Many travelers do not realize firstly that most cruise bookings are fully non-refundable (in the event of the traveler not being able to make the trip) and secondly that their domestic medical insurance (HMO, medicare and many PPO plans) plans may not offer medical coverage while on a cruise. Cruise insurance could protect your cruise investment from a cancellation and cover for medical & evacuation expenses.
Please pay close attention to the following guidelines and Cruise insurance reviews:
• Understand the eligible reasons for trip cancellation and trip interruption (weather, hurricane, financial default, sickness, natural disaster, terrorism etc.)
• Understand the people whose risks are covered (some plans cover only the risks of the traveler while others include risks of traveler’s family)
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions or financial insolvency of the travel provider is possible when the plan is purchased within 10 days of initial trip deposit. Some plans permit 15 days and some other 21 days of the initial trip deposit; while some can cover these risks as long as you buy the plan before or within 24 hours of the final trip payment.
• Figure out if you are happy with the Evacuation being limited to the closest adequate medical facility at the scene of the incident; or if you need the option for being evacuated to a US hospital close to your residence.
• Know what activities (scuba diving, jet skiing etc) you are likely to engage in while you are on a cruising expedition; and make sure these activities are covered
• Know what risks are associated with traveling in the part (i.e. Iraq, Afghanistan or high risk areas) of the world.
• Check the policy carefully to be sure that your risks and activities are fully covered.