Cruise Insurance?

Question

Is it necessary? Who has really used it? I declined on my last cruise. Planning Cruise 2 now and I feel like I'm being pressured into taking it.

Answer 1

It is worth it if you plan to go during hurricane season. So far 2 friends of mine have had to use it once because of a funeral and the other time because of the weather.

Answer 2

Don't let anyone pressure you!  Trust your gut.  Sometimes I get pressured into spending money on things I don't really need and regret it later.

Answer 3

Hi Bumble Toe!

I'm a Travel Consultant and I recommend travel insurance to all my clients and make them sign a waiver for me if they decide not to do so.

1. Medical Coverage - Main reason is most health insurance does not cover you outside of the country.  If you need medical attention, it will cost you out of pocket, but travel insurance will reimburse you. I got seasick on a cruise (yes, it happens to travel agents too) and I had to have an injection to alleviate it.  Total cost (charged to my shipboard account) $90.00.  I was reimbursed all of it when I returned home and filed my claim.

2. Trip Cancellation - If you, your traveling companion, or somone in your family becomes ill, or dies, you are covered.  

3. Trip Intterruption/Delay - If you miss the sailing because you had flight delays due to weather, you're covered.

Those would be the top three.  Hurricane coverage is important as well, however, all travel insurance does not include this provision.  Ask the cruise line if their insurance covers this.  Some independent travel insurance companies offer this, but even these provisions have certain stiplulations.

Cruise lines don't necessarily have the the best coverage and usually a higher price for their insurance because its the same price for everyone.  Independent insurance is usually based on age of the traveler and cost of the trip.  

I always compare the insurance coverage and price offered by any supplier and then compare it to independent travel insurance that I offer to see which would best benefit my client.  You don't have to buy it from the cruise line.

If you need help with this, please give me a call toll free at 866-485-8175.

Bon Voyage!

Answer 4

Yes you need it.  What if something happens and you need to cancel - or are you traveling during hurrican season??  Pay the extra money, it's worth it in case of emergency to get your refund.

Answer 5

Yes, you really need it. I used travel insurance twice when I went on cruises. The first time I was bitten by a spider in Mexico and needed medical attention and medicine. The second time I had a bracelet stolen off my wrist by a pickpocket. Believe me, if you have a major medical problem, you could pay thousands of dollars if you don't have travel ins. Talk to a travel agent about it.

Answer 6

If you feel comfortable with risking the cost of your cruise if something should happen that you couldn't take the trip, then don't get insurance.  The odds are in your favor; chances are you can get on the ship and the ship will depart for the planned stops just like you're anticipating.  But stuff does happen; you could get sick or there could be a hurricane...etc. etc.  If you're a healthy person then take a chance of going without insurance - only you can make that decision.

Answer 7

I'm a travel agent and ALWAYS recommend/suggest the travel insurance...you just never know what can happen and/or RUIN your trip.  I just had a client fall and break her arm in IZMIR, TURKEY on the 4th day of a 12-day cruise...and she had to be hospitalized for 6 days and then arrange her own airfare home from Turkey because there was no way to catch up with the ship.  Even though the prices can seem excessive, it's always worth it...and I even purchase it when I travel.

I'd only suggest taking the cruiseline's airfare if it's booked cruise-only and you're driving or if you've booked your airfare through the cruiseline.  Otherwise, consider alternate insurance companies like TravelGuard or TravelEx so that the whole entire price of your cruise will be covered.