Consider travel insurance for your cruise

[Jason]

Consider travel insurance for your cruise [/size]

Cruises are among the most popular romantic vacations for Americans. Couples account for more than 79 percent of all cruisers who typically go for six or more days, spending an average of $1,690, not including airfare, according to Cruise Lines International Association.

That sweetheart deal can turn sour, however, if couples do not research and prepare to make sure everything goes smoothly at sea. Travel insurance is a good way to avoid common travel problems, according to one expert.

“In the 16 years I’ve been cruising, I’ve seen many people fall ill and be taken off the ship in port or even evacuated at sea by helicopter,” said travel writer Anita Dunham-Potter. “All cruise vacationers should buy travel insurance.”

Be careful though. Some plans are better than others. Cruise lines usually sell insurance but it is often restrictive, only covering the cruise itself, not delays due to missed connections or additional expenses for flights, shore excursions, and accidents or illness that happen off of the ship.

Cruise lines can’t cover themselves, so if the cruise company goes out of business, travelers will lose their trip and their money. A thirdparty travel insurer can reimburse for the entire cost of the trip and offer a wide range of lifesaving and cost-effective benefits.

Travelers may consider plans with coverage for missed connections, flights and shore excursions, supplier default or bankruptcy, lost or delayed baggage, medical assistance and emergency evacuations.

The price of insurance ranges from 4 to 8 percent of trip cost, depending on the type of plan and the traveler’s age.

This story is provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.

[westernmom]

I was tempted not to insure our trip but then thought I should do it just because I always book so far out. Once I get the insurance it's like peace of mind for me. Having elderly parents we never know when we will have to deal with hospital stays or even worse.

A friend of mine has been planning a trip to Southern Cal to go to the Price is Right with her sisters and is supposed to leave tomorrow but her 8 year old nephew fell while skiing on New Years Day and has been in ICU since with a ruptured spleen. So they will not be going and are out the airfares, hotels, etc. He has had a good day today though so is getting better.

[cruisetarp]

We figure the cost of insurance in as part of the cost of the cruise. Our recent health scare with Heather (who will be on our next cruise with us) makes us realize we can't book a cruise without immediately booking the insurance also.

[JoeyandDavid]

I wrote a piece on Insurance a while back inspired by Hurricane Wilma two years ago.... Insurance is just a small part of the vacation price, but by all means a very important part.. maybe the most important part... especially if you need to file a claim!

[elva]

my first two cruises we did not get insurance but since then my dads health as gone down hill and now my aunt is starting to travel with me is also not in best of health we have started to buy insurance just on the off chance that something happens to either one of them. seems a small price to pay for piece of mind.

[JoeyandDavid]

For those that may be interested, there is a great website for insurance information and comparison of products.

It's Insure my trip, Keep in mind it is very important that the policy you buy, fits your vacation and circumstances.

Do your homework!

As with all matters read and understand before purchasing

[TheSkipper]

The older we get the more often we buy cruise insurance. Thank God, we have not needed it as yet. So, in more recent years we have booked insurance more often than not.

[jtutak]

What annoys me are people that don't buy insurance - then something happens, and they think that people should feel sorry for them because they don't have insurance.

[JoeyandDavid]

I totally agree...

[Peddler]

I never bought travel insurance until last year. I then read something about cancellations and medical and considered my situation. My Mom is 85 and if something happens to her prior to cruise, or if I have a situation with my health (I'm 61 with a pacer) then it would be good to have it. I since have booked two other cruises with insurance included. I guess you call it peace of mind.