Insurance: Is it necessary?

[legaleagle1971]

Do you need insurance? What does it cover exactly?

[NanaShrek]

That depends on your situation. Many people choose to buy insurance just to be on the safe side. I think if someone tends to get sick often, it would be a wise choice. I bought insurance on my first cruise only (going on #8 in a few weeks). What I saved has probably paid my fare for this coming cruise.

A couple of years ago, we moved to FL. Been hit directly by 2 hurricanes and cruised shortly after the 2nd one. We were lucky not to have much damage...if we had, we probably would have cancelled and lost what we paid. Next time we book during hurricane season, I would definitely consider it.

Coverage varies...you can compare at www.insuremytrip.com.

[richstacy]

You can never tell when something may come up that will force you to cancel your cruise. It can happen. For that reason most seasoned cruisers consider it a reasonable expense.

[LisaK]

yes. Hopefully you will not need it, but......
go to www.insuremytrip.com to get information and quotes.
The basic coverage you should get is trip cancellation/interuption. Baggge, and medical evacuation(this is aHUGE expense if you or your travel partner get sick or injured while onboard and needs to get to a hospital) You should also check with your local health insurance company to see how you are covered out of the network, out of the country. You might need to purchase additional health insurance for the cruise.

[Donna]

[b]I always get the travel insurance, there are just too many variables to consider not getting it. We've actually had to make 2 claims in the past, so it actually DID save us a lot of money.[/b]

[AlaskanGrown]

Travel insurance saved my butt right before hurricane Katrina hit. I was booked to fly down to New Orleans for a wedding, but about a week before Katrina hit, i was in a horrible car accident and ended up in the hospital for over a month. My trip insurance refunded my airfares for my wife and I, plus the deposit amount our hotel took when I booked. You never know when your life will get turned upside down, people say I am lucky to be alive after the car accident and all the surgery I have gone through and still have to go.

[Darcy]

I wouldn't travel without it. As someone else suggested try insuremytrip.com for different types of coverage and cost.