special policy also protects the value of the MVCI points if you had to cancel at the last minute.  We didn't need to insure the international business class airfare per se, because the fare we got is refundable before departure for a $450 pp charge, or changeable for a $500 pp charge.  So we wanted a policy that would cover the entire length of time we are gone (a month) but cover only the cost of the Celebrity cruise, plus the costs of the airfare change or cancellation fees.  So that is the amount we insured.  

4.  If I didn't have the discounted coverage available through the big box, I would definitely have used either Steve at www.tripinsurancestore.com, or www.insuremytrip.com.  I found them both very helpful when I dealt with them last year and when I priced their coverage this year.

 

5.  By all means check your Medicare Supplement plan.  It probably provides some coverage.

 

Tom & Judy

Great information!   I am diligently working on this today.  

Our spring cruise is a 14 day transatlantic, with some land days in Europe following the cruise, before returning to the US.  

Our autumn cruise is a repositioning back to FL., but, again/ several sea days. So my main concern is evacuation expenses (and medical)  in the event of illness/accident  during all those sea days.  Im actually willing to not even insure the cost of the cruise, that cost, although not a small amount, kind of becomes insignificant  to me when compared to the evaction expenses that could be incurred.   

We never thought of this type of coverage when we were younger, now, it’s all I think about.  All the “what if’s” are making me crazy.   

I was going to buy the policy online, but I think I’ll use your guy Steve and be able to talk to someone. 👍🏻

Thank you again! 

35 minutes ago, TFree said:

I went ahead and booked the Travel Guard policy through the special big box store link.  Since I had to enter both the big box confirmation number and my big box member number, I am pretty sure that this link only works for bookings where the big box store is the agent.  The coverage seems good enough to deal with my primary reasons for buying travel insurance.  And the price was right.  I obviously hope it won't be needed.

 

Tom & Judy

Thank you for the update.  In the last 24 hours I’ve spent at least 4 hours reading about travel insurance/ cruise insurance and comparing the benefits. 

Ive learned a lot.  (I’ll be checking my Medicare supplement policy today for foreign country coverage!) 

I saw the Travel Guard policy options, and I guess the  Platinum would have  good benefits. I didn’t check any higher levels. I’m glad you got a discounted premium thru your BB store.  I’ve never used a BB to book a cruise , but next time I will consider it.

There are a few other insurance companies I’m comparing cost vs benefits - I sure wish there was an annual policy , since we have 2 cruises planned this year. 

There is an annual policy you can buy with an evacuation company, but medical is not included in that one. 

Thanks again! 

I too hope you never have to use your insurance!   Safe travels. 

2 minutes ago, TFree said:

RTR08: I just worked my way far enough through the website to see that if I book the coverage online, it will require listing the big box store booking number.  So I suspect the big box must be the agent for them to quote you this price.  However, feel free to call and ask.  The phone number I was given directly by the big box store is 888-691-2173.  

 

The name of the plan is Travel Insurance Plan (in my case for the state of California, I don't know if it would have a different name in other states).  It is issued by Travel Guard, an AIG company.  You can buy Travel Guard policies directly, but (a) the price will be higher; and (b) the terms and conditions might be different (I have not compared them side by side).

 

Tom & Judy

Thank you very much!  Sending that info  was very kind of you , sure appreciate it!  

10 minutes ago, zitsky said:

 

Ok but I don't know much more.  Mostly researching regular policies.

Thanks.   I’ll share what I find out too. 

On February 16, 2019 at 2:36 AM, TFree said:

In researching travel insurance for an upcoming trip, part of which is a cruise booked through the famous big box store, I noticed that the big box store provides a link to a special Travel Guard website.  The pricing there seems way better than comparable Travel Guard policies bought directly from AIG / Travel Guard, and also seems way better than other products I have seen recommended from other insurers.  It covers 100% of the insured trip cost, 150% of the insured trip cost in case of trip interruption, $50,000 medical expenses (although it does apply as excess, which I know is not ideal) and $1 million for evacuation/repatriation of remains.  

 

Given the price, I am inclined to go with this policy, but I was wondering if others have experience (positive or negative) with the Travel Guard product sold via special link from the big box store?

 

You can contact me directly here if you prefer.  

 

Tom & Judy

I'm interested too.  I'll be following to see what responses you get ! 

I did not purchase the cruise through the big box store, but I wonder if insurance is still available to me for purchase .  I'll try to go thru the big box site and see where it takes me. 

If you could share the name of that policy I'd appreciate it. 

On February 15, 2019 at 3:54 PM, zitsky said:

I was researching trip insurance plans for a cruise in September.  The average price was about $1,000.  That's medical insurance, evacuation coverage, trip insurance, cancellation etc.  

 

My partner encouraged me to look at medical evacuation plans since we do both have medical insurance from work.  I found an AIG Med Evac plan which includes medical and "unlimited" medical evacuation for only $77.  That seems too cheap to me.  I will call insuremytrip which is where I found this.  Does this sound like a reasonable price for two people in their early 50's on a 2 week cruise?

Zitsky, 

Ive been looking at Evacuation coverage too, for a transatlantic cruise in April.  

I too found the "evacuation only" prices to be cheaper than I expected. I read that it's recommended to have a minimum of 100k evacuation coverage, but even that didn't increase the price all that much. 

I have not checked medjet, yet (the one that Flightmedic555 mentioned. 

Will you please share what information you have found out; I sure would appreciate it.   Thanks! 

16 hours ago, funji1 said:

Hi Chris!

I highly recommend Halifax Tour Guys for your day trip.  We went to Lunenburg first.  It is a quaint town however, the weather did not cooperate so it was very foggy and we were unable to get any memorable photos.   Peggy's Cove is picturesque and a must see if you are in Halifax.  As Halifax Tour Guys recommended we went there on our way back to the cruise ship so it was less crowded and the weather had improved for photos!  We walked from the lighthouse down the slight hill through the little town, went into gift shops and bought great Lobster Rolls to eat in the car.  It is an easy walk. We had requested Lem but he was unable to be our guide so we had AL for the day.  It was a great trip and would highly recommend this tour.  We were on a cruise and had plenty of time to see what we wanted plus more and still got back to the ship with plenty of time to spare. Good luck and enjoy your trip !

Thanks a million for the information! 

As I read about Lunenburg, I really want to see it.   However, DH and I have never been to Canada - (the migration cruise this October is a first for us) - and he is reading about how lovely Halifax is - he’s leaning towards staying in Halifax and enjoying all that it has to offer.    Decisions, decisions! 

Thank you! 

Chris 

On 6/14/2018 at 12:18 PM, funji1 said:

 

 

Thanks for your feedback ! That make me feel more comfortable with our timing. Out guide is also going to Peggy's Cove last to avoid the crowds. He said we would have enough time for our agenda but it is reassuring to hear from someone who has done it as well. Looking forward to this great trip. Happy sailing !

Much of what you have discussed is exactly what my questions are too. 

Our trip is Oct. 2019. 

Will you please update on  how your day went and how the agenda worked out for you. 

As far as seeing the villages, is there much to see walking around Peggys Cove? I’m thinking if I had to choose “quaint” I’d prefer Lunenburg. 

Paul McNeil is booked already, I’d be looking to reserve another tour operated. 

Thank you !

chris 

This pic is roughly the view from 9707. 9307 is the opposite side - same blocked view.

 

So, to me it looks like it might be helpful to be at least 2 cabins more toward the theater; perhaps at least 9715 or more? (or, is that just an optical illusion that the Abyss appears to be right in front of 9709 and 9711)? I'm trying to figure out if deck 8 or deck 11 is a better choice for seeing the theatre.... (there is nothing available that is closer to the theater than the 11-319 or 8-719.) Any suggestion/advise?

Thank you!

The 12329 room view rearward will be similar to the red box shown here:

 

12329 is on the other side.....We'll just have to wait and see how much it blocks the view. I have that cabin on my B2B in January 2017. Too late to change as prices have gone up on all Harmony cruises.

I’m browsing old threads regarding obstrHarmony/ Boardwalk/ abyss reviews.

Have you sailed yet?

What is your opinion about the Abyss blocking the view of the theatre? The choices we have are 8719 or 11319.

(There are no cabins closer to the theatre available.). Our only choice is what deck we’d be on, 8 or 11. Opinion on view? (I’m not concerned about the noise.)

I think I will contact them.

 

I was about to post, asking for tour operator recommendations.

 

I contacted Noel Smith and he quoted me $250. No thanks.

 

I contacted Liberty Jamaica and they quoted me $200, and then gritted their teeth and went down to $180 when I tried to negotiate.

 

$150 sounds a lot more reasonable.

 

Not thrilled about the 20% deposit, but that's only $30, so I won't sweat it, since the rest of you had good experiences with them.

 

Will report back if I use them and how I enjoyed the experience.

 

I am also looking to go to Konoko Falls, where I visited previously and enjoyed.

Pokerpro,

Were those prices for 2 people? No admission fees included?

Yikes, plus add on a tip - wow, No thanks would be my reply too.

What did you decide to do?

We did Kokonos Falls as well but my mother has a wheelchair so that made the trip around the gardens doable. We also did Blue Hole. This was a challenge. There was a very steep hill to go down (and then back up). Glenroy picked two of the local guides to work with our group. He could not have pick anyone better. They were awesome. They half carried my mother and wheel chair down the hill. We left her at a good spot to overlook the water. One guide took us around and one stayed with my mother. He kept her entertained by telling her about the local flora nearby.

 

Most of our group was under 30 so we needed to do something "active" for them - thus the Blue Hole. If this isn't something your group desires, I'm sure they can come up with some good places to visit. Seems like I read about a plantation that is open for tours.

Bajae, If you don't mind, may I ask what you paid for your group of 9 ?

I got one quote for my group, and now I'm curious if it's in the ballpark, -or- if I should check around more. Thanks in advance if you reply! :)

I Agee, pricing is high. Was ur price for only 2 people?

I have gotten a quote from a tour operator for our day : pick up at Port of Falmouth; transport to Blue Hole; stop for lunch and back to port- approx 4 hrs., possibly 5 hours tops. $40 pp. (family of 5 =$200 😱 )

5 years ago we used the same company, also out of Falmouth, for an all day tour -7 people for 7 hours and it was only $180. (at today's quoted price of $40 pp that would be $280 today's price. $100. increase in price and 2 less hours). Gas? Wages? I'm sure wages haven't increased that much.. I don't understand it

RCL allows you to carry on 2 bottles of wine? Do you pay a fee /corkage fee at boarding time?

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The Ports I was wondering about are St. Maarten, St. Thomas & Nassau. When we were on the Breeze we docked port in La Romona, Curacao & Aruba. Tried to dock in Grant Turk but, to windy. We had a port side balcony on the Breeze. It was our 1st cruise & didn't have a preference but, we enjoyed being on the docking side. I wasn't sure if some or all ships can dock either port or starboard. Defintely not a cruise changing choice, just a personal preference.

WE just got back from the 10/4 - 10/11 sailing on the Getaway. WE were in cabin 13262 and had the island view at each of the ports you're inquiring about. Beautiful!

 

There is still a use for carrying on though. If I can then I like to carry on a couple of bottles of wine that I particularly like which aren't available on the ship. It's nice to have them, and they are better quality than those included in the package. Viva Vino does avoid the need to carry on loads of bottles though.

 

 

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Buying the wine package on cruises has always worked out great for us.

I'm not familiar with being able to carry on a few bottles~I like that idea!

Can you tell me what NCL charges for the corkage fee at dinner?

What if you want to have the "carry-on" wine in your cabin, will they add a fee at the time you carry it onto the ship?

Is there a limit to how many (perhaps 5?) bottles you can carry on?

Great information in this thread, thank you!

Royal does this- it would be a nice and EASY tool for NCL to put online . Would certainly facilitate those who have mega-planning to do with dinner and show reservations.

I totally agree. Planning on the Allure was so easy ~ planning (and navigating) the NCL site to coordinate dinners and shows would be much easier if there was a master chart.