Travel Insurance- anyone changing their mind with in the last week?

[Colorado Babe]

My fiance was quarentined about a year ago for 24 hours. A few days later a packet with documents to provide to our travel insurance was delivered to the room. We didn't have to request it and we didn't have RCCL's insurance we used a third party. We opened a case, sent them the provided docs and they mailed us a check for the 2 days she was sick for both me and her. It was a prorated amount of the total trip cost

 

Thanks for confirming the reason why we always buy the insurance.

[FireStation46]

I bought a package from RCL when I booked.

[Lachase]

Can you purchase travel insurance anytime before your cruise, or do you have to buy it at the time of booking your trip?

[cruising sister]

I have used the travel insurance 3 times for various reasons and have more than made up the minimal cost. A good friend needed it to get medical care when hurt while off the ship and her medical insurance did not cover out of the country. The biggest savings was lost luggage and trip interruption. We won't travel without it!

[FireStation46]

Mine was $119 per person via RCL. Small % compared to our suite cost

[skagen]

Unrelated to the illness, but having flown out of MSP in blizzard conditions and easily making the flight, I am more resolute in continuing to skip the insurance...

[Arizona Laura]

Two times with RCL I had to cancel my cruise due to medical reasons within a week of the cruise. I received a refund check for everything minus the cost of the travel insurance. Certainly worth it to me.

There was no drawn out process. I made a dr appt and brought in the paper work and the doctor filled it out right then and there. I had all the dates with me that the form required to provide the dr with. I filled my paper work portion out and mailed the forms in. Within 2 weeks I had the check each time.

I would never not book insurance when I book the cruise.

Laura

[waterbug123]

I suppose I go against the grain as I have never purchased travel insurance for any of my trips.

 

Likewise, we have never purchased insurance for a cruise vacation, and an outbreak of noro won't change our minds about that.

 

I believe that anyone who cruises without travel insurance is taking a huge risk!

 

Insurance on our homes, lives, cars, health, and cruises is for "just in case." We hope we will never need it but if we do, it is there.

 

Cruise without insurance at your own risk and don't bitch & moan if you end up needing it but didn't pay for it.

 

I have taken over 20 cruises and at least an equal number of land-based vacations in the past 10 years. I have never purchased travel insurance for these and have never had to cancel a trip so have never needed insurance. I look at it like this: If something came up and I had to cancel, fine- I may be out the cost of the cruise. But in the grand scheme of things, I have saved far more than the cost of a single cruise by not buying travel insurance 40+ times. Yes, I have insurance on my home, because suddenly being out several hundred thousand dollars at once WOULD be a burden. But being out $1000 or $2000 for a single cruise would be disappointing but would not materially affect my ability to go on with life.

YES, I realize I am taking a risk. I have weighed that risk and decided that for me, it is worth it and I'm willing and able to accept the cost consequences if it doesn't pan out. I don't criticize anyone else for getting insurance though, and if I planned a really long or expensive trip I would probably consider it for myself. To each his own in that regard.

 

Oh, and I assure you that if something happens and I can't go on my cruise next month, you will not hear me on hear bitching and moaning about needing insurance that I didn't buy!

Edited January 31, 2014 by waterbug123

[cruisenfever]

From our own recent experience. Last October 3 my husband was admitted to the hospital through the ER with acute pancreatitis caused by gall stones. We were to fly to Barcelona on October 6th for a b2b on October10th. Needless to say, we did not go.

 

Our TA canceled the cruises and RCI reimbursed us the port charges, pre-paid gratuities and a pro-rated amount of the cruise fare depending on how we fell under the # of Days within the Cancellation Policy. These amounts were credited back to our credit card. Everything that was not reimbursed was submitted to Berkeley and within 4 weeks we received a check for the total amount excluding the cost of insurance.

 

We were then looking forward to our 4 cruises in December/January but unfortunately my husband was re-admitted into the hospital on November 21 because of acute necrotizing pancreatitis and on the advice of the Specialist, we had to cancel those 4 cruises. Thankfully, treatment was successful.

 

Again, I had all the paper work and forms, submitted to both Berkeley and Allianz (for our air) and we were again reimbursed everything within 4 weeks except the cost of the insurance. RCI reimbursed us so much and Berkeley took care of the rest.

 

Does it pay to take out insurance.............you betcha.

Edited January 31, 2014 by cruisenfever

[woldig120]

We are British and have an annual travel insurance policy for world wide travel. This includes medical treatment up ten million pounds and for pre-existing medical conditions.

 

Had the norovirus on the Constellation two years ago and got a credit note which we used as part payment for a RCL cruise. Made a claim and got re-imbursed for the medical charges on the ship

[lady_cruiser]

With the latest outbreak of the norovirus, I'm checking on prices/coverage of insurance. I'm thinking its worth it for peace of mind.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

We always have and will always get travel insurance. It isn't just for "viruses and trips to the medical center."

 

If you happen to slip, fall and break an ankle, travel insurance helps with the medical expenses.

 

If you have, God forbid, a heart attack while onboard, travel insurance will help with those expenses. Even the medevac expenses.

 

My piece of mind costs around $144 from the time I leave my home to travel to the cruise port to the time I am driving in my driveway after my cruise is over.

[Rocketlady]

"Shingles" :eek::eek:..Luckily we have gotten immunized against this very painful viral disease.

 

You can still get shingles. I did. But it was very mild. I still had to have

horse pills medicine to clear it up. I have had friends who didn't get a

shingle shot and they were in serious pain for some time.

[Esmerelda]

I have only done one cruise (my very first) without cruise insurance. Every cruise since then, I have my insurance.

 

I worked in an ER for 17 years. NO ONE expects to get ill or injured, that's why you buy travel insurance. If you have regular medical insurance, 90% of them won't cover you once you are out of the country.

 

Nuff said..:D

[time4u2go]

I have only done one cruise (my very first) without cruise insurance. Every cruise since then, I have my insurance.

 

I worked in an ER for 17 years. NO ONE expects to get ill or injured, that's why you buy travel insurance. If you have regular medical insurance, 90% of them won't cover you once you are out of the country.

 

Nuff said..:D

 

I'm curious...how do you know this? Do you have a reference for this statistic somewhere, or is it just your opinion?

[Esilef]

We always take out travel insurance. Have had to claim on both trips to Hawaii.

 

1) cruise with NCL was cancelled half way through due to bad weather. Travel insurance paid me $3000 to cover ally my costs.

2) broke & dislocated my knee in beach in Waikiki. Hospital costs in USA were $10,000usd. Travel insurance covered this.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[cofgren]

[quote name='waterbug123']Likewise, we have never purchased insurance for a cruise vacation, and an outbreak of noro won't change our minds about that.



I have taken over 20 cruises and at least an equal number of land-based vacations in the past 10 years. I have never purchased travel insurance for these and have never had to cancel a trip so have never needed insurance. I look at it like this: If something came up and I had to cancel, fine- I may be out the cost of the cruise. But in the grand scheme of things, I have saved far more than the cost of a single cruise by not buying travel insurance 40+ times. Yes, I have insurance on my home, because suddenly being out several hundred thousand dollars at once WOULD be a burden. But being out $1000 or $2000 for a single cruise would be disappointing but would not materially affect my ability to go on with life.
YES, I realize I am taking a risk. I have weighed that risk and decided that [U]for me[/U], it is worth it and I'm willing and able to accept the cost consequences if it doesn't pan out. I don't criticize anyone else for getting insurance though, and if I planned a really long or expensive trip I would probably consider it for myself. To each his own in that regard.

Oh, and I assure you that if something happens and I can't go on my cruise next month, you will not hear me on hear bitching and moaning about needing insurance that I didn't buy![/QUOTE]

I will have to agree on this . Even though the vast majority will not. My 1st cruise ,yes. After that,no.This year will be #20.

[surf cruiser]

For worse case scenario, are crutches available for purchase from the infirmary?

[tinykygal]

Always purchase trip insurance. We nearly missed a cruise embarkation due to flight delays. It seems to be a minor expense to us.

[harry0]

We do not get insurance-Being a small business owner in NJ we MUST buy insurance for everything. If given the choice I opt out. I never buy extended warranties either-if buying insurance gives you peace of mind-go for it.
With the money I saved form not buying insurance I can buy my own plane and pilot to medi vac me anywhere.

[bchalker]

[quote name='eamcclen']With the latest outbreak of the norovirus, I'm checking on prices/coverage of insurance. I'm thinking its worth it for peace of mind.


Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app[/QUOTE]

not at all

[bchalker]

[quote name='cruisenfever']From our own recent experience. Last October 3 my husband was admitted to the hospital through the ER with acute pancreatitis caused by gall stones. We were to fly to Barcelona on October 6th for a b2b on October10th. Needless to say, we did not go.

Our TA canceled the cruises and RCI reimbursed us the port charges, pre-paid gratuities and a pro-rated amount of the cruise fare depending on how we fell under the # of Days within the Cancellation Policy. These amounts were credited back to our credit card. Everything that was not reimbursed was submitted to Berkeley and within 4 weeks we received a check for the total amount excluding the cost of insurance.

We were then looking forward to our 4 cruises in December/January but unfortunately my husband was re-admitted into the hospital on November 21 because of acute necrotizing pancreatitis and on the advice of the Specialist, we had to cancel those 4 cruises. Thankfully, treatment was successful.

Again, I had all the paper work and forms, submitted to both Berkeley and Allianz (for our air) and we were again reimbursed everything within 4 weeks except the cost of the insurance. RCI reimbursed us so much and Berkeley took care of the rest.

Does it pay to take out insurance.............you betcha.[/QUOTE]

Maybe if you are unhealthy it pays. We have been on 13 cruises so far and would just be out 13 cruises of trip insurance.

[bchalker]

[quote name='Esilef']We always take out travel insurance. Have had to claim on both trips to Hawaii.

1) cruise with NCL was cancelled half way through due to bad weather. Travel insurance paid me $3000 to cover ally my costs.
2) broke & dislocated my knee in beach in Waikiki. Hospital costs in USA were $10,000usd. Travel insurance covered this.




Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app[/QUOTE]

Well if you have medical insurance you certainly dont need travel insurance to cover medical bills in Hawaii.

[CoachT]

[quote name='waterbug123']I have taken over 20 cruises and at least an equal number of land-based vacations in the past 10 years. I have never purchased travel insurance for these and have never had to cancel a trip so have never needed insurance. I look at it like this: If something came up and I had to cancel, fine- I may be out the cost of the cruise. But in the grand scheme of things, I have saved far more than the cost of a single cruise by not buying travel insurance 40+ times. Yes, I have insurance on my home, because suddenly being out several hundred thousand dollars at once WOULD be a burden. But being out $1000 or $2000 for a single cruise would be disappointing but would not materially affect my ability to go on with life.

YES, I realize I am taking a risk. I have weighed that risk and decided that [U]for me[/U], it is worth it and I'm willing and able to accept the cost consequences if it doesn't pan out. I don't criticize anyone else for getting insurance though, and if I planned a really long or expensive trip I would probably consider it for myself. To each his own in that regard.

Oh, and I assure you that if something happens and I can't go on my cruise next month, you will not hear me on hear bitching and moaning about needing insurance that I didn't buy![/quote]
Okay, but what if something happens to someone to your immediate family causing you to miss the cruise? Okay you can afford to be out the few thousand for the cruise if you miss it.

How about if you need to be evacuated from a foreign country should you have a medical emergency? The cost of an air ambulance from the Caribbean alone starts at $25K and goes up. If you can afford to self-pay great. I can tell you of one case in Jamaica where the ambulance wanted $5000 on a credit card just to take them from the ship.

It is a peace of mind thing, but I can share that we just had recent clients who had flown on JetBlue just after a cruise at the beginning of the year and were stuck in FLL from Monday until Saturday morning. Travel insurance is reimbursing almost all of those expenses for hotels and meals.

[waterbug123]

[quote name='CoachT']Okay, but what if something happens to someone to your immediate family causing you to miss the cruise? [U]Okay you can afford to be out the few thousand for the cruise if you miss it.[/U]

[COLOR=Red]Yep, I can. Hope I don't have to, but I can. Again, the cost of missing the cruise is far outweighed by the savings of not purchasing travel insurance 40+ times over the past 10 years.[/COLOR]

How about if you need to be evacuated from a foreign country should you have a medical emergency?

[COLOR=Red]As with everything in life, you have to weigh the risks and decide if you're willing to take the chance. For me, I'm willing to take the chance that I will not need to be medivac'd back to the US. Is it possible that I could be wrong and would at some point need this service? Of course. Is the chance of that so miniscule as to be considered a non-factor? For me, yes. Likewise, I'd be willing to bet that there is something in your life that you could purchase more or better insurance against but haven't because you don't consider the risk to be worth it.[/COLOR]

It is a peace of mind thing, but I can share that we just had recent clients who had flown on JetBlue just after a cruise at the beginning of the year and were stuck in FLL from Monday until Saturday morning. Travel insurance is reimbursing almost all of those expenses for hotels and meals.[/quote]

[COLOR=Red]Again, the cost of those hotel nights and meals is a drop in the bucket compared to what I would have paid to purchased travel insurance for every single trip ever taken.

As I said before, I don't criticize or fault anyone who chooses to purchase travel insurance for every single cruise or trip they take, especially people who don't travel often. For me, the large number of trips I take and the savings of not purchasing insurance for every one of them, combined with the ability to self-insure, means that I choose not to buy it. (Although, as I also said before, I actually would consider it for a particularly long or expensive vacation.)
[/COLOR]

[Shak]

As cheap as cruising can be I don't think many will argue that having to cancel a cruise or airfare will not break most but getting sick or injured overseas can put a huge dent in your finances if not bankrupting you. Here is a few posts from a roll call I was a part of. This is a story from a CC member whose husband had to go to the hospital in Italy. I carry both trip insurance and a medical evacuation policy for reasons such as the following.

Shak

[url]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1495638&page=176[/url]
post 3508, 3509,3515

[url]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1495638&page=177[/url]
post 3521, 3529

[url]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1495638&page=178[/url]
post 3543 Edited February 2, 2014 by Shak