Travel Insurance Question(s)

[jamiddl]

We are first time cruisers, leaving August 2nd for the Victory our of San Juan. I want to make sure we get the right amount of coverage. Here are my questions:

1) We used credit card points to book our flights, would I use the monetary value of the flight we booked, or if we can't go do I just lose the points? We used a bunch of points so in case we need to cancel I would like to get that value back in some way even though we are not technically out any money (and I am almost positive the credit card company would not allow us to change the flights or give us our points back).

 

2) Excursions--all of our excursions are going to be independently booked and only a few require deposits (that I know of this early) do I insure for the full amount of each excursion or just the amount I would be out if we didn't make port?

 

3) I also include the amount of our pre and post cruise hotel stays, right?

 

Thanks for any help. This our first trip where we are buying trip insurance.

 

Justine

[Keithww]

It would be up to the insurance company, but it is my understanding that you have to show loss to be reimbursed. So points to not count as lost monetary value. Also on the hotel room the worst you should be out is one night either before or after if you fail to cancel in the 24 hour window. I'm going to purchase my insurance closer to the trip as cabin rates have already fallen 1500 for the 6 of us, but I'm only buying for the cost of the cabin and the airfare. I can eat the minor losses, but not an air evac.

[Ken076]

Several of the insurance sites include specific statement that you cannot insure airfare purchased with points, and I haven't found a Policy yet that does cover same.

 

Many Credit Card programs will let you reclaim the points for a fee - some Travel Insurances cover this fee if you cancelled for a ccovered reason.

 

You'll need to cover your Cruisefare and cost of any excursions that will not refund your $$$ if ship misses the port (altho I'd personally only book a reputable company that WILL refund your money or that doesn't collect until you show-up for the excursion).

 

You need to thoroughly read the Policies you're considering and fully understand their coverages. Also look into the Credit Card Points programming for fees for reclaiming/redepositing points.

 

ken