Insurance help please

[gamecockinnc]

You would think after tons of cruise I wouldn't have to ask this but I do need advice.
I am cruising on the DCL Fantasy with my parents and 2 of my sons.
DCL insurance is usually 8% of the cruise so roughly $800.
My parents are in their early 70's and have had severe health issues in the last few years though are feeling up to this cruise therefore we are going while they are able to go and enjoy it.

We believe trip insurance is needed but should we go through a private insurance carrier. The cost is a lot cheaper and they seem to cover many things and at least everything DCL does.

Any advice would be great!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

You would think after tons of cruise I wouldn't have to ask this but I do need advice.
I am cruising on the DCL Fantasy with my parents and 2 of my sons.
DCL insurance is usually 8% of the cruise so roughly $800.
My parents are in their early 70's and have had severe health issues in the last few years though are feeling up to this cruise therefore we are going while they are able to go and enjoy it.

We believe trip insurance is needed but should we go through a private insurance carrier. The cost is a lot cheaper and they seem to cover many things and at least everything DCL does.

Any advice would be great!

Yes, use a 3rd party insurance. There are several travel insurance comparison sites, just google that and you'll find a couple of great ones.

As far as I know, DCL insurance doesn't cover pre-existing conditions. So, I wouldn't suggest getting that. But, unless you've booked your cruise fairly recently, some insurance companies won't cover pre-existing conditions, either, unless you purchase with a certain time period following initial payment on the cruise.

On the comparison sites, you'll enter the parameters of what you want covered, and they will show you several different insurance companies policies for you to choose from.

We've always used them.

 

[gamecockinnc]

I used several travel insurance comparison websites and found my parents could get insurance for around $350. DCL insurance is $422.

But I found I could really save some money. The Disney insurance for myself and my 2 sons is $369.

It must be aged based since my cabin is more than my parents.

I have found several polices that allow me to cover the boys under my plan since they are only 15 and 5. If that is the case then I would save over $200.00. Is this correct?

I'm not sure how this works since we are almost exactly at 90 days from when we cruise since we just booked today.

But I asked my TA to remove my trip insurance. I will let my parents decide to go with DCL or purchase their own but for myself and the boys the savings are great. They cover pre existing conditions 60 days before.

But what if one of the boys develops strep throat of a horrible ear infection?

Or if I come down with a strep throat and can't travel. Have is it handled then.

I will call the companies tomorrow but to ease my mind tonight.
__________________

 

[Dug720]

I used several travel insurance comparison websites and found my parents could get insurance for around $350. DCL insurance is $422.

But I found I could really save some money. The Disney insurance for myself and my 2 sons is $369.

It must be aged based since my cabin is more than my parents.

I have found several polices that allow me to cover the boys under my plan since they are only 15 and 5. If that is the case then I would save over $200.00. Is this correct?

I'm not sure how this works since we are almost exactly at 90 days from when we cruise since we just booked today.

But I asked my TA to remove my trip insurance. I will let my parents decide to go with DCL or purchase their own but for myself and the boys the savings are great. They cover pre existing conditions 60 days before.

But what if one of the boys develops strep throat of a horrible ear infection?

Or if I come down with a strep throat and can't travel. Have is it handled then.

I will call the companies tomorrow but to ease my mind tonight.
__________________

If you do not have insurance and are unable to cruise, you are up that famous tributary without means of locomotion. And out a lot of money.

 

[bumbershoot]

I used several travel insurance comparison websites and found my parents could get insurance for around $350. DCL insurance is $422.

But I found I could really save some money. The Disney insurance for myself and my 2 sons is $369.

It must be aged based since my cabin is more than my parents.

I have found several polices that allow me to cover the boys under my plan since they are only 15 and 5. If that is the case then I would save over $200.00. Is this correct?

I'm not sure how this works since we are almost exactly at 90 days from when we cruise since we just booked today.

But I asked my TA to remove my trip insurance. I will let my parents decide to go with DCL or purchase their own but for myself and the boys the savings are great. They cover pre existing conditions 60 days before.

But what if one of the boys develops strep throat of a horrible ear infection?

Or if I come down with a strep throat and can't travel. Have is it handled then.

I will call the companies tomorrow but to ease my mind tonight.
__________________

Are you talking about having trip insurance no matter what, or skipping it? I'm confused.

If you have travel insurance, if you can't travel for a covered reason, you are reimbursed. If you don't have travel insurance and you can't travel, you don't travel and you don't get money back at all.

 

[lanejudy]

It must be aged based since my cabin is more than my parents.

Your coverage is for 3 passengers, while your parents' policy is for 2 passengers; there are a variety of factors (including age) that can impact premium, and it varies by insurance policy. There are policies out there that will cover kids for free, or kids under a certain age. Shop around. The best policy for your parents may or may not be the best policy option for you and the kids, and since you have separate reservations you can easily get what each of you needs in separate policies. Be sure to ask your questions (strep throat, etc.) to make sure you are getting the coverage you want/need. And despite pre-existing conditions, be sure your parents are considered well enough for travel TODAY and can prove that if required.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[n2mm]

I always buy from the comparison website. There are some policies that you can buy one policy if the entire family lives in the same state, which is cheaper than buying two policies. There are certain issues regarding pre existing conditions and the timing of the cruise booking.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I will call the companies tomorrow but to ease my mind tonight.

I've always found the agent I talk to when I call to be very helpful. I mean the agent at the comparison site, not the specific insurance company. The one at the comparison site, can help you compare several policies and answer questions.

 

[Kaleea]

We bought from a separate website as well. The one we choose was kids insured for free. We NEEDED cruise insurance as I have two kids with preexisting conditions where something might come up and they might not be able to travel. One thing to pay attention to, is often preexisting conditions are only covered if purchased within x amount of days from trip plans being made. The insurance I got had to be purchased within 14 days of reservations being made.

 

[gamecockinnc]

No we will definately have insurance.

I'm trying to find out if the policy my TA currently has us signed up for has the waiver for pre existing conditions.
Apparently that is important. Especially for my parents.
I have reached out to 2 companies that several people have recommended and after the school run will go over the fine details of the policies they have emailed me.

It seems the my parents could get everything they need for around $350.00 and the two boys and myself for $175.00 but I need to go over the details.

Thank you taking the time to respond and help!!!

 

[gamecockinnc]

We bought from a separate website as well. The one we choose was kids insured for free. We NEEDED cruise insurance as I have two kids with preexisting conditions where something might come up and they might not be able to travel. One thing to pay attention to, is often preexisting conditions are only covered if purchased within x amount of days from trip plans being made. The insurance I got had to be purchased within 14 days of reservations being made.

That is called a preexisitng condition waiver correct? I'm trying to get up to speed on everything.

 

[gamecockinnc]

Your coverage is for 3 passengers, while your parents' policy is for 2 passengers; there are a variety of factors (including age) that can impact premium, and it varies by insurance policy. There are policies out there that will cover kids for free, or kids under a certain age. Shop around. The best policy for your parents may or may not be the best policy option for you and the kids, and since you have separate reservations you can easily get what each of you needs in separate policies. Be sure to ask your questions (strep throat, etc.) to make sure you are getting the coverage you want/need. And despite pre-existing conditions, be sure your parents are considered well enough for travel TODAY and can prove that if required.

Enjoy your cruise!

Yes that is what I am thinking the current insurance plan may be best for my parents but the 2 boys and I may be fine with a different plan.
But I still worry since my father paid for both cabins if we had to cancel say for my mother if having seperate plans would create an issue for the boys and I claim. The insurance reps I have spoken to said it wouldn't but that is bothering me.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Yes that is what I am thinking the current insurance plan may be best for my parents but the 2 boys and I may be fine with a different plan.
But I still worry since my father paid for both cabins if we had to cancel say for my mother if having seperate plans would create an issue for the boys and I claim. The insurance reps I have spoken to said it wouldn't but that is bothering me.

Trust your agent. They won't stay in business long if they lie to their customers.

I'd also be sure that there is medical/evacuation coverage in those insurance plans.

 

[gamecockinnc]

No we will definately have insurance.

I'm trying to find out if the policy my TA currently has us signed up for has the waiver for pre existing conditions.
Apparently that is important. Especially for my parents.
I have reached out to 2 companies that several people have recommended and after the school run will go over the fine details of the policies they have emailed me.

It seems the my parents could get everything they need for around

 

[Kaleea]

That is called a preexisitng condition waiver correct? I'm trying to get up to speed on everything.

Yep.

 

[lanejudy]

But I still worry since my father paid for both cabins if we had to cancel say for my mother if having seperate plans would create an issue for the boys and I claim. The insurance reps I have spoken to said it wouldn't but that is bothering me.

A very valid concern -- and the response could differ by policy. If the insurance agents you've spoken with have stated your policy would cover cancellation due to another person's medical needs, you should be fine. That "other" person may or may not be traveling with you, may or may not be living with you, etc. -- just be sure it's clear when asking the questions.

Good luck and enjoy your cruise!

 

[Steelers0854]

3 things to consider in this situation from my perspective.

1) it must cover pre existing conditions for your parents. I wouldn't even consider a policy that doesn't cover this. Check with your TA. They often have partnered with a third party insurer and often don't require payment for insurance until final payment of the cruise. But as others have said some require policy purchase within a certain timeframe of initial deposit.

2) Coverages for medical evacuation. Some policies have very low coverage amounts ($25,000). I personally would want to make sure it's atleast $100,000, ours is actually $1 million. Medivacs and air ambulances can get very expensive very quick. I would also look to see if it includes coverage for a traveling companion, especially for an elderly parent or kids you will want your travel expenses covered to be there with them.

3) it's important to know what coverages are primary and what are secondary coverages. Most coverages on most policies will be secondary. Which can result in longer delays in getting payments, it's good to know this going in.

A final thought. Take a credit card with a high available balance. Foreign countries can sometimes require payment up front. Remember even with insurance you will more than likely be reimbursed well after you return home and you will need some way to pay for the treatment until then.

Enjoy the cruise! It's great you're preparing for what could happen, but don't stress about it!

 

[bumbershoot]

it must cover pre existing conditions for your parents.

1. IF they have pre-existing conditions.

2. If a parent can't sail or has to leave due to a medical problem and the OP and her sons might want to curtain/change/cancel their trip because of that, THEY need to have the preexisting conditions clause waived as well, so that her parent's/parents' preexisting conditions are a covered reason for changing/cancelling for them, too.

 

[Steelers0854]

1. IF they have pre-existing conditions.

2. If a parent can't sail or has to leave due to a medical problem and the OP and her sons might want to curtain/change/cancel their trip because of that, THEY need to have the preexisting conditions clause waived as well, so that her parent's/parents' preexisting conditions are a covered reason for changing/cancelling for them, too.

The OP stated their parents were not in great health recently but are doing better. That would be a pre-existing condition.

Great point on number 2, often forget about the illness coverage including pre existing conditions for those other than yourself. Although I will admit it isn't clearly defined in most insurance documents that the pre existing clause covers other family members or traveling companions.