When do you buy insurance?

[nisiemouse]

We just booked our first cruise for Dec 19, 2004 and I was wondering when most of you bought your insurance? I know they only cover preexisting conditions if you buy it 7 days or so after you book your cruise. I was thinking of waiting until closer to the 60 days out since we don't have any preexisting conditions at this point. Thanks.

 

[awatt]

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of buying insurance at time of booking.

I developed an illness about 3 weeks after booking,and due to complications could not take teh cruise 3 months later. Than goodness i took the insurance at booking.

I have also found shopping around is a good idea. The insurance offered by the cruise line may not be either the cheapest or teh best. There's considerable variation in rates and coverage.

 

[Doctor P]

Hey, old friend! I debated this same issue about a month ago. In my case, I decided to buy quickly because I had a major medical diagnosis within a couple of days of our booking (things are/will be OK, but I didn't want any chance of any issue related to a preexisting condition)--however, the real kicker was that if you bought within 14 days (I think) of booking, then Travel Guard also gave you "change your mind" coverage that would cover your penalties even if you just "changed your mind." For DW and I, the cost was less than half or what Disney wanted for similar/same coverage. BTW, this is the same company that provides the insurance through DVC and we bought that coverage (mainly for the medical evacuation insurance) when we cruised in July. Best wishes!

 

[mmouse37]

We have used Access America's Comprehensive Coverage a few times and it was much cheaper than using DCL's. www.accessamerica.com

MJ

 

[professorandmom]

perhaps I am missing something. If you book your cruise more than 60 days out and you cannot go (a diagnosis as happened to other posters) you can still get a full refund so why do you need insurance. I assumed that the pre-existing condition was for loved ones or yourself who might get worse and for cruises booked after 60 days.
It seems to me that if everyone is healthy at time of booking, one does not need to purchase insurance until the 60 day out mark.
Barbara

 

[Hygiene99]

Yes u do get a full refund up to the 60 day mark why do u need it before that ???????

We dont opt to buy trip insurance at all.....

 

[nisiemouse]

Doctor P: Thanks for your response. Sorry to hear of your new medical diagnosis. What type of plan did you choose with Travel Guard? I am also going to look at Access America. I guess you and Chris enjoyed your first cruise if you are already booked for another.

 

[pippy]

I went through acces america also. I was suprised on how inexpensive it was, and it covers more than just the cruise. There may be different kinds disney offers but I thought their insurance only covered the cruise, and reimbursed the difference if the price of the cruise went down. Anyways, my TA told me she didn't care what insurance I got but I need to purchase it within 14 days of booking, I could give the insurance co. all the little details later, like flight, hotel etc....

Congrats on your first cruise!!!

 

[Doctor P]

We bought Protect Assist coverage, I believe. Apparently that coverage does not include the change your mind provision, but we didn't feel it was worth it given the extra cost.