Supplier coverage
- Supplier pays out, sometimes as travel credit rather than cash
- The coverage scope is narrower and often focused on the supplier’s booking only
- Often excludes medical or evacuation
Protect your investment
Travel insurance
No matter who you are, taking a cruise without travel insurance is a real risk.
A note from Amanda
I witnessed the potential cost of not having coverage first hand when one of the passengers on a cruise I was on had to be medically evacuated via helicopter.
This is an extreme case, but I’ve also seen a passenger who wasn’t in a cast on Day 1, walking around with crutches on Day 2 of a trip. The moral of these two stories is that the unexpected can and could happen to you, and the US domestic health insurance plan you have likely provides little to no coverage outside of the United States. And that’s just the medical side of things.
Please take a moment to learn a bit more about travel insurance and how you can proactively protect your travel investment and purchase some peace of mind.
Amanda
The basics
What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance protects against specific covered events including illness, injury, death in the family, trip delays, lost baggage, and more depending on the policy.
Who provides travel insurance?
Travel insurance can be purchased from the supplier (the cruise line) or through a third party insurance company.
Third party coverage
- Insurance company pays out, in cash
- The full trip is covered (all suppliers)
- Medical and evacuation are typically included
Coverage options
What travel insurance could cover?
Trip cancellation
Reimburses prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you have to cancel for a covered reason like illness, injury, or job loss. Not every reason qualifies.
Trip interruption
Covers costs incurred when something goes wrong and forces you to cut your trip short.
Medical coverage abroad
Most US domestic health insurance plans provide little to no coverage outside the United States. So, if you break an ankle on a cruise or need surgery in Mexico, you may be paying out of pocket for those costs without travel medical coverage.
Emergency evacuation
If you need to be medically evacuated from a remote location, foreign country, or off the ship, that has a heavy price tag. Emergency evacuation coverage pays for transport to the nearest adequate medical facility or back home.
Baggage and travel delay
A smaller benefit, but does cover lost, stolen, or damaged baggage. Also covers meals, overnight stays, and similar costs when a trip is delayed beyond a certain amount of time.
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR)
This is an upgrade available on many policies when purchased within a short window of the initial deposit. CFAR allows you to cancel for any reason and receive a partial reimbursement. It costs more than standard coverage, but is great if you are uncertain of your plans or what could happen between booking and boarding.
Annual plans
These offer coverage over multiple trips that occur during the coverage year. Annual plans are often a great fit for clients who travel two or more times a year.
When to buy
Timing is everything.
The earlier you purchase travel insurance, the more value that insurance provides.
- Pre-existing condition waivers require early purchase.
- Cancel for any reason (CFAR) upgrades to coverage must be purchased within a short window of the initial travel deposit.
- Purchasing early protects you against “known” events.
Know before you buy
Some exclusions to be aware of
Pre-existing conditions without a waiver (purchase early to qualify for that waiver)
Change of mind is not covered by standard travel insurance. That’s where CFAR can help.
Known event like a named hurricane or a specific travel warning
High-risk activities like extreme sports or high-altitude travel. You will need to upgrade for this type of travel.
Destinations under government advisory
Government shutdowns and supplier insolvency
Protect your trip
Ready to protect your travel investment and purchase some peace of mind?
I am happy to provide you a quote from one of the third party travel insurance companies I partner with.
Request a quoteAllianz Travel Insurance is one of the most recognized names in travel protection offering a wide range of plans including annual plans for frequent travelers.
Chubb Travel Protection is known for their robust coverage and reliable claims processing and is particularly strong for high value trips, luxury travel, and complex multi-destination itineraries.
Disclaimer: I am an Independent Travel Agent with Atlas Coast Travel Group, but am not a licensed insurance agent and do not provide insurance advice. For detailed policy information, coverage options, and exclusions, please contact the insurance provider directly. I am not able to sell policies to residents of Hawaii or New York.