Should I Get Cruise Insurance? Yes, And Here’s Why
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You are ready to book your cruise and may be asking yourself, Should I get cruise insurance? The short answer is yes, and here’s why.
If you are injured or have a medical emergency while cruising, it can be incredibly expensive. Medical evacuation from a ship can run into six figures. Whether you have a cruise insurance policy can make a huge difference.
Embarking on a cruise is like entering a realm of carefree leisure and boundless exploration. The anticipation of comfortable accommodations, fine dining, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the open ocean is enthralling. Yet, just as the sea can be enchanting, it can also be unpredictable. Cruise insurance is an essential shield against the uncertainties that may accompany even the most meticulously planned voyage.
We cruised recently on Norwegian Joy, and although I didn’t need any medical assistance, I decided to check out the ship’s medical center. It was closed when I stopped by, but their charges were posted. When I saw them, I was thankful I had cruise insurance that would reimburse me for the costs if I were sick or injured onboard.
Cruise Ship Medical Center Costs
The medical charges were posted on the door, so I took pics for you. Sorry for the glare on the price lists; the pages were laminated and reflected the overhead lights.
If you need the services of the medical center, the charges will be added to your onboard account, and you will need to pay them before you disembark. You may try to be reimbursed by your regular health insurance company, but many won’t cover medical expenses onboard.
If you have a travel insurance policy, however, you can submit your documentation of charges to the company for reimbursement once you get home. Either way, you will still need to pay the costs up front.
What Cruise Insurance Can Cover
Every cruise insurance policy is different, from what they cover to the dollar amount they cover, but most policies can handle the following situations:
Trip Cancellation Protection: Life is unpredictable, and unforeseen events can lead to the cancellation of your dream voyage. Cruise insurance safeguards your investment, reimbursing you for non-refundable expenses in case you have to cancel or interrupt your trip due to covered reasons such as illness, family emergencies, or work-related obligations.
Medical Emergencies at Sea: While most ships offer excellent onboard medical facilities, serious medical emergencies can still occur. Cruise insurance provides coverage for medical treatment onboard or evacuation to a medical facility if required. Given the remote nature of cruising, having this safety net ensures peace of mind.
Travel Delays and Missed Connections: Flights can be delayed, connections can be missed, and itineraries can be disrupted. Cruise insurance assists you in situations where you miss the departure of your cruise due to covered reasons. It also offers compensation for additional accommodations, meals, and transportation if your journey is delayed.
Lost or Delayed Baggage: What if your luggage gets lost or delayed? Cruise insurance covers the costs of essentials and even the replacement of items if your baggage is lost or significantly delayed.
Emergency Evacuation: The vastness of the ocean can sometimes pose unexpected challenges. If a serious situation arises where you need emergency evacuation from the ship, cruise insurance covers or helps cover the exorbitant costs that such scenarios might entail.
What Type of Cruise Insurance Policy to Buy
You can insure your trip in one of several ways:
- Buy single-cruise coverage from your cruise line
- Buy single-cruise coverage from your travel agent
- Buy single-cruise coverage from an insurance company
- Buy an annual travel policy from an insurance company that will cover your cruises and other trips
Most people who cruise purchase single-cruise coverage from the cruise line, which is very easy and a bit expensive. But if you’re cruising only once a year, a single-cruise policy makes sense.
If you cruise more than twice a year, it makes sense to purchase an annual policy.
If you cruise more than twice a year, it will be cost-effective to purchase an annual policy. You’ll not only save money, but you can tailor the coverage amounts to your particular needs with an annual policy.
Understanding Cruise Insurance: A Closer Look
Selecting the appropriate cruise insurance policy is a thoughtful process. Just as you curate your travel experiences, take the time to explore policies that align with your specific preferences and needs. Consider factors like trip duration, destination, medical coverage limits, and cancellation policies. Opt for coverage that complements your cruising lifestyle and enhances your overall travel experience.
Types of Coverage: Much like the diverse facets that comprise a premium cruise experience, cruise insurance comes in various forms. While the fundamental coverage includes trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and baggage loss, premium policies offer additional benefits tailored to the discerning traveler. These might include options such as ‘cancel for any reason’ coverage, higher medical limits, and coverage for pre-existing conditions. Selecting the right coverage hinges on understanding unique needs and tailoring the protection to suit the journey.
Trip Cancellation Protection: The world of premium cruising demands substantial financial investment. The anticipation of setting sail on a cruise is matched only by the disappointment of an unforeseen trip cancellation. Cruise insurance steps in as a safeguard against such losses, reimbursing non-refundable expenses when plans go awry due to covered reasons like illness, unexpected events, or work commitments.
Medical Coverage: Cruise insurance ensures coverage not only for onboard medical treatment but also for potential evacuation to a land-based medical facility if the situation demands it. This coverage becomes particularly vital when navigating the uncharted waters of remote destinations.
Pre-Existing Conditions: Understanding the nuances of travel extends to health considerations as well. Ensure that the cruise insurance policy provides coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. This feature is invaluable for travelers with existing health concerns, granting them the peace of mind to explore without reservations.
Coverage Limits and Deductibles: Make sure you have enough coverage. Opt for policies with higher coverage limits and lower deductibles to ensure a comprehensive safety net.
Tailoring Coverage to Your Needs
Selecting the right cruise insurance requires a personalized touch. Consider factors such as the duration of the voyage, the destinations on the itinerary, planned activities, and the value of non-refundable expenses. This tailored approach guarantees that the chosen coverage aligns seamlessly with aspirations for a positive cruise experience.
Comparing Policies: The Power of Research
When navigating the world of cruise insurance, conducting thorough research is paramount. Look beyond the price tag and delve into the details of coverage, policy terms, customer reviews, and the reputation of the insurance provider when it comes to claims processing.
Do your research to find the best coverage for your specific situation. Some people check with Squaremouth to help them narrow down their choices. Once we did our homework, we ended up going with Allianz, which offers good coverage for our situation, enough to give me peace of mind. And the annual premium is less than what I paid for single-cruise policies for two cruises. Now we purchase this annual policy every year, which is a bargain considering we make seven or eight major trips a year.
We haven’t had to make a claim yet, thank goodness, but I feel better knowing that we have a good policy with a reputable company.
Travel Insurance Coverage Through Your Credit Card
Some credit cards in your wallet may provide coverage similar to what a travel insurance policy might cover, but their coverage will probably be less than what a travel insurance policy will offer. Check with your credit card company and compare limits and exceptions to those offered by a cruise policy.
Final Thoughts On Should I Get Cruise Insurance
Yes, you can cruise without travel insurance, but should you? If you need emergency medical assistance while on your cruise, can you afford to cover the costs out of pocket without reimbursement? Only you can answer that question.
Do your homework, compare policies, and ask questions before you decide to purchase cruise insurance. But be sure to factor peace of mind into the equation.
Safe cruising!
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