I'm Booked, now about insurance???

[minner80]

Hi, I am new to Holland America Board. I just booked my first HAL cruise. My husband and I will sail aboard the Zaandam 11/11 to Panama Canal. My first question among many probably, is ... who should I purchase my Cruise Insurance from? This was a rather pricey vacation, and I would like to know if something happened and we couldn't go, I would'nt lose all invested.
Thanks so much!

[peaches from georgia]

Check out www.insuremytrip.com. Travel policies from many different 3rd party insurers are detailed there and can be purchased directly from the site. You do not want to delay if you wish to insure against any pre-existing conditions as you must insure within usually 14 days your date of booking your cruise to get this coverage.

You might also discuss travel insurance with your TA. We have our TA handle it as he/she then will guide us if we need to use the insurance.

[Orcrone]

I second Peaches advice. You'll find insurance through one of those companies much less expensive that what HAL is offering.

[Giorgi-one]

I believe if you buy insurance within two weeks of initial payment, you will be covered for pre-existing conditions. Of course, this is not a big deal if you have no pre-existing conditions. Make sure policy includes medical expenses and medical evacuation.

[RuthC]

You have been given good advice to check insuremytrip, and to check with your TA.

It isn't only "something happened and you couldn't go" that you need to worry about; if your cruise is interrupted you would also need insurance.

Pre-existing conditions are not limited to the travelers; if family at home has a condition that could cause you to cancell/interrupt your cruise you need to purchase the insurance shortly after booking.
A medical emergency can arise during the trip which can necessate hospitalization, or (even more expensive), evacuation and repatriation.

People die on cruises. The cost of shipping the remains home and booking flights for the traveling companions is very expensive. (I know of what I speak.)

Every instance is different. Decide what is most important for you to cover vs how much financial risk you can afford to take. Then compare insurance policies and purchase what is best for you.

[jhannah]

I always research via insuremytrip.com for travel insurance. I know lots of folks don't believe in trip insurance ... but the cruises we've taken involve more financial risk than I'm willing to bear "naked" of protection. I've always gone with either AccessAmerica or TravelGuard. (The others offer great products, too.) As noted above, you just have to see which product best fits your needs.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Do not get travel insurance through HAL.

We have used AccessAmerica. Had to cancel a cruise once due to DH's mother death 7 days before we were to leave. Had no problems with the claim.