I know it’s boring but you need to read the details of your travel insurance policy, regardless of where you got it. I just hate it when someone calls me to report a claim but I know their reason is not covered. It doesn’ happen often but what a shocker to find out you thought you were covered but you are not.
Most all travel insurance covers cancellation. The important part to know though is what the “covered reasons” are. Most often they are not for any reason. You can’t just change your mind a few days before sailing because you want to buy a big new tv. It doesn’t work that way.
Generally speaking, covered reasons are medical reasons. Pretty much any reason that you can get a doctor to sign off on works. That’s if it’s you or a member of your family, even members not sailing.
The other part is medical coverage. Most provide medical coverage which may be important if your health care policy does not cover services performed outside of your country. Be sure about that before you assume you are covered. The ships have fully-staffed hospitals on board but they are not free. An average bill from the infirmary is about $200. (Also another reason to address possible motion discomfort issues before boarding. The shot the doctor will give you that will cure your motion sickness costs about $100)
The best value in most policies is the medical evacuation coverage. That can cost up to $50,000 to have a chopper land on the deck to take you back to a shoreside hospital. Then there’s how do I get home from wherever that might be? The ship sure is not waiting for me.
Also be clear on what “pre-existing medical conditions” are and if you have them. Unless specific coverge is purchased by a certain time in the booking cycle, they won’t be covered.
Some other non medical, not covered reasons for cancellation that I have personally seen come up occasionally include trying to board with non-approved identification, not showing up for any reason other than medical, violation of sailing rules for minors, pregnancy that is too advanced, and dumping your boyfriend.
