Which Do You Recommend Cruise Line Insurance or Independent?

I've always just taken the cruise line insurance but, am beginning to wonder if it's the best insurance out there. Which insurance do you recommend to your clients and why?

PS - this forum is a great idea and thanks to the TAs who answer our questions!

Hello!

My personal preference is 3rd party insurance, and of those my personal favorite for my own travel is AIG Travel Guard.

Ultimately when deciding on insurance, look at what the various policies cover:
- trip cancellation (what reasons are covered)
- trip interruption (again, what reasons are covered; also check if cruise line insurance covers airfare not booked through them)
- trip delays (ditto)
- medical (does it pay PRIMARY or SECONDARY? Secondary coverage means you have to file with your medical insurance, then file with the travel insurance after you medical insurance has denied (or only partially paid) the claim)
- are pre-existing conditions covered?
- terrorist attacks?
- bankruptcy of the supplier? (when you buy insurance though the cruise line, it won't cover you if the cruise line files bankruptcy)

And make sure you understand what is meant by COVERED REASONS. Being called up for military duty often isn't covered, but jury duty might be (go figure).

Also, if you're looking at a "cancel for any reason" policy, verify that they'll reimburse with a cash refund and not "credit" towards future travel.
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Susan Schaefer, MCC, DS, CSS
Ships 'N' Trips Travel & Kick Butt Vacations
email: susan@shipsntripstravel.com
toll free: (888) 221-1209

PAST: DCL Wonder 2003, 2004, 2006 (3x) // CCL Elation 2005 // DCL Magic 2005 // RCCL Monarch OTS 2005, 2007, 2008 // Star Princess 2007 // NCL Sun 2007 // RCCL Liberty OTS 2007 // RCCL Radiance OTS 2007 // Celebrity Solstice 2008 // RCCL Enchantment OTS 2008 // NEXT: QM2 2009 (2x) // RCCL Oasis OTS 2009, 2010

Welcome Shore Guy,

Talk about stupid, I can't believe I never connected your name with living on the shore even though I knew you were located in NJ. Not too bright of me. Again, welcome to you. I know you will have lots of valuable information to offer.

I don't have a favorite, but normally do not recommend the cruise line's insurance. Many plans are good, like anything else there isn't one that stands out. The most important thing is to make sure you understand what coverage you have.

Nita

The only benefit to taking the cruiseline insurance is if you think you'll need to cancel for a non-covered (medical) reason. I had a client that wasn't sure if they would be denied vacation at the last minute. Had they not taken the cruise line insurance they would have lost all of their money rather than just the 25%.
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Bob
Balboa Travel and Cruises
Toll Free- 800-359-8576
Email: bobd@balboa.com

Ship Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/user/rdeagazio

120 cruises and counting!

Next Up:

Vision of the Seas-- 12/23/07 and 12/30/07 B2B
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Monarch of the Seas-- 4/21/08
Brilliance of the Seas-- 6/22/08
Moanrch Farewell-- 10/10/08 and 10/13/08 -- B2B

Some 3rd party insurance policies might provide cancel-for-any-reason coverage as well:

I have always purchased our travel insurance through AIG as well. Children 17 and under are free on certain policies. This works out great for us, since we have three kids!

I've found that Carnival's Insurance was cheaper for my 80-something cruisers compared to several 3rd party insurance plans, however I usually recommend 3rd party plans.

Good question!
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Cathy Wooley
Travel Agent
cathy.luvcruising@gmail.com
luvcruising.com

There are a number of reasons to choose cruise line coverages whether it be rate or cancel for any reason coverage or no pre-existing coverage exclusions. Sometimes the reason is far simplier: Some people just like the seamlessness of it as it is one less thing to make a decision about. (That many times also applies to airfare which is invariably more expensive when purchased through the lines.)

Host Joined : 08 Apr 2008 Posts : 37 Location : NH

Personally, I too get the insurance for myself and family through a 3rd party.

I also recommend the same to my clients...

Dolores
Merry Meeting Travel
Dolores@MerryMeetingTravel.com

We do 3rd party insurance. If you book your air separately, it may not be covered under the line's insurance package.

Just make sure of "what all is covered" no matter which plan you use. Medical, air, lost luggage, etc AND under "what circumstances" it applies (medical emergency [yours or a relative], missed flight, etc).

Bibb

I usually recommend the AIG TravelGuard, especially if you are not using the cruise line air and pre/post cruise lodging. The more seasoned sailors (over 80), do well with the cruise lines as most 3rd party insurance rates are based on the traveler's age.
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Ric Rogers
Triangle Cruises
rogers@trianglecruises.com
800-784-4495
www.trianglecruises.com

A couple of the 3rd party insurance companies are offering kids under 18 free. For families, this can represent a significant cost savings.

I have been selling a lot of Travel Insured. I have found their prices to be a bit less expensive that Access America and they have had the kids free for a few months now. Just had a chat with my Access America rep this week and they will be offering kids free and a more liberal cancellation option coming out soon. Will have to find out more about that new option. Access America currently prices out less for the older clients but that may change with the intro of their new programs.

Mindy
My Vacation Lady
mindy@myvacationlady.com