Trip Insurance
Should I get travel insurance? (Yes!!)
Purchasing travel insurance for your cruise vacation is one of the most responsible and financially prudent decisions you can make, serving as a critical safety net against unforeseen events that could otherwise result in catastrophic expenses. While it may seem easiest to simply purchase the insurance offered directly when you book your cruise, it is highly recommended that you use a reputable third-party aggregator to secure your policy instead.
The Value of Comparison Shopping
Platforms such as InsureMyTrip.com allow you to compare numerous policies side-by-side from various insurers. This comparison process is vital because insurance is certainly not a “one size fits all” service. By comparing different policies, you can select the option that is truly the best fit for the specific needs of you and your family, considering factors like pre-existing conditions, age, destination, and cruise cost, ensuring you receive the coverage level and peace of mind you need at the best price.
Understanding the Financial Risk
The most significant reason to carry comprehensive travel insurance is the staggering potential cost of a medical emergency at sea. While you are covered by your primary health insurance on land, these policies rarely provide adequate coverage—or any coverage at all—for medical events occurring outside the United States or on a ship sailing in international waters. A medical emergency on a cruise could easily cost over $100,000, especially if you require specialized care. More immediately concerning is the cost of medical evacuation: getting a patient from the ship to the nearest suitable medical facility via medivac helicopter could cost ten thousand dollars or more, even if the nearest port is foreign. Without insurance, you are personally liable for this entire sum.
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Comprehensive Coverage Perks
A robust travel insurance policy provides protection that goes far beyond simple reimbursement for a cancelled cruise. The key perks include:
Emergency Medical Care: Coverage for unexpected illness or injury during your trip.
Emergency Medical Evacuation: Crucial coverage for the expense of transporting you from the ship to an appropriate medical facility.
Trip Cancellation: Reimburses you for prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you must cancel your trip for a covered reason before departure.
Trip Interruption: Provides coverage if you must cut your vacation short due to an emergency, including the cost of flying home early.
Travel Delay: Offers financial assistance for unexpected costs incurred due to delays, such as extra meals or accommodation.
Baggage Delay/Lost Luggage: Helps cover the cost of essential items if your bags are delayed, or reimburses you for the value of your possessions if your luggage is permanently lost.
Credit Card Coverage and Policy Types
It is also wise to check with your credit card issuer, as many premium credit cards provide some form of basic travel coverage, such as trip delay or cancellation insurance, when you use that card to purchase your cruise. However, this coverage is often secondary and usually lacks the high limits needed for major medical emergencies and evacuations.
When comparing policies, you will encounter the distinction between primary and secondary insurance coverage:
Primary Insurance: The policy pays covered claims first, regardless of any other insurance you may hold. This means faster payment and no hassle with your home health insurer.
Secondary Insurance: The policy only pays after your primary health insurance has paid its part. While generally cheaper, it requires you to file the claim with your regular insurer first, which can significantly delay the payment process.
Given the unique risks of cruising, securing a comprehensive, primary travel insurance policy is the most responsible way to protect your health and your finances.
