OLife & Trip Insurance

[1985rz1]

1 hour ago, dszrew said:

When I check the annual Allianz plans, I see a maximum of $15,000 but is per year, not per trip or per person.

 

Reimburses your prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you must cancel your trip due to a covered reason.

Preexisting Medical Condition Limit $15,000

Benefit is per policy, per year.

All benefits are per insured unless otherwise noted. All benefits are per trip except for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption - which are per travel insurance plan.

 

I do get playing the odds. On our upcoming trip we'd be insuring 50% of the trip cost if we had to cancel and were in the 100% penalty phase. then as you say other trips during the year are typically outside that cancellation window and could be changed without penalty. 

Which annual policy?  There is one called AllTripsPremier that covers all family members.  We have that and the $15,000 limit applies to each family member, not the combined members, and per year, not per trip.  It may be state dependent.

 

The per insured statement means for each person covered by the policy, not the purchaser.  The limit is for the year, not per trip.  Chat with the folks at Allianz if you want the official statement.

Edited May 26, 2021 by 1985rz1

[1985rz1]

1 hour ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Totally worthless for folks who do “long” O cruises of 3+ weeks - even in the “cheap seats.” 

You got it wrong Flatbush.  We're the worthless cheapskates since we don't go for trips more than $15,000 pp regardless of length.  We're envious of those who are willing to go for longer cruises.

[Flatbush Flyer]

1 hour ago, 1985rz1 said:

Which annual policy?  There is one called AllTripsPremier that covers all family members.  We have that and the $15,000 limit applies to each family member, not the combined members, and per year, not per trip.  It may be state dependent.

 

The per insured statement means for each person covered by the policy, not the purchaser.  The limit is for the year, not per trip.  Chat with the folks at Allianz if you want the official statement.

So is it travel protection only OR including medical.

Our “problem” is that we really don’t need the medical part and we have the MedEvac covered with MedJet.

BTW: In many instances, a MedJet annual premium works out better in combination with cheaper comp. insurance than a comp policy with good MedEvac. 

[1985rz1]

1 hour ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

So is it travel protection only OR including medical.

Our “problem” is that we really don’t need the medical part and we have the MedEvac covered with MedJet.

BTW: In many instances, a MedJet annual premium works out better in combination with cheaper comp. insurance than a comp policy with good MedEvac. 

There are various options, but primarily it's a (annual) medical  and medical evacuation policy, and the medical evacuation is our primary interest, since unlike you we don't subscribe to Medjet.  It does duplicate and supplement our medical insurance in some ways. The travel protection is an optional add-on which works for us in lieu of per trip travel protection policies.

[Flatbush Flyer]

1 minute ago, 1985rz1 said:

There are various options, but primarily it's a (annual) medical  and medical evacuation policy, and the medical evacuation is our primary interest, since unlike you we don't subscribe to Medjet.  It does duplicate and supplement our medical insurance in some ways. The travel protection is an optional add-on which works for us in lieu of per trip travel protection policies.

You’ve actually found “per trip” travel protection (only) policies?

[1985rz1]

12 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

You’ve actually found “per trip” travel protection (only) policies?

No, unfortunately.  By travel protection, I meant the traditional comprehensive policies,  That's why we opt for the add-on travel protection to the annual Allianz med evac policy. Its limited travel protection and would cover one big trip per year per person (at our budget level), but the evac policy seems quite good to us as its coverage applies to each trip in a year for each person. 

Edited May 26, 2021 by 1985rz1

[dszrew]

14 hours ago, 1985rz1 said:

Which annual policy?  There is one called AllTripsPremier that covers all family members.  We have that and the $15,000 limit applies to each family member, not the combined members, and per year, not per trip.  It may be state dependent.

AllTripsPremier allows selecting up to $15,000, but for me it says the benefit is per policy per year. 

AllTripsExecutive has a maximum of $10,000 trip cancellation, but shows the benefit as per insured per year. 

Could be state, or ages...

[1985rz1]

49 minutes ago, dszrew said:

AllTripsPremier allows selecting up to $15,000, but for me it says the benefit is per policy per year. 

AllTripsExecutive has a maximum of $10,000 trip cancellation, but shows the benefit as per insured per year. 

Could be state, or ages...

Hmmm.  I see where it says that in the info section, but if that is literally true, it's a change from our last policy.  I have an inquiry into Allianz for clarification.  It does make a difference in our strategy.

[Flatbush Flyer]

12 minutes ago, 1985rz1 said:

Hmmm.  I see where it says that in the info section, but if that is literally true, it's a change from our last policy.  I have an inquiry into Allianz for clarification.  It does make a difference in our strategy.

But, correct me if I am wrong: These policies are “comprehensive” (I.e., they include medical along with trip protection)?

 

I (and a zillion other folks who have regular health insurance that covers international care) don’t need the travel medical. All we need is trip cancel/interrupt coverage with high limits and waiver of PECs (beyond what CCs provide). As aforementioned, an annual MedJet policy rounds out the coverage (at a very reasonable cost).

Calls to InsureMyTrip.com report zip for that annual (or even single) “trip only” preference as I described above.

 

Any other ideas?

[dszrew]

24 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Calls to InsureMyTrip.com report zip for that annual (or even single) “trip only” preference as I described above.

 

Any other ideas?

I have not seen this kind of policy anywhere.

Allianz is the only policy I've found so far that includes trip cancellation for an entire year. Most annual policies are medical with potentially car rental.

[1985rz1]

37 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

But, correct me if I am wrong: These policies are “comprehensive” (I.e., they include medical along with trip protection)?

 

I (and a zillion other folks who have regular health insurance that covers international care) don’t need the travel medical. All we need is trip cancel/interrupt coverage with high limits and waiver of PECs (beyond what CCs provide). As aforementioned, an annual MedJet policy rounds out the coverage (at a very reasonable cost).

Calls to InsureMyTrip.com report zip for that annual (or even single) “trip only” preference as I described above.

 

Any other ideas?

Stop travelling?  NOT!

[1985rz1]

4 hours ago, dszrew said:

AllTripsPremier allows selecting up to $15,000, but for me it says the benefit is per policy per year. 

AllTripsExecutive has a maximum of $10,000 trip cancellation, but shows the benefit as per insured per year. 

Could be state, or ages...

I haven't heard back from Allianz, but I dug to the bottom of the actual Declaration of Coverage we received on our last renewal, not the booking area, and in the "Important Notes section at the very end of the document, it does specifically state that the coverage is for all insured, not each.  I appreciate your pointing this out.  Fortunately in the upcoming policy year, we'll sqeak by with enough coverage.

 

Here's the wording in the Declaration of Coverage:

 

lmportant Notices:
. Coverage is provided for all family members residing in the same household, excluding service animals.
o Emergency Medical/Dental Coverage is secondary.
o For Trip Cancellation and Trip lnterruption Coverages, the maximum benefit limit is per coverage period for all  insureds.
r The maximum trip length is 90 days.
r Rental Car Damage and Theft Coverage maximum benefit limit is per trip for all insureds.
o lf not otherwise specified, the maximum benefit limit shown above is per named insured for each trip'
o AGA Service Company is the licensed producer and administrator for this policy.
o lnsurance coverage ls provided under Form 101-P-1000-2017 issued by Jefferson lnsurance Company.

 

Thanks, again.

[ORV]

6 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

But, correct me if I am wrong: These policies are “comprehensive” (I.e., they include medical along with trip protection)?

 

I (and a zillion other folks who have regular health insurance that covers international care) don’t need the travel medical. All we need is trip cancel/interrupt coverage with high limits and waiver of PECs (beyond what CCs provide). As aforementioned, an annual MedJet policy rounds out the coverage (at a very reasonable cost).

Calls to InsureMyTrip.com report zip for that annual (or even single) “trip only” preference as I described above.

 

Any other ideas?

Maybe not a zillion. I don't have it but I'm pretty sure Medicare doesn't cover international travel. Many supplements do, but not a lot.  By a lot I was referring to the dollar amount, not the supplement plans. Depending on the letter every company offers the same coverage, just different prices for them. 

Edited May 26, 2021 by ORV

[avalong]

6 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

But, correct me if I am wrong: These policies are “comprehensive” (I.e., they include medical along with trip protection)?

 

I (and a zillion other folks who have regular health insurance that covers international care) don’t need the travel medical. All we need is trip cancel/interrupt coverage with high limits and waiver of PECs (beyond what CCs provide). As aforementioned, an annual MedJet policy rounds out the coverage (at a very reasonable cost).

Calls to InsureMyTrip.com report zip for that annual (or even single) “trip only” preference as I described above.

 

Any other ideas?

You correct me if I'm wrong: I believe you have to pay for your medical care upfront and request reimbursement if your regular health insurance is covering you. If the travel insurance is covering your medical, they pay the medical provider directly. No?  I'm not sure my credit card limit could cover a truly huge medical bill, so I go with travel medical insurance.

[Flatbush Flyer]

22 minutes ago, ORV said:

Maybe not a zillion. I don't have it but I'm pretty sure Medicare doesn't cover international travel. Many supplements do, but not a lot.  By a lot I was referring to the dollar amount, not the supplement plans. Depending on the letter every company offers the same coverage, just different prices for them. 

 

10 minutes ago, avalong said:

You correct me if I'm wrong: I believe you have to pay for your medical care upfront and request reimbursement if your regular health insurance is covering you. If the travel insurance is covering your medical, they pay the medical provider directly. No?  I'm not sure my credit card limit could cover a truly huge medical bill, so I go with travel medical insurance.

Yes and No.

If you have GeoBlue (international) or a regular BlueShield/BlueCross U.S. policy that covers international locations AND coordinates with GeoBlue AND you use “in network” international providers/hospitals, it is possible to not have to pay anything beyond the “in network” copay. But, the GeoBlue network will apply mostly to large “first world” cities.

 

As for the reimbursement part, pay careful attention to whether your purchased travel medical policy is a primary or secondary payer. Yes. In most cases, you’ll pay out of pocket. But, when making your claim, a travel policy that is a secondary payer will expect you to file a jest claim with your own regular insurance.

 

In another post just now on this thread, someone mentioned Medicare. 
Medicare does not cover internationally (except US border hospitals in certain situations). And not all Medicare supplements provide for anything Medicare doesn’t cover.

 

We are extremely fortunate that our Medicare supplements change to the insurer’s basic coverage the minute you step out of the US and that insurer is also coordinated with GeoBlue.

 

Nonetheless, we have CCs with excellent credit limits. So, we’re pretty much prepared for most situations.

[Hlitner]

Folks should be warned that no travel medical policy guarantees they will pay up front.  While Geoblue can sometimes handle direct pay, it is only with providers that have agreed to work with their company (assignment) and even then, it is not guaranteed.  But folks should understand that when a medical emergency strikes you are often going to be treated at the most convenient provider that many not take assignment.  When my wife needed urgent/emergency treatment in Osaka, Japan I was at the mercy of the cruise line's local agent to find us the best quality care.  The agent did their job, took us to the best hospital, arranged for DW to be seen by the Chief of Staff, and her care was beyond excellent and likely saved her leg and possibly her life (or so we were told by our local surgeon).  But that hospital was not in the GeoBlue network and we had to pay the entire bill before we could leave the hospital (it was a couple of months until we were reimbursed).

 

When doing a lot of International travel it really helps to have one or more credit cards with very high credit limits (we are talking in the 10s of thousands of dollars).  The inability to pay medical bills (on the spot) can get you quickly transferred to public hospitals or other providers that might not be in your best interests.  

 

Hank

[Flatbush Flyer]

12 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

Folks should be warned that no travel medical policy guarantees they will pay up front.  While Geoblue can sometimes handle direct pay, it is only with providers that have agreed to work with their company (assignment) and even then, it is not guaranteed.  But folks should understand that when a medical emergency strikes you are often going to be treated at the most convenient provider that many not take assignment.  When my wife needed urgent/emergency treatment in Osaka, Japan I was at the mercy of the cruise line's local agent to find us the best quality care.  The agent did their job, took us to the best hospital, arranged for DW to be seen by the Chief of Staff, and her care was beyond excellent and likely saved her leg and possibly her life (or so we were told by our local surgeon).  But that hospital was not in the GeoBlue network and we had to pay the entire bill before we could leave the hospital (it was a couple of months until we were reimbursed).

 

When doing a lot of International travel it really helps to have one or more credit cards with very high credit limits (we are talking in the 10s of thousands of dollars).  The inability to pay medical bills (on the spot) can get you quickly transferred to public hospitals or other providers that might not be in your best interests.  

 

Hank

Sadly everything you (and I and a few other posters) are saying about “be prepared” will go “in one ear and out the other” for many folks intent on doing a cruise with a shoestring budget.

[dszrew]

4 hours ago, 1985rz1 said:

I haven't heard back from Allianz, but I dug to the bottom of the actual Declaration of Coverage we received on our last renewal, not the booking area, and in the "Important Notes section at the very end of the document, it does specifically state that the coverage is for all insured, not each.  

I tried to look at the full policy description, but couldn't find access to it on the website. other travel insurance sites will let you look at the details, and I dislike that you have to actually book it or at least submit your information before they let you read the fine print.

[Dwtlion]

I thought I would pass on some insurance surprises I encountered today looking at insurance options for my upcoming November Riviera cruise. Since final payment is due in 2 weeks, now was the time to look at insurance.

I wanted a policy that covers pre-existing conditions (PEC) knowing there would be a look-back period of from 60-120+ days. What I found was that, except for a very few policies, PEC coverage was not available unless you purchased insurance within 14 days of your FIRST payment or deposit. I made my deposit almost 1 year ago: June 8 ‘20. Given the state of uncertainty back then, coupled with the 18 months before the cruise, no way was I tying up insurance dollars that long. Now, I find only a handful of companies that allow a PEC rider if final payment is made after the insurance purchase. A real “catch twenty-two”. 

[Flatbush Flyer]

16 minutes ago, Dwtlion said:

I thought I would pass on some insurance surprises I encountered today looking at insurance options for my upcoming November Riviera cruise. Since final payment is due in 2 weeks, now was the time to look at insurance.

I wanted a policy that covers pre-existing conditions (PEC) knowing there would be a look-back period of from 60-120+ days. What I found was that, except for a very few policies, PEC coverage was not available unless you purchased insurance within 14 days of your FIRST payment or deposit. I made my deposit almost 1 year ago: June 8 ‘20. Given the state of uncertainty back then, coupled with the 18 months before the cruise, no way was I tying up insurance dollars that long. Now, I find only a handful of companies that allow a PEC rider if final payment is made after the insurance purchase. A real “catch twenty-two”. 

Nationwide Cruise policies waive PECs as long as you purchase before cruise final payment is due. As you mentioned, there are other companies also. Check with InsureMyTrip.com

[1985rz1]

 

22 minutes ago, Dwtlion said:

I thought I would pass on some insurance surprises I encountered today looking at insurance options for my upcoming November Riviera cruise. Since final payment is due in 2 weeks, now was the time to look at insurance.

I wanted a policy that covers pre-existing conditions (PEC) knowing there would be a look-back period of from 60-120+ days. What I found was that, except for a very few policies, PEC coverage was not available unless you purchased insurance within 14 days of your FIRST payment or deposit. I made my deposit almost 1 year ago: June 8 ‘20. Given the state of uncertainty back then, coupled with the 18 months before the cruise, no way was I tying up insurance dollars that long. Now, I find only a handful of companies that allow a PEC rider if final payment is made after the insurance purchase. A real “catch twenty-two”. 

PEC coverage is normally based on purchasing insurance within 10 - 14 days of initial deposit.  But there is no reason to tie up big bucks on the initial transaction.  You only need to insure the amount you deposit the establish the policy and the PEC, and then increase of the policy  for additional non-refundable payments as you go (usually within 14 days of these payments).  In addition, if you cancel a cruise before penalties kick in and have not made any claims, insurance companies are often happy to transfer the payments to a different trip, within time limits.  

[Host Jazzbeau]

Do you have a TA?  Allianz sells a policy called Journey through TAs that waives PEC even if you buy the policy at final payment.

[1985rz1]

3 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Nationwide Cruise policies waive PECs as long as you purchase before cruise final payment is due. As you mentioned, there are other companies also. Check with InsureMyTrip.com

 

1 hour ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

Do you have a TA?  Allianz sells a policy called Journey through TAs that waives PEC even if you buy the policy at final payment.

Do either of you know if the cost of such policies have a higher cost than those policies that don't allow PEC at the last moment?

[Host Jazzbeau]

No, I have only bought this policy for all my trips [except a few where I bought the ship's policy because it was so much cheaper and I didn't have extra days on land].  But after cancelling one trip [Allianz paid all our – major – losses promptly] and having several now cancelled by Covid [Allianz allowed us to roll the premium forward to the replacement trip, thereby avoid a new 'look back' window] – I am a happy Allianz customer.

[Flatbush Flyer]

1 minute ago, 1985rz1 said:

 

Do either of you know if the cost of such policies have a higher cost than those policies that don't allow PEC at the last moment?

That’s a question for InsureMyTrip.com. When I’ve done comparisons of comp policies with similar coverage, the prices can be all over the page regardless of what are the pay deadlines for PEC waivers. BTW, InsureMyTrip has an excellent comparative search engine with filters that will help barrow your search.