Disney Cruise Insurance

[Kpitts17]

What is everyone's experience with the Insurance through Disney Cruise Line? I have two very old grandparents who could pass at anytime and would hate to have to cancel the trip if something happens, but its a definitely possibility. Also, I am traveling with my mom who is often ill. If we all get the insurance, would it cover any bills if she got sick at port or on ship?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

What is everyone's experience with the Insurance through Disney Cruise Line? I have two very old grandparents who could pass at anytime and would hate to have to cancel the trip if something happens, but its a definitely possibility. Also, I am traveling with my mom who is often ill. If we all get the insurance, would it cover any bills if she got sick at port or on ship?

Typically insurance purchased through a cruise line (ANY cruise line) is not as good as insurance you can purchase through a 3rd party. 3rd party insurance often costs less and covers more.

Regarding the medical bills, you'd have to pay the bill up front (cash, or credit card) and submit to the insurance company when you get back home for reimbursement.

To find the best plan for you, you can do a google search for travel insurance comparison sites. Using one of those sites, you put in the parameters of what you want covered, and they will show you many different company's policies for you to read over and select the one that works the best for you.

Be aware, often, insurance companies will have a "must buy within (2 weeks/21 days/whatever) of original payment date" policy to cover pre-existing conditions.

 

[Geomom]

Disney insurance only covers anything purchased through Disney. We use 3rd party insurance to cover all portions of our trip--air/hotel/cruise. For pre-existing conditions, you need to buy that option in a policy, usually within 2-3 weeks of booking a cruise.

 

[allashore]

We bought the Disney Insurance for our first 4 Cruises. Here is what happened and why we now purchase on our own, elsewhere. This was over a year ago. we now buy travel insur for a year.

A relative was treating extended family to a cruise, 3 cabins, total of 9 people. 2 of them could not go for a covered reason. The relative who paid for everything including insurance got the 75% back, and 25% could be used for a future cruise by the 2 people who backed out. Relative thought she should get all $ back even if some was towards future cruise. Unfortunately the 2 never went on a Disney cruise and $ were lost, not allowed to transfer to another person.

Each person is insured, doesn't matter who pays.
Not sure what happens if someone passes away? I would ask, who gets the $ back, is it the estate?

 

[Kpitts17]

Thanks! This is helpful! I purchased it last year for our cruise in case of flight cancellations or hurricanes, but I didn't really look into it at all. Just want to be proactive with more variables for this upcoming cruise.

 

[lanejudy]

Also, I am traveling with my mom who is often ill. If we all get the insurance, would it cover any bills if she got sick at port or on ship?

I don’t think the insurance offered through DCL covers “pre-existing conditions.” I recommend looking for third-party coverage with that coverage in mind. As mentioned, you likely need to purchase within 2 weeks of initial deposit on the cruise.

I purchased it last year for our cruise in case of flight cancellations or hurricanes, but I didn't really look into it at all.

The insurance offered through DCL only covers portions of your trip purchased through DCL. If you book your flights separately, it would not be covered.

Third-party insurance offers more coverage usually for less cost. I recommend researching online, but then calling with specific questions before deciding which to purchase. Each can be slightly different. Reps are good about answering questions to get you the coverage that best suits your needs.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[wilyum]

generally what do credit cards usually cover you for? Cancellation insurance due to medical illness, inclement weather? Medical emergencies while actually on the trip? Also if you use the credit card to purchase Disney gift cards that you use to pay for the trip, would you still be covered by the card?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

generally what do credit cards usually cover you for? Cancellation insurance due to medical illness, inclement weather? Medical emergencies while actually on the trip? Also if you use the credit card to purchase Disney gift cards that you use to pay for the trip, would you still be covered by the card?

While some credit cards off some sort of travel insurance, each one is different. You'd have to check your particular credit card info for what coverage you may (or may not) have.

I wouldn't think, if you used your credit card to purchase a Disney Gift Card, and then used the Disney Gift Card to pay for your cruise, whatever (if any) coverage the initial credit card has wouldn't extend to the cruise.

 

[wilyum]

While some credit cards off some sort of travel insurance, each one is different. You'd have to check your particular credit card info for what coverage you may (or may not) have.

I wouldn't think, if you used your credit card to purchase a Disney Gift Card, and then used the Disney Gift Card to pay for your cruise, whatever (if any) coverage the initial credit card has wouldn't extend to the cruise.

Perhaps if I paid half with the credit card i would be covered, or maybe just the deposit?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Perhaps if I paid half with the credit card i would be covered, or maybe just the deposit?

Whatever is actually paid for with the credit card (directly) would have whatever coverage that card confers on purchases. That is, whatever amount is actually charged would be covered, but not the whole cruise cost.

 

[meliscan]

I used Disney insurance a few times but found I could get better coverage outside of Disney. As other posters have said it only covers things booked through Disney. I searched through Insuremytrip.com to compare policies. We had to make a claim last year for Hurricane Harvey and Irma and Allianz was our carrier. They were very quick with the payment. I would get insurance as soon as you are PIF. There is no reason to loose thousands over a few hundred dollars for insurance.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I searched through ************.com to compare policies.

That must be the one travel insurance comparison site that's not allowed to be linked here.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/filtered-cruise-insurance-link.3331750/

I use them a lot, also. But there are others.

 

[goofeypete]

For anyone looking to insure travel- there is some very good advice in the above posts.
A couple of things wife and I found out the hard way: We had to file a claim after missing out on the BI cruise last September 2nd. My wife had an accident after we arrived in London (a day before going to Dover to board the Magic). She required surgery and several days in the hospital. Very glad we had 3rd party insurance. The cost of the cruise was repaid. However, we learned even though insurance states it covers emergency medical, it turns out that's by reimbursement.
We had to pay the full bill for her surgery and 9 days in-patent charges before the carrier would consider the claim.
We are still waiting for the claim to be processed/paid. The other thing- keep ALL your records/receipts and document everything. The paperwork is very tedious and detailed.

 

[meliscan]

That must be the one travel insurance comparison site that's not allowed to be linked here.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/filtered-cruise-insurance-link.3331750/

I use them a lot, also. But there are others.

Thank you! Sorry about posting one that wasn't allowed.

 

[ChicosWife]

I requested the Disney insurance, but our cruise isn't until September. Can I cancel the insurance only?