First time insurance purchaser

[clojacks]

We will be sailing "around the horn" in February/ March of 2016, a trip that we booked almost a year ago but did not purchase the insurance offered by our cruise line or TA/consolidator. We have sailed about a dozen times and have never purchased insurance, but due to a couple of very elderly mothers, we feel that this time it would be wise to have it. Is there anything in particular that we should be aware of since we let the initial purchase opportunity to fly by us? Are we going to be paying significantly more having let this much time pass between booking and buying? Are there any recommendations?

[Chloe1500]

Actually, travel insurance premium goes down as you approach the departure date because the risk becomes less as time goes on. You can purchase travel insurance online from Insuremytrip.com and get a quote from more than one insurer for various plans. You can also read reviews from others about the companies and plans. As someone who has had to use travel insurance for a health emergency, I can tell you that travel insurance is a very good investment.

Edited May 23, 2015 by Chloe1500

[cherylandtk]

Make sure your policy covers the health of non-traveling family members for cancellation and interruption coverage, preferably without a pre-existing condition limitation.

[clojacks]

Thank you all for the helpful responses.

Edited May 24, 2015 by clojacks

[BillRR]

Personally, I would not cruise internationally without insurance, because some medical expanses could be irrevocably life-altering for you and those who depend on you. Determine what your existing insurance(s) will cover, if you are cruising internationally and look for additional coverage accordingly.

 

Do compare travel insurance policies using the insuremytrip Website. They have very useful comparison charting tools for a comprehensive list of policies from many insurers. When you see policies that you would consider, you can click "View Certificate" to read actual policy documents for complete features, coverage's, exclusions, conditions and limits for every policy.

 

Some features I would not do without are: (1) emergency medical care and evacuation (2) exemption for pre-existing conditions for emergency medical evacuation, because this may be a catastrophic expense (3) advance payment will be made to a hospital, if needed to secure your admission to a hospital (4) no condition that only emergency evacuation that is arranged by insurance agent will be covered, because a true emergency may not allow time for this (5) liberal and flexible coverages, such as offered by Travel Insured WW Trip Protector, or a policy that equals or beats it.

 

As for saving money, look for discounts such as USAA offers for Travel Insured and buy before a birthday, rather than after, as price varies by age on date of purchase. If you are seniors, each birthday for each person insured can cost you $30.00 or more.

 

 

--See you on Adventure of the Seas Jan. 9, 2016