Planning to take a cruise? Don’t forget your travel insurance!
As you figure out your budget to go on a cruise vacation, you may be wondering, is cruise insurance worth it? It can be tempting to forgo travel insurance and spend the money on an extra shore excursion or beverage package instead. At CruiseExperts.com, experience has taught us that neglecting to buy cruise insurance is one of the biggest mistakes a traveler can make. Unforeseen occurrences can ruin even the most well planned cruise vacations. If something unexpected disrupts your trip and you don’t have travel insurance, your dream vacation can quickly turn into an expensive nightmare. Here are the top six reasons you need travel insurance for a cruise:
#1: Medical emergencies can happen at any time (even during a cruise!)
If you’ve never wondered what happens if you get sick on a cruise ship, here’s something to consider: you could come down with a serious illness, break a bone, or have some other medical emergency while you are on a cruise, only to discover the nearest hospital is hundreds of miles away. Emergency medical treatment from the ship infirmary or in a foreign port of call typically isn’t covered by regular insurance. If you need to be airlifted to the nearest hospital, it could cost as much as $100,000. Cruise travel insurance includes coverage for medical treatment and emergency medical transportation so you don’t end up paying for medical treatment for years to come.
#2: Last-minute cancellations
Unexpected life events can interfere with vacation plans, and you may need to cancel your cruise shortly before the departure date. Cruise lines plan on having all the cabins filled when they sail, so if you have to cancel within 14 days of sailing you will probably not get a refund unless you have travel insurance. The travel protection offered by cruise lines typically only covers cancellations for a very limited list of circumstances. You can usually purchase third-party travel insurance for a similar price that provides coverage that is more comprehensive.
#3: You could miss the boat
It seems you can’t turn on the news lately without hearing about flight delays and cancellations. If a missed or cancelled flight causes you to miss embarkation, cruise insurance can make all the difference. Missed connection coverage will reimburse you for the cost of a flight to catch up with your ship at the next port-of-call. Trip delay coverage refunds the cost of out of pocket expenses as well as any lost pre-paid expenses.
#4: You may need to cut your cruise short
If your parent or child has a sudden medical emergency and you need to leave your cruise early, cruise travel insurance can make arrangements to get you home. You will be reimbursed you for the remainder of your cruise as well as the cost of return transportation, up to a pre-set amount.
#5: Cruise insurance can provide peace of mind
When travelers ask what does cruise insurance cover, many are surprised to find that a good cruise insurance policy may include assistance for covered events. The best travel insurance plans can help you book a flight to make a missed connection, arrange emergency medical transport, and perform other vital tasks when unforeseen events occur. Knowing you will have this help if you need it can give you the peace of mind to enjoy your trip.
#6: Cruise insurance protects your investment
For most of us, a cruise represents a considerable investment. Worrying that a missed flight or unforeseen emergency could not only ruin your vacation but could also cause you to lose your whole investment makes it hard to relax and have a good time. Knowing that you and your family are protected from loss will let you relax and enjoy your trip with an easy mind.
It is important to remember that cruise insurance policies vary in the amount of coverage they provide. Before purchasing travel insurance for a cruise, make sure you are aware of exactly what is covered. If you are still not sure if cruise insurance is worth it, call CruiseExperts.com at 1-888-804-CRUISE(2784). Our travel advisors will answer any questions you have about cruise insurance, and help you find a policy to protect your cruise investment. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and join our InnerCircle for exclusive offers and cruise news you can use. Also, check out our new Resource Center, where you can receive expert knowledge from us before your next cruise or cruisetour!