Travel Insurance

[Sthrngary]

17 minutes ago, Cruise5life said:

Wow.  Great review of insurance.     Can you say who you used or use.    

@Cruise5life The last four cruises we used Allianz Global Assistance.  They give you several choices with options.  Pick and choose which suits you best.  On the last four cruise, I had a claim on two of the three.  Worth every penny.  Hope that hapes.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[ihate2cruise]

On 3/17/2023 at 9:50 AM, SimplyAlbert said:

I highly recommend contacting Steve at the Trip Insurance Store.  He (and his staff) are very knowledgeable about cruise insurance and will ask you questions about what you want for coverage that you may not have even thought about.  I always buy our insurance through him.  He a frequent contributor to the Travel Insurance forum on this site.

I just emailed Steve, I look forward to speaking to him soon. I find this process to be very confusing. I really don't know what we need to cover and how much coverage.

 

Thank you to everyone that contributed to the OP's question. 

[GeezerCouple]

5 hours ago, ihate2cruise said:

I just emailed Steve, I look forward to speaking to him soon. I find this process to be very confusing. I really don't know what we need to cover and how much coverage.

 

Thank you to everyone that contributed to the OP's question. 

 

When you speak with Steve (or one of his associates), you'll find they are *very* patient about answering questions.  Don't hesitate to call back if you think of other questions later.  Before purchasing our first policy, we had quite a few, "But what about if X happens?" and then, "Well, what if it's Y instead that happens!?"

 

Each question was answered, and in some cases those answers provided even more information than simply the specific question had asked, plus they'd sometimes ask us additional questions.  They are really helpful.

 

GC

[Sthrngary]

The Confusion in selecting Cruise Travel Insurance.  Like any insurance purchase, the more the premium, the more coverage you receive.  When I go online to purchase my coverage, I think what my priorities will be. For Example:

 

• Medicare Participants:  I have Medicare Advantage.  This health insurance does not cover me when out of the United States.  I absolutely need Health Coverage.
• Cancel At Any Time:  This coverage seems to be the highest of premiums like collision coverage on a car.  There are restictions and at best, it USUALLY only covers 50% of my coverage amount.  Example, If i say the cruise and other travel will cost me $12,000.00.  That is what my premium is based on.  So, if I have to cancel, I can get back REAL LOSES of up to $6,000.00 on the fares. This was one of my two actual claims in the past two years.
• Levels or Amounts of Coverage:  Things like lost bags, transportation if your flight misses ship, transportation for if you are sick and need airlift.  All are spelled out and the higher the amount provided, the higher the premium.

 

I find it easy to look at the policies side by side and determine what my risk vs. premium tolerance is. The first time I purchased Travel Insurance, I did it through American Express Travel.  The reason was I wanted to talk to a real human being.  Each time after, I just did it online.  

 

There are benefits of booking this Insurance at time of deposit.  It eliminates "Pre-Existing Conditions" where these may, the key word is may, cause an issue at purchasing at final payment.  I however purchase at Final Payment if, and again the word is if, I may cancel the sailing.  Once you purchase the Travel Insurance, you have 30 days to cancel it for full refund.  After that, you usually own it even if you cancel your cruise.  NOTE:  This may differ from policy to policy.  This is referencing cancel of the Insurance policy not the cruise.  Remember, no loss, no payment of claim.  

 

I hope my experience as a consumer helps understanding cruise Travel Insurance Better.  My advice is read the fine print, avoid purchasing from the Cruise Line because they are not as clear as an actual insurance company in their explanations, and if the premium is really low, Double check you are getting all the coverage you need. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment

 

 

[RocketMan275]

4 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

The Confusion in selecting Cruise Travel Insurance.  Like any insurance purchase, the more the premium, the more coverage you receive.  When I go online to purchase my coverage, I think what my priorities will be. For Example:

 

• Medicare Participants:  I have Medicare Advantage.  This health insurance does not cover me when out of the United States.  I absolutely need Health Coverage.
• Cancel At Any Time:  This coverage seems to be the highest of premiums like collision coverage on a car.  There are restictions and at best, it USUALLY only covers 50% of my coverage amount.  Example, If i say the cruise and other travel will cost me $12,000.00.  That is what my premium is based on.  So, if I have to cancel, I can get back REAL LOSES of up to $6,000.00 on the fares. This was one of my two actual claims in the past two years.
• Levels or Amounts of Coverage:  Things like lost bags, transportation if your flight misses ship, transportation for if you are sick and need airlift.  All are spelled out and the higher the amount provided, the higher the premium.

 

I find it easy to look at the policies side by side and determine what my risk vs. premium tolerance is. The first time I purchased Travel Insurance, I did it through American Express Travel.  The reason was I wanted to talk to a real human being.  Each time after, I just did it online.  

 

There are benefits of booking this Insurance at time of deposit.  It eliminates "Pre-Existing Conditions" where these may, the key word is may, cause an issue at purchasing at final payment.  I however purchase at Final Payment if, and again the word is if, I may cancel the sailing.  Once you purchase the Travel Insurance, you have 30 days to cancel it for full refund.  After that, you usually own it even if you cancel your cruise.  NOTE:  This may differ from policy to policy.  This is referencing cancel of the Insurance policy not the cruise.  Remember, no loss, no payment of claim.  

 

I hope my experience as a consumer helps understanding cruise Travel Insurance Better.  My advice is read the fine print, avoid purchasing from the Cruise Line because they are not as clear as an actual insurance company in their explanations, and if the premium is really low, Double check you are getting all the coverage you need. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment

 

 

I have medicare as well but I also have Tricare for Life (military) which does cover me outside of the country.  I also purchase GeoBlue since it is cheap.

A small addition to your excellent post.  If you only want medical coverage, set the policy you purchase to zero dollars coverage.  Then you will get a quote for medical only without any cancellation, lost bags, etc.

Also check your credit cards.  Chase Sapphire Reserve covers typical travel related losses if the travel is charged to the card. IIRC the coverage is $10,000 PP per incident.  Just another way the Reserve card pays for itself.

[DinaS]

On 3/17/2023 at 1:26 PM, golden6911 said:

I paid for my trip with a Chase Sapphire card which has travel insurance included.  It looks pretty comprehensive and covers up to 20K trip cancellation. 

 

I think that should be enough coverage, but I am wondering if I need more than that?

What is the limit for medical expenses?  What is the limit for emergency medical evacuation?  That's what we look for.  

[Sthrngary]

38 minutes ago, DinaS said:

What is the limit for medical expenses?  What is the limit for emergency medical evacuation?  That's what we look for.  

Most good credit cards have travel insurance.  Like the example given, it is limited.  When dealing with insurance it is a personal risk tolerance that matters.  Credit cards help us pay with plastic, not insurance experts.  Cruise lines help us with cruises, not insurance experts.  Insurance companies can book a cruise for us, however the can be the experts we need in travel insurance.  Remember it is personal, based on your needs and risks. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[LloydJr]

I've bought Nationwide insurance through Squaremouth for my last several cruises.  It's cheap compared to what NCL is selling.  The pre-existing condition look back is only 60 days, so I generally wait until final payment to buy.  As long as DW and I haven't had any negative medical evaluations within the past 60 days we're good to go.  I don't think that buying a policy without pre-existing condition exclusions is worth having to buy it when I book the trip.  I like the flexibility to change plans without losing the cost of an insurance policy.

[RocketMan275]

6 hours ago, DinaS said:

What is the limit for medical expenses?  What is the limit for emergency medical evacuation?  That's what we look for.  

Chase Sapphire Reserve is for trip cancellation/interruption.  While you would be covered for the expenses of a cancelled trip you would not be covered for things like medical treatment.  "If your trip is cancelled or cut short by sickness, severe weather and other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for your pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses, including passenger fares, tours, and hotels."

 

You would need other coverage for medical expenses, evacuation, etc.

[DinaS]

7 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

Chase Sapphire Reserve is for trip cancellation/interruption.  While you would be covered for the expenses of a cancelled trip you would not be covered for things like medical treatment.  "If your trip is cancelled or cut short by sickness, severe weather and other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for your pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses, including passenger fares, tours, and hotels."

 

You would need other coverage for medical expenses, evacuation, etc.

In my opinion, trip cancellation coverage is the least of our concerns for travel insurance.  An emergency medical evacuation, and a few days in a hospital can easily cost upwards of $100,000.   

 

THAT is the reason we get travel insurance.

[RocketMan275]

Just now, DinaS said:

In my opinion, trip cancellation coverage is the least of our concerns for travel insurance.  An emergency medical evacuation, and a few days in a hospital can easily cost upwards of $100,000.   

 

THAT is the reason we get travel insurance.

And, you should get medical coverage.  When you have a card that provides trip interruption/cancellation you can get the medical coverage elsewhere.  For example, the insurance websites ask for your non-reimburseable expenses.  Simply input zero. The resulting quote will be for medical coverage only and considerably cheaper.  Go to a site like the trip insurance store and try it with a mock quote. Or you can use a service like GeoBlue where I just bought a one year policy which covers medical for the trip I just completed and for next years cruise.

If you are a military retiree, Tricare for Life covers you outside the US.

[DinaS]

6 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

And, you should get medical coverage.  When you have a card that provides trip interruption/cancellation you can get the medical coverage elsewhere.  For example, the insurance websites ask for your non-reimburseable expenses.  Simply input zero. The resulting quote will be for medical coverage only and considerably cheaper.  Go to a site like the trip insurance store and try it with a mock quote. Or you can use a service like GeoBlue where I just bought a one year policy which covers medical for the trip I just completed and for next years cruise.

If you are a military retiree, Tricare for Life covers you outside the US.

I think you are telling the wrong person this information.  🙂

We've been doing this for a long time, and I wanted the other poster to understand that his credit card wouldn't cover the medical expenses.

[RocketMan275]

Just now, DinaS said:

I think you are telling the wrong person this information.  🙂

We've been doing this for a long time, and I wanted the other poster to understand that his credit card wouldn't cover the medical expenses.

I responded to your post.

[DinaS]

5 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

I responded to your post.

I was responding (and quoting) someone else to assure he knew he wasn't covered for medical with his credit card.

 

Hopefully he got the info.

[Sthrngary]

7 minutes ago, DinaS said:

I think you are telling the wrong person this information.  🙂

We've been doing this for a long time, and I wanted the other poster to understand that his credit card wouldn't cover the medical expenses.

@DinaS You are doing everyone on this stream a GREAT SERVICE, truly.  What is funny is many folks have no idea about the importance of looking at all the ways of protecting ourselves until we get a post that NCL charged them an arm and a leg for 30 minutes in the ship hospital.  Then it is all NCL fault and they want the world to know.  

 

This stream is saying, know the coverage you have.  Take the 30 minutes to do all of our due diligence. Everything you have said supports that.  I personally ALWAYS have a cruise travel insurance policy for health and accident.  I will leverage my AMX Platinum when ever I can.  It makes me and you feel better just knowing we planned for any situation.  Thank you an everyone else for their feed back.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[CRUIS4ME]

On 3/17/2023 at 1:53 PM, RocketMan275 said:

I use GeoBlue to supplement my insurance.  I really don't need it since I have Tricare for Life but it makes the wife feel better.  I alway charge travel expenses to my Chase Reserve Card.  Between the two, I'm fairly well covered.

I believe, If traveling outside US, Tricare for life won’t cover medical.  

[LloydJr]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

What is funny is many folks have no idea about the importance of looking at all the ways of protecting ourselves until we get a post that NCL charged them an arm and a leg for 30 minutes in the ship hospital.  Then it is all NCL fault and they want the world to know.  

That's a good point, and it begs a question.  Has anybody here been reimbursed by third party insurance for medical care received on the ship?

[Sthrngary]

10 minutes ago, LloydJr said:

That's a good point, and it begs a question.  Has anybody here been reimbursed by third party insurance for medical care received on the ship?

@LloydJr My son, on the NCL Joy in November 2021, was on the Jolly Roger Snorkeling Excursion.  He was having a hard time breathing and was taken off the boat excursion, taken back to the ship and spent one hour in the ships hospital.  The total of services and Covid test was $595.00.  I made a claim and it was paid in 15 business days.  Does that help?

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[RocketMan275]

33 minutes ago, CRUIS4ME said:

I believe, If traveling outside US, Tricare for life won’t cover medical.  

Oh, but it does.  Many military retired live overseas.

https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/HealthPlans/TFL/TFL_O

 

Edited March 20, 2023 by RocketMan275

[GeezerCouple]

40 minutes ago, LloydJr said:

That's a good point, and it begs a question.  Has anybody here been reimbursed by third party insurance for medical care received on the ship?

 

Yes.

 

DH was treated on an emergency basis on the ship very early in the morning.  We were docked at Bermuda for a multi-day stop.  We both felt that the treatment was appropriate (which surprised us).  As he was clearly not getting better, and then seemed to be getting worse, I finally told the physician that I would like him to call an ambulance.  He replied that he had just done so.

We were reimbursed for the ship medical costs and for the ER/ambulance in Bermuda.  The total was low 4 figures.

 

As an aside, when we got to the ER, after a short time, we were told that the ship had done exactly what they (the ER) would have done if he had been there first (instead of on a ship).  And they wanted to keep him for observation for several hours.  At the end of the day, we went back to the ship.

Even better, when we got home and saw his specialist, she said, "What they did on the ship is *exactly* what we'd have done here!"  (This was at a top tier teaching hospital/major medical school.)

 

GC

[LloydJr]

41 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@LloydJr My son, on the NCL Joy in November 2021, was on the Jolly Roger Snorkeling Excursion.  He was having a hard time breathing and was taken off the boat excursion, taken back to the ship and spent one hour in the ships hospital.  The total of services and Covid test was $595.00.  I made a claim and it was paid in 15 business days.  Does that help?

 

5 minutes ago, GeezerCouple said:

We were reimbursed for the ship medical costs and for the ER/ambulance in Bermuda.  The total was low 4 figures.

Thank you both.  That is exactly what I was hoping to hear.  More good reason to buy that trip insurance.  I don't need (or want to pay for) CFAR.  I'll self-insure for that.  I book cheap rooms, so we're not talking about a fortune here.  Generous medical, med-evac and trip interruption insurance is pretty cheap and something I don't mind paying for.

[GeezerCouple]

Just now, LloydJr said:

 

Thank you both.  That is exactly what I was hoping to hear.  More good reason to buy that trip insurance.  I don't need (or want to pay for) CFAR.  I'll self-insure for that.  I book cheap rooms, so we're not talking about a fortune here.  Generous medical, med-evac and trip interruption insurance is pretty cheap and something I don't mind paying for.

 

Most of our travel insurance claims have not been for medical expenses, but a few have been.  Another was for the costs of a physician sent by the hotel manager to our room, a couple of times before he (the physician) told the hotel to call an ambulance.  All we had from the physician was a hand-written "bill/receipt" on his letterhead.  It was paid along with the far larger extra hotel bills for the extended stay for DH while I was in hospital, and then for several more days after I was discharged before I was well enough to continue the trip.  I had expected some push-back on that one physician bill, but there wasn't any problem.  (It also was a relatively small amount compared with the other costs claimed and paid.)

 

GC

[LloydJr]

10 minutes ago, GeezerCouple said:

All we had from the physician was a hand-written "bill/receipt" on his letterhead.

I'm guessing you also had some form of payment record?

[LGinPA]

On 3/17/2023 at 1:26 PM, golden6911 said:

I paid for my trip with a Chase Sapphire card which has travel insurance included.  It looks pretty comprehensive and covers up to 20K trip cancellation. 

 

I think that should be enough coverage, but I am wondering if I need more than that?

 

golden,

 

Which Chase Sapphire card do you have?  I'm quite familiar with the Chase Sapphire Preferred only, since I have that one. And it covers what you said but has NO  MEDICAL coverage. I use it for all my travel, but also buy the GeoBlue Trekker annual medical plan since we travel out of the country more than once a year. 

 

The Sapphire Reserve does indeed cover medical. But I don't have that one so I can't speak for it's medical coverage limits. 

 

Like the others here said, the loss of $$ from a cancellation can be peanuts compared to possible medical emergencies and evacuation expenses.  

[GeezerCouple]

11 minutes ago, LloydJr said:

I'm guessing you also had some form of payment record?

 

In this one case, he required cash (in Euros), so... no credit card receipt.

But there was the hand written receipt on his letterhead.

We can't know whether the insurer did any background checking on the physician himself or got more details from him on what he did or decided before having an ambulance called.  I'm pretty sure that our claim form would have allowed them to verify *any* of our claim documentation, which we had no quarrel with, obviously.

 

With hotels, there were credit card receipts, of course.

On other claims, such as a cancelled flight when we were trying to get home from Barbados, there were taxi receipts, and those were also hand-written.

 

Note:  The *only* claims that were never paid were for two tips for the taxis.  We had a receipt for the taxi fare, but not for the tip!  We didn't make that mistake again, but it also wasn't very much money at all, so not worth arguing with.  They've always paid exactly what we submitted (with receipts, of course).  This was Travel Insured, with the policies purchased through TripInsuranceStore.com.  We've had several claims, from very small, to a few that were quite large, all paid without any nonsense.  I don't consider those unpaid taxi-tips to be "nonsense".  TI require receipts, and they have the right to do their best to prevent fraud.  (I have no idea what they would have done if we had complained, but we had no interest in that.  They have paid us quite a bit in claims over the previous almost ten years, and they weren't difficult to deal with.  We read so many complaints about travel insurance; our experience has been very positive, except for our need to make an insurance claim in the first place, of course.)

GC