Trip Insurance

[Newbie123]

Hello! We are getting ready to book our first disney cruise for 2017, and I am looking at different options for trip insurance. I hope this is ok to ask about here - Disney insurance vs. outside insurance? The wording of all of the policies is really overwhelming to try to interpret. Any specific suggestions in terms of outside companies to research and what exactly to look for in terms of coverage? Thanks so much!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hello! We are getting ready to book our first disney cruise for 2017, and I am looking at different options for trip insurance. I hope this is ok to ask about here - Disney insurance vs. outside insurance? The wording of all of the policies is really overwhelming to try to interpret. Any specific suggestions in terms of outside companies to research and what exactly to look for in terms of coverage? Thanks so much!

It's generally a better idea to purchase 3rd party insurance, instead of the insurance plan offered by the cruise line( any cruise line). Often it costs less and you get more/better coverage.

You can google "travel insurance comparison site" and you'll find several places that are very helpful in figuring out the insurance.

Basically, you put in the parameters of what you want covered, and they will show you various policies from several different companies that you can compare side by side. If that's still too overwhelming, call them. I've found them extremely helpful on the phone.

As a starter, I'd suggest medical/evacuation coverage, as most US health plans do not cover out of country (and that's where you are, once you step onboard the ship - out of country).

 

[Newbie123]

It's generally a better idea to purchase 3rd party insurance, instead of the insurance plan offered by the cruise line( any cruise line). Often it costs less and you get more/better coverage.

You can google "travel insurance comparison site" and you'll find several places that are very helpful in figuring out the insurance.

Basically, you put in the parameters of what you want covered, and they will show you various policies from several different companies that you can compare side by side. If that's still too overwhelming, call them. I've found them extremely helpful on the phone.

As a starter, I'd suggest medical/evacuation coverage, as most US health plans do not cover out of country (and that's where you are, once you step onboard the ship - out of country).

Thank you! I kinda got the feeling when looking over it that it would be better to go a 3rd party route over direct from disney. The only part that concerned me was how the disney insurance stressed the whole "cancel for any reason" thing, it made me think maybe that was exclusive to them. Not that I intend to cancel, but you just never know...

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Thank you! I kinda got the feeling when looking over it that it would be better to go a 3rd party route over direct from disney. The only part that concerned me was how the disney insurance stressed the whole "cancel for any reason" thing, it made me think maybe that was exclusive to them. Not that I intend to cancel, but you just never know...

Cancel for any reason insurance is available from many insurers.

 

[turtle27]

You will pay more for cancel for any reason, just be sure to purchase the insurance within the 14 or 21 most companies require to have any pre existing conditions covered. You can also purchase individual riders on some insurance (I purchase one, if it is not covered, for work-related cancellations). Shop around and find what works best for you.

 

[RedSox68]

I use the site insure my trip .com -- have for years. You can compare up to four policies side by side. It allows you to pick and choose your coverage and then decide on which one is in your budgetary range. Be aware that if you don't buy the insurance within 10-14 days of booking, then pre-existing conditions may not be covered.

 

[Starwind]

I use the site insure my trip .com -- have for years. You can compare up to four policies side by side. It allows you to pick and choose your coverage and then decide on which one is in your budgetary range. Be aware that if you don't buy the insurance within 10-14 days of booking, then pre-existing conditions may not be covered.

Does anyone know:

If we do an OBB of a placeholder, and then say 6 months later change the placeholder to an actualy specific cruise some time in the future...

When does that 10-21 day "clock" start to have pre-existing conditions included > Is it when we do the placeholder (which is just a $250 deposit/fee with no specific cruise tied to it) or is it when we actually book the real specific cruise ?

Thanks !
SW

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Does anyone know:

If we do an OBB of a placeholder, and then say 6 months later change the placeholder to an actualy specific cruise some time in the future...

When does that 10-21 day "clock" start to have pre-existing conditions included > Is it when we do the placeholder (which is just a $250 deposit/fee with no specific cruise tied to it) or is it when we actually book the real specific cruise ?

Thanks !
SW

Typically the clock starts when the first payment is made. So it could be when you booked the placeholder. Although, I believe I read that someone asked the insurance rep (on one of those comparison sites) who said it starts when you select a specific date, as there's no way of knowing the final cost (to be included in the policy application) until that time.

You need to actually call and talk to a real person and ask this question for confirmation, as it may vary by policy.

 

[Starwind]

Typically the clock starts when the first payment is made. So it could be when you booked the placeholder. Although, I believe I read that someone asked the insurance rep (on one of those comparison sites) who said it starts when you select a specific date, as there's no way of knowing the final cost (to be included in the policy application) until that time.

You need to actually call and talk to a real person and ask this question for confirmation, as it may vary by policy.

Thank you !

 

[RedSox68]

Typically the clock starts when the first payment is made. So it could be when you booked the placeholder. Although, I believe I read that someone asked the insurance rep (on one of those comparison sites) who said it starts when you select a specific date, as there's no way of knowing the final cost (to be included in the policy application) until that time.

You need to actually call and talk to a real person and ask this question for confirmation, as it may vary by policy.

I agree -- call and ask. I had been told way back when we first bought travel insurance that it started with the day you put the deposit, no matter how many times you move it -- but it may have changed. We booked a Med cruise and moved it twice, but the insurance had to refer back to the first day we booked it. ALSO, when you call, check because I think you can only move it once with the insurance. Ask how many times you can move the insurance because that could also be an issue.