Insurance - Cruiseline or Outside Agency?

[Golden1]

Hello Cruisemates!
I have seen on other posts opinions about cruise insurance. I generally have used the cruiseline's insurance, however, I have never had to use it. It seems many have said it is better to go through Travel Guard or other outside travel agencies. Can you tell me why and perhaps share some of your experiences with cruiseline vs. outside travel agencies? It seems outside agencies cost less, however, do they cover more or the same? Are they any easier to deal with? Please advise! Thank you all!!

[Trip]

Go to insuremytrip.com,and enter all your pertinent. You will be able to have side by side comparisons, which makes it easy to see the big picture.

Pre exisiting conditions, baggage and flight protection, are important, but, pay close attention to medical/medivac coverage, the most important piece of the equasion.

There are different levels within some of the big carriers...have any questions, call them. A 3rd party is where you want your protection, not with a cruise line. I have seen a seized ship in port. The passengers and crew sent on their way. If any passenger had bought insurance from the line, you are stuck getting home on your own dime. With large lines, there is little chance of course that will happen, but when you are able to go elsewhere, for complete coverage, it's the better way to go.

[LisaK]

exactly what Trip said

[Mike M]

Go with third party insurance. It insures you. The cruise line insurance protects the cruise line as much as it protects you.

Go to the link Trip provided a choose a policy that fits your needs or ask your travel agent.

Take care,
Mike

[Golden1]

I was mostly interested in the "cancel for any reason" option but was told on the insurance website that was recommended that "cancel for any reason" insurance must be purchased within 10-30 after you make your initial deposit. I am way past that time. My cruise still isnt for another 4 months. They said I could purchase insurance right up to the day before. But if I have to cancel the cruise for "any reason" before then, I will not get 75% back. Insurance sometimes can really be a gamble, but somewhat of a necessary evil.

[Trip]

So, this cruise you booked insurance with the cruise line?

[Golden1]

Yes, but I still have until January to cancel the insurance as that is when the final payment is due.

[Trip]

Why not give them a call, at the number on the website, and speak to a rep there. I do believe you may include that in your policy w/some carriers...This way, if so, you are within the time to cancel with the cruise line, if you choose to.

[Fern]

We always buy our travel insurance at the same time that we book our cruise. This is the only way that pre-existing conditions are covered (and we've got a herd of them ).

We've checked www.insuremytrip.com, but have never found better coverage or a better price.

We use RBC, which I think is a Canadian company (?).

We made a claim a few years ago for car rental and it was paid ASAP.

[Trip]

Last cruise I was able to buy ins, with a pre exsisting condition within a couple of months before the cruise, via insuremytrip.com. I think diffferent policies and levels have different options.

[fun2cruiz]

Originally Posted by Fern

We always buy our travel insurance at the same time that we book our cruise. This is the only way that pre-existing conditions are covered (and we've got a herd of them ).

We've checked www.insuremytrip.com, but have never found better coverage or a better price.

We use RBC, which I think is a Canadian company (?).

We made a claim a few years ago for car rental and it was paid ASAP.

FYI - Several insurance carriers, i.e. Travelex, waive the pre-existing conditions if purchased within 14 - 30 days of initial cruise deposit, (Depending on Protection Plan purchased).
Purchasing right at the time of booking is not always necessary, depending which carrier purchased from and on the insurance carrier policies !