Do I really need travel insurance?

[wnissen]

I assume you have health insurance that kicks in our side of the US? Most don’t.

Depends on where you are going. The US is almost unique among developed countries in that you can easily bankrupt yourself with a few weeks in the hospital. Mexico, for instance, has much cheaper prices for care but you have to pay in advance, in that case getting medical insurance is probably a good idea.

And never, ever buy the cruise line or tour operator's coverage. Almost always the worst coverage for the most amount of money. The slight convenience gained when working with the on-ship doctor is minor.

 

[Steelers0854]

Unless you are independently wealthy and can self-insure for potentially over $100,000, then yes, you absolutely need travel insurance. My brother was recently on a trip with his in laws. One of them fell ill and was in the infirmary for 2 days on their way back to port. The bill was about $50,000, which they had to pay immediately and then get reimbursed through their travel insurance once they were home. Even if you are in perfect health, you never know when an accident will happen and evacuations can be tens of thousands of dollars. Im not rolling the dice on going bankrupt for $300, given how expensive these cruises are it’s basically a rounding error anyway lol.

 

[Cfabar1]

For us, the only part of the insurance that is necessary is the medical. I can self-insure against the loss of a 3 night cruise. I will be annoyed and said, but I'd rather have the $$s...

We will look into the BCBS medical for the future. I can't self insure presently against a majorly expensive airlift and international medical care. Thanks for the link!

 

[foolish-mortal]

It's the only vacation I do buy travel insurance for 100% of the time. It's not worth the potential risk of having a medical issue at sea or at a port. Very much worth it.

 

[VGCgroupie]

We've gotten good deals from GeoBlue (now called Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions.) They only sell medical (and evac) insurance and it's only valid for services outside of the United States. Pricing is based on traveler age and length of trip. High limits, no network restrictions; requires that you have medical coverage in the U.S. even if that coverage doesn't apply abroad. We've only had one small claim (which they paid promptly.)

So I was just reading the terms of the BCBS Global insurance and the terms say they will not cover evacuation from a ship or maritime vessel. I thought it would be perfect choice for our cruise. Below is what it says. Maybe I am reading the legalese wrong, but if you are using it for cruising I would get them to clarify.

General Limitations/ Exclusions for Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation after an Emergency Medical Evacuation Benefits
Medical Evacuations from a marine vessel, ship, or watercraft of any kind.

 

[princesscinderella]

I highly recommend an annual trip insurance policy if you travel regularly throughout the year. I have one through Allianz and it covers 6 of us for $1450 total for the year. I just renewed it and I have the premium plan with the highest $15k trip cancellation coverage. https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/find-a-plan/alltrips-premier.htm