Any Advice for Getting the most bang for my buck?

[Marionnette]

The scenario I worry over is that we'd have medical issues at the last minute or soon after arriving & we've already paid Disney (whether before the trip for a package or after arriving with RO) & we can't take our vacation (or only a partial one) for medical reasons. It's my understanding this is what insurance is for. I also thought, once Disney gets their money (whether paid with GC or cash or CC), they keep their money & you have to go through insurance to get it back. So, my goal is to figure out how best to protect ourselves worst case scenario. I have no goal of getting double money back & I wouldn't necessarily be able to use Disney GCs at another time.

If you would not be able to use Disney GCs at another time, then I advise you to abandon the idea of getting them at all. It would stink to have that kind of money sunk into something you cannot use.

A truncated trip is different from a canceled trip. Your tickets would be partially-used and would expire 14 days after first use. Unfortunately, the way that Disney front loads the cost of multi-day tickets, any days left after the first 3 would have minimal value (about $10 per day). So, your insurance company would likely not give you a lot back for the unused portion. For a room-only reservation, it's quite likely that Disney would refund whatever nights you don't use when there is an emergency that necessitates an early departure. And that refund would go back on the original form of payment.

It all comes down to you being able to prove to the insurance company that you suffered a loss as a result of a trip cancellation or abbreviation. That will involve submitting receipts and emails showing that you lost money or had to spend additional money as a result of trip interruption.

 

[KarenP64]

If you would not be able to use Disney GCs at another time, then I advise you to abandon the idea of getting them at all. It would stink to have that kind of money sunk into something you cannot use.

A truncated trip is different from a canceled trip. Your tickets would be partially-used and would expire 14 days after first use. Unfortunately, the way that Disney front loads the cost of multi-day tickets, any days left after the first 3 would have minimal value (about $10 per day). So, your insurance company would likely not give you a lot back for the unused portion. For a room-only reservation, it's quite likely that Disney would refund whatever nights you don't use when there is an emergency that necessitates an early departure. And that refund would go back on the original form of payment.

It all comes down to you being able to prove to the insurance company that you suffered a loss as a result of a trip cancellation or abbreviation. That will involve submitting receipts and emails showing that you lost money or had to spend additional money as a result of trip interruption.

Very helpful; thank you so much!

 

[KarenP64]

If you would not be able to use Disney GCs at another time, then I advise you to abandon the idea of getting them at all. It would stink to have that kind of money sunk into something you cannot use.

A truncated trip is different from a canceled trip. Your tickets would be partially-used and would expire 14 days after first use. Unfortunately, the way that Disney front loads the cost of multi-day tickets, any days left after the first 3 would have minimal value (about $10 per day). So, your insurance company would likely not give you a lot back for the unused portion. For a room-only reservation, it's quite likely that Disney would refund whatever nights you don't use when there is an emergency that necessitates an early departure. And that refund would go back on the original form of payment.

It all comes down to you being able to prove to the insurance company that you suffered a loss as a result of a trip cancellation or abbreviation. That will involve submitting receipts and emails showing that you lost money or had to spend additional money as a result of trip interruption.

I appreciate all your advice! Also, very helpful!!

 

[KarenP64]

I did; to me it sounded like your last post was deciding between gift cards or your citi card, but there are so many more options than just those two.

If you open another card that has travel insurance you’re probably looking at a sign on bonus that could save you money and a 0% apr period so you have more time to pay it off without incurring fees. For example, I have the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. It has travel insurance and earns Chase Ultimate Rewards (which can be redeemed for travel expenses or other things as well). Every travel and dining expense earns 2x points. When purchasing travel through the Chase portal, the points are worth I think 1.25 instead of just 1 with a regular Chase card (I haven’t used it for that yet so don’t quote me!). The card has a $95 annual fee, but it’s waived the first year. There’s also the Chase Sapphire Reserved that has higher fee but also has a yearly travel credit and earns better rewards points.

I don’t have as much information on credit cards as the people on the credit cards thread, but I think there are many options to be explored!

ETA: I also think you need to explore exactly what the Disney refund policy is and compare the value of travel insurance for your trip.

I appreciate all your advice! Also, very helpful!!