Covid on Iona

[PEMCO007]

Thank you everyone for the time you have put into this thread.  It is extremely helpful under these unusual circumstances.  I have never read an insurance policy so thoroughly.  We have Barclays, and it looks like we are covered but I do need to ask the "what if we test negative" question and are removed from ship.  Like you mention, I would imagine some of these scenarios may not have been thought of until now.  My main concern is for my Dad, whilst we have a family policy, he is on a separate policy and I wouldn't leave him alone, so need to clarify what would happen.  Interestingly, when I was shopping for policies, All-clear did ask if I wanted to add cover on to his policy to cover me to be able to stay with him, if such an issue arose, I have never been asked that before, and in all fairness probably never really thought about it either before now x

Edited October 9, 2021 by PEMCO007
error

[Son of Bare]

1 hour ago, PEMCO007 said:

Thank you everyone for the time you have put into this thread.  It is extremely helpful under these unusual circumstances.  I have never read an insurance policy so thoroughly.  We have Barclays, and it looks like we are covered but I do need to ask the "what if we test negative" question and are removed from ship.  Like you mention, I would imagine some of these scenarios may not have been thought of until now.  My main concern is for my Dad, whilst we have a family policy, he is on a separate policy and I wouldn't leave him alone, so need to clarify what would happen.  Interestingly, when I was shopping for policies, All-clear did ask if I wanted to add cover on to his policy to cover me to be able to stay with him, if such an issue arose, I have never been asked that before, and in all fairness probably never really thought about it either before now x

I think you already know the answer?

If your father tests positive and you don't, unless you are on the same policy it's highly unlikely you'll be covered.

Get him to scrap his policy and add him to yours, it'll likely be cheaper.

[seasickphil]

2 hours ago, Eglesbrech said:

We were the same on the one occasion I had noro (a few years ago now). Both confined to cabin until, released by the Doctor. Food trays dropped off at the door. Watched endless films!
 

I have heard that more recently the healthy party is allowed out but with some restrictions eg can’t use the buffet or public toilets but thats just hear say.

 

By the way I like your name, it made me smile. And are you regularly seasick?

Lets just say i'm not that great on the water, worst i have been was in the caribbean. I do take prescribed tablets with me now, although i couldn't take them on my last cruise because where i was embarking (Dubai) don't allow these drugs in the Country,19 days on Queen Mary and i was perfectly alright, so i might have to change my profile name now. 😉 😉

[Eglesbrech]

2 minutes ago, seasickphil said:

Lets just say i'm not that great on the water, worst i have been was in the caribbean. I do take prescribed tablets with me now, although i couldn't take them on my last cruise because where i was embarking (Dubai) don't allow these drugs in the Country,19 days on Queen Mary and i was perfectly alright, so i might have to change my profile name now. 😉 😉

Don’t do it too quickly, the Queen Mary is one of the best ships out there for stability. My husband suffers and he has been fine each time we have been on the Mary as well.

 

I really feel for him when he gets see sick and genuinely sympathise (as I walk out the cabin door to enjoy a large dinner and a glass of wine). I do check up on him after diner and before the show and a nightcap, I’m good that way 😇

[Britboys]

2 hours ago, seasickphil said:

Lets just say i'm not that great on the water, worst i have been was in the caribbean. I do take prescribed tablets with me now, although i couldn't take them on my last cruise because where i was embarking (Dubai) don't allow these drugs in the Country,19 days on Queen Mary and i was perfectly alright, so i might have to change my profile name now. 😉 😉

QM2 is an Ocean Liner as opposed to a Cruise Ship and was built specifically with Transatlantic Crossings in mind...

[Rebjon]

Have seen a post tonight on a well known social media site showing a photo of a P&O notice on Iona saying covid tests no longer needed for Lisbon. I can't vouch for the accuracy of this.

[Bin man]

Have seen that also did you see the comment this should have been in place from the 2nd October. 

[Rebjon]

27 minutes ago, Bin man said:

Have seen that also did you see the comment this should have been in place from the 2nd October. 

Yes I did.  Not sure what's going on with P&O. Does it also mean you can go ashore on your own?

[seasickphil]

39 minutes ago, Rebjon said:

Have seen a post tonight on a well known social media site showing a photo of a P&O notice on Iona saying covid tests no longer needed for Lisbon. I can't vouch for the accuracy of this.

The UK foreign travel advice site has been updated today regarding entry requirements for mainland Portugal.

[PEMCO007]

On 10/9/2021 at 3:23 PM, Son of Bare said:

I think you already know the answer?

If your father tests positive and you don't, unless you are on the same policy it's highly unlikely you'll be covered.

Get him to scrap his policy and add him to yours, it'll likely be cheaper.

Unfortunately this is not an option, due to his age.   I am currently awaiting Saga to get back to me, will update once this is known.

[Megabear2]

I've just received the Executive Office's reply to my question:

 

QUOTE

 

Thank you for your e-mail to our Executive Team and for taking the time to write to us.

I do appreciate your concerns following a party of guests being disembarked in Cadiz, Spain due to positive test for Covid-19. I can advise to you that each case would be assessed on an individual basis to care for the health of the guest, but we have all the protocols in place to protect the wellbeing of all on board.

With regards to your comments and having contacted the relevant management, we would ask our guests to ensure their travel insurance policy fully covers them in relation to Covid and any situation in this regard.

Kind Regards

Emily Cole
Guest Support Representative
Office of Simon Palethorpe, President, Carnival UK and Cunard
Office of Paul Ludlow, President, P&O Cruises

 

UNQOTE

 

I had spelled out some detail the fact that at that point 4 companies had said no cover for quarantine without a positive test. I have now responded that I'm up to 12 companies with only two offering abandonment as an option.  

 

The reply, unfortunately, appears to put all the onus on individuals rather than offer any comfort or suggested solution.  I am not impressed.

 

[Rebjon]

16 minutes ago, Megabear2 said:

I've just received the Executive Office's reply to my question:

 

QUOTE

 

Thank you for your e-mail to our Executive Team and for taking the time to write to us.

I do appreciate your concerns following a party of guests being disembarked in Cadiz, Spain due to positive test for Covid-19. I can advise to you that each case would be assessed on an individual basis to care for the health of the guest, but we have all the protocols in place to protect the wellbeing of all on board.

With regards to your comments and having contacted the relevant management, we would ask our guests to ensure their travel insurance policy fully covers them in relation to Covid and any situation in this regard.

Kind Regards

Emily Cole
Guest Support Representative
Office of Simon Palethorpe, President, Carnival UK and Cunard
Office of Paul Ludlow, President, P&O Cruises

 

UNQOTE

 

I had spelled out some detail the fact that at that point 4 companies had said no cover for quarantine without a positive test. I have now responded that I'm up to 12 companies with only two offering abandonment as an option.  

 

The reply, unfortunately, appears to put all the onus on individuals rather than offer any comfort or suggested solution.  I am not impressed.

 

I'm not impressed either but I'm not surprised.

[pete14]

35 minutes ago, Rebjon said:

I'm not impressed either but I'm not surprised.

Seems reasonable enough to me. The onus has always been on the passenger to ensure their holiday insurance offers sufficient cover. Covid may require insurance companies to change the policies they offer and update cover for those with annual policies. If so, this is their responsibility, not P&Os.

[Rebjon]

I've just been told by someone on Ventura today in Lisbon that you can now go ashore independently and as previously stated no test required, just your vax cert.

[terrierjohn]

2 minutes ago, pete14 said:

Seems reasonable enough to me. The onus has always been on the passenger to ensure their holiday insurance offers sufficient cover. Covid may require insurance companies to change the policies they offer and update cover for those with annual policies. If so, this is their responsibility, not P&Os.

But if all covid clauses exclude non positive companions, then no one could afford to cruise.

[Megabear2]

7 minutes ago, pete14 said:

Seems reasonable enough to me. The onus has always been on the passenger to ensure their holiday insurance offers sufficient cover. Covid may require insurance companies to change the policies they offer and update cover for those with annual policies. If so, this is their responsibility, not P&Os.

I agree if you could actually insure an incident of being quarantined from a ship without a positive test which apparently you cannot actually do!  I'm sure we would all ensure every eventuality required by the cruise companies is covered as they suggest but quite simply it appears this product currently does not exist, or if it does I've been unable to find, perhaps you have it and could direct me to it, please?

[davecttr]

My policy says if you are being quarantined from a ship without being ill they will asses your claim on a case by case basis.. Examples given include quarantine to prevent the spread of disease. This is if the quarantine is supported by evidence from medical professional or relevant authorities. In the case of Cadiz that quarantine is compulsory which I suppose is the strongest case you can hope for.

 

I am now glad I booked a Canary Islands cruise rather than the Caribbean which I would have cancelled or deferred.

[Interestedcruisefan]

1 hour ago, terrierjohn said:

But if all covid clauses exclude non positive companions, then no one could afford to cruise.

 

Either that or the cost of Covid insurance is going to have to increase to cover close contacts

 

When I started asking a few questions on here a couple of weeks ago to re-assure myself booking a New Years Caribbean Cruise was a good idea I think it might have been you John who told me I was over thinking stuff?

 

The more I read and learn the more I think I was right to be asking a few questions tbh

 

 

 

 

[funinhounslow]

31 minutes ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

 

The more I read and learn the more I think I was right to be asking a few questions tbh

 

Absolutely.

 

I was sorely tempted to book a cruise for a bit of winter sun but if my understanding is correct any passengers with COVID symptoms are likely to be offloaded (P&O t&cs), and if anyone not testing positive wishes to go with them it will be out of their own pocket (insurance companies' t&cs).

 

Looks like I'll have to wait a while longer before booking a cruise...

[Megabear2]

It's not even if you want to go with them (my OH might well fancy a 10 day break from me if I fell I'll because I'm not a good patient!) - you get no choice if it's the port rules.  I suppose as the onus is on the passenger the cruise companies could be expecting us to keep up to date with quarantine rules for each port, but I dont think they are published anywhere.  I check all my intended ports at least twice a week for changes in entry and testing rules. I've never seen anything about offloading passengers but then I think all these Government websites are dealing more or less exclusively about arrivals by air.

[pete14]

2 hours ago, Megabear2 said:

I agree if you could actually insure an incident of being quarantined from a ship without a positive test which apparently you cannot actually do!  I'm sure we would all ensure every eventuality required by the cruise companies is covered as they suggest but quite simply it appears this product currently does not exist, or if it does I've been unable to find, perhaps you have it and could direct me to it, please?

I don’t disagree but it is the fault of the insurance companies, not P&O. I well understand the need for such a policy to exist and that travellers need the assurance that they are covered. If an insurance company developed such a policy and priced it sensibly, I guess it would sell well. Maybe the one recommended by P&O should lead the way.

[terrierjohn]

9 minutes ago, pete14 said:

I don’t disagree but it is the fault of the insurance companies, not P&O. I well understand the need for such a policy to exist and that travellers need the assurance that they are covered. If an insurance company developed such a policy and priced it sensibly, I guess it would sell well. Maybe the one recommended by P&O should lead the way.

The one recommended by P&O apparently also says non covid companions will not be covered for repatriation or hotel costs.

[Megabear2]

I have never blamed the cruise companies for the lack of this policy. What I do blame them for is lulling people into a sense that all eventualities are covered by "Covid insurance" and not communicating with their customers until after they've paid their balances.

 

I'm pretty sure a clever lawyer could pick big holes in any policy or protocol now that this scenario has been discovered and is in fact virtually uninsurable.

 

P&O's recommended insurer have already indicated to me last week they are looking into the issue as so many people have contacted them since the Cadiz incident.  Rather than blaisely saying we should check our insurance policies (which most of us appear to have now done) perhaps P&O could lead the way in speaking to the insurance companies to close the loophole.

[Megabear2]

Well I've tried again. Watch this space ....

 

Quote

 

Dear Ms Cole,

 

I thank you for your prompt reply.  If I am reading this correctly, you are advising me to check with my insurer that I would be covered for being required to quarantine ashore without a positive Covid test if required by either the port authorities or the cruise line to leave the ship? Am I reading that correctly, please?

 

If that is the case, I would advise that I have now spoken to 12 separate insurers in the past week, not specifically because of the Cadiz incident but because my current insurer will no longer be offering the required cover after mid November.  These 12 included your own partnered insurance provider, Holiday Extras and most of the leading travel insurers and also specialists for those with pre-existing conditions.

 

I put to each of these insurers, the following questions:

 

1. Where in your policy will I find the clause covering enforced quarantine ashore in a hotel by a local port or Government if I personally do not have a positive test but my travelling companion does?

 

2. If there is no specific clause in your policy covering this, how would you deal with the issue?

 

Every single company has stated there would be no cover in the first instance and only two stated it may be covered under abandonment to a maximum of £2,000 and £5,000 accordingly.  This information would appear to suggest the there is no policy on the market which covers this eventuality.

 

I would be delighted to purchase a travel insurance policy which "fully covers them in relation to Covid and any situation in this regard" but to date cannot find one on the market.  Perhaps your senior management could point me in the direction of where it may be found, please? 

 

Thank you.

 

Unquote 

[trondicc]

Okay, so if you have plucked up the requisite courage to proceed to cruise and passed all cruise boarding tests then its vital you do the following.

 

Remember the difficulty here is being out of step with your cabin partner. One of you testing positive in advance, presumably, of the other. Thereby creating a dilemma for the insurance company.

 

So here’s what to do. You need to get intimate with your cabin partner several times a day. This should start a couple of weeks before the cruise if possible and last until disembarkation. This should ensure one of you will only be hours behind the other in terms of testing outcomes methinks.

 

Examples of intimacy could include tender mouth to mouth kisses, shaking hands and rubbing eyes after coughing or sneezing, etc etc. I know, i know this could be very embarrassing but the first example can improve with practice, so i am led to believe.

 

Good luck, but don’t blame me if this all goes horribly wrong.