iamtrustworthy

On 9/3/2024 at 11:36 PM, BarbbmckBra12 said:

I am sailing on Holland America and was offered insurance by the cruise line. I have always used Allianz. Should I stick with them or use the cruise company’s insurance?

Hi BarbbmckBra12,

It depends on a lot of factors that would reveal too much personal info in a public forum. It's best to call us for advice at 1-888-407-3854.

Steve Dasseos

5 hours ago, Steerpike58 said:

I posted this in the Europe sub, but then saw this dedicated insurance sub so am posting a revised version here.  If mods wish to delete the other one thats fine.

 

Can't believe this happened to me but it did (two days ago ... just joined ship today). Very clever trio in metro; a guy sprang from behind and started retching at my feet (as in, pretending to vomit), I lept back to avoid him, and he ran off, and that was it.  5 mins later i noticed my phone was gone (it was in a top front pocket so not entirely secure but had been using it to check station names, walking directions, etc). I then realized a young respectable-looking couple to my right also ran, and pieced it together that they were scoping me out and got the phone when the guy startled me.  I'm pretty  alert and savvy so this blew me away. We were holding back at the bottom of the escalator to let the crowd thin out when it happened.  The young couple also seemed to be holding back, which just seemed the smart thing to do. 

 

Anyway, $1,200 brand new phone is gone.  The ship sailed the next morning at 11 and top priority that evening was to remote lock or wipe the device.  I did visit the police station near hotel in the morning but they couldn't file a report because ...boss wasn't there to sign (basically 3 guys sitting around doing nothing...). They sent me to another station but by then time ran out.  

 

So .... I'm sure this happens a lot in rome ... have you had any luck making a claim on insurance without a police report? Their requirement is for 'proof of loss' I believe. The timing of being in port for so little time makes filing reports so hard.

 

Hi Steerpike58,

Yesterday, a customer travelling in Rome emailed about their stolen phone. And over the last few weeks I've heard more stories about how clever the thieves are getting and that they are doing thefts in teams.

His policy's wording stated this in different sections:

"original receipts (if available) and a complete list of stolen, damaged or lost item(s) must be provided along with proof of loss providing amount of loss, date, time and cause of loss, and a repair estimate, if the item(s) is damaged."

"Claim Forms: When notice of claim is received by Us or Our authorized representative, forms for filing proof of loss will be furnished. If these forms are not sent within 15 days, the proof of loss requirements can be met by You sending Us a written statement of what happened. This statement must be received within the time given for filing Proof of Loss."

"Proof of Loss: Proof of loss must be provided within 90 days after the date of the loss or as soon as is reasonably possible. Failure to furnish such proof within provided period will not invalidate nor reduce any claim if it shall be shown not to have been reasonably possible to furnish such proof during that time. Proof of Loss must, however, be furnished no later than 12 months from the time it is otherwise required, except in the absence of legal capacity."

"All claims require You to provide Us with the following: a Trip invoice, itinerary or confirmation showing details of Your Trip (dates of travel, destination, etc.); and any other information reasonably required to prove the loss."

It's best if you contact whoever sold you the policy for help and also to read your policy's wording.

Steve Dasseos

On 8/30/2024 at 1:57 PM, Buckimion said:

I have a trip booked with Carnival for late 2025 but my transplanted kidney just failed after nearly 15 years and I'm headed back to the waiting list. I no longer feel comfortable keeping my cruise but had bought "Cancel for any reason" insurance from Travelex last year when first booked. Do I cancel the trip and then file a claim? Or how do I go about this?

Hi Buckimion,

You cancel all your travel arrangements first and then start the Travelex claim.

Steve Dasseos

2 hours ago, notjaded said:

I'm contemplating a cruise (less than 30 days) that will cost close to $100,000 for my wife and I. Is there one particular insurer that you recommend for this hefty amount?

 

Thanks!

Hi notjaded,

I have six plans that will cover you depending on the State you live in.

Would you either email your phone number at steve@tripinsurancestore.com, fill out this form:

https://tripinsurancestore.com/travel-insurance-email-contact-form/  or call us at 888-407-3854 and we'll help you figure this out? I don't want you to put any private information on this public forum.

Thanks, Steve Dasseos

On 8/24/2024 at 3:24 PM, Cruzinram said:

Is there a policy that will cover pet illness death etc available other than cancel for any reason should a trip need to be cancelled?

Hi Cruzinram,

If you live in the USA, we have two plans that cover you for an ill, injured or death of a pet cat or dog.

Steve Dasseos

18 hours ago, gullcruiser said:

Hi, I just booked a cruise and have 24 hours to decide if I want to get I travel insurance through the cruise line or elsewhere. I have found out that my charge card company will cover my trip as long as I use that card to pay for the trip. Has anyone ever gone through their card company if they had a problem while on a trip?

Thanks for any help that you can give and happy cruising!

Hi gullcruiser,

The major drawback when using the credit card coverage is they don't cover pre-existing medical condition coverage for you, or a traveling companion or a non-traveling family member that could worsen and, in turn, cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip. Or that could cause you to seek treatment on your trip.

Steve Dasseos

3 hours ago, Markanddonna said:

Will travel insurance cover our expenses if we choose to fly in on the same day of the cruise? We will have a very early morning direct flight to Boston, and the sailing is at 4PM. 

Hi Markanddonna,

Flying in the same day of the cruise does not void any coverages.

Steve Dasseos

12 hours ago, TT304 said:

Hi, we will take Celebrity cruise for 8 days Alaska vacation. The final arrive port will be Vancouver, Canada. After cruising we plan to stay in Canada for another week traveling (self-guild tour). Our total vacation time will be two weeks. We will buy Cruise insurance from traveinsurance.com. If we buy Cruise insurance for two weeks, will it cover both 8 cruising days and after cruising Canada vacation days (self-guide tour)?

Thank you very much!

 

Hi TT304,

I can't give you any advice about plans you would buy from another website. I suggest you call them about this.

Steve Dasseos

4 hours ago, Markanddonna said:

You mentioned a hurricane warning or watch. What about something like Superstorm Sandy back in 2012? Would the cruise out of New England have been covered?

Hi Markanddonna,

Hurricane watches aren't covered.

We had claims related to Superstorm Sandy and they were paid.

Steve Dasseos

21 hours ago, hawk/hornfan said:

Hello Steve, 

Just a booked 13 day cruise tour with Princess Aug-Sept 2025. Have looked into trip insurance and it is expensive. My T/A says we could delay purchasing until just before final deposit instead of now to avoid buying the insurance and having to cancel, where we would be out the money for the insurance. But it also could go up. The plan is with Allianz. I have always purchased at time of booking

 

thank you

Hi hawk/hornfan,

I understand what your TA is saying, but, in my opinion, it's based on either not fully understanding how trip insurance works, or they are limited in what plans they offer.

You could wait until Final Payment, but you will likely pay more by waiting. Plus you will be a year older.

Steve Dasseos

46 minutes ago, MrGadget007 said:

Trying to find information about insurance coverage for a WORLD cruise, more than 90 days. Most plans I have found only cover you for 'up to' 90 days. Mainly need  coverage for trip interruptions, both for family (have older parents) or in case of an issue onboard, as well as medical and evacuation. My spouse and I are fairly healthy and do not have any extreme issues. The cost of the cruise is fairly steep and don't want to lose it, if something happens.

Hi MrGadget007,

I have plans that will cover a maximum trip length of 364 days and we've insured many world cruises.

Would you either call us at 888-407-3854 or email me the basics about your trip at steve@tripinsurancestore.com ?

Steve Dasseos

On 8/12/2024 at 2:22 PM, luckyinpa said:

im revisiting this topic after booking yet more insurance/cruise and now wishing i may have annual coverage

 

on your other post you quoted above you stated:

 

"

Now, when we ask about those other benefits, nearly everyone wants good delay coverage plus some of the others. So that's why I say "I haven't found an Annual Trip Cancellation plan that is good enough for me to sell due to their plan limitations with what's needed to cover the changes in travel since Covid started."

 

Steve Dasseos"

 

 

Can you give a little more detail as to what limits you were talking about?

 

Hi luckyinpa,

Will you email me the Certificate of Coverage for this policy so I can review it? My email is steve@tripinsurancestore.com

Steve Dasseos

Wow - That's a big change. When Costco's creit card took theirs away during the pandemic, they didn't go out of their way to tell anyone.

20 hours ago, 4x4TX said:

Booked a cruise 7/31 leaving 8/10 from Galveston -8/18 on the Eastern Caribbean trip so right into hurricane alley. I am not really worried about being on the boat during a storm but more worried about being away from home in case a storm rolls into my home area like Beryl did. What are my best options for cancellation insurance if any at this point? Is it worth it?  Looking at long term forecasts there is potential for the next storm to be into the gulf around mid trip for me (8/14). Thoughts? 

 

Also even without cancellation coverage, is it worth getting a policy for my wife in just in case of med vac etc even though I have good healh insurance? I have pretty much met my deductible for the family at this point as well. 

 

Hi 4x4,

There are plans that specifically allow you to cancel if Your Scheduled Departure City or Scheduled Destination is under a hurricane warning or watch as issued by the NOAA National Hurricane Center. Unfortunately, you have to buy them at least 15 days before your departure date, so that's not an option.

And, the other problem is that nothing forecasted is covered so you'll want to see what NOAA is showing.

Your cancellation risk is small, but if it's an expensive trip, it might be worth it because you'll have trip interruption coverage, too.. And, it's worth getting a plan for the medical coverage.

Steve Dasseos

On 8/1/2024 at 9:29 AM, gailellen12 said:

Good morning I am traveling solo on Oceania next May for 33 days to celebrate my retirement.This is my far the most I have ever spent on any kind of vacation. The cost is compounded by the fact that even though I am traveling with friends I need to pay the solo cost. In the pastI have used Allianz annual insurance  when I priced out the cost of insuring just this trip the cost was astronomical. Any thoughts or suggestions welcome. The medical and evacuation cost are foremost in importance thanks

Hi gailellen12,

Trip cancellation insiurance is complicated. I'm doing a Q & A here on Cruise Critic for the Summer on 2024. It's worth you looking it over:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/2724-cruise-insurance-qa-w-steve-dasseos-of-tripinsurancestorecom-summer-2024/

Steve Dasseos

On 7/30/2024 at 12:58 PM, ScottsSweetie said:

Frequent cruiser here, but not frequent travel insurance buyer (have purchased before when trips have been more extensive).

 

For most of our cruises we drive, so logistics are simple and all done in one day. We are considering a Greek Islands cruise next year and I am wondering about the timing of purchasing insurance. We would obviously book the cruise first, but then might not purchase pre and post hotel stays until a bit later. Flights would be purchased last and probably not until 4-5 months out. If I remember correctly insurance must be purchased within a certain time frame after booking, but I won't know all of my trip expenses at that time.

 

Can you please advise what the best route is?

 

Hi ScottsSweetie,

I have three initial questions:

- In the last 60 days, have either of you, or a traveling companion or a non-traveling family member, had any medication changes or had treatment for, had symptoms of or been diagnosed with any medical condition that could worsen and, in turn, cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip? Or that could cause you to seek treatment on your trip?

- Are any of your trip costs being paid with Future Travel or Cruise Credits that you received instead of a cash refund on a trip that was cancelled or interrupted?

- Is there any chance one of you might have your previously approved time off cancelled causing you to cancel your trip because they have to work?

Steve Dasseos

Hi johnnyd57uk,

Unfortunately, I can't give you advice about UK insurance plans.

Steve Dasseos

On 7/18/2024 at 5:00 PM, GeezerCouple said:

This is a question we've never been quite clear on.

 

But we've always had private excursions who *would* refund if the ship didn't dock (but not if we were just no-shows, of course).

 

@iamtrustworthy

Steve, could you help out here?

I suspect many would like to know (and maybe it depends upon the specific insurer and policy...?)

This is only if the ship doesn't dock and there is a 3rd party excursion non-refundable.  Not for the "missed port" situation.

Thanks!

 

GC

 

 

Hi GC,

Sorry about the delay responding. I was away for a few days, but thankfully I wasn't caught in the IT travel disaster.

This is tricky because nearly all our customers do the same as you by arranging with private excursion companies or individuals that would give them a full refund if the ship didn't dock.

A few years ago I asked all my companies this: "Are non-refundable excursions covered if a cruise ship misses or skips a port?"

Most of them said "Only if due to weather or mechanical breakdown". And, a few plans also state "In the event Your Travel Supplier makes a change in Your Trip itinerary after Your Scheduled Departure Date, which prevents You from participating in an event/activity Prepaid prior to departure and scheduled on Your Trip itinerary, non-refundable Prepaid event/activity expenses will be payable up to the Maximum Benefit Amount shown in the Confirmation of Benefits. Benefits".

Steve Dasseos

On 7/13/2024 at 12:43 PM, MississippiMom said:

We put a deposit down in April 2024 for a late summer 2025 Alaskan cruise.  We did not add travel insurance at the time of the deposit.  Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with lymphoma in June 2024, and have begun chemotherapy treatment.  Prognosis is good, however, things could change at any time.  Are there cancer specific travel insurance policies that I should investigate?

Hi MississippiMom,

I hope you get healed quickly.

I have four plans that cover pre-existing medical conditions if bought by Final Payment. Cancer's covered the same as any other medical condition with no restrictions or special requirements.

If you want a specific recommendation, I'm happy to give it. Go here to give us the details:

https://tripinsurancestore.com/travel-insurance-email-contact-form/

Steve Dasseos

13 hours ago, Lileesa said:

We always have to call a special number or get a special policy for NYS residents. I see here we are not eligible for annual policies through you, 

 

Can you simply explain why NYS insurance policies are different? Are the policies better or worse for NY?

 

Thanks!

Hi Lileesa,

The reason they are different is that each State regulates what insurance products are sold to its citizens. They allow plans that meet its laws.

> We always have to call a special number

I've never heard of a "special number" to call to get a policy for a NY resident.

Steve Dasseos

On 7/7/2024 at 6:14 PM, 33aa said:

My wife and I were just on a Viking River cruise. Halfway through, I got sick and we had to leave the cruise to get me to an ER in Germany where I was admitted with Covid and pneumonia. Spent a total of three days and was discharged with a preliminary bill, paid by me, of $5,500. Submitted the claim to Aetna which just denied the claim because of "No procedure billing code" available. What in the world? German hospital, paid and submitted by me. Where exactly would this American insurance billing code come from? We did provide the hospital records so they know exactly what was provided and it was extremely straight forward. Anyone with experience on the best way to handle this?

 

Also interested in anyone's experience with TripMate which is supposed to cover trip interruption. We never made it back to finish the cruise because of fear of spreading it or getting re-infected. Have a statement from my long time Neuro to return  to the states ASAP. Submitted all receipts for lodging, meals, airline tickets, transport and medical including the letter from my Neuro. 

 

Should note this. Viking did not have any covid tests, or masks and would not have required us to shelter in place or quarantine and would have welcomed us back knowing full well I was a probable covid carrier and capable of infecting others. At least one other person was known to have gotten covid and there was an awful lot of coughing and sneezing going on. Just saying. But they were great on helping my wife find an ER, arrange cabs, hotel rooms and packing. So there is that too.

Hi 33aa,

Call the insurance agent that sold you your Medigap plan and have them help you with your claim. They are obligated to help you with your claim because they earned and continue to earn a commission every time you pay your premium.

I've been an insurance agent since 1989. I help all my customers with their claims if they want my help. Even though I can sell Medigap plans, Life Insurance, Annuities and a lot of other plans, I don't sell them very often because my main focus is Travel Insurance.

Here's how a Medigap plan works outside the USA:

https://tripinsurancestore.com/medicare-does-not-cover-you-outside-the-usa/

Steve Dasseos

On 7/2/2024 at 4:04 PM, BazingAu said:

Not sure about annual plans, but we purchased a single trip policy through our TA and it was significantly cheaper than what I found online via the recommended websites. It was about 40% cheaper with the same coverage by a nationally recognized brand.

 

However, IMHO, if you have no travel planned until March, it might make sense to wait until then. As long as rates aren't considerably higher in the spring than during your current renewal time. (Don't know if there are travel insurance cycles.) However, if you do end up taking any trips ahead of time, then you won't be covered.

Hi BazingAu,

I can't speak for the "recommended websites", since I only recommend one website (https://tripinsurancestore.com/) to get a policy from. And, there's no shortage of overpriced policies.

Here's what you need to be certain of:

- Did you get the coverage you need?

- Did your travel agent thoroughly explain what you bought and answered all your questions?

- Will your travel agent help you with the claim and any changes that need to be made to your coverage?

Steve Dasseos

3 hours ago, DonnaK said:

Hi Steve....I'm hoping you can help me sort out my options.

 

My husband and I have 3 cruises booked (Aug 2024, Nov 2024 and Feb 2025)  We did not buy insurance at the time of booking, and the Aug cruise is already paid in full.

 

We would like to purchase an annual policy that includes medical, medical evacuation, etc.  We are 62 and 66, and have stable preexisting conditions (hypertension, high cholesterol) and were both recently diagnosis with Type 2 diabetes.  My husband was diagnosed greater than 60 days ago, and he is stable, but I have had drug and dosage adjustments within the last 60 days.  

 

Can we get medical coverage for the cruises already booked?  From what I read, I do not qualify.  Is that the case?  

When would be the best time to purchase an annual plan, and what would be the best option for us? 

 

Thanks in advance - it's very difficult to sort out online without having someone to explain things to us.

 

 

Hi DonnaK,

Unfortunately, the Annual Travel Medical Insurance I have isn't available to a NY resident.

> I have had drug and dosage adjustments within the last 60 days.  

What date was your last medication change?

Steve Dasseos

2 hours ago, klfrodo said:

Great reminders Steve.

Especially #2 with the current storms barreling down on us.

Thanks for the idea klfrodo.

And, I just found out that Cruise Critic is extending this Q&A through the Summer.

On 6/18/2024 at 12:38 PM, klfrodo said:

For educational purposes only

With your vast 20+ years of experience, could you share the top 2 or 3 mistakes people with travel insurance make that either cause you to SMH or cause the biggest problems with their claims. Also, share what they could have done differently to have made the claim process easier.

 

Or, maybe you've covered this in a blog that you could provide a link to.

 

Thanks

Hi klfrodo,

Here are the top three mistakes:

1) You get ill or injured but you don't go to a doctor. Surprisingly, we talk with many people who do this and then they wonder why their claim isn't being paid. I wrote this on November 3, 2023 about someone on a trip to Australia:

https://tripinsurancestore.com/blog/you-need-to-see-a-doctor-if-you-get-ill-or-injured/

And, this past Wednesday, someone called me after returning home from a Mediterranean cruise. He had a bad fall 6 days before the cruise ended so he and his wife got off the cruise 4 days early because his foot pain was so bad. They flew home on an expensive one-way flight, too.

I asked "Did you see a doctor on the ship or anywhere else before you came home?". He said he didn't want to waste his time getting a diagnosis for an obvious injury, but he did see his doctor the day after getting home. His doctor confirmed that he made the right choice to come home early and his doctor is happy to write a letter explaining what happened.

SMH! I said "As a policyholder you have every right to file a claim. I cannot predetermine your claim, but it's not likely it will get paid because you never sought the advice of a licensed physician while you were on your trip."

2) They wait to buy insurance until it's too late. The vast majority of people that contact us are honest, so if it's too late to get the coverage they need, they graciously accept what we tell them and say "I'll remember that next time I plan a trip."

That said, I received a call on August 25, 2011 just as Hurricane Irene was reaching the US Mainland:

https://tripinsurancestore.com/blog/do-callers-think-we-were-born-yesterday/

3) They don't insure their correct per person trip costs so their claim isn't paid in full. When we ask people what their per person trip cost is, almost everyone divides the total cost by the number of travelers. Sometimes this is the right way to do it, but not always.

I wrote "How To Correctly Quote a Travel Insurance Plan" on February 27, 2008:

https://tripinsurancestore.com/blog/how-to-correctly-quote-a-travel-insurance-plan/

For the last 2 weeks I was writing and re-writing another version. Thanks to @klfrodo's prompting, here's a more timely explanation: "Get Your Trip Cancellation Claim Paid in Full":

https://tripinsurancestore.com/blog/get-your-trip-cancellation-claim-paid-in-full/

I hope this all makes sense.

Steve Dasseos