NCL insurance

[Cruisin250]

We are about to book (very early) our first NCL cruise and are exploring our insurance options. We always buy insurance and have used both the cruiseline (RCI, Princess) insurance and private.

How is NCL's insurance? I realize it usually isn't refundable if you cancel but is it transerable to another cruise if you make changes in your reservations? Also, does it need to be placed at time of booking or can we add it later??

[angeljt]

We have had NCL's insurance for 3 of our cruises, but luckily never had to use it. We've also used outside insurance.

Our cruise rewards specialist said we had to decide on the NCL insurance by final payment. I'll do some research on it after Christmas to see what program offers the most for the $$$.

[blindrid]

A lot of people don't know but as the case with almost any insurance there is a free look period. That allows one to read the policy and determine if that's what they want. I would suggest doing beforehand (you can request sample policy) so you don't lose any pre existing condition coverage.

[deepnite10]

booking thru a TA we insure d thru an outside company..then had to use the insurance ..it was an unavoidable situation:(

 

all other time s we book d thru the cruiseline s and purchase d our insurance at the time of booking..however, we were told that we could

wait till up to 90 day s befor purchasing insurance..probably due that most

cruiseline s allow you to cancel with no penalty for any reason if ur more than 90 day s out..

 

our triumph cruise is still quite a way s out..our final payment isn t due till 90 day s prior to sailing and at that time we ll purchase insurance to cover us for the remaining 90 days..

[Flick]

You can check the prices of several insurers at http://www.Insuremytrip.com. If you use the ship's insurance all they have to provide is a 7 day (or whatever length) cruise. Missed ports, interruption of trip, etc. are out the window. If the ship has mechanical trouble or worse yet if the cruiseline goes bankrupt you're out of luck. Stick to third party insurance, which many times can be cheaper than the cruiselines.

[mbisson]

One thing about NCL insurance (as explained to me by my PCC) is that it is valid only for travel booked thru NCL. (as flick says above)

 

ie: if you book your air on your own and have NCL insurance and miss the ship you're out of luck (so book to arrive a day early). I asked about this type of thing specifically.

 

If you book thru a 3rd party insurance agency, you may be covered for travel to & from the ship even if the travel is booked independently

[LegalCat]

We will be sailing on May 31 on Pride of America. We were advised to use NCL insurance because we are in a suite with a concierge and she said the concierge will work with us and the insurance company if there is a problem as opposed to having to contact a third party etc.

 

Also a couple of months ago we put a deposit down for a cruise with insurance and we cancelled one day before final payment was due and we received a refund in full including insurance.

[LeeMP22]

can anyone reccomend a good company?

[Flick]

Travel Guard Insurance. Another tip....mark the day the ship returns as the next day. That way if you encounter weather problems or for that matter any other problem you are still insured i.e. hotel expense etc. Insurance ceases to exist at midnight the day you return home so simply "extend" your trip for one more day.

I fail to understand how an employee of NCL is going to intervene on YOUR behalf if you have an insurance claim against the ship. What am I reading wrong?

[ron46936]

All insurances are not equal. In many cases the policies issued by the cruise lines do not offer the same coverage as the ones you buy from third parties. Also with third party you can include the coverage you want or need. Compare terms and prices. Another cruise line offers insurance which does not include full reimbursement for the cruise price but you can buy thru the same company as they do and get full reimbursement for less money.

 

One thing to be aware of that the companies often require that you purchase within a few days of the initial deposit if you wish coverage of pre-existing conditions.