OT - cruise insurance ?

[riu girl]

I am almost ready to book our first ever cruise through a US TA and have been quoted an insurance price twice as high from her compared to a Canadian insurance company (CARP). CARP requires payment 7 days or less after booking with TA. TA requires payment at time of final payment (I think about 2 or 2.5 months prior to sailing).

Can anyone please share with me how you handle cruise insurance (Cancellation, interruption, baggage) since I'm not sure what to do.

The total value of the cruise is only about 1300US. Perhaps I should not get any insurance?

Any info. would be really helpful for a first time cruiser!!!!
Thank you

 

[Wazzo]

I'd like to know too!!

 

[Ham Ham]

We used PC Financial.

It was more economical than the cruise line offered insurance,
also included medical & covered our flights down

 

[belle1627]

We booked through a US TA as well, with much success!!! We did not use their insurance we are using our credit card, it covers everything. We just called about our CC company and had them add it to the card. I will have to confirm with DH how much it was (will post later today), it was WAY cheaper though.

When are you cruising?? We go this Oct. and cannot wait. Check out the cruise meets, maybe you can chat with some fellow cruisers before you go!!

 

[calgarymom]

We plan to use PC financial for our upcoming cruise Jan 09 as it the same price to cover us for 2 weeks (since we are going one week earlier to go to WDW before cruise), as it is for 1 weeks (cruise only). Last year, we did the cruise only and it was our 1st time cruising so we just purchased ins. through DCL. I think insurance is very important. DH heard someone talk about their trip where one person got sick and had to be hospitalized. Their bill was over $40,000 as they forgot to buy insurance for the holidays!!!

 

[surfer_ed]

Credit card does not always cover everything...like if your flight is delayed/cancelled and you miss the boat.

Normally I do not get insurance, figure I can always re-book most things, even airfare.

Cruised 2x and used insurance both times (RBC). I had a claim one time when my wife got Norwalk, they refunded me 1 days worth of the cruise since she was not allowed to leave the cabin. Something to do with CDC in the USA.

 

[FantasticFour]

Hi there:
First of all-- what a great price for a DCL cruise. Wow.
Second-- check a few things before you commit to insurance. Not all cover missing cruise or airlifts from the cruise ship if, god forbid, something happens. PC Insurance was pretty economical. I have good health coverage for out of country through work, but having known someone who needed US treatment and almost went broke even though they had some coverage, I play it safe.....

 

[phabric]

We have cruised 9x and ALWAYS take insurance. We have used RBC which my TA recommends. She doesn't recommend taking the cruiseline's US insurance. We have taken full coverage that includes medical and other times taken the non medical coverage. If you have private medical insurance always check to see what you will be covered for. There is usually a few dollars difference between the two coverages so I will take the full coverage to make sure I am fully covered for everything..

Coverage will cover lost luggage, missed ship, flight delays, and cancellation even after final payment.

My husband was layed off before our last cruise and we were totalled refunded with RBC. I have heard one person had a heart attack on the ship and cost $4,000 for 1 1/2 days in ship's medical center before before going to hospital in port. Also if any medical emergency that has to be airlifted on the ship could be more that $20,000+. Co-worker slipped on a ship and was on crutches for the trip. Another time we had planned on staying a extra day after our cruise, once the ship had reached Ft Lauderdale, we were informed my mother was on her deathbed and we had to return to Canada early. All my expensives were covered.

I have heard people say, I am healthy, I am not going to miss my flight/ ship, I can cancel up until final payment, and I will take my chance with out insurance. You NEVER know when you will need insurance. It's always better to be prepared.

For my trip to Disney World I am trying President's Choice Insurance.

 

[neonurse]

I agree. You never know!!! Did you know that you can get travel insurance for a year through RBC?? I live close to the boarder and like to hop over to the states shopping for an afternoon and now if something should happen over there I am covered. Just wanted to pass that on. Its not that much more $$ for those of us that border hop.

 

[minnie56]

She is likely quoting the Cruiseline Insurance which has limitations-exemptions that do NOT cover Canadian's!

Yes, you absolutely should purchase Insurance. Trip Interruption/Cancellation and Medical if you don't have. Try RBC..they are most often the best bet.

Hopefully, you have purchased through a well known US TA as you have none of the protection offered by TICO that governs and protects Canadian Agencies.

THere are a scary amount of 'fly by night' agencies and Internet sites Sth of the Border!

 

[Mickey1Fan]

I just booked my cruise and I am insured with RBC. I have the deluxe package. It covers medical, more than I have from work, interruption, baggage, etc.

Make sure you get coverage from the day you walk out your front door until the day you return. Be aware of overnight return flights.

 

[minnie56]

I just booked my cruise and I am insured with RBC. I have the deluxe package. It covers medical, more than I have from work, interruption, baggage, etc.

Make sure you get coverage from the day you walk out your front door until the day you return. Be aware of overnight return flights.

EXACTLY!

Door to Door coverage!