In great big broad general terms, travel insurance, as it applies to cruise travelers, covers two unfortunate events: cancellation for a covered reason and medical expenses incurred while traveling. Some travelers skip it, playing the odds that they will not ever need travel protection and for good reason: most travelers don’t. Still, taking a fresh new look at the optional travel expense, we find new reasons to buy travel insurance.
There Will Soon Be 42 Billion People On The Planet
The majority of cruise vacations sail off without issues; everyone gets to the ship on time, there are no injuries while sailing and they make it home unbroken. Still, the same can be said of driving a car, renting an apartment or owning a home. We do have and eventually use that sort of insurance for one reason or another. Nothing new there. The issue, for the odds players, then becomes a matter of frequency. Driving a car back and forth to work every day provides many more opportunities to use insurance protection than once-a-year cruise vacations. Here is where we have new reason to revisit the issue of travel insurance: we cruise more often now than ever before. Maybe 42 billion is a stretch but you get the point.
If Not Full Coverage, Just Medical Is A No Brainer
I rolled the dice, cruise after cruise, electing to skip the recommended travel protection offered by cruise lines and independent third-party companies. I was one of those people who believed ‘I saved enough money on travel insurance to pay for a cruise over the years’ and had no use for it. Traveling frequently though, I bought an annual policy, just to be safe. My thought was ‘I’m going on the cruise no matter what, so cancellation coverage is irrelevant to me’. Still, accidents happen so for a fraction of full coverage I had medical coverage for a year. Oh my, am I sure glad I did too. The result of squishing my thumb in between the metal door frame and the metal door when the ship listed one way then back in the other direction: $7600.
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More Ships + More People = Good Reason To Consider Travel Protection
On a tour, at a beach or just walking off your ship, more people bring more opportunities for accidents and emergencies. I’d like a show of hands now: Who has been convinced that they have new reasons to buy travel insurance?
Hmm, as I thought: about the same. It’s not an immediate need so no need to be concerned? Wrong, especially if sailing to some of the most coveted destinations on the planet.
Your Cuba Cruise Is Not Covered By Any Other Insurance
If you happen to be one of the many cruise excited to visit the new Caribbean island of Cuba, dial that happiness back just a tiny bit. Odds are high that your American health care program won’t cover any medical needs in Cuba. Cruise lines even go so far as to check with the Cuban consulate to be sure prescription medication will be allowed into the country.
The Not So Sad Ending To The Sad Story
At the end of the day, no matter how I write this, travel insurance is not a happy topic to chat about. Something bad happened or it would not have been needed. My best advice: check with other sources first to be sure you are not already covered. Calling the number on the back of a credit card and asking ‘If I use your card to buy travel, do you include any travel protection. Many do.
Also, check with your personal insurance agent; the person who might handle your auto, home, health or life insurance. That trusted source might have some ideas for you that will bring smooth sailing if trouble happens along the way and not leave you in the position of deciding “Hmm, travel protection or the tour I have always dreamed of?”
Chris Owen shares frank, inside information about cruise vacations on ChrisCruises.com.
FAQs
The short answer is: It's not too late! You absolutely can buy travel insurance after booking your trip. However, it's always best to purchase insurance as early in the process as possible.
How long do I have to purchase cancel for any reason travel insurance? ›
Time limit to purchase: Typically, a policy must be purchased within 10-21 days of making the initial trip payment to be eligible for CFAR benefits.
Is it too late to add travel insurance? ›
The good news is that you can buy travel insurance at any point–even if you already started your trip. However, you might not get all the coverage you were hoping for. Your coverage options become more and more limited the longer you wait. The price typically stays the same no matter when you buy travel protection.
Can I buy trip cancellation insurance after booking? ›
Generally, you can purchase trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance after you book your trip. However, you cannot purchase the insurance after you depart for your trip. Please check with your insurer for exact details.
Does travel insurance get more expensive closer to the trip? ›
Unlike other aspects of your travel experience like airfares or hotel-room rates, the price of travel insurance doesn't increase the closer you get to your travel date. There's no financial penalty if you wait to buy travel insurance (except for those bonus coverages, of course).
When to buy travel insurance for a trip? ›
It's smart to buy travel insurance immediately after booking for two reasons. One: You won't forget! Far too many travelers postpone buying travel insurance and then realize, too late, that they forgot to buy it at all. And two: The earlier you buy insurance, the bigger your coverage window.
Is travel insurance better than free cancellation? ›
Travel protection focuses primarily on trip cancellation and gives limited protection for unforeseen circ*mstances that may cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip. Travel insurance supplies broader coverage, protecting against a wider range of possible financial losses during your travels.
Is cancel for any reason travel insurance expensive? ›
Depending on the plan, adding CFAR to a comprehensive travel insurance policy — which typically costs 4% to 10% of your trip costs — can add another 40% to 60% of the base policy cost, said Megan Walch, product manager at InsureMyTrip.
Does travel insurance cover change of mind cancellation? ›
Travel insurance isn't designed to cover everything – some things we do not cover include: If you change your mind about going. Any unused pre-paid transport if we've had to repatriate you the same or greater distance.
Can you buy travel insurance in the middle of a trip? ›
The short answer is: Yes, you can. However, timing is everything when it comes to buying travel insurance — and some options won't be available if you wait too long.
Allianz is a popular choice among business travelers due to its AllTrips Executive travel insurance policy with coverage for lost, stolen or damaged business equipment and rental car insurance. Earning 4.1 out of 5 stars, our expert reviewers think Allianz is a great choice for international travel insurance.
What qualifies as trip cancellation? ›
Trip cancellation insurance provides prepaid, nonrefundable reimbursem*nt for trip expenses if you must cancel a trip due to an unforeseen circ*mstance such as illness, injury, or the death of the traveler or a loved one.
What is the difference between trip cancellation and trip insurance? ›
In short, trip cancellation coverage provides coverage for the money you would lose, while trip interruption coverage provides payment for the additional money for covered reasons you would have to spend to return home or resume your trip.
What type of cancellation does travel insurance cover? ›
Trip Cancellation Insurance will reimburse you for the amount of pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses (e.g. airline, cruise, train, hotel, etc.) that you have insured, should you cancel your trip before departure for an unforeseen covered reason.
Can I get travel insurance if I've already Travelled? ›
But be aware that if something has already gone wrong – your baggage has been stolen or you've had medical treatment, for example – you won't be covered. Your insurance is for unforeseen events that haven't yet happened. Although you can buy travel insurance after your trip has started, it's not ideal.
When should I buy travel insurance for a cruise? ›
It's the best time to buy cruise insurance – as soon as you make your initial trip deposit, while it's still fresh in your mind.
Can you add insurance to a flight? ›
Airline companies: When you book your flight, your airline will usually offer you the option to insure your flight for an additional cost.
Can you add insurance to a Delta flight after booking? ›
It can be purchased in conjunction with a Delta flight, either at the time of booking or as an add-on for existing reservations. What insurance does Delta Air Lines use? Delta travel insurance plans are underwritten by BCS Insurance Company or Jefferson Insurance Company, depending on the state you live in.
