Anyone ever have to use your cruise insurance?

[tgptmp]

I just found out that we may have to cancel an upcoming cruise as a result of me losing my job (soon). Has anyone ever had to use their cruise insurance and how hard is it to file a claim and receive reinbursement?

[Krazy Kruizers]

Whose insurance did you get?

We used to use Access America -- until last year when our house suffered major damage during a snow storm. We had to cancel our cruise -- they refused to pay -- reason -- as long as there was at least one room in the house that we could live in -- no pay off. Found out many companies have that rule.

When HAL started to offer the "cancel for any reason" -- we bought their insurance. Sadly had to use it this past February when I fell and fractured my wrist the night before we were to fly to Ft Lauderdale. Within days of notifying HAL we got back -- as HAL advertized -- 90% of the cruise fare. We always buy refundable air and hotel was not a problem as we know the manager there. The credit showed up on our credit card within a week.

Sorry that you will soon be losing your job.

Hope all works out for you.

[EbayCruiser]

We had to cancel one cruise just two days before departure and we received our refund within 24 hrs. It was HAL's platinum insurance.

We typically buy our insurance from HAL because we like & sometimes need the cancel for any reason. It's nice to know you can cancel right up to departure and receive 90 percent of your money back.

[m steve]

Had to cancel a Med cruise a day before departure and it was processed by Travel Advantage in about 2 weeks with me providing a doctor's letter. We had to use it last year for my family who were snowed in in Washington during Snomagedon and it took abit longer to get their check.

[samiii]

:) I had to use it last year. My wife has Asthma problems, and we haf to cancel about 1 week prior to departure. I bought HAL's Platinum plan, and received credit for 90% immediately. This despite it being a pre-existing condition. samiii

[sail7seas]

I've asked this question before but I have never seen the answer.

For those on Medicare, how do you cover out of country medical if you are purchasing HAL's Trip Cancellation Coverage?

They only pay $10,000 for medical which, of course, is a pittance for any sort of injry or illness.

Their coverage is great for cancellation but one needs to consider medical once they are on Medicare (U.S. guests).

[Jade13]

I've asked this question before but I have never seen the answer.

For those on Medicare, how do you cover out of country medical if you are purchasing HAL's Trip Cancellation Coverage?

They only pay $10,000 for medical which, of course, is a pittance for any sort of injry or illness.

Their coverage is great for cancellation but one needs to consider medical once they are on Medicare (U.S. guests).

I believe you can purchase Supplemental insurance. I only know about this because I am positive that my parents purchase a supplemental policy. It is not only for outside the country (US), but would allow you more options with any "out of Network" doctors.

https://www.aarpmedicareplans.com/medicare-education/what-is-medicare/medicare-supplemental-insurance.html

"Medicare Parts A and B (sometimes called "Original Medicare") pays for many, but not all, health care services and supplies. A Medicare Supplement policy, sold by private insurance companies, can help pay some of the health care costs that Medicare Parts A and B doesn't cover such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. Some Medicare Supplement policies also offer coverage for services that Medicare Parts A and B doesn't cover such as medical care when you travel outside the U.S. If you have Medicare Parts A and B and you buy a Medicare Supplement policy, both plans will pay their share of Medicare approved-amounts for covered health care costs. Medicare does not pay any of the costs for a Medicare Supplement policy."

[Jade13]

In 2007 my step-daughter was scheduled to go with us on a med cruise and decided 31 days prior she just did not want to go with us (typical teenager). We had HAL's platinum and received 95% back on our credit card (90% of the 50% we would have lost at 31 days without the coverage). We only lost $44.00 (plus the cost of the insurance), no questions asked, which was amazing at the time.

On an Antarctic expdition cruise we used CSA Luxe (now the closest policy is CSA Freestyle), and my DH had a doctor visit for $200.00. We had to pay and than submit through our primary insurance. Once we received the denial from our own insurance (at the time Out of Network deductible was $300.00), CSA cut us the check within 24 hours. I just had to email the ship invoice along with my primary insurance denial (it wasn't really a denial but $200.00 went towards our deductible).

I would recommend HAL policy for HAL cruises (if you have medical you can use Out of Network), or CSA Freestyle for other cruises or vacations, or with HAL as an alternative.

[mamaofami]

We had to cancel a cruise for medical reasons. As soon as the doctor filled out Travel Guard's forms, we received a refund with no problems.

[sail7seas]

We've been writing a 'medical coverage and evacuation' policy for each trip since about a year or two ago. The premium is so low that I plan to continue to write this insurance, just in case. We don't care about insuring most of our cruises for cancellation or interruption but I do care about medical.

[K&RCurt]

We had to cancel our first cruise as both DW and I came down with the flu on the day before. We realized it after we had landed in FLL as we both came down with high fevers.

Luckily we were able to turn around and fly right back home. We spent the week in bed instead of on our cruise.

Insurance covered us and we were able to try again he next year!

In the case of the OP, it all depends on what your insurance covers. The insurance we typically get would not cover a loss of job, only medical issues with ourselves or family members, death in the family or travel delays / cancellations outside our control.

I wish you the best and hope A) that you are coverd and B) that you find new employment quickly.

[Watson's aunt]

Hi

I went on cruise in May. My friend who I was traveling with got very ill and need surgery. I went on cruise. CSA paid me back the cost off her crusise fare and also her air fare. No problems just filled out paper work.

Mary

[HamburgAvonLady]

We use Access America --- have had to cancel our last two trips (Celebrity and HAL) due to slow recovery of DH's spinal surgery. Just received our deposit refund for the HAL cruise last week. When my MIL was alive (93) and husband was running our business -- we also took out the optional "cancel for any reason" with them. Access America now offers "BIZ PACK" which is wonderful for self-employed folks. You can purchase the insurance anytime prior to final payment and receive full refund of deposit even for pre-existing conditions as long as you have gone at least 120 days without treatment prior to cruise departure.

RE: Medicare --- if you are relying on only that for medical bills --- you are really taking chances. Medicare only covers expenses within the US --- you really should have a supplemental plan such as Senior Blue for additional protection. Very reasonable in cost and medical expenses incurred outside the US are covered. ( You pay first and then submit your bills for reimbursement). Even if you don't travel --- you should have this additional insurance. JMO

[gte937k]

I'm so glad to hear many stories of easy and prompt insurance claim payments. My experience with insurance companies (not travel insurance) is that they drag their feet and always find a reason to not pay you.

Sorry, Krazy Kruizers, for what happened to you... because of this sort of thing, I've become so anal about reading every last word of fine print in insurance policies. Insurance is supposed to give you piece of mind, but for me it also gives me a good dose of stress worrying about whether they'll actually pay when I need them to.

[sail7seas]

I believe you can purchase Supplemental insurance. I only know about this because I am positive that my parents purchase a supplemental policy. It is not only for outside the country (US), but would allow you more options with any "out of Network" doctors.

https://www.aarpmedicareplans.com/medicare-education/what-is-medicare/medicare-supplemental-insurance.html

"Medicare Parts A and B (sometimes called "Original Medicare") pays for many, but not all, health care services and supplies. A Medicare Supplement policy, sold by private insurance companies, can help pay some of the health care costs that Medicare Parts A and B doesn't cover such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. Some Medicare Supplement policies also offer coverage for services that Medicare Parts A and B doesn't cover such as medical care when you travel outside the U.S. If you have Medicare Parts A and B and you buy a Medicare Supplement policy, both plans will pay their share of Medicare approved-amounts for covered health care costs. Medicare does not pay any of the costs for a Medicare Supplement policy."

We use Access America --- have had to cancel our last two trips (Celebrity and HAL) due to slow recovery of DH's spinal surgery. Just received our deposit refund for the HAL cruise last week. When my MIL was alive (93) and husband was running our business -- we also took out the optional "cancel for any reason" with them. Access America now offers "BIZ PACK" which is wonderful for self-employed folks. You can purchase the insurance anytime prior to final payment and receive full refund of deposit even for pre-existing conditions as long as you have gone at least 120 days without treatment prior to cruise departure.

RE: Medicare --- if you are relying on only that for medical bills --- you are really taking chances. Medicare only covers expenses within the US --- you really should have a supplemental plan such as Senior Blue for additional protection. Very reasonable in cost and medical expenses incurred outside the US are covered. ( You pay first and then submit your bills for reimbursement). Even if you don't travel --- you should have this additional insurance. JMO



Thank you.
These were the answers I was looking for.

Yes, anyone who does not have Supplemental coverage is risking potentially very large exposure. The premiums are extremely low by comparison.

I have read very little about supplemental paying outside the country where Medicare refuses payment. That is about what I am unclear.

I still am not convinced it isn't wise to also have a travel medical policy for times a Medicare person will be out of the country. The premiums for just medical travel coverage is so low it seems a needless risk to take.

[mamaofami]

If I google Senior Blue Insurance, I come up with Medicare Advantage plans. Could you please direct me to the policy you are referring to?

[deminggraham]

If I google Senior Blue Insurance, I come up with Medicare Advantage plans. Could you please direct me to the policy you are referring to?

I have Blue Shield 65 Special. They paid my medical expenses that Medicare would not because I became ill on the ship and outside of the US territorial waters. I also had cruise insurance but it did not pay since my other insurance was considered first. If you become ill in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, Medicare will pay.

[janmcn]

We always get HAL's Platinum policy (and used it once 24 hours pre-cruise when my Dad was apparently dying) and also carry a Medical Evac. policy that covers more than the usual evacuation (it allows you to choose what hospital and where to go to) and also have a supplemental medical policy. The Medical Evac policy we get on an annual basis which covers us anytime we are more than 150 miles from home. The supplemental medical we get just for travel outside the country. Well worth the peace of mind. Friends of ours had someone they knew who had an accident in Germany pre-cruise which necessitated hospitalization there. Accidents can happen anywhere!

[Krazy Kruizers]

I'm so glad to hear many stories of easy and prompt insurance claim payments. My experience with insurance companies (not travel insurance) is that they drag their feet and always find a reason to not pay you.

Sorry, Krazy Kruizers, for what happened to you... because of this sort of thing, I've become so anal about reading every last word of fine print in insurance policies. Insurance is supposed to give you piece of mind, but for me it also gives me a good dose of stress worrying about whether they'll actually pay when I need them to.

Never in our wildest dreams did we ever expect to have a snow storm -- things like that happen. We really don't know how the insurance company expected us to go on a cruise with 4 rooms that were heavily damaged.

Previously we had to cancel a cruise when DH's mother died unexpectedly and Access America paid us back.

[sail7seas]

We always get HAL's Platinum policy (and used it once 24 hours pre-cruise when my Dad was apparently dying) and also carry a Medical Evac. policy that covers more than the usual evacuation (it allows you to choose what hospital and where to go to) and also have a supplemental medical policy. The Medical Evac policy we get on an annual basis which covers us anytime we are more than 150 miles from home. The supplemental medical we get just for travel outside the country. Well worth the peace of mind. Friends of ours had someone they knew who had an accident in Germany pre-cruise which necessitated hospitalization there. Accidents can happen anywhere!


Just a note.....

IF, IF you are referring to MedJetAssist, I'd like to suggest you check with them as they do NOT evacuate a cruiser from a ship. They will pick you up at the first port you arrive at after becoming ill on a ship.

We have had MedJet for years and continue to carry it for the reason you site... you, for the most part, can name the hospital to which you want to be taken and they are very reliable and reputable, but it was only last year I learned (and verified) about them not evacuating until you reach port.

If you are not referring to MedJetAssist, I hope this post helps someone else.

[lone_stranger]

When my wife passed away, I had to cancel our cruise. Travel Guard was fast in responding and between the Carnival Corp. and the insurance, I got back all of my money with the exception of the cost of the insurance itself.

[retired baldy]

had access america provided free with cruise thru directcruises.com and had to cancel west carbean cruse dec 5th sister died on dec 6th after i returned home got the cruise price back in full and ncl refunded the taxes and fees. just notify the as soon as possible when the problem arises will never cruise without ins.

[Typhoon1]

We had to cancel our first cruise as both DW and I came down with the flu on the day before. We realized it after we had landed in FLL as we both came down with high fevers.

Always get the influenza vaccine.

[sail7seas]

My doctor's office e-mailed notice they have vaccine ready 'to go'. Almost that time of year again.
For someone to fly and cruise during flu season and not have a flu shot is taking a big risk...... :eek: Who wants their cruise wrecked by getting the flu? Where would be more chance of being exposed?

[kazu]

For Canadians reading this thread - we have used CAA (in the US AAA) and get their annual policy - it has worked out cheaper than the regular 'one time' trip cancellation and medical. It does have a provision to 'cancel for any reason' and while it is not as good as HAL's it is a lot cheaper. Cancelling for any reason would be pretty hard to believe for me when I have planned for months ;) Standard medical, death, etc. are all there.

Worth taking a look at:)

[Scootertsm]

I just found out that we may have to cancel an upcoming cruise as a result of me losing my job (soon). Has anyone ever had to use their cruise insurance and how hard is it to file a claim and receive reinbursement?


I have had to utilize the insurance when I had a conflicting schedule. I was to go on the Alaska cruise but a reunion came up. I called the company and was in receipt of my full refund within 30 days. No real questions asked after I sent them an e-mail explaining my situation. I am Scott McKenna who is scootertsm@yahoo.com

[arzz]

Used cruise insurance twice -- filling out the forms took more time than it took to get the refunds:D.

First time we cancelled the day before we were to cruise to Tahiti when I found myself in the ER requiring emergency surgery (CSA insurance and refunded very smoothly). Funny I had always imagined the insurance was a "just in case" because of elderly parents! Insurance is the blessing to have for that totally unexpected event.

Second time was last December when I had to truncate my cruise two days early because of an issue that came up with my Mom. Travel Guard covered the cost of getting home which ended up being first class air on other wise sold out flights. No problem. Travel Guard, on the policy we had, would pay the cost of returning home, or the balance of the unused trip, whichever was greater. Clearly, for me, the cost of returning home was greater. I have no complaints at all.

There have been times, however, when I have wished I had the "cancel for any reason" policy.

[jodi58]

in Canada , used RBC insurance twice, they were great! once when DH's company closed and had to cancel a land vacation and , years later, right before our first cruise, I was subpoenaed as a witness for the prosecution in an assault case:eek:

all worked out! DH got a better job and the criminal got jail!

never thought these 2 incidents would happen to us but they did, and the travel insurance saved the day!

[vbmom87]

I just found out that we may have to cancel an upcoming cruise as a result of me losing my job (soon). Has anyone ever had to use their cruise insurance and how hard is it to file a claim and receive reinbursement?

So sorry to hear about your job loss. I hope you will soon be employed again.

If your insurance covers job loss, you should just have to fill out the forms, getting your job loss verified by your former employer. After that, it shouldn't be difficult from all I have read on these boards.

The problem tends to be when people believe they are covered for something they are not. If the plan you purchased covers job loss, have no worrires.

[tangerinebunny]

I still am not convinced it isn't wise to also have a travel medical policy for times a Medicare person will be out of the country. The premiums for just medical travel coverage is so low it seems a needless risk to take.

For what it's worth we have been assured by Blue Cross both verbally and in writing that we're covered when out of the country if medical treatment is 'required.' (Guess that means no implants!)

I hope we never have to test this out.

We cancelled one cruise with Celebrity because of illness and had no problems with refunds. Even Southwest offered us credit for a future flight.

[fann1sh]

For Canadians reading this thread - we have used CAA (in the US AAA) and get their annual policy - it has worked out cheaper than the regular 'one time' trip cancellation and medical. It does have a provision to 'cancel for any reason' and while it is not as good as HAL's it is a lot cheaper. Cancelling for any reason would be pretty hard to believe for me when I have planned for months ;) Standard medical, death, etc. are all there.

Worth taking a look at:)

in Canada , used RBC insurance twice, they were great! once when DH's company closed and had to cancel a land vacation and , years later, right before our first cruise, I was subpoenaed as a witness for the prosecution in an assault case:eek:

all worked out! DH got a better job and the criminal got jail!

never thought these 2 incidents would happen to us but they did, and the travel insurance saved the day!

Thanks to both of you. Your posts are going in my travel bookmarks file.

[gte937k]

Even Southwest offered us credit for a future flight.

Southwest's no change fee policy should be standard for all airlines, IMO.

[pms4104]

Southwest's no change fee policy should be standard for all airlines, IMO.
Sadly, the change fees and checked bag fees, may be the only thing keeping a lot of airlines afloat these days ... so I see those charges going up rather than down or out.

[Hlitner]

I've asked this question before but I have never seen the answer.

For those on Medicare, how do you cover out of country medical if you are purchasing HAL's Trip Cancellation Coverage?

They only pay $10,000 for medical which, of course, is a pittance for any sort of injry or illness.

Their coverage is great for cancellation but one needs to consider medical once they are on Medicare (U.S. guests).

This is a great question which I have addressed in some prior posts (somewhere). You are correct to worry since Medicare does not pay anything for medical care delivered outside the US (there is a little known exception for folks driving through Canada on their way to Alaska). Most folks buy insurance to cover the cost of their trip (which is for a known amount) and pay little attention to medical and medical evacuation. The reality is that the cost of a trip will not bankrupt a traveler but the cost of medical can quickly take everything you have and even more. If you have a Medicare supplemental policy it may or may not give you some coverage (you have to check). Otherwise, you can buy good travel medical insurance (not the substandard stuff sold by most cruise lines) on line from various insurance companies. For frequent travelers it might pay to buy an annual travel medical policy. Take a look at an online site that allows you to compare various policies and make sure you read the fine print of any policy. A good starting point is to look at insuremytrip.com and similar web sites.

Hank

[vbmom87]

This is a great question which I have addressed in some prior posts (somewhere). You are correct to worry since Medicare does not pay anything for medical care delivered outside the US (there is a little known exception for folks driving through Canada on their way to Alaska). Most folks buy insurance to cover the cost of their trip (which is for a known amount) and pay little attention to medical and medical evacuation. The reality is that the cost of a trip will not bankrupt a traveler but the cost of medical can quickly take everything you have and even more. If you have a Medicare supplemental policy it may or may not give you some coverage (you have to check). Otherwise, you can buy good travel medical insurance (not the substandard stuff sold by most cruise lines) on line from various insurance companies. For frequent travelers it might pay to buy an annual travel medical policy. Take a look at an online site that allows you to compare various policies and make sure you read the fine print of any policy. A good starting point is to look at insuremytrip.com and similar web sites.

Hank

Good advice. I recently read a post which I admit I did not verify that claimed the annual plans did not cover pre-existing conditions. Like you say, it is VERY important to read the fine print. The website I like and purchase my insurance through is:

http://tripinsurancestore.com/?g=tvli&gclid=CJ6HwsOV-6oCFQbrKgod2VSK3g

[iancal]

Yes-in Canada from Manulife online. Only time we have purchased that type of insurance. Made the claims (illness) and had our money refunded in within 60 days. No issues, no argument-they paid the claim right down to the value of the non refundable Priceline hotel.

My employer emergency medical/evac coverage expires in December so we are starting to shop for annual policies.

[gte937k]

Sadly, the change fees and checked bag fees, may be the only thing keeping a lot of airlines afloat these days ... so I see those charges going up rather than down or out.
More the reason to fly Southwest whenever possible.

[sail7seas]

This is a great question which I have addressed in some prior posts (somewhere). You are correct to worry since Medicare does not pay anything for medical care delivered outside the US (there is a little known exception for folks driving through Canada on their way to Alaska). Most folks buy insurance to cover the cost of their trip (which is for a known amount) and pay little attention to medical and medical evacuation. The reality is that the cost of a trip will not bankrupt a traveler but the cost of medical can quickly take everything you have and even more. If you have a Medicare supplemental policy it may or may not give you some coverage (you have to check). Otherwise, you can buy good travel medical insurance (not the substandard stuff sold by most cruise lines) on line from various insurance companies. For frequent travelers it might pay to buy an annual travel medical policy. Take a look at an online site that allows you to compare various policies and make sure you read the fine print of any policy. A good starting point is to look at insuremytrip.com and similar web sites.

Hank


Thank you, Hank. Good post.

I have taken to purchasing medical/evacation coverage for each cruise. I don't insure for cancellation or interruption and we are willing to 'take that hit' if we must. We have not insured for about our last 55+ cruises and are tens of thousands of dollars ahead for not paying all those premiums. (We have been fortunate to never have to cancel a cruise within penalty period.....yet.)

However, we always have had 'pay out of the country' medical and evacuation in addition to MedJetAssist. I know many here write the annual policy from MedJetAssist but please be sure to remember they do not evacuate from a ship...... they would get you at the first port if you become ill while aboard.

I purchase a primary payer medical policy to be safe. I always buy the policy within their prescribed number of days after making deposit in order to have pre-existing conditions covered. The premiums are so low it seems a needless risk to take to not have at least this coverage.