Insurance Information
Here is a link for a frank discussion of the need for insurance and the cost that could be incurred without it in the event of an emergency. Look at http://cruisereviews.com/Insurance.htm
Due to territory restrictions, many insurance policies may not offer any coverage while you travel. Still others may offer partial protection, but due to benefit limits, co-insurance and deductibles, you will in most cases be required to make the payments for services rendered and you may not be reimbursed for the full amount incurred. Most people do not have any insurance coverage at all if they must cancel their trip. Trip protection by third party travel insurance companies have a wide range of travel benefits that credit card, homeowners and renters insurance policies most likely do not offer. The medical coverage included in trip insurance is absolutely vital for most people whose health insurance policies (Medicare & HMO) do not pay for medical expenses incurred outside of the United States or do not cover transportation charges due to medical emergencies.
There are different types of insurance. The insurance I recommend has been a company I have used for 6 years and have had no complaints. Trip Cancellation insurance pays you for a loss for a number of qualified reasons-most of them emergencies. They have a “change your mind” policy that gives you back up to 75% of your loss if you cancel for any reason at all. The remainder of the policies are not a change-your-mind insurance, it is for unexpected and emergency reasons listed in the policies. You can even get coverage for loss of job providing you meet the criteria. To get the most coverage, the insurance must be purchased within 14 days of your booking. To be covered for pre-existing conditions and to have protection from bankruptcy of the carrier you also have 14 days from booking to obtain your insurance.
* It provides for your fare if you or your traveling companion cannot go for qualified reasons. This is a good feature because some insurance policies protect your fare, but you still have to go on the cruise without your roommate or spouse if they cannot go. Others will only give you future credit for cruises with them and a time limit to use it.
Our carrier has four (4) different types of policies. All are good, some are better than others. An important note:
1. There is a “change your mind” insurance policy, but it costs a little extra.
2. Standared policies cancellation has to be for a qualified reason. The policy clearly outlines the reasons and benefits. This protection extends from grandchildren to grandparents and usually centers around a death or serious injury most of the time requiring hospitalization for you, your traveling companion or a member of your immediate family as described above. Doctors evaluation and report must be submitted to the company stating the qualifying factors. The questionnaire includes issues such as when did this problem first occur, how serious is it, does it prohibit the patient from traveling, etc.
3. For the lost luggage protection, you should have a list of the clothing or property that was in the luggage and receipts. So, keep all receipts for anything you purchase for the trip or anything of large value you are bringing with you, including the luggage you purchased. For items of special value you should take a picture to verify what it looks like, and you may wish to make an inventory of each valued piece placed in your luggage so you can present it if needed.
Disclaimer – Information on this page is for illustration purposes only. Below is a highlight sample of coverage offered. Please note that this is not an official offering, it is my synopsis of sample coverage. Your actual coverage and cost will be found in the policy you purchase.
Coverages & Limits
ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS MEDICAL EXPENSES $ Per Insured
ACCIDENTAL DEATH/DISMEMBERMENT $ Per Insured
AIG TRAVEL ASSIST — Per Insured
BAGGAGE & TRAVEL DOCUMENTS Per Insured
BAGGAGE DELAY $ Per Insured
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION $ Per Insured
MISSED CONNECTIONS $ Per Insured
TRAVEL DELAY $ Per Insured
TRIP CANCELLATION Trip Cost Per Insured
TRIP INTERRUPTION 1 Per Insured
PRE-EXISTING CONDITION WAIVER — Per Insured
TERRORISM — Per Insured
TOUR OPERATOR/AIRLINE DEFAULT Trip Cost Per Insured
Cost for very good plans are based upon age and price of the trip.
