Buy insurance after the fact/very close to sail date?

[MrMike45]

Full disclosure, this might be a little sketchy, so if you feel like I am asking a question about potentially doing something deceitful, please just scroll on to the next thread and don't turn this into an argumentative thread.

 

We are scheduled to sail on the Escape in 9 days, 5/12/19.  It's me, my wife, and our nearly 2 year old son.  This will be our 17th cruise.  Have never used or needed insurance in the past, so after the first half dozen or so, stopped purchasing it.  So the whole "YOU SHOULD ALWAYS BUT TRAVEL INSURANCE" thing is great in hindsight, but it's just that, hindsight.  

 

Our son has been sick for about 2 weeks now.  Got an ear infection at daycare, turned into a full blown cold, was on antibiotics, started feeling better.  Took him back to the pediatrician Wednesday for the follow-up, and apparently he got worse somehow and now has a double ear infection and is more sick than he was.  On stronger antibiotics, staying home, all the normal stuff.  Doctor said that he should be ok for the cruise, that these stronger meds should clear everything up...but who knows right?  He was better than got more sick than he previously was, so whose to say that doesn't happen again.  

 

So here's my questions.  A) is it possible to purchase "cancel for any reason" insurance after the fact, so late to when the cruise is supposed to leave?  B) and if possible, and we then cancel a week after purchasing, will the insurance company deny any claim for being deceitful or whatever when purchasing?  

 

 

Edited May 3, 2019 by MrMike45

[RedRover96]

Most of that type of insurance has a buy within "X" amount of days after booking, so doubtful.

[goldmom]

Also, many if not most have a pre-existing condition clause with a look back period.  Sometimes that is waived if you buy the insurance within like 2 days of booking the trip.  They do this specifically to prevent people from doing what you are thinking about.

 

I hope your son feels better and you'll be able to sail and enjoy your trip, but I honestly don't think insurance will help you at this point.

[baflagg]

I just booked a cruise this week for August and we always buy insurance since normally we book way in advance.  I was thinking since we are pretty close to sail date this time I wasn't sure I'd purchase the cancel any reason insurance.  My travel agent told me we had 10 days from the date of booking the cruise to purchase the insurance.  Obviously different carriers have different rules but that was the guideline for our insurance.  I ended up buying it anyway, you never know the one time I didn't would probably be the one time we needed it.  Hope your son is better in time to cruise. 

Edited May 3, 2019 by baflagg

[MrMike45]

Thanks for the quick replies @RedRover96 @goldmom @baflagg.  From a logistical business standpoint, it makes sense.  I'm sure with like what, tens of thousands of passengers boarding cruises weekly, situations like mine come up all the time, and they would lose money if they allowed people to buy insurance this late in the game.  But figured I would ask just in case.  

 

Hopefully he will feel better and we can go.  If he's sick, he's sick, stinks but obviously we cancel.  And now with a child, will definitely go ahead and purchase insurance for future cruises just to be safe.  Kids and germs, can never predict.  

[brookie848]

You might want to go to the Insurance forum and do some searching/ask questions there. We now purchase pre-existing condition insurance (my husband is waiting on a kidney) and the posts there were helpful when we were trying to figure this all out. 

 

Good luck and I hope you get to go on the cruise!

[MrMike45]

3 minutes ago, brookie848 said:

You might want to go to the Insurance forum and do some searching/ask questions there. We now purchase pre-existing condition insurance (my husband is waiting on a kidney) and the posts there were helpful when we were trying to figure this all out. 

 

Good luck and I hope you get to go on the cruise!

 

Didn't even know there was a Insurance section on here...thanks 

[dubroben22]

also check your credit card policy , if you paid with one. My credit card does give coverage if any family member is sick and cannot travel.

[MrMike45]

2 minutes ago, dubroben22 said:

also check your credit card policy , if you paid with one. My credit card does give coverage if any family member is sick and cannot travel.

 

I have/use the NCL Mastercard, so doubt it...but worth a check 

 

Let's just hope the kid is better...been looking forward to vacation all winter 

[GeezerCouple]

4 hours ago, MrMike45 said:

 

Didn't even know there was a Insurance section on here...thanks 

 

Here is the link:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/499-cruisetravel-insurance/

 

Also, as you seem to have sort of figured out, what you are suggesting is like getting homeowners' insurance after a fire has already started in the house.

 

Hope he recovers in time!

 

GC

[newmexicoNita]

23 hours ago, MrMike45 said:

Thanks for the quick replies @RedRover96 @goldmom @baflagg.  From a logistical business standpoint, it makes sense.  I'm sure with like what, tens of thousands of passengers boarding cruises weekly, situations like mine come up all the time, and they would lose money if they allowed people to buy insurance this late in the game.  But figured I would ask just in case.  

 

Hopefully he will feel better and we can go.  If he's sick, he's sick, stinks but obviously we cancel.  And now with a child, will definitely go ahead and purchase insurance for future cruises just to be safe.  Kids and germs, can never predict.  

no, you can not purchase insurance this close to sailing. if it was allowed, how many people would want to do the same thing? The good news: I am sure your little guy will be just fine by sailing time. Have a  great cruise. Things usually work out just fine. There have been many of us who have sailed shortly after some type of cold and been just fine. The important thing is, he is not contagious. Spring colds have a way of suddenly going away. 

[fridaythe13th]

I would also think you cannot but you could always go to "insuremytrip" and look at the different coverages.  The people on the phone are very helpful if you have any questions.  Hope your son is feeling better!

[Maarek]

Try something like this:

 

https://www.axatravelinsurance.com/

 

I purchased mine like a month after I booked - I typically buy it sooner (within the 10 days), but it covers the whole trip - You'll pay a premium for being late and to cover pre-existing conditions, but might be what you are looking for.

[GeezerCouple]

2 minutes ago, Maarek said:

Try something like this:

 

https://www.axatravelinsurance.com/

 

I purchased mine like a month after I booked - I typically buy it sooner (within the 10 days), but it covers the whole trip - You'll pay a premium for being late and to cover pre-existing conditions, but might be what you are looking for.

 

Does this policy have terms that include being fit to travel the day one starts the coverage?

If so, and there is a claim, they'll be looking a medical records...

 

GC

[jakesnana]

When I did my check in for my NCL cruise, I was given the option of paying $25 for a policy that would insure any medical expenses incurred while traveling. I'm not sure if it is still available to you, but if you do decide to travel I would see if that is an option in case your child gets sick again while traveling.

 

As far as purchasing "cancel for any reason" protection, you are well beyond that point.  In every situation I have seen, it must be purchased by the final payment date at the latest, and would not cover pre-existing medical conditions.  IF you needed to file a claim, your child's pediatrician would have to fill out a form and he would be required to put down that he had treated the child for an illness PRIOR to your purchasing the policy.

[GeezerCouple]

10 minutes ago, jakesnana said:

When I did my check in for my NCL cruise, I was given the option of paying $25 for a policy that would insure any medical expenses incurred while traveling. I'm not sure if it is still available to you, but if you do decide to travel I would see if that is an option in case your child gets sick again while traveling.

 

As far as purchasing "cancel for any reason" protection, you are well beyond that point.  In every situation I have seen, it must be purchased by the final payment date at the latest, and would not cover pre-existing medical conditions.  IF you needed to file a claim, your child's pediatrician would have to fill out a form and he would be required to put down that he had treated the child for an illness PRIOR to your purchasing the policy.

 

There is at least one policy that DOES include pre-existing conditions if purchased by final/full payment date.

 

("Final payment" is narrowly defined, and obviously does not include adding something at the very last minute.)

 

GC

 

[MrMike45]

Checked that site (and one other) and both list that for pre-existing medical coverage, the policy must be purchased withing 14 days of the first deposit.  

 

I don't know if an ear infection classifies as a pre-existing medical condition.  Especially since he didn't have it when we booked, and this all only happened in the last few weeks.  I am quite sure there would be some fighting to pay out claims if we needed to file for cancelling from the insurance side.  

 

Our son is feeling much better.  Heck, you wouldn't even know he has an ear infection as of this morning when he was running around the house.  So we're thinking he should be fine by Sunday for us to go...fingers crossed.

 

Thanks all for the advice and links though.  Much appreciated 

[GeezerCouple]

1 minute ago, MrMike45 said:

Checked that site (and one other) and both list that for pre-existing medical coverage, the policy must be purchased withing 14 days of the first deposit.  

 

I don't know if an ear infection classifies as a pre-existing medical condition.  Especially since he didn't have it when we booked, and this all only happened in the last few weeks.  I am quite sure there would be some fighting to pay out claims if we needed to file for cancelling from the insurance side.  

 

Our son is feeling much better.  Heck, you wouldn't even know he has an ear infection as of this morning when he was running around the house.  So we're thinking he should be fine by Sunday for us to go...fingers crossed.

 

Thanks all for the advice and links though.  Much appreciated 

 

First, it's wonderful that your son is doing better.  Children can really bounce back sometimes!

 

Just to clear things up a bit... IF your son had an ear infection that started *before* you purchased insurance, how, exactly, would that NOT be a "pre-existing medical condition"?  Would it not be "medical"?  Would it somehow hot have existed *prior* to getting the insurance?

The insurer wouldn't care "when you booked" in this case; it's when you purchased the insurance.

That is like getting home insurance just after the house starts to burn...

 

Read the definition of "pre-existing conditions"... usually it's, in part, a variation of not requiring medical care OR change in medication for x days prior.  Your son saw a doctor mere days prior... There was a change in his prescriptions...

This is why it is SO critical to READ the exact terms of whatever policy one purchases.

 

I'm only mentioning this so that you (and perhaps others) DO get a start on a better understanding of how this works.

That way, one has the best chance to get insurance that will actually be valid if needed.

 

GC

[tonit964]

13 minutes ago, MrMike45 said:

Checked that site (and one other) and both list that for pre-existing medical coverage, the policy must be purchased withing 14 days of the first deposit.  

 

I don't know if an ear infection classifies as a pre-existing medical condition.  Especially since he didn't have it when we booked, and this all only happened in the last few weeks.  I am quite sure there would be some fighting to pay out claims if we needed to file for cancelling from the insurance side.  

 

Our son is feeling much better.  Heck, you wouldn't even know he has an ear infection as of this morning when he was running around the house.  So we're thinking he should be fine by Sunday for us to go...fingers crossed.

 

Thanks all for the advice and links though.  Much appreciated 

Glad he's doing better. He should be fine to go on the cruise which is still 6 days away and if he starts feeling bad again while on the cruise, they do have a medical center on board and could prescribe more antibiotics if needed.

[newmexicoNita]

2 hours ago, MrMike45 said:

Checked that site (and one other) and both list that for pre-existing medical coverage, the policy must be purchased withing 14 days of the first deposit.  

 

I don't know if an ear infection classifies as a pre-existing medical condition.  Especially since he didn't have it when we booked, and this all only happened in the last few weeks.  I am quite sure there would be some fighting to pay out claims if we needed to file for cancelling from the insurance side.  

 

Our son is feeling much better.  Heck, you wouldn't even know he has an ear infection as of this morning when he was running around the house.  So we're thinking he should be fine by Sunday for us to go...fingers crossed.

 

Thanks all for the advice and links though.  Much appreciated 

Glad to hear he is doing better. Being a mother of 4, grandmother of 5 and great grandma of 5 I pretty mush knew he would be just fine. Kids, especially toddlers are amazing. 

[All-ready2cruise]

Mike, so happy your little guy is feeling and doing much better!!  2nd, however, and hopefully your dr. or pharmacist has advised you, make sure you finish all the antibiotics! Full stop!!  Pretty sure you already know that but it's really important. Too many times people stop taking an antibiotic b/c they feel better, not a good idea. 

 

Anyway hope you have a wonderful cruise with your family. 

Cheers

[MrMike45]

Yeah we don't mess around with him, and follow doctors orders.  Without going into a bunch of specific details, when he was 2 months old, he spent 31 days in Pediatric ICU on a ventilator with Pertussis (whopping cough) that would cause BradyCardias (him to cough himself into stop breathing for 5-10 seconds at a time and his oxygen levels to drop into the 40's and 50's).  Knock on wood, he is a completely healthy, normal, and fine little guy, and that is long in the past.  But we don't take chances.  If his doctor says on Thursday it's not a good idea to go, we're not going and lose a few thousand.  Not worth the money to take a chance with his health.  

 

Anyway, thanks again all...very much appreciate all the advice and kind words.  

[GeezerCouple]

10 minutes ago, MrMike45 said:

Yeah we don't mess around with him, and follow doctors orders.  Without going into a bunch of specific details, when he was 2 months old, he spent 31 days in Pediatric ICU on a ventilator with Pertussis (whopping cough) that would cause BradyCardias (him to cough himself into stop breathing for 5-10 seconds at a time and his oxygen levels to drop into the 40's and 50's).  Knock on wood, he is a completely healthy, normal, and fine little guy, and that is long in the past.  But we don't take chances.  If his doctor says on Thursday it's not a good idea to go, we're not going and lose a few thousand.  Not worth the money to take a chance with his health.  

 

Anyway, thanks again all...very much appreciate all the advice and kind words.  

 

Hope he continues to do well.

It sounds like he (and you both!) had a tough start!

 

BTW, one little thing to consider that might take the sting off the loss (if you don't go) is ... keep in mind what you saved on about 10 trips (it sounds like approx?) when you didn't get insurance.  So whatever those would have cost, it's really the difference between that total and what this trip cost.

 

But we all hope you go!

 

GC

[jakesnana]

16 hours ago, GeezerCouple said:

 

Hope he continues to do well.

It sounds like he (and you both!) had a tough start!

 

BTW, one little thing to consider that might take the sting off the loss (if you don't go) is ... keep in mind what you saved on about 10 trips (it sounds like approx?) when you didn't get insurance.  So whatever those would have cost, it's really the difference between that total and what this trip cost.

 

But we all hope you go!

 

GC

 

That was my philosophy, we have gone on 60 cruises and never purchased travel ins. After about 25 we figured that IF we needed to cancel than the amount of money we saved from the policies not purchased would more than cover our current loss.  Luckily, we never needed to cancel (better luck with this than in the casino :) ). However, now that my DH and I are older, we DO purchase travel insurance because at our age you just never know.

[kitkat343]

I don’t know much about insurance, but I do get it with kids because I’m worried about paying for medical evacuation since that’s a really huge bill.  As others have noted, it’s definitely too late for cancel for any reason but could you check with the insurance board to see if you can still get a small policy that covers medical evacuation if necessary?   I’m glad he’s feeling better and hope you have a wonderful trip!