Stolen Passports In Porto
I was having an incredible time exploring the Portuguese city of Porto, and was returning to my 3-star hotel to change and get ready for one final night out on the town. To my shock, my room had been relieved of many items while I was sightseeing, including a hidden pouch with passports needed to board tomorrows return flight.
Luckily, my travel insurance included coverage for emergency document replacement which is extremely expensive otherwise. My girlfriend and I were able to get emergency replacement passports and board our flight back home while saving over $400.
When Is Travel Insurance Not Necessary
Travel insurance primarily covers two aspects of your trip your reservations and your medical expenses while traveling.
If all of your reservations can be canceled without penalty, then trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage isnt necessary. But even if your trip isnt 100% refundable, insurance may not be necessary. For example, a cheap flight and hotel stay may not be worth covering, though you may still want to purchase travel insurance for medical situations.
Medical coverage typically is not necessary if you have a U.S.-based health insurance policy and you’re traveling within the U.S. In those cases, you probably already have adequate coverage for illness or injury.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Coronavirus
In most cases, no. Many travel insurance policies specifically exclude claims related to coronavirus. However, some insurers are making exceptions for policies already in effect. For example, Allianz will cover medical expenses for existing policyholders who get sick with COVID while on a trip. Additionally, they will cover trip cancellation or interruption if you get sick with COVID before or during a trip. But if you havent purchased travel insurance yet, the policy youre considering probably wont cover you for COVID.
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Are You Pregnant Or Could You Become Pregnant Before Traveling
Different cruise lines have different guidelines for pregnant women who wish to travel, and if you or your traveling companion were to get pregnant before the cruise, there may be additional medical considerations or complications that could impact the cruise. The proper cruise insurance policy could ensure that you have sufficient coverage to protect your travel without risking your pregnancy.
Will You Need A Medical Certificate
We very rarely ask for a medical certificate. We rely on you answering the medical questions accurately we do not cover claims for any existing medical problem which you have not told us about.
Based on Trustpilot reviews of all companies in the Travel Insurance Company category that have over 25,000 reviews as of May 2021.
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What Insurance Should You Get For A Cruise
Its often a good idea to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance plan before any type of international travel, including a cruise. A solid travel insurance plan will financially protect you for a wide variety of travel problems:
If you need to cancel your trip for a reason covered by the policy, like injuring yourself right before the trip, youll want trip cancellation coverage. Also, if weather or an airline delay make you late for your cruise or if you need to cut your trip short due to a family emergency at home, both trip delay and trip interruption insurance will prove very valuable.
Baggage loss benefits can help if your luggage doesnt make it on board your ship or if your personal belongings are stolen.
Travel medical insurance may be the most important coverage in light of the Covid pandemic. Plans that include Covid coverage can reimburse you if you contract the virus before the trip and have to cancel, or if you become sick during the trip.
Medical evacuation coverage can pay to transport you to the nearest adequate medical facility for your condition, whether its illness or injury.
This coverage is essential if your U.S.-based health plan has limited medical coverage outside the U.S. And Medicare doesnt apply to health care outside the U.S. except in very limited cases.
Cruise Travel Insurance Most Ideal For The Following Kinds Of Travelers
- Travelers on an expensive cruise who must have waited and saved for years to enjoy the trip. So, its important for them to protect their financial investment. Make sure that you purchase adequate travel insurance coverage for the same.
- Newlyweds who choose a cruise trip for their honeymoon definitely dont need the distraction or complications of running around solve travel problems on this important trip. Missing a flight connection can cause you to miss your ship and consequently having to shell out additional cash which was totally unplanned for. A comprehensive cruise insurance offers just the right protection.
- Families, especially the ones travelling with children need to be extra protected when taking a cruise holiday. Hence, they need this insurance policy, probably more than anyone else. Just as you plan for emergencies and accidents at home, you have to be equally prepared for the same on your trip. Your child could get sick before the trip, which can lead to a cancellation, they could be hurt or injured or be afflicted with sea sickness while on board, in addition to any number of accidents.
- Seniors citizens on a cruise must buy a comprehensive insurance policy as medical emergencies can happen while on the trip. More than a health insurance policy, a good cruise insurance policy is ideal in this case.
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Is Travel Insurance Worth It
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Travel can be expensive. Insurance protects your vacation investment if the unexpected occurs. But is travel insurance worth it? The answer will depend on whether your trip is refundable, where youre going, whether youll have health coverage at your destination and how much coverage you already get from your credit card. Here are some key topics to understand when deciding if travel insurance is right for you.
Hurricanes And Other Bad Weather
Cruise ships are obviously especially vulnerable to the effects of hurricanes or other severe weather. While most comprehensive travel insurance plans will not offer coverage if your cruise departs as scheduled, the plan may cover you if the cruise is canceled or cut short. Trip cancellation coverage can help to recoup any costs that the cruise company will not reimburse. Some plans written for cruises do have coverage for itinerary changes or excursion cancellation due to weather conditions. There are also important travel insurance benefits available that are related to bad weather that causes damage to your home and renders it uninhabitable, such as trip interruption coverage.
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How To Be A Better Prepared Cruise Voyager
Here are other tips for cruise passengers from Schreier at April Travel Protection:
- Check the expiration dates on your passports and be aware of possible travel insurance requirements in other countries well before you leave.
- Get an international plan from your cell phone/data provider for the time youll be away. The cost for calls and data through the cruise lines are exorbitant, and this will allow you to operate freely when in ports, says Schreier.
- Make sure youre up to speed on the entry requirements for the countries youll be visiting. This often includes vaccinations or inoculations required for certain places. You wont be allowed off the ship if you dont meet the countrys requirements, or in some cases you wont be allowed on the ship if youre missing certain requirements.
- Leave the water bottles that arent filled with water at home. Most cruise lines are aware of this trick and will confiscate your liquid if its flammable, says Schreier.
Medical Expense: 13% Of Claims
If you get sick, hurt, or die while on your Disney Cruise, there can be a bevy of hefty costs. Here are just a few:
Hospitalization
Spending any amount of time in the hospital is expensive
Evacuation
If you get hurt in a remote spot, you’ll need to be transported to a hospital
Return of Remains
Care for the deceased after unexpected death
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If I Get Sick With Covid
It may. Some travel insurance plans do offer emergency medical benefits in the event a traveler gets ill during a trip and must visit a doctor or hospital.
InsureMyTrips new recommendation tool simplifies the search for travel insurance plans that may offer coverage for COVID-19 related issues. This new tool guides travelers towards plans best suited to guard against COVID-19-related travel concerns as part of the quote process.
Medical plans and coverage to consider include:
Travelers with specific questions about coverage should contact our Customer Care team at 800-487-4722 for assistance in finding the right coverage for their unique travel plans.
Read Allclear Trustpilot Reviews
* Based on Trustpilot reviews of all companies in the Travel Insurance Company category that have over 500 reviews in the last 12 months as of December 2019.
** *100% is based on non-assistance claims approved for payment during January 2019 to January 2020 on AllClear branded policies only. 5 working day window commences when insurers have received all relevant information and documentation to confirm claims cover.
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How Does Cruise Insurance Cover Covid
Coverages for COVID-19 related travel concerns vary by policy and provider, so travelers are encouraged to use our new COVID-19 recommendation tool. This tool is now part of the quote process and can be selected to help guide you to the plans best suited for these concerns.
Generally speaking, comprehensive coverage may apply in the following unforeseen scenarios:
- Emergency Medical Coverage
- Trip Interruption
- Cancel For Any Reason
Over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, many traditional travel insurance companies have expanded or adapted their existing coverage for travelers. In addition to the coverages above, examples of these may include:
- Reimbursement for covered medical treatment during a trip due to a COVID-19 illness
- Get sick with COVID-19 and must cancel a trip by physicians order
- Physician orders a quarantine before trip
- Lost a job during the coronavirus pandemic by no-fault of your own
For travelers concerned with cancellation, Cancel For Any Reason offers the most trip cancellation flexibility and is the only option available to cover fear of travel. CFAR is an optional, time-sensitive benefit with eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify. Full terms of coverage will be listed in state-specific policy. If eligibility requirements are met, reimbursement is up to 50%-75% of the insured pre-paid non-refundable trip cost.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover For Covid
For those purchasing travel insurance for future travel, benefits included in comprehensive coverage may apply in the following unforeseen scenarios:
- Emergency Medical Coverage
- Trip Interruption
- Cancel For Any Reason
Over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, many traditional travel insurance companies have expanded or adapted their existing coverage for travelers. In addition to the coverages above, examples of these may include:
- Reimbursement for covered medical treatment during a trip due to a COVID-19 illness
- Get sick with COVID-19 and must cancel a trip by physicians order
- Physician orders a quarantine before trip
- Lost a job during the coronavirus pandemic by no-fault of your own
For travelers concerned with cancellation, Cancel For Any Reason offers the most trip cancellation flexibility and is the only option available to cover fear of travel. CFAR is an optional, time-sensitive benefit with eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify. Full terms of coverage will be listed in state-specific policy. If eligibility requirements are met, reimbursement is up to 50%-70%of the insured pre-paid non-refundable trip cost.
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My Trip Was Canceled By My Travel Supplier Can My Travel Insurance Be Refunded
Unfortunately, travel insurance is non-refundable after the review period listed on the policy . In typical situations, however, many insurance providers will offer to transfer your policy to a future trip. You can use this Policy Change Request Form to request a transfer of your policy.
As the COVID-19 situation is continuing to evolve, some travel insurance companies are considering refunds for customers who can prove that their trip was canceled by their travel supplier. If your trip was canceled by your travel supplier, you can use this Cancellation/Refund Request Form to request a refund of your premium. Our Customer Care team will then reach out to your provider to see if they will allow it.
Cruise Insurance For Health And Safety
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cruise trips pose potential health hazards and staying informed and prepared for those dangers can help travelers fully enjoy their vacations. Cruisers might encounter viral illnesses or seasickness, and respiratory illnesses are reportedly common aboard cruise ships. Chronic conditions could also unexpectedly worsen as a result of cruise-related stressors such as changes in diet or climate variations.
Cruise travel insurance can offer a unique global solution if your health insurance provider doesnt extend coverage outside of the United States. Note that Medicare, in particular, may not provide coverage internationally. If an insured experiences a sickness or injury on their trip they can utilize their cruise travel insurance plan to seek reimbursement for otherwise potentially burdensome medical expenses.
Many cruise insurance plans can also help in the event of a medical emergency. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, medical evacuations by air ambulance can cost $50,000-$100,000 and must be paid in advance by travelers who dont have insurance. Such travel insurance plans, like those offered by Generali Global Assistance, provide travelers with access to a 24/7 international emergency hotline and coverage for emergency medical evacuations.
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Meet Our Travel Insurance Expert Stephen Zeller
As the General Manager of General Insurance, Stephen Zeller is our resident expert in travel insurance. He believes in educating customers so they can make the most of their cruises without worrying about mishaps and financial losses. Whether your cruise is a few days or a few months long, Stephens expertise in insurance is top tier.
Stephen has over 30 years of experience in financial services and hes also an allied member of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance . Stephen is passionate about helping customers prepare for their trip.
When Is Travel Insurance Worth It
There are two situations in which travel insurance can be worthwhile: to protect your trip and to protect your health.
If you prepaid for your trip and cannot cancel without penalty, travel insurance is probably a good idea. If your trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason, this protection will cover your reservations.
If you’re planning to travel to a destination that could have weather-related issues, like hurricanes in the Caribbean, travel insurance may protect your noncancelable reservations. Some policies also provide emergency evacuation to escape dangerous situations. However, if you try to purchase travel insurance after the storm poses a risk, the insurance probably will not protect you.
U.S.-based health insurance policies generally offer coverage anywhere within the U.S. But if you get sick or hurt when you travel internationally, some policies like Medicare may not cover you.
Even if your health insurance covers you outside the country, doctors at your destination may not accept it. Without travel insurance, you could be stuck paying for these bills out of pocket, then seeking reimbursement from your healthcare provider.
If you already have some travel insurance protections from your credit card, consider purchasing a standalone travel medical insurance policy to protect you in case of medical emergencies on your trip.
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Should You Take Your Ehic Or Ghic On A Cruise
Ehic and Ghics are free medical card, which can be used throughout the EU . Both entitles you to treatment in state hospitals at the same price as residents of the country you’re visiting.
If you have an Ehic already, it will still be valid until it reaches its expiry date. But now that the UK has left the EU the Ehic has been replaced by the Ghic, which is almost identical but isn’t valid in any non-EU countries.
It’s advisable that you take your Ehic or Ghic with you if your itinerary includes stops in any EU countries, as it could allow you to access state healthcare.
Medical facilities onboard a cruise are usually operated by private, non-state funded, healthcare companies. As a result, your Ehic or Ghic is unlikely to be accepted as a way of getting medical treatment.
You can find out more about how this work in our guide to the Ehic and Ghic.
Should I Buy Cruise Insurance Complete Guide To Coverage
A step-by-step guide to cruise insurance, what it covers, and if you need it.
Note: Cruzely.com nor the author is an insurance professional. Be sure to review any policy and ask your insurance company any questions you might have.
We are an affiliate of InsureMyTrip, linked below. We receive a small commission if you buy travel insurance through the links included in this article, at no cost to you.
Most people dont like to think about the bad things that can happen when you are on vacation. But the truth is that accidents, cancellations, theft and other mishaps can occur, even while youre on your dream trip. For example:
- You get sick after eating the local food, leading to two days in the hospital.
- You get pickpocketed in a crowded market, and the thief takes your passport.
- You miss a connecting flight, meaning you have to unexpectedly pay full price for a hotel room.
The list is endless of what could happen. But they all share one major theme. They can ruin your vacation and potentially cost you hundreds if not thousands of dollars. These mishaps can be compounded when you are on a cruise. With a cruise ships tight schedule, any delays could cause you to miss the boat. Of course, that means having to purchase lodging, transportation, meals, and more while you try to make arrangements to get back home or catch up with the ship.
To decide if its the right choice for you, weve researched all the ins and outs of cruise insurance to help you out.
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