psberg

This is a pretty simple solution, which consists of telling the travel insurer that I have two primaries and have elected to file with the travel insurer first and representing that I will not file a claim with my primary health insurer, which happens to be Medicare, unless the travel insurer shorts me on the claim. Edited to add: This is a response to NorthStateCruiser.

This is an old thread but is comparable to my situation. I purchased travel insurance for my cruise which was specifically sold as primary coverage. I ended up making a visit to the ship’s medical center (hacking cough). When I received the claim form from the insurer, it specifically said that they required an EOB from my primary insurer. Isn’t the purpose of buying travel insurance with primary coverage to avoid the hassle of filing a foreign claim (which has to be done by mail) with my primary? What is the point of paying more for primary coverage if it is going to be treated as secondary coverage? That should result in a lower premium, shouldn’t it?

Thanks for responding. I visited Guest Services today and they advised that I would need to pay a fee to get more records released. I decided I would file the claim first. If the insurer balks at paying, then I would have to go back to HAL to try to get the information.

I’m currently on HAL Westerdam and get off in Tokyo in 2 days. I picked up a cold with a hacking cough which has been going on for about 9 days. Saw the ship’s doctor 2 days ago and was given amoxicillin and cough syrup. Also took a Covid test (negative). I bought trip insurance with primary medical and zero deductible. When I received the ship’s invoice (over $200) for the visit, the diagnosis code was R05 Cough. No further info. Is this sufficient to support an insurance claim? It seems to reflect the symptom rather than a diagnosis. I would like to know whether I should request additional information to support a claim before I leave the ship.

Hi, blueskies123, We prefer to disembark last, around 9 or 9:30. How does that fit in with your plans? We haven’t ridden in a Japanese taxi in years, but I don’t think they will accommodate a group with 4 suitcases and carry-ons. My husband and I may end up with 2 suitcases and 3 carry-ons due to the generous 2 bag pp luggage allowance for our flight home. I was searching for private cars and found one company that can carry 4 passengers plus luggage for about $130. The issue is whether they will charge the same price for 2 dropoffs. I sent them a message and will get back to you after receiving their response.

Hey, Bruce, thanks for all the useful information! While pricey, a cabfare of only a little over $100 doesn’t sound at all bad, especially since tipping is not the norm. The other options—cab to train to cab—are probably doable but after such a long trip (this will be day 42 of our trip), we may decide to splurge. The Imperial Hotel is itself a splurge, which is why we are only staying one night. Thank you for the tip on the Frank Lloyd Wright bar. We will definitely check it out!

We will be arriving in Yokohama (end of cruise) on the Westerdam on February 17 and are looking for suggestions on getting to our hotel in Tokyo (Imperial Hotel). The Imperial Hotel is on my husband's bucket list because his dad stayed there many years ago. We will stay only one night, then go to Narita to board our flight to Honolulu. Of course, luggage is an issue. It is just my husband and myself. We will each have a suitcase and roller bag.