Insurance Question..changing cruise date

[mamaofami]

When I booked an upcoming cruise, I was lead to believe that I no longer had to buy insurance within a certain time frame to cover pre existing conditions. Is this true?

[sail7seas]

That's surprising, Carol. Which insurance company said that?
I'd be VERY careful to verify preferably in writing.

[cruie4ever]

When I booked an upcoming cruise, I was lead to believe that I no longer had to buy insurance within a certain time frame to cover pre existing conditions. Is this true?

Our favorite travel insurance company is www.globaltravelshield.com .They are backed by American Express & have some of the best rates around.

Another thing to do to protect yourself is to call American Express & talk to them about their yearly medical ,med vac plan .It is extremely reasonable .It doies take 2nd position ;but ,it will start insuring you just 150 miles from home .We are in our 70s & we pay just $208 per year for maximum coverage of $100,000 each for both medical & med vac. It is a great plan & peace of mind

[sail7seas]

With www.globaltravelshield.com do you have to write the policy within a certain number of days after you make your deposit for your cruise in order to have coverage for pre-exisiting conditions? I think that is what Carol is trying to determine. If that isn't what she is asking, I still would like to know.

Would be great to have a reasonable priced policy that can be purchased at time of final payment and still cover pre-existing.

[RuthC]

Carol, the last time I checked into this, there were only two companies I found that would cover pre-existing conditions when you purchased the insurance at cruise final payment. Most policies have a 14-21 day window of opportunity to purchase and cover those conditions.

[mamaofami]

According to what I'm reading in Travel Guard, as long as the condition didn't exist 60 days before the insured's coverage began, or worsened during that time period, it isn't considered pre existing. It's all very confusing but I'm going to check into it and see what the different companies require.

[RuthC]

Carol, the way I understand it (which is to say, not very well), it's the definition of "pre-existing" that matters. It's not what I, as a laywoman, would necessarily think. It has less to do with whether or not a condition exists, and more to do with stability of the condition.

The cynic in me says that an insurance company will interpret in whichever way is most beneficial to them. That's why I purchase insurance in the initial 2-3 week window. But I think I could get insurance later and still be all right, because the definition is in legalise, not common usage.

[mamaofami]

Carol, the way I understand it (which is to say, not very well), it's the definition of "pre-existing" that matters. It's not what I, as a laywoman, would necessarily think. It has less to do with whether or not a condition exists, and more to do with stability of the condition.

I think that's probably correct and will see when we finish with the claim of our cancelled cruise from this winter.

[LindaKE]

Carol, the way I understand it (which is to say, not very well), it's the definition of "pre-existing" that matters. It's not what I, as a laywoman, would necessarily think. It has less to do with whether or not a condition exists, and more to do with stability of the condition.

The cynic in me says that an insurance company will interpret in whichever way is most beneficial to them. That's why I purchase insurance in the initial 2-3 week window. But I think I could get insurance later and still be all right, because the definition is in legalise, not common usage.

I agree. When I researched this question, I found that at least one policy defined a pre-existing condition by saying that, essentially, there was no change in the condition in the defined period leading up to the cruise. Even a change in quantity of medication could exclude coverage. This was the most explicit definition I found, but I'm guessing that most insurance companies would have a similar definition if it allowed them to avoid paying a claim. We made our best guess about cost and bought that much insurance within the pre-existing condition window, because I wasn't comfortable with trusting the insurance not to try to find a way to avoid paying a claim.

[chrispb]

Don't forget that if you have close relatives with pre-existing conditions then you'd also need to inform your insurance company - IF their illness/death would prevent you taking your trip.

[CtheW0rld]

no two policies are identical, so unless you are going to scan it post the fine print, you are not going to get anything approaching an accurate answer from a bulletin board.

[sail7seas]

Don't forget that if you have close relatives with pre-existing conditions then you'd also need to inform your insurance company - IF their illness/death would prevent you taking your trip.


I don't think you need to advise travel insurance of any condition you or your family members have until and unless you make a claim. If you purchase within specified time period that provides for pre-existing coverage, I understand that to mean any condition you have at the time you book the cruise and the insurance is covered. There are exceptions but most commonly insurance that covers pre-existing conditions must be purchased in close proximity to date you put your deposit for the cruise/travel.

If you purchase outside the time delineated as 'must purchase in order to have pre-existing condition covered', then you will not collect anything if a claim results from a problem related to that condition. You probably would be eligible to collect on a claim that was unrelated to your pre-existing condition. If you have a heart condition and fall and break you leg, you would be covered for the broken leg but would not be covered for a heart attack..... IMO

[SusieKay]

If you have made a claim based on a medical problem that caused you to cancel your cruise, I am sure you had to submit medical records to support your claim. I believe once they are reviewed by the insurance company, they will make a determination if you have a valid claim based on the type of policy you purchased.

I have used Travel Guard for many years, and have never seen them offer a policy that automatically offered exclusions for pre-existing conditions unless it was purchased within the time limit set by them-usually 14 days from the date of the initial deposit for the trip. I always purchase it within this time frame.

I was quite pleased with their response when I had a to cancel a trip (not a cruise) last year due to a last minute medical problem. I filed the claim within a week of cancelling, and had a check for the full amount within three weeks.

Good Luck!

[Bobblsc]

The two companies which offer to waive pre-existing conditions are CSA and HTH. A purchase of their insurance within 24 hours of your final payment waive pre-existing conditions with them. I used to buy HTH because by so doing I could cancel anytime before final payment and be out no money for insurance. ((However, I don't think I ever did cancel.) However, particularly HTH rates seem to have exploded recently.

Therefore, for our cruise next month I looked at other companies. After determining that neither DW nor I had any pre-existing conditions for the last 60 days I bought Travelex. Their pre-existing condition clause is for 60 days, but some others have a 120 day time for pre-existing. They also pay claims as primary, not secondary insurers.

All policies I have examined state that even if you have a medical condition, e.g. high blood pressure, that does not count as such if you have been on exactly the same controlling medication for the pre-existing time, 60 or 120 days.

I do not think any high rated policy will include pre-existing conditions for relatives who are not with you on the trip.

Sites such as Insuremytrip will show a financial rating for each company. In addition one can check the membership in a professional organization of travel insurance companies. The name escapes me at the moment. And many insurance companies are listed with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB will provide info about any complaints and their resolution.

Bob :cool:

[mamaofami]

I spoke to someone at HAL today who said you no longer have to purchase their insurance when you make your reservation and that's a new policy for them.

[chrispb]

I don't think you need to advise travel insurance of any condition you or your family members have until and unless you make a claim. If you purchase within specified time period that provides for pre-existing coverage, I understand that to mean any condition you have at the time you book the cruise and the insurance is covered. There are exceptions but most commonly insurance that covers pre-existing conditions must be purchased in close proximity to date you put your deposit for the cruise/travel.

If you purchase outside the time delineated as 'must purchase in order to have pre-existing condition covered', then you will not collect anything if a claim results from a problem related to that condition. You probably would be eligible to collect on a claim that was unrelated to your pre-existing condition. If you have a heart condition and fall and break you leg, you would be covered for the broken leg but would not be covered for a heart attack..... IMO
Always wiser to inform insurance company of any pre-existing conditions - they may refuse insurance. It's happened in our family and we have an annual insurance policy which is pretty comprehensive. It's far too late to declare it when you need to make a claim. Check the small print very carefully and phone to check just to be on the safe side. Insurance companies only need the tiniest of excuses to wriggle out of paying up.

[hototo]

Purchase insurance when you deposit the cruise forthe amount of the deposit within thedays required to establish pre-existing condition coverage. Then increase the coverage within the same time period when final payment is made.

According to Travel Guard this will give youthe pre-existing condition waiver.

[6rugrats]

OP is asking specifically about a Travel Guard policy. You do not have to declare any pre-exiting conditions when purchasing a policy for an individual trip with TG, IME. Every policy I've purchased with TG, if I bought within the pre-existing coverage window, would include conditions of close relatives. My latest policy requires purchase within 21 days of the first trip deposit to cover pre-existing medical conditions. The only other requirement is that all insureds are medically able to travel when the plan cost is paid.

I have filed a couple claims with TG and had no significant problems resolving them.

Before purchase, you should read the policy and if you don't understand it, call the company for clarification. It's difficult to answer these questions on a chat board, because policies, even from the same company, may differ from state to state.

[sail7seas]

I spoke to someone at HAL today who said you no longer have to purchase their insurance when you make your reservation and that's a new policy for them.


Carol.....

This post should be written in BRIGHT NEON LIGHTS.

This is a big change in their policy.

What are the new rules?
When does the insurance have to be purchased?
At Final Payment Time?

I'm Really interested what the rep told you.

Thanks.

[mamaofami]

ok. Here's neon :

i double checked with hal again.

new rules for platinum insurance

1. It does not have to be purchased until final payment is due.

2. It is cancel for any reason and yes, it covers pre existing conditions.


the same policy is now true for travel guard's travel companion sold by ta"s.

[sail7seas]

Thank you, Carol. That is very interesting information.

[Jade13]

ok. Here's neon :

i double checked with hal again.

new rules for platinum insurance

1. It does not have to be purchased until final payment is due.

2. It is cancel for any reason and yes, it covers pre existing conditions.


the same policy is now true for travel guard's travel companion sold by ta"s.



Really

[sapper1]

I spoke to someone at HAL today who said you no longer have to purchase their insurance when you make your reservation and that's a new policy for them.
A notice to that effect was delivered to our cabin on our recent Oosterdam cruise. The same notice said that the OBC given for future cruise credits bought onboard would now be extended to the 3rd and 4th person in the cabin.

[Jade13]

A notice to that effect was delivered to our cabin on our recent Oosterdam cruise. The same notice said that the OBC given for future cruise credits bought onboard would now be extended to the 3rd and 4th person in the cabin.


Where are the rates listed online? The policy is based on the cost of the cruise. Can someone provide a link?

[madelinerose]

It is cancel for any reason and yes, it covers pre existing conditions. the same policy is now true for travel guard's travel companion sold by ta"s.

Same for Travelex Travel Select. ;)

[Jemima]

We were given the same information by our HAL PCC yesterday. I didn't ask more questions as we were changing cruises and had a non-HAL insurance on the original cruise. Travel Guard will allow us to transfer the insurance to the new cruise since we were well before final payment.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I am just catching up on this thread.

Very interesting that HAL will now permit people to buy their Platinum insurance at final payment.

Thanks for the information.

[JORAY]

I E-Mailed my TA and she came back with the following:

This is the most current information I can find through HAL.

Their coverage is comparatively low cost (especially for older folks), but has very few benefits and low coverage.

Everything I read in the document says that the illness or injury must ‘first manifest itself’ during the cruise, i.e. no pre-existing. You can’t cover your air or pre- post- cruise costs and dates if they aren’t booked via HAL.

Can anyone on the board can come up with anything real from HAL that describes the coverage they are talking about and when this new policy/program when into effect.

Ray

[m steve]

and was able to transfer the insurance to the new cruise, received about 1/2 the difference back as a credit on our card but they kept the other 1/2 as a penalty. This was not HALs insurance.

[LindaKE]

Travel Guard alowed us to change our last cruise dates - by 8 months - but when I just tried to make a week change with TravelEX, I was told in a very grudging voice, that they would allow a one time change.

[JORAY]

Cancellation Protection Plan: Holland America Line is extending the window to enroll in the Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP) for those guests who missed the opportunity at time of deposit. The following will be effective on April 21, 2010.



Cancellation Protection Plan coverage may be purchased after deposit, prior to the date on which cancellation fees begin to accrue.

Payment for the plan is required concurrently when adding CPP/P to a booking after the deposit has been submitted.

Once payment for the Cancellation Protection Plan has been received by Holland America Line, it is non-refundable. (No change to current policy.)

Trip cancellation protection and Platinum Plan insurance coverage and travel assistance services take effect once the plan payment has been received by Holland America Line. (No change to current policy.)

Frequently asked questions:

Q - The guest did not pay for CPP when submitting his deposit but he does want the cancellation protection. What is the procedure?

A – CPP/P enrollment is automatically dropped from the booking when plan payment is not received with the deposit. To reinstate it, contact Holland America Line to change the CPP on the booking from “None” to “Platinum” or “Standard” and submit payment. Please note that CPP Platinum or Standard cannot be added to a booking nor can payment be accepted for CPP/P once a booking has entered the cancellation penalty period as stated by Holland America Line.

Q - The guest paid for CPP with his deposit but now wishes to delete it from his booking. Is he eligible for a refund?

A – No, CPP/P is non-refundable.

Q – May I include payment for CPP with my final payment?

A – Payment for CPP/P is due at time of purchase which must be prior to the date on which cancellation fees begin to accrue.

Example: Where final payment is due 75 days prior to departure, cancellation fees begin to accrue at 75 days. Payment for CPP/P cannot be accepted at 75 days or less.

Q – My client is booked on a Grand cruise where cancellation penalties begin at 120 days prior to travel. May I add CPP/P to the booking prior to final payment at 90 days?

A – CPP/P for a Grand cruise can be purchased no later than 121 days prior. Cancellation fees begin to accrue at 120 days prior to commencing travel.