Cruise insurance

[suzyluvs2cruise]

Many praise Royal Caribbean's Cruise Care travel insurance. I think it's good for cancellation but not for medical. Their evacuation limit is $25,000 and Medical $10,000. Definitely would not have covered OPs evacuation. 

 

The Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Program can help! Here are some highlights:

 

The Cancellation Penalty Waiver and Cruise Vacation Cancellation Enhancement Program - non-insurance features provided by Royal Caribbean

• Trip Cancellation*: up to 100% back if you cancel your cruise for one of the program’s specific reasons
• Cancel for Any Reason^*: 75% future cruise credit if you cancel for any reason (and we mean ANY reason!)

^*Notice to Minnesota, Missouri and New York residents only: Trip Cancellation benefits are underwritten by Arch Insurance Company. In addition, Cancel for Any Reason credits can be purchased separate from the Travel Insurance Benefits. Contact 1-888-722-2195 for details.

Travel insurance benefits underwritten by Arch Insurance Company

• Trip Interruption: up to total trip cost if you can't start or finish your cruise vacation because you're sick or hurt, there's a death in the family or another covered reason
• Trip Delay: up to $500 for catch-up expenses
• Accident Medical: up to $10,000 if you get hurt on your cruise vacation
• Sickness Medical: up to $10,000 if you get sick on your cruise vacation
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: up to $25,000 if you need emergency medical transportation
• Baggage Protection: up to $1,500 if your bags are lost, stolen, or damaged
• Bag Delay: up to $500 to buy necessary personal items if your bags are delayed

Edited February 14, 2020 by suzyluvs2cruise

[molly361]

Does anyone know if you have Royal's insurance and 1 person does not go do you get back that person's fare only?  Or is it 1/2 of the total fare?

Edited February 15, 2020 by molly361

[Sunshine3601]

On 2/13/2020 at 2:18 PM, soremekun said:

Just bought a medical plan for my upcoming trip via GeoBlue.  They claim $1,000,000 coverage with no deductible.  I hope I never have to put that to the test.

We also have annual policy with GeoBlue.  I think we paid around $250 for the year.  They do have great coverages and hope we never have to use.

Highly recommend anyone traveling outside of the US have these coverages.

[ARandomTraveler]

3 hours ago, molly361 said:

Does anyone know if you have Royal's insurance and 1 person does not go do you get back that person's fare only?  Or is it 1/2 of the total fare?

Good question- I don’t know about Royal Caribbean’s insurance, but my 3rd party insurance does come with a “single supplement” clause, paying for any additional fees incurred in the event your traveling companion doesn’t make it for a covered reason and it causes your costs to go up due to the decrease in occupancy (for example, in the event your traveling partner cancels, and now your room is subject to the single supplement and you have to pay more money, the insurance will cover that extra money you had to pay for the single supplement fee).

 

I don’t think all insurance policies come with a single supplement clause.

 

 

Edited February 15, 2020 by ARandomTraveler

[molly361]

Deleted

Edited February 15, 2020 by molly361

[Sizzlechest]

I have a credit card (Chase Sapphire) that includes trip insurance for things like cancellation and lost luggage, but does NOT include heath insurance coverage. I buy that separately and I pay the couple of bucks extra for a zero deductible. I had acid reflux on my last cruise and forgot to bring antacids. The ship doctors gave me Prevacid and Mylanta. It cost around $35 and I was able to get paid back from the insurance I purchased.

[RocketMan275]

On 2/13/2020 at 1:18 PM, soremekun said:

Just bought a medical plan for my upcoming trip via GeoBlue.  They claim $1,000,000 coverage with no deductible.  I hope I never have to put that to the test.

I buy the annual policy from GeoBlue for my medical and evacuation coverage.  I rely upon my credit card for cancellation insurance of $10k per person.  The GeoBlue is about $250 for two for any number of cruises which is very good for when you're in your 70s.

[molly361]

48 minutes ago, ARandomTraveler said:

Good question- I don’t know about Royal Caribbean’s insurance, but my 3rd party insurance does come with a “single supplement” clause, paying for any additional fees incurred in the event your traveling companion doesn’t make it for a covered reason and it causes your costs to go up due to the decrease in occupancy (for example, in the event your traveling partner cancels, and now your room is subject to the single supplement and you have to pay more money, the insurance will cover that extra money you had to pay for the single supplement fee).

 

I don’t think all insurance policies come with a single supplement clause.

 

 

 

Yeah I guess most policies work on the premise that both parties cancel.  IF this were to happen I would not notify them until I am safely on board by myself.  It's only a weekend cruise and the second passenger portion is less than half of what the first person (my) fare is.

[CruisingAlong4Now]

The OP details the reasons for travel medical insurance.  Medical expenses are open ended and very few people would choose to self insure this unlimited risk.  People think:  I don't know how much I may have to spend if something happens whilst I am traveling. I could lose all my savings and potentially my house.  I can't afford to lose all that, so I'll get insurance.

 

Travel cancellation insurance is a known risk, limited exposure, and a sunk cost. So, , many people self insure this risk.  They think:  If I have to cancel this trip, the most I am out of pocket is the cost of the trip.  I have already paid this, so my bank account and my house are safe. I'll take that chance.  

[greatestvalue]

On 2/12/2020 at 4:23 PM, pepperfeet said:

I had RC Insurance - OnCall

Is this a specific policy with an insurance or a company? 

Im currently looking to buy insurance for my upcoming cruise but there are so many companies, and so many different policies. 

 

[lowbass]

Let's first be clear about something that might have been missed by first time or those new to cruising, "travel insurance will NOT immediately pay your medical bills if you should get sick or hurt while in another country and have to go to their hospital". Even your own personal medical insurance will probably not be usable in a foreign country. Out of country hospitals will most likely require CASH or CREDIT CARDS. 

 

Unfortunately many people cruising don't have an unlimited credit card and a lot don't even have a $50,000 limit. But please don't let that deter you from taking a cruise. I don't know the exact numbers but the vast majority of illness and injuries that occur on a cruise can be handled by the ship doctor. And I'm sure that many people that post to this board have never been on a cruise where there was a medical emergency that needed to go to a foreign hospital. It can happen, but if you're already in decent shape and take the proper precautions you should be fine.

 

The vast majority of people who purchase travel insurance and have to use it are those who for whatever reason, miss their cruise or cannot go on their cruise. Once you're on your cruise if you get sick or hurt or some how have to cut your cruise short and come home then YOU must pay out of YOUR pocket and the travel insurance will reimburse you for the money you spent.  

 

I just want to make sure everyone, especially those new to cruising understand this.

[kinsus]

On 2/12/2020 at 7:59 PM, disneygirl2 said:

The Jamaica hospital insisted on the money up front.  I am actually calling the insurance company tomorrow to figure out how to get reimbursed.  We also paid for the jet transfer up front.  I think it just depends.  

 

How in the world do you pay upfront that type of money?  I don’t have cash like that anywhere to front that!  

[kinsus]

On 2/13/2020 at 1:18 PM, soremekun said:

Just bought a medical plan for my upcoming trip via GeoBlue.  They claim $1,000,000 coverage with no deductible.  I hope I never have to put that to the test.

Same here...hoping they’re accurate with all that!  But also hoping not to have to try it!

 

[clo]

On 2/14/2020 at 11:10 AM, SRF said:

YES, you REALLY want to have medical and med evac insurance coverage.

 

We have $100k med evac with our CSR credit card. But I recently found out - should have figured it out - that even if I paid for a trip with that card it still has to be an active/valid card. Bob and I each got the CSR for the bonuses and had planned to cancel mine after a year. We'll have to pay attention to that going forward. I made the deposit but can likely make the final payment with his.

PS: how are you?

[clo]

49 minutes ago, kinsus said:

 

How in the world do you pay upfront that type of money?  I don’t have cash like that anywhere to front that!  

Credit cards (plural) with maybe with $20-25k limits.

[pepperfeet]

3 hours ago, greatestvalue said:

Is this a specific policy with an insurance or a company? 

Im currently looking to buy insurance for my upcoming cruise but there are so many companies, and so many different policies. 

 

It is the company through RC.  Cost about $160 based on a central park balcony  It covered my life flight from Bahamas to Ft Lauderdale which was $13,500.  and flight back home.  

Edited February 16, 2020 by pepperfeet

[disneygirl2]

1 hour ago, kinsus said:

 

How in the world do you pay upfront that type of money?  I don’t have cash like that anywhere to front that!  

We called home and had relatives send us the money.  Now that we have paid the Jamaica hospital, they sent my detailed bill and I can now send to the insurances that we have to hopefully be reimbursed.

 

I can tell you it was very scary.  Opened our eyes for sure.

[maggieq]

After reading this I no to do a better job of researching our insurance for cruises.  Yes, I purchase on insuremytrip every cruise and try to get to

The most medical and evacuation coverage.   This time we got 25k and 500k evacuation but wondering how this would work and if it’s enough. 
 

We cruise a few times a year so wondering if we should use the insurance on our credit cards that paid for air and cruise and just purchase high end medical and evacuation coverage?

 

appreciate your feedback. 

[pepperfeet]

17 minutes ago, disneygirl2 said:

We called home and had relatives send us the money.  Now that we have paid the Jamaica hospital, they sent my detailed bill and I can now send to the insurances that we have to hopefully be reimbursed.

 

I can tell you it was very scary.  Opened our eyes for sure.

I did not have to pay any money up front.  I had to submit paperwork for, missed  days of cruise,  parking at airport, co-pays for follow up , and other things.

[disneygirl2]

26 minutes ago, pepperfeet said:

I did not have to pay any money up front.  I had to submit paperwork for, missed  days of cruise,  parking at airport, co-pays for follow up , and other things.

 

I didn't have to pay in Florida, but Jamaica was an entirely different beast.

[3red7s]

On ‎2‎/‎13‎/‎2020 at 2:18 PM, soremekun said:

Just bought a medical plan for my upcoming trip via GeoBlue.  They claim $1,000,000 coverage with no deductible.  I hope I never have to put that to the test.

GeoBlue is the only insurance we have ever used for 9 yrs as they have a good reputation....like you, we have never had to use it...thank God

 

[Lbicklel]

This brings up another question that came up on the cruise I just came home from yesterday. A passenger was evacuated to a Florida hospital from the ship via Coast Guard helicopter. There was quite a discussion going on regarding insurance and several people were saying that since it was a Coast Guard evacuation there would be no charge to the passenger for the flight.  I find that hard to believe.

 

 Like many others I choose to ensure for a very low value on the trip itself as that is a lower risk amount that I can afford to lose if something happens but I want to make sure I’ve got plenty of coverage for medical and medical evacuation.  A policy that is primarily for medical is very low cost. 

[st5310]

On 2/12/2020 at 6:42 PM, TNcruising02 said:

That's a good reminder that the cost of insurance is nothing compared to costs of having an accident or getting sick while traveling.  People take a risk by thinking that nothing will ever happen to them, but it can happen to anyone.  I've got an annual policy.

Please tell me more about your annual policy.  We're doing 4-6 cruises per year and I'm thinking an annual policy would be better than buying for each individual sailing.  Thank you kindly.

[shofer]

On 2/15/2020 at 9:40 AM, molly361 said:

Does anyone know if you have Royal's insurance and 1 person does not go do you get back that person's fare only?  Or is it 1/2 of the total fare?

Both people named on the reservation will be refunded.  I am in the process of filing a claim now and I was told by RCI that there is no problem with us receiving a full refund.

[CTSandy]

On 2/15/2020 at 12:57 PM, Sunshine3601 said:

We also have annual policy with GeoBlue.  I think we paid around $250 for the year.  They do have great coverages and hope we never have to use.

Highly recommend anyone traveling outside of the US have these coverages.

 

I have the GeoBlue annual policy also - I'm on Medicare and aware that they don't cover health issues outside the US and I travel out of the country at least 3 or 4 times a year.  I usually don't buy trip insurance because many of my cruses are casino comps, so if I lose two or three hundred dollars for port fees and taxes, I don't care.  Doing Alaska again this summer with friends and am paying for this cruse.  Just signed up for trip cancellation, etc. insurance - figured I would rather pay $400 now, then eat a $6000 cost if something happened.