Cruise insurance

[lpmom]

Is it really worth it to buy cruise insurance for a 4 night cruise

[klfrodo]

You have resources at your disposal for emergency medical treatment and evacuation back to the US?

[CruisingAlong4Now]

On 10/14/2023 at 4:27 PM, lpmom said:

Is it really worth it to buy cruise insurance for a 4 night cruise

The cost of insurance generally reflects the period of time at risk. So a 4-night cruise should be less expensive that a world cruise.  You have to determine what is at risk and what needs to be insured.

 

"Cruise insurance" encompasses many different areas of financial exposure.  You have to decide what you want to insure.

1. First is the cost of the cruise if you cannot travel due to "covered" reasons.  This is a finite amount which you have already paid. This may reimburse you and make you whole. Losing this amount is upsetting, but not financially devasting.  At worst, you don't have a vacation.

2. The cost of medical expenses you incur during your cruise due to illness, death, or injury.  This may be an amount that could exceed your financial resources and cause you long term financial insolvency.  Very few US medical plans cover expenses incurred outside the US.  Many hospitals outside the US require a deposit be made before treatment can be started and the bill must be paid in full before you leave.  See a recent tale of uninsured Americans being treated at a hospital in Mexico: Florida couple stranded in Mexican hospital after cruise pit stop takes a horrifying turn - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale

 

There are many other components to "travel insurance".  Read through the posts and decide what risks you want to self-insure and what risks you want to transfer to an insurer.