Do you buy travel insurance?

[sail7seas]

Medcial/evacuation coverage is very reasonably priced.

 

[vbmom87]

Medcial/evacuation coverage is very reasonably priced.

 

 

Yes, it is. We have checked it out on several occasions. However, I always end up buying the full insurance. I just have not been willing to gamble just yet. ;)

 

With DH on medicare and medigap however, we will have to be very careful to remember to purchase medical insurance if we head into Canada. We are right on the Detroit/Windsor border. I was shocked to learn that the medicap plans have a lifetime $50,000 max coverage for out of country medical emergencies. With my DH's recent medical issues, if we were to have a problem out of the country, the $50,000 could get used up in a flash.

[sail7seas]

Yes, it is very important for people on Medicare even with gap coverage to have travel medical insurance if leaving the country.

 

Hopefully, your DH will travel near and far with no medical issues........

 

Hopefully, we all will. :)

[redlobster]

We have purchased cruise line insurance before and have not felt it was the best purchase.

 

We now purchase outside trip insurance and are glad. It is rare that I find someone who says they don't need trip insurance and can handle the financial costs involved for the UNSEEN THINGS OF LIFE. The cost is inexpensive for basic coverage. I like the person who said their TA gives them basic coverage. HINT to all TAs (LOL).

[Calitexar]

I always buy insurance. Witnessed two passengers, and their respective families, evacuated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean a few years ago. Can't imagine the cost of that. Who needs the worry of evacuation and medical bills when a family member is in really bad shape? Spend the $$$ for insurance. Your peace of mind is worth it.

[cherylandtk]

Here is a current report of someone who didn't purchase cancellation insurance, and wishes they did.....it all depends on your risk awareness and aversion levels.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1636761

[sail7seas]

I wrote this message on the thread.

 

I certainly send my best wishes OP's friend recovers well but I have agree with 'contentsam' above with his slant on the insurance angle.

 

We always are sure to have medical and evacuation/repatriation coverage but we only insured for cancellation to cover our early cruises. About 60 or so cruises ago, we chose to begin self-insuring the cancellation/interruption part of the trip.

 

Seeing we presumably could afford the price of the cruise or we would not have booked it, then we could afford to lose that investment should we have to cancel. We knew that for the first 5 or so cruises, we would be at risk of losing the price of our cruise. But quickly, we reached the break even mark and because we were lucky and never suffered a cancellation penalty, we are now tens of thousands of dollars ahead in premiums we did not pay. For us, it worked out very well and while we would not want to lose that sum, even if we do now, we'd be hugely ahead in the $$ department.

 

The big exposure to suffer considerable loss is medical out of the country and emergency evacuation. That is where the serious money loses are possible.

 

Just something to think about.

It probably isn't for everyone but it works well for some of us.

 

 

[erinmarie424]

We always buy insurance and never had to use it until last month. There was a family emergency and DBF had to fly home from Progreso mid-cruise. I flew home from NO the day the ship returned. We had planned to stay in a hotel in NO for a night before returning home. Insurance covered the plane ticket changes, cost of the nonrefundable hotel, and unused portion of DBF's cruise - about $1500. Not as much as some other claims that were mentioned, but definitely something that could happen to anybody. Well worth the $150 we spent on the policy!

[bluedreams183]

We never used to purchase the insurance, because we thought it was a waste of money. We booked a carnival cruise in december leaving the middle of May, and my husband asked if we should purchase the insurance, and i said, well maybe we should just in case!

 

I was having a lot of problems with my tooth, and we actually drove all the way from PA to FL, and I ended up having a really bad tooth infection in a tooth that had a root canal done a few months ago. We had to cancel the night before the cruise and come all the way back home! thank goodness we had purchased the insurance!! we just received the checks in the mail earlier this week! we received our full amount (minus the cost of the insurance) back! we re-booked for august! still dealing with this tooth, but so happy we had insurance!

[Charlie44]

For us, our first cruise (and to Alaska) is very expensive for our budget. With my parents being very ill last year, who knows what this summer will bring? So we have purchased insurance, from an independent company that is well-known.

 

Now this week I've been diagnosed with breast cancer and will be undergoing chemo this summer. Who would ever have guessed? We may still be able to go on the cruise (our doctors say yes), but it is a great relief to know that if we cancel, we have insurance.

 

 

So sorry to hear about the diagnosis. I've 'been there, done that' - so hang in there, rest up and fight this! I really enjoyed the celebratory cruise we took after my battle - they treat you so nice....sigh!:rolleyes:

 

Regarding insurance, we always purchase through our home/car provider. Because I have a pre-existing condition (even after being treated/cured) I wanted to be absolutely sure that I was covered and they had no outs. We get coverage for a year, for a family of four, with pre-existing conditions for less than $130.00 CAD - that includes anything that may occur while flying, cruising, or camping up to 60 days out of the country in a 12-month period. It is WAY cheaper to handle the insurance on your own in Canada.

 

Good luck and chin up!

[kimber0504]

What is your experience? Do you buy through a cruiseline? Or do you buy it independently (any recs in this case)? Do you buy it at all? We just booked our first Alaskan cruise and we are not sure if we need travel insurance.

 

Which companies would you recommend for travel insurance? I don't want to get stuck without it and I have two cruises booked for next year...both without insurance right now. It is killing me to NOT have it booked. I just did not like the ones provided by the two cruiselines I booked (Royal Caribbean and Carnival).

 

Kim

[idratherbesailing]

I know the insurance companies/employees out there that see these posts are lov'n it but never-the-less you really should consider the cost of travel insurance as part of the cost of your trip. I almost always buy my trip insurance online and DO get several quotes as the costs vary greatly. Insuremytrip.com is an excellent souce for price comparisons. Over 40 cruises and have had to use my insurance coverage twice and was SO glad that I had it.

[6rugrats]

I now always purchase insurance. Had a land trip (departure date scheduled for last week) that had to be cancelled because of an unforeseen medical problem. Would have been out quite a bit of money if I hadn't purchased insurance, and even unhappier about cancelling if I'd had no insurance.

 

Will see how long it takes ins. company to process the claim.

[eduk8er]

Yes, I always buy it and it really paid off last October!! I fell and broke my arm while on land in Istanbul and had to fly home for surgery! The insurance was GREAT!

 

I could buy insurance on another 20 trips and still be ahead on what it covered!

[Txrosie]

We've been cruising 33 years and have yet to use it, but I would always buy it. We've seen people break arms and legs on shore and most people don't realize that their health insurance doesn't cover Jamaica or Mexico or some of the wonderful places we've travelled and if your injuries are serious, the ship will sail and you need to find a way home. We've also seen people air lifted by helicopter off a ship, which is your expense. Most of us cruisers can absorb the cost of a cancelled trip, but an accident or illness on board or docked in a foreign port will have you re-mortgaging your house. We figure that we would probably lose the cost of the insurance in the casino anyways so why not be safe. I always buy when I book on various cruise line's websites as I feel Guest Services on the ship will be able to help out better if it's their people.

[travelinggrammy]

Which companies would you recommend for travel insurance? I don't want to get stuck without it and I have two cruises booked for next year...both without insurance right now. It is killing me to NOT have it booked. I just did not like the ones provided by the two cruiselines I booked (Royal Caribbean and Carnival).

 

Kim

 

 

We've alway used Travel Guard, but over the past couple of years they have really raised there prices... If you google travel insurance you'll have many companies to compare...

 

a couple of things to keep in mind. We always get insurance with pre-extisting medical conditions. Say you have a heart condition, high blood pressure have a stoke the insurance can deny your claim without the pre-extisting clause.

 

Also I believe with travel guard and maybe other insurance companies that you have to purchase your policy with the pre-extisting clause a certain amount of time after you book your trip or you can't buy the pre-extisting part...

 

also, when you purchase your insurance make very sure, if your final price of your trip, lets say its $1200.25 that your purchase the policy for 1200.25 if you would only buy for 1200.00 they will deny your claim because the full cost of the trip was covered according to the terms of the policy... dumb but true... I read that in our travel section of the Phila. Inquirer by Chris Elliott... ( he has a website, very good travel info there...I have his site bookmark )

 

One last thought, as far as I know cruiseline insurance policies do not cover pre-extisting conditions.... just a question to ask and have them show you it in writing.... have a wonderful trip and hope this is helpful to you Judy

[vbmom87]

We've alway used Travel Guard, but over the past couple of years they have really raised there prices... If you google travel insurance you'll have many companies to compare...

 

a couple of things to keep in mind. We always get insurance with pre-extisting medical conditions. Say you have a heart condition, high blood pressure have a stoke the insurance can deny your claim without the pre-extisting clause.

 

Also I believe with travel guard and maybe other insurance companies that you have to purchase your policy with the pre-extisting clause a certain amount of time after you book your trip or you can't buy the pre-extisting part...

 

also, when you purchase your insurance make very sure, if your final price of your trip, lets say its $1200.25 that your purchase the policy for 1200.25 if you would only buy for 1200.00 they will deny your claim because the full cost of the trip was covered according to the terms of the policy... dumb but true... I read that in our travel section of the Phila. Inquirer by Chris Elliott... ( he has a website, very good travel info there...I have his site bookmark )

 

One last thought, as far as I know cruiseline insurance policies do not cover pre-extisting conditions.... just a question to ask and have them show you it in writing.... have a wonderful trip and hope this is helpful to you Judy

 

I buy my plans through The Trip Insurance Store. Each time I travel I have a chat with them about my current trip and situation and they give their recommendation for that trip. So far it has not always been the same insurance company. They have a fabulous website that will really educate you about travel insurance if you just take the time to read, read, read.

 

http://www.tripinsurancestore.com/

 

To have pre-existing conditions covered, most insurance companies require you to purchase your policy within 7-21 days of your FIRST TRIP DEPOSIT. The thing some people don't realize is the pr-existing conditions also applies to a loved one staying behind. I just make sure to have it included so I would not have a worry up the road. At least in the past, CSA was one company that allowed you to buy your insurance within 24 hours of your final payment and they would still cover pre-existing conditions. It is a good idea to alway reconfirm what your policy covers each time you buy insurance. The trip insurance store has pointed out to me that a policy I used to buy, would not cover me in certain situations any longer. That is why I like them. They seem to know the ins and outs of the different plans.

 

As far as your example of needing to book the accurate amount of your trip, that is true, for some plans, but not all. Some plans will cover you if you bought insurance for less than the cost of the trip. (Of course they will only pay you for the amount your trip cost) Others will not cover you if you did not insure the entire cost. This is where you need to be reading that fine print and discussing this with either the insurance company or a broker like the trip insurance store or insure my trip.

 

Also, most insurance plans rates increase at the $500 mark. Therefore it is always best to round up your insurance, as it won't cost you anymore.

[donaldsc]

What is your experience? Do you buy through a cruiseline? Or do you buy it independently (any recs in this case)? Do you buy it at all? We just booked our first Alaskan cruise and we are not sure if we need travel insurance.

 

I carry a yearly policy that covers medical and evacuation only. I self insure for the rest. Works for me.

 

DON

[shorbr]

For us, our first cruise (and to Alaska) is very expensive for our budget. With my parents being very ill last year, who knows what this summer will bring? So we have purchased insurance, from an independent company that is well-known.

 

Now this week I've been diagnosed with breast cancer and will be undergoing chemo this summer. Who would ever have guessed? We may still be able to go on the cruise (our doctors say yes), but it is a great relief to know that if we cancel, we have insurance.

 

I too was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2004 and was scheduled to go on a cruise in December. That would have been my last treatment and my oncologist was adamant about me not going in fear of getting sick. She would remind me that I could look forward to many more cruises in the future. But since then, I went on a celebratory cruise the following year, and a few afterwards. Yes, I had insurance, but the cruiseline was nice enough to refund my entire costs without any penalties. Royal Caribbean cruse lines was very generous and understanding of my illness and I appreciated that. The only problem I had was with Delta Airlines who refused to refund any monies. I thought they would have a heart, but they didn't.

 

So yes, it is a good thing to have travel insurance...you never know.

 

And I also wish you the best with your treatment plan, and know that you will be planning many cruises in the future!!!

[boss_lady]

I will from now on buy travel insurance whether I am going on a cruise or just a vacation. Here is my reason why......my brother in law and his girl friend were on vacation in Mexico and he suffered a massive stroke. Pretty serious. He has been in the hospital in Puerto Vallarta since June 22nd. He has medical insurance but they won't pay until he is back in the USA and the hospital there wants money upfront for services. Well they have exhausted all their money and it looks like he will need to be medical evacuated back to the USA which is quite costly we are finding. We are trying everything we can to come up with the money to bring him home. So far nothing.

Does anyone know of an organization that might be able to help us?

 

So just a reminder ALWAYS BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE with medi vac included.

 

Thank you

[LVWineaux]

Buy the Travel Insurance and when you receive the policy - READ IT. Be especially aware of time limits for reporting qualifying events. I have a cruise booked for August. A few weeks ago, my DW passed away unexpectedly. The Trip Ins Certificate said I needed to report the event to the cruise line WITHIN 72 HOURS. My TA said the Ins company would PROBABLY cut me some slack for death of a spouse, but for other events, they might not be so forgiving.

BTW - I decided that she would want me to go on the cruise anyway, so I'm going. It just won't be the same. HAL waived her cancellation penalty, so I don't have much of a claim at this point.

[shorbr]

Buy the Travel Insurance and when you receive the policy - READ IT. Be especially aware of time limits for reporting qualifying events. I have a cruise booked for August. A few weeks ago, my DW passed away unexpectedly. The Trip Ins Certificate said I needed to report the event to the cruise line WITHIN 72 HOURS. My TA said the Ins company would PROBABLY cut me some slack for death of a spouse, but for other events, they might not be so forgiving.

BTW - I decided that she would want me to go on the cruise anyway, so I'm going. It just won't be the same. HAL waived her cancellation penalty, so I don't have much of a claim at this point.

 

I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your wife. My sincere condolences are extended to you as well as other family and friends.

[vbmom87]

Buy the Travel Insurance and when you receive the policy - READ IT. Be especially aware of time limits for reporting qualifying events. I have a cruise booked for August. A few weeks ago, my DW passed away unexpectedly. The Trip Ins Certificate said I needed to report the event to the cruise line WITHIN 72 HOURS. My TA said the Ins company would PROBABLY cut me some slack for death of a spouse, but for other events, they might not be so forgiving.

BTW - I decided that she would want me to go on the cruise anyway, so I'm going. It just won't be the same. HAL waived her cancellation penalty, so I don't have much of a claim at this point.

 

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your spouse. Whether expected, or unexpected, it is never easy to lose a loved one. Hopefully your loving memories will help you get through it and enjoy it the best you can.

 

Best to read the policy before you buy it, although most of the reputable insurance companies will let you cancel within several days of purchasing. The thing is most people don't read their policies. There are so many 'exceptions' within each policy. As I have said many times, people buy insurance and just assume every scenario is covered. That just is not the case. There is LOTS of fine print. On the trip insurance store website they have links to all the policies they sell, so it is quite easy to read before you buy. Just put aside several hours and have some headache medication on hand for the headache you are sure to get with all that reading. ;)

[LVWineaux]

Thanks for the condolence notes. Many of our loving memories were cruise related, which is why I am still going on the cruise and spending some time on CC boards.

BTW, DW was also known as the "Wine Princess".

[iamtrustworthy]

Buy the Travel Insurance and when you receive the policy - READ IT. Be especially aware of time limits for reporting qualifying events. I have a cruise booked for August. A few weeks ago, my DW passed away unexpectedly. The Trip Ins Certificate said I needed to report the event to the cruise line WITHIN 72 HOURS. My TA said the Ins company would PROBABLY cut me some slack for death of a spouse, but for other events, they might not be so forgiving.

BTW - I decided that she would want me to go on the cruise anyway, so I'm going. It just won't be the same. HAL waived her cancellation penalty, so I don't have much of a claim at this point.

 

I'm sorry to hear about your wife's passing. My prayers are with you and your family.

 

Here's something else about your trip insurance: many plans pay the extra amount for a single supplement, so be sure to find out if your plan covers this, too.

 

I hope this helps you.

 

Steve Dasseos