" The difference between the almost right word and the right word is like the difference between a lightning bug and a lightning bolt " - Mark Twain |
Travel Insurance and Cruise Line / Travel Supplier Waiver Plans seem the same. They are not. Here's why:
|
Real Travel Insurance Plans |
Cruise Line / Travel Supplier Waiver Plans |
Coverage type |
Trip Cancellation Travel Insurance is regulated by your State's Insurance Department (If you have a dispute, your State's Insurance Department can help you) |
Pre-departure waiver programs are not Travel Insurance (If you have a dispute, your State's Insurance Department can't help you) |
Does the plan include any "Real Insurance"? |
Yes, wording in the Certificate of Coverage that references an Underwriter means that you have "Real Insurance". |
Travel Supplier Waiver Plans may include an insurance portion. Look for wording in the Certificate of Coverage that references an Underwriter (it means that you have "Real Insurance"). |
How You are Paid In the Event of a claim |
A check in US Dollars - 100% Cash Back |
A check in US Dollars or non-transferable Partial Cruise Credits that have to be used within one year. The payment depends on the reason you have a claim |
How Is Independently Arranged Travel Covered? |
You get 100% cash back of all prepaid, non-refundable trip costs including third party airline tickets and any side trips or excursions. |
Just the cost of the cruise or the tour. The only items covered through the travel supplier waiver plans are items that are purchased directly from the travel supplier. |
Trip Cancellation coverage |
Travel Insurance covers you until you return home from your trip. |
Travel Supplier Waiver Plans' cancellation fee waiver often ends 24, 48 or 72 hours prior to departure. |
Travel Supplier Default |
Yes, this can be covered if you meet the rules |
No coverage |
How Pre-existing Conditions are covered |
You get your claim paid in US Dollars |
A check in US Dollars or non-transferable Partial Cruise Credits that have to be used within one year. |
Price |
Price based on age of traveler - the younger you are the less expensive it is. |
Usually one price for all ages - which means not usually beneficial to the younger age groups. |
Family Members |
Usually the Insured's spouse; child; parent; sibling; grandparent or child; step-parent, child or sibling; son- or daughter-in-law; parents-in-law; brother- or sister-in-law; aunt; uncle; niece or nephew; legal guardian; legal ward. |
Usually your immediate household members |
Terrorism |
You can cancel or interrupt when it occurs in a city on your itinerary |
No coverage |
Emergency Medical |
Up to $500,000 |
Limited to $10,000 or $25,000 |
Emergency Medical Transportation |
Up to $500,000 |
Limited to $25,000 or $50,000 |
Here's just one more reason why it pays to get independent travel insurance. As you know, my husband and I booked our travel insurance through you for our Oceania Mediterranean cruise. But on the same trip, our parents booked through the travel agency because they are upper 70's/80 and the rates were much cheaper to get the basic insurance. However, they are also deviating their trip and adding a hotel stay at the end - as well as prepaying for some independent tours. Here's what I found out when I inquired as to what the cancellation policy was on their insurance: Those travelers who book insurance through the cruise line (or the agency booking the cruise) do not have coverage on ANY independent arrangements. When traveling to other countries in particular, it is customary that arrangements must be guaranteed on a credit card in advance and there are usually very strict cancellation penalties. In the case of our trip, my in-laws will be responsible for those costs, but we will not. J.A., St. Louis, MO
Are you convinced travel insurance is your best choice? If so, click here to create your instant travel insurance comparison quotes. If not, keep reading:
Here's Wording From An Actual Cruise Line Plan:
"Guests must cancel their cruise prior to departure and must file a cancellation claim with ________, the program administrator, to be eligible for future cruise credits. Credits expire one year after issue date, are non-transferable and not applicable to holiday or inaugural sailings. Credits have no cash value and, if applied to a booking of lesser value, will not result in any difference refunded in cash. Credits may not be used for deposits, only final payment and can be used only on the cruise brand originally booked. Only original copies of credit letters can be accepted; copies or altered letters may not be used."
This is what the Cruise Line says are benefits to the Travel Agent: (Read: Not to you, the customer)
- Commission Protection: We recognize the frustration that can result when a canceled cruise vacation erodes your commission. At _______, we want to make sure that your hard work is compensated. _______ provides commission protection if your insured client then cancels their cruise vacation. You receive your actual commission amount on fully-paid bookings with _______, up to a maximum of the penalty imposed should your client cancel their cruise for any reason.
- Easy Enrollment: _______ is automatically included on your client's invoice. To enroll your clients, simply advise your clients to pay the total invoice amount, inclusive of _______ when making their final payment. Your client is enrolled upon our receipt of the full payment for their vacation, including this plan's amount.
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