If you're on a cruise this summer, you'll probably think you're sorting everything out. But experts say there is one simple mistake people make and you can remove it from your pocket. Clément Goubon, Chief Marketing Officer at Insurancete, says travel insurance can make people trip.
He said: “One of the most common mistakes we see is to assume that cruise cover is included in standard travel insurance. Usually not.” There are multiple things that can cause problems with cruises. One of the most commonly overlooked scenarios is that you lack your departure.
Travelers may assume that they are missing out on port departures are covered by standard travel insurance, but they are not usually covered unless expressly stated as a warranty.
For travelers booking fly cruise packages and independent excursions, a 15-minute delay could mean returning to the port. Keeping up with a ship in other countries often involves last-minute flights and an overnight stay.
Another common oversight is illness. Passengers get sick, need to stay in the cabin, miss out on action. If the ship's medical team is required to be quarantined in the cabin, they could lose on multiple days of their vacation.
Your insurance is not given to cover you for cabin confinement, and travel insurance requires you to file a claim in a specific way. If you do not follow the steps closely, the event may not be covered.
“Travelers have only looked at the port due to illness, missed events on board, or just to know that none of them are covered,” Clement said.
If you are sick enough to require medical evacuation, that is another huge cost that may not be covered by insurance. Clement said:
“Without the specific coverage of medical evacuation at sea, we could face enormous out-of-pocket costs.”
Travelers should ensure that their policies include repatriation, particularly if conditions prevent commercial flights and if certain standards are hindered, such as whether or not repatriation at sea is covered.
If you are traveling, check and double check your travel insurance to avoid any troublesome surprises.
Clement said:
“If you spend a few extra minutes comparing the right policies, you can save thousands.”
