I use an Allianz provider, but there are many options. Most don't cover pandemic, but would cover hurricane. Read the terms carefully.
Except in rare instances, we always get insurance. Primarily for the medial/evacuation coverage. Not so much for trip interruption/cancellation.
Not really. You really need to commit shortly after booking.
Disney insurance can be added any time prior to PIF. Other insurance has varying timeframes, but many require you to purchase within a couple of weeks of when you book the cruise and pay your deposit.
Most 3rd party insurance can be bought at any time. Many have a requirement, if you're looking to include pre-existing medical conditions, that they must be bought with in a short time frame after initial deposit (generally 2 weeks).
Typically, you'll find better (more) coverage at a lower cost through a 3rd party provider than purchasing cruise line insurance.
Last August our eastern became a western due to Dorian. We were on the Fantasy and by grace of God we were still able to do CC. Those after us had cancelled cruises. Bahamas was destroyed next two days. Get insurance. To 90% you are ok.
Of our 8 cruises that have gone to the Caribbean, 4 of them were in September, 1 in November, 1 in June, 1 in May, and 1 in October. Since hurricane "season" is 1 June through 30 November, we've been in the "bad" time 7 times. Had absolutely no issues, either changed itineraries, canceled ports, or bad weather on any of them.
Until such time as you slip and fall somewhere and require medical coverage/evacuation. That's what we get insurance for.
