Does travel insurance cover the cost?

[kseltzer]

If this happens what do people get back?
'Australia swine flu ship isolated
A cruise ship carrying 2,000 passengers has been ordered to stay at sea off the coast of Australia after three crew tested positive for swine flu.

The P&O Pacific Dawn, currently moored off Queensland, will be allowed to dock at a major port on Saturday, cutting short its voyage, officials said.

The order came as health officials confirmed more than 100 Australians now had the A(H1N1) virus.

The ship is not expected to be quarantined.

The Pacific Dawn has been blamed for the recent spike in flu infections in Australia after authorities allowed 2,000 passengers to disembark in Sydney despite a suspected outbreak onboard.

At least 20 passengers were later diagnosed with the virus. Their presence in the community is thought to have added to the rapid spread of the flu in Australia.


Experts have warned that Australia's rapidly rising number of swine flu cases could become an epidemic affecting 25% of the population.

Earlier, Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon said her government would not hesitate to put the Pacific Dawn cruise ship under quarantine if necessary.

She said the rules applying to cruise ships had been tightened, treating all vessels as potential swine flu sites and keeping passengers aboard until they have been cleared.

[green_rd]

That's a good question, I'll have to check my own insurance for our upcoming cruise. My gut reaction is that insurance would cover the cost of changing flight plans and any other unreimbursed travel costs. Don't know if P&O would offer refunds for the shortened portion of the cruise.

[joeyanddavid]

Originally Posted by kseltzer

If this happens what do people get back?
'Australia swine flu ship isolated
A cruise ship carrying 2,000 passengers has been ordered to stay at sea off the coast of Australia after three crew tested positive for swine flu.

It would really depend on the policy taken out .. travel policies vary widely.. if you have a policy that allows you to cancel for any reason then you would get it all back however ..most people don;t look at the policies that closely when buying.. as they say check the details..

[billbelt]

On all of our cruises we purchased travel insuracne, however not from the cruise lines. We found the cost was way too high. The policy you purchase should be tailored to your wishes. Therefore whether you are covered in the instant you described will depend entirely upon what coverages you purchased. When purchasing such insurance it seems like "the sky is the limit " when it comes to coverages.