Thread: Travel Insurance: Have you USED it?

THANK YOU for that, Mindy.

So sorry this happened to you, but hope this real life example will help someone who might be toying with the idea of saving a little money by skipping the insurance.
3The only time either of us had a medical issue while cruising was when DH had a bit of a problem one evening. Three EKG's (yes, onboard) and $1,100.00 later, we were glad we had the insurance.

Wow! You can see how an unexpected illness can drain your pocketbook!

So often new cruisers don't realize that their regular medical insurance might not cover them outside the country and are in for a rude awakening when they find there is no reimbursment!

And Medicare---all you cruising seniors should be aware of the limitations outside the US.

We purhase the travel insurance everytime we travel and I always recommend it to my clients. As I always say, I hope it's a waste of our money, because if you need it, it's usually not for a good reason. Luckily, we've only needed it once and it was for a relatively minor problem (sinus infection). But I've had clients who have had to cancel for various reasons and (knock on wood), they've all been covered in their entirety.

First, I do not recommend the insurance offered by the cruise line for most people. Often times seniors can get a better deal through them, but most of the time it's best to purchase it through an independent travel insurance company. Also, most insurance offered by the cruise lines may not reimburse you in full, opting instead to provide credit towards another cruise. And unless you purchase the airfare through them, that is not a covered expense.

Second, make sure you purchase the insurance about the same time you put down your deposit. Some insurance companies provide extra coverage (acts of terrorism, financial solvency, and pre-existing conditions) if you purchase the insurance within 15 days of making your deposit.

Third, and this is VERY IMPORTANT, make sure you are purchasing travel insurance and NOT travel protection. There is a distinct difference you need to be aware of and it can cost you alot of money.

Fourth, make sure you get a complete copy of the coverage so you can read it and satisfy yourself that it covers everything you want to be covered and that it protects you against cancellation for the reasons you may encounter.

And lastly, do not automatically assume that the most expensive is the best, or that the cheapest is the worse, or that a well-known company provides better coverage.

There are several well-known travel insurance companies that our corporation no longer does business with because of their poor customer service.

There are usually different levels of coverage including those that will cover cancellations due to job-related problems and others that will cover for cancellations due to any reason. Some will only reimburse you up to certain amounts, lik 75%, 80%, 90%, etc.

Always use a reputable travel agent who can assist you with the decisions, but ask questions and know exactly what you're buying and what it will cover before purchase.

Pete

Excellent advice, Pete.

We never leave home without it.

I would never dare to travel without a travel insurance.

We have an annual travel insurance.