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Travel Insurance

An illness, an accident or an unexpected situation can arise before or during any type of vacation. Such an event might cause you to cut short your cruise or cause your trip to be canceled altogether. Unfortunately, most cruise lines impose penalties for canceling a cruise, up to and including loss of the entire cruise price.

Because a cruise is a significant investment, most cruise lines offer some form of insurance to protect their passengers from financial loss in the event of an emergency. Details and prices vary from cruise line to cruise line, as do coverage limits and exclusions.

If you decide to purchase insurance, you will have two options, to go with the cruise line's plan or to use our independent insurance provider, Generali Global Assistance. Use the summaries below to compare policies and prices.

Generali can provide insurance coverage to all customers, regardless of their country of citizenship, except residents of the province of Quebec, Canada.

For more information or a complete copy of a policy, ask your Vacations To Go cruise counselor.

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Norwegian Cruise Travel Insurance - 2024 Review

Norwegian cruise travel insurance.

• Available at Check-Out
• Strong Insurance Partner
• Good Cancellation Protection
• Incredibly Expensive
• Totally Inadequate Medical Cover
• Very Poor Medical Evacuation Cover

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Norwegian cruise line was founded in 1966 and is the third largest cruise line in the world. Norwegian currently operates 17 ships and has plans to release 6 more soon. For their 17 fleets, Norwegian offers BookSafe Travel Protection.

In our Norwegian Cruise Travel (NCL) Insurance Review, we will run through the different trip insurance options that Norwegian offers and compare them against the wider travel insurance market.

First, let’s review the critical reasons to buy cruise travel insurance, to explain the logic behind some of our recommendations.

Norwegian Cruise Travel Insurance on Check-Out

For our review, we have two 62-year-old travelers going on a three-day cruise from Miami to the Bahamas. The total cost for the cruise came in at $1,102.76 for the two passengers.

As we get towards the check-out page, we are encouraged to buy Norwegian Cruise Travel Insurance. The exact image of what was presented is shown below. We are offered not one, but two cruise travel insurance options – ‘Platinum’ and ‘Standard’.

Don’t I Need to Buy Cruise Travel Insurance when I Buy My Cruise?

Every travel insurance policy has some ‘Time-Sensitive Benefits’ that are enabled when a traveler buys trip insurance within a short period of time after their initial trip deposit. This Time-Sensitive Period is normally 10-21 days. Generally, you have a couple of weeks to check out different trip insurance options. Get quotes from a few different travel insurance carriers to compare prices and benefits.

The main reason we want to get our cruise travel insurance in place sooner rather than later is that we get cancellation benefits once our travel insurance policy is in place.

Cruise Travel Insurance – Three Critical Benefits

Irrespective whether you buy Norwegian Cruise Travel Insurance, or buy a different travel insurance, there are three critical benefits that you really need to have in place.

• Cruise Cancellation Protection

Travel Medical Health Insurance

• Medical Evacuation Coverage

Norwegian Cruise Cancellation Insurance Protection

Every comprehensive trip insurance policy has cancellation benefits built in. When we refer to ‘Cruise’ travel insurance, we really do mean regular, comprehensive travel insurance. Every major travel insurance carrier has comprehensive trip insurance policies that will support you if you are traveling on a cruise ship, by rail, or by aircraft. It doesn’t matter to the travel insurance carrier what type of vacation you are enjoying. So don’t get caught up in buying a travel insurance policy with ‘Cruise’ in the title.

Norwegian Cruise Travel Insurance is referred to by Norwegian as ‘Booksafe Travel Protection’, so even Norwegian does not worry about including ‘Cruise’ in the title of their coverage. Every trip and cruise insurance policy will have basic cancellation protection that should offer a 100% refund for the following types of events:

• Accident, illness, or death of you, a traveling partner, business partner, or family member • Jury duty • Legal appearance • Traffic accident en route to airport • Death or hospitalization of your host at your travel destination • Weather • Bankruptcy of your travel provider

On a cruise, death or hospitalization of a host at destination is not relevant. But bankruptcy of your travel provider is important. Norwegian’s does NOT include bankruptcy protection, so please be careful on this.

These events happen rarely, which is why travel insurance policies include basic trip cancellation coverage for little cost. Many of us, however, will want additional travel cancellation protection.

NCL Cancellation Protection – Work

Norwegian Cruise Travel Insurance does a good job in offering us a 100% refund if we are terminated or laid off from full-time employment by our company. This assumes that the reason for the lay-off is no fault of our own. This is good coverage from Norwegian – only one year of continuous employment is required. Most airline policies, for example, require three years of continuous employment, so Norwegian does a good job in this respect.

However, what is missing with Norwegian’s policy is protection if our work vacation is cancelled. Norwegian Cruise Travel Insurance offers no vacation cancellation protection, and we consider this as a significant weakness for anyone who requires approval to go on vacation. Strong  Cancel for Work Reasons  Travel Insurance would incorporate this coverage. Norwegian Travel Insurance does not, so please beware.

There is one higher level of cancellation protection than Cancel for Work – it is called Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance.

Norwegian Cruise Cancellation Protection – Cancel for Any Reason

If you buy Norwegian Cruise Travel Insurance, you will get Norwegian's version of Cancel for Any Reason protection built in. It is not, strictly, insurance, as you will not get your money back if you cancel. You will get a credit to be used for future cruises, which is a pretty good substitute.

Norwegian Cruise Travel Insurance offers two alternatives – Platinum or Standard. Standard will provide a credit of 75% of your funds if you cancel your cruise with Norwegian. You can then use these funds for a future cruise. Platinum offers a 90% credit. The coverage is expensive, but travelers may well benefit from it. A sensible alternative to Norwegian’s Cancel for Any Reason coverage would be the  Cancel for Any Reason  protection that is embedded into many Comprehensive Travel Insurance policies. We will show a few alternatives later in this article.

Travel Medical Health Insurance is one of the most critical pieces of trip insurance that any traveler can have. It is essential, in our opinion. International private hospitals are not cheap and can often cost $3k to $4k per day. For this reason, we recommend that a traveler leaving the USA have at least $100k of Travel Medical Health Insurance in place.

Decent medical coverage is not expensive! Indeed, you will see this $100k figure in almost every comprehensive travel insurance available in the wider US market. The only time we are comfortable with less than $100k of travel medical insurance coverage is if the traveler has alternative insurance in place that the travel insurance can supplement. If you have any doubt - stick to $100k of Travel Medical Insurance coverage in any Travel Insurance, you buy.

Let’s look at all the coverage levels from Norwegian Cruise Travel Insurance. The price we see below is that quoted to us for our $1,102.76 cruise.

Norwegian Cruise Insurance Coverage - **Platinum**

$250 / Stateroom

• Trip cancellation or interruption for a covered reason - Total NCL vacation cost
• Trip Delay - $500
• Emergency Evacuation - $50,000
• Accidental Medical Expense - $20,000
• Sickness Medical Expense - $20,000
• Baggage / Personal Effects - $3,000
• Enhanced Cancellation Protection provided by NCL - 90% cruise credit

Norwegian Cruise Insurance Coverage - **Standard**

$130 / Stateroom

• Emergency Evacuation - $25,000
• Baggage / Personal Effects - $1,500
• Enhanced Cancellation Protection provided by NCL - 75% cruise credit

The Norwegian Standard plan offers $20k in medical insurance.  Norwegian Platinum Cruise coverage offers the same benefit, which is inadequate for an unforeseen medical emergency.

Cruise Insurance 101 Travel Insurance Marketplace

It’s relatively simple to get alternative travel insurance options for your Norwegian Cruise. In fact, we need only one minute of your time. At Cruise Insurance 101 , give us your travel details, and we share them anonymously with our Travel Insurance Carriers. You get a series of quotes, showing you rates and coverage levels, from some of the most respected Travel Insurance Carriers in the USA. We only work with carriers who have ‘A’ ratings from A.M. Best, and customer service levels that we are happy to recommend.

AIG Travel Guard Plus Insurance

One of our favorite low-cost travel insurance policies is the AIG Travel Guard Plus  plan. Here are the protection levels incorporated into the policy.

Time-Sensitive Benefits  • Cancel for Any Reason: 0% refund • Cancel for Work Reason: 100% refund • Preexisting Waiver: Yes • Time Sensitive Period: 21 days • Free Look Period: 15 days • Preexisting Look Back: 180 days  Regular Benefits  • Medical Coverage: Primary • Hospital of Choice: No • Covered Cancellation: 100% refund • Financial Default: Yes • Medical Sickness: $100,000 • Medical Evacuation: $1,000,000.

This travel insurance from AIG comes in at $78.44 for our two travelers. Yet, it has $100k of Travel Medical Health Insurance embedded into it. Let’s look now at our final piece of critical coverage – medical evacuation insurance.

Travel Medical Evacuation Insurance

Sometimes an accident or illness is so severe that a medical evacuation is necessary. We want to get the patient to the most suitable medical facility to treat them, and oftentimes this is not going to be in a small port city of an underdeveloped country. A medical evacuation can involve specially equipped private jets with associated doctors and nurses on board. A near-shore evacuation can cost $100k - $250k. An evacuation from Asia or Africa can easily cost $500k. These are the minimum levels of coverage that we ever recommend to a traveler. There is simply no logical reason in taking less protection than this.

Norwegian Medical Evacuation Coverage

So, what Travel Medical Evacuation coverage does Norwegian provide in its two policies?

• Standard - $25k
• Platinum - $50k

What level of medical evacuation coverage do we see in a low-cost travel insurance?

• AIG Travel Guard Plus - $1,000,000

Again, this is a massive increase in protection from what is one of our cheapest policies. The Norwegian Cruise Insurance is totally inadequate in this regard.

Cancel for Work and Cancel for Any Reason

Where the AIG Travel Guard Policy also rates well is that it offers work vacation cancellation protection. If your previously approved vacation is cancelled, AIG will provide a 100% refund of your non-refundable costs. From such a low-cost travel insurance policy, that is a great benefit. Remember, Norwegian Cruise Travel Insurance does not provide this protection.

If you would like a policy with the optional benefit of  Cancel for Any Reason  trip cancellation protection, the Travel Insured WorldWide Trip Protector Plan is a great option.

It incorporates true Cancel for Any Reason protection. We say ‘true’ coverage, because if you need to cancel for any reason not normally covered by your other policy benefits, the insurer will write you a check for 75% of your trip costs. Cash is better than credit.

Here are the policy benefits:

Time-Sensitive Benefits

• Cancel for Any Reason: 75% refund
• Cancel for Work Reason: 100% refund
• Pre-Existing Waiver: Yes
• Time Sensitive Period: 21 days
• Free Look Period: 14 days
• Pre-Existing Look Back: 60 days

Regular Benefits

• Medical Coverage: Primary
• Hospital of Choice: Yes
• Covered Cancellation: 100% refund
• Financial Default: Yes
• Medical Sickness: $100,000
• Medical Evacuation: $1,000,000

Evacuation benefits are 50 times as much as Norwegian Cruise coverage. Medical coverage is five times as much. Travel Insured’s Medical coverage is Primary; Norwegian’s is Secondary. All this coverage costs 14% LESS than Norwegian’s Platinum coverage!

Norwegian Cruise Travel Insurance Review – Conclusion

Norwegian offers two policies that are expensive, with little in the way of critical protection for some of the most expensive risks. We consider the policies that Norwegian offers to be unsuitable for almost all travelers. There are many other options available to cruise customers by searching within the wider travel insurance market. We rate Norwegian Cruise Line insurance a 7 out of 10.

Cruise Travel Insurance in the USA

The US has one of the most significant travel insurance markets on earth. At  Cruise Insurance 101  we take the leading Trip Insurance Carriers and place them in our marketplace. We offer you at least a dozen alternative policies from these leading insurers. The rates we show are the same as if you had gone direct to every travel insurer yourself. We do not mark up prices. In fact, US anti-discrimination law  prevents such practices . As such, we can guarantee that you cannot buy the same policy at a lower rate.

Have questions? Chat with us online, send us an email at  [email protected]  or alternatively call us at  +1(786) 751-2984 . We would love to hear from you.

Safe Travels

This article has been written for review purposes only and does not suggest sponsorship or endorsement of AARDY by the trademark owner.

Recent AARDY Travel Insurance Customer Reviews

monica munoz

Excellent customer service

Spoke to Melanie. Excellent customer service, she was very thorough, answered all my questions, and was very nice.

A number of policies to choose from

A number of policies to choose from. Fast response. Reasonable price.

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• Norwegian Cruise
• Essential Guide to Norwegian Cruise Health Insurance: Benefits and Coverage Explained

Norwegian Cruise Health Insurance is a vital aspect to consider when planning for a cruise vacation. It provides coverage for unexpected medical expenses and ensures peace of mind during your journey. However, understanding the benefits and coverage of this insurance can be complex. That’s why we have put together this Essential Guide to Norwegian Cruise Health Insurance: Benefits and Coverage Explained, to help you navigate through the intricacies of this important aspect of your travel plan.

In this guide, we will break down the essential elements of Norwegian Cruise Health Insurance, providing you with a clear understanding of what it entails and how it can benefit you. From emergency medical coverage to trip cancellation protection, we will explore the comprehensive coverage options available and explain the benefits each one offers. Additionally, we will discuss the pre-existing condition coverage, exclusions, and limitations, ensuring that you have a complete picture of what is included in your policy.

To give you a quick overview of the key points covered in this guide, here is a table summarizing the most important aspects of Norwegian Cruise Health Insurance:

By referring to this guide, you will gain valuable insights into Norwegian Cruise Health Insurance, allowing you to make informed decisions when selecting the right coverage for your needs. Whether you are a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, this guide will serve as a valuable resource to ensure you have the necessary protection for a worry-free cruise experience.

Sources: – [Norwegian Cruise Line Travel Protection](https://www.ncl.com/why-cruise-norwegian/travel-protection) – [Understanding Travel Insurance](https://www.insuremytrip.

Does my health insurance cover me on a cruise ship?

When planning a cruise vacation, it is essential to consider whether your health insurance provides coverage while you are on board. While some health insurance plans may cover emergency medical expenses on a cruise ship, it is crucial to review your policy’s benefits and limitations. The Essential Guide to Norwegian Cruise Health Insurance: Benefits and Coverage Explained provides detailed information on the various factors to consider, such as the type of coverage you have, the geographical limitations, and the potential need for additional travel insurance. Understanding your health insurance coverage beforehand will ensure peace of mind and can help you make informed decisions regarding your health and well-being during your cruise. For more information on this topic, please refer to the Essential Guide to Norwegian Cruise Health Insurance: Benefits and Coverage Explained.

What is covered by cruise insurance?

Cruise insurance offers coverage for a range of situations that can occur during your trip, ensuring peace of mind and financial protection. Norwegian Cruise Health Insurance provides benefits such as emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation, trip cancellation/interruption, and lost baggage. In case of a medical emergency, the insurance covers the costs of hospitalization, doctor visits, and prescription drugs. Additionally, if you need to be transported to a medical facility, the insurance will arrange and cover the expenses of medical evacuation. Trip cancellation or interruption due to unforeseen events, such as illness or severe weather, is also covered, allowing you to recoup your non-refundable expenses. Furthermore, if your baggage is lost, damaged, or stolen, the insurance will provide compensation for your belongings. It is important to carefully review the policy and understand the coverage limits and exclusions before selecting a cruise insurance plan.

Does your insurance work on a cruise ship?

When planning a cruise vacation, it is crucial to consider whether your insurance will cover any potential health emergencies that may occur on board. The Essential Guide to Norwegian Cruise Health Insurance: Benefits and Coverage Explained provides valuable insights into this matter. While some insurance policies may offer limited or no coverage on cruise ships, it is recommended to opt for a comprehensive travel insurance plan specifically designed for cruises. These plans typically include benefits such as emergency medical coverage, evacuation services, trip cancellation/interruption coverage, and baggage loss/delay coverage. It is crucial to review the policy details, limitations, and exclusions before purchasing insurance to ensure it meets your specific needs.

How much does it cost to see a doctor on a cruise ship?

The cost of seeing a doctor on a cruise ship can vary depending on the cruise line and the specific medical services required. Most cruise ships have onboard medical centers staffed by qualified doctors and nurses to attend to passengers’ healthcare needs. These medical centers are equipped to handle minor illnesses and injuries. However, it is important to note that medical services on cruise ships can be expensive, with initial consultations typically ranging from $80 to $150, excluding any additional treatment or medications. It is strongly recommended for cruise passengers to have adequate health insurance coverage that includes medical expenses incurred while on board. This ensures peace of mind and financial protection in the event of a medical emergency at sea. For more information on health insurance options for Norwegian cruise passengers, please refer to the Essential Guide to Norwegian Cruise Health Insurance: Benefits and Coverage Explained.

Is ncl travel protection worth it

When considering a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) vacation, it is important to evaluate the value of NCL travel protection. This comprehensive insurance plan offers benefits that can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of unforeseen circumstances. The coverage includes trip cancellation and interruption, medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and baggage protection. With NCL travel protection, travelers can relax and enjoy their cruise knowing they are protected against unexpected events. To learn more about the benefits and coverage of NCL travel protection, visit the official Norwegian Cruise Line website.

In today’s world, health insurance has become an essential part of our lives. Whether we are traveling abroad or simply planning a cruise vacation, it is crucial to understand the benefits and coverage offered by health insurance plans. This is especially true when it comes to Norwegian Cruise Line, one of the most popular cruise lines in the world. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of Norwegian Cruise health insurance, explaining the benefits and coverage provided by these plans.

First and foremost, it is important to note that health insurance for Norwegian Cruise Line is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. Accidents and illnesses can happen at any time, and being prepared with the right insurance coverage can provide peace of mind and financial protection. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of insurance plans that cater to different needs and budgets. These plans are designed to cover medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, trip interruption, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen circumstances that may arise during your cruise vacation.

One of the key benefits of Norwegian Cruise health insurance is the coverage it provides for medical expenses. While onboard medical facilities are available on Norwegian Cruise ships, they are not free of charge. In case of illness or injury, having health insurance can alleviate the burden of hefty medical bills. Norwegian Cruise health insurance plans typically cover doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and medical treatments. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the insurance plan to understand the limits and exclusions of coverage.

Emergency medical evacuation is another critical aspect of Norwegian Cruise health insurance. In the event of a serious medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention beyond the capabilities of the onboard medical facilities, emergency medical evacuation ensures that you will be transferred to the nearest appropriate medical facility. This can involve helicopter or air ambulance services, which can be extremely expensive without insurance coverage. Norwegian Cruise health insurance plans often include emergency medical evacuation as part of their coverage, providing peace of mind and financial protection in case of a medical emergency.

Trip interruption and trip cancellation coverage are also important components of Norwegian Cruise health insurance. Unexpected events such as illness, injury, or natural disasters can disrupt travel plans and result in financial loss. Trip interruption coverage reimburses you for the unused portion of your trip if you are forced to interrupt your cruise due to covered reasons. Trip cancellation coverage, on the other hand, provides reimbursement for non-refundable trip expenses if you have to cancel your cruise before it even begins. These benefits can save you from significant financial loss and allow you to reschedule or cancel your cruise without worrying about losing your investment.

When considering Norwegian Cruise health insurance, it is essential to read the policy carefully and understand the coverage, limits, and exclusions. Each insurance plan may have different terms and conditions, so it is important to choose a plan that best suits your needs and budget. It is also a good idea to compare different insurance providers and obtain quotes to ensure you are getting the best coverage at a competitive price.

In conclusion, Norwegian Cruise health insurance offers valuable benefits and coverage for travelers embarking on a cruise vacation. From medical expenses to emergency medical evacuation and trip interruption/cancellation coverage, these insurance plans provide financial protection and peace of mind. It is crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions of the insurance plan, compare different providers, and choose a plan that suits your needs and budget. By investing in Norwegian Cruise health insurance, you can enjoy your cruise vacation with the knowledge that you are protected in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Sources: 1. Norwegian Cruise Line – Travel Protection Program: [https://www.ncl.com/freestyle-cruise/travel-protection-program] 2. Cruise Critic – Norwegian Cruise Line Travel Insurance: [https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1562] 3. InsureMyTrip – Norwegian Cruise Line Travel Insurance: [https://www.insuremytrip.com/travel-insurance-plans-coverages/norwegian-cruise-line/] 4. TripSavvy – Norwegian Cruise Lines Travel Insurance: [https://www.tripsavvy.

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• Norwegian Cruise Line

No Insurance - what will NCL cover?

By NCLAlaska828 , September 9, 2021 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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NCLAlaska828

Hello all! I sail in about 2 weeks out of Seattle. I’m following protocol and taking an antigen test 72 hours before and of course the pre-boarding testing.

If we don’t buy any kind of insurance, and our 72 hour test is negative, but then we test positive at the pier, will NCL cover quarantine costs? I noticed their wording is that they’ll cover anything insurance doesn’t. What if we don’t purchase any insurance? Does that mean they foot the entire bill?

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I would NEVER EVER cruise without travel insurance.  What if you break a bone onboard and need to be flown off to a hospital for surgery?  

This doesn't answer your question. I wouldn't travel right now without COVID19 insurance if there is a chance of testing/quarantine. Any of these companies have tons of legal language to basically let them change any policy at any time for any reason.

Heck even the refund you need to submit a case for its not just automatic.

https://www.ncl.com/ca/en/cruise-faq/if-i-test-positive-covid-19-during-cruise-and-have-quarantine-will-i-receive-full-refund

Per NCL's WEB site....

Guests, and their travel companions assigned to the same stateroom, that cancel a cruise due to receiving a positive COVID-19 test result, dated within 2 weeks of their sail date, will be permitted to apply the full value of all amounts paid to a future cruise credit or, at the guest's discretion, be provided a cash refund. Guests who are denied boarding due to a violation of protocols, for example not testing in advance, will not receive a refund.

All refund requests must be made within six months of the date you cancelled your voyage or the scheduled embarkation date, whichever is earlier. To apply for a refund please go to   https://www.ncl.com/case-submission .

Norwegian Cruise Line will assist with applicable expenses related to any mandatory quarantine that are not covered by a guest's travel insurance only if the guest provides proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72-hours prior to their sail date. Proof of negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72-hours of sail date must show guest name, date of birth and date the test was taken in order to be eligible.

Guests who test positive for COVID-19 and those travelling in the same stateroom, will be denied boarding.

If you are denied boarding due to a positive COVID-19 test at embarkation, the cruise line will coordinate and cover costs for travel arrangements for you, and those traveling in the same stateroom, if they are also denied boarding. Norwegian Cruise Line will assist with applicable expenses related to any mandatory quarantine that are not covered by a guests travel insurance only if the guest provides proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72-hours prior to their sail date. Proof of negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72-hours of sail date must show guest name, date of birth and date the test was taken in order to be eligible.

The cruise line will not be able to assist with travel arrangements if a guest is denied boarding as a result of a violating the cruise line’s health and safety protocols.

Yes, I think that's exactly what it means. I don't believe they are requiring any type of insurance to be purchased before the cruise. 

As far as the the point brought up by @oteixeira ; Cancellation/interruption insurance is different than travel medical insurance. I've purchased travel medical/evacuation several times for trips when I was traveling somewhere my medical insurance didn't cover. Those policies usually end up costing a tiny fraction of what a full comprehensive policy would cover. I never purchase cancellations/interruption due to the significant cost. (I realize someone is going to come back and say "it was only $200 for my last cruise - the cost is based on trip cost. Most of the time I for a low cost insurance like that my trip cost isn't significant enough for me to insure. The significant trips that are costly have a very high insurance cost). I have a trip upcoming in a couple weeks. Full out insurance that would cover cancellation, interruption, quarantines, etc is $1,200-$2,500. No thanks. I can get medical only for like $50. 

Sanger, sorry for the confusion, I do everything but cancellation (for any reason) and it is always very reasonable.  It seems the cancellation insurance is where you pay the large money.  And I have a 16 day haven cruise I paid for, so I think when I say reasonable we are comparing apples to apples. May I ask why you would want cancellation for any reason?  You do kind of get that right now with the policies the lines have (as long as you cancel 15 days out).

Thanks everyone. @graphicguy I’ve read that 50 times but the wording of “guest’s insurance” is throwing me off since they aren’t requiring insurance to begin with. 

I’ve never bought travel insurance. I know it’s quite risky during the pandemic but from what I read in another thread, the NCL insurance doesn’t cover much either? Just wondering if it’s worth it at all.  

46 minutes ago, NCLAlaska828 said: Thanks everyone. @graphicguy I’ve read that 50 times but the wording of “guest’s insurance” is throwing me off since they aren’t requiring insurance to begin with.    I’ve never bought travel insurance. I know it’s quite risky during the pandemic but from what I read in another thread, the NCL insurance doesn’t cover much either? Just wondering if it’s worth it at all.  

You break a leg (as pointed out in another post), fall down the stairs, trip over a sidewalk crack on an excursion, etc….getting medical attention in a foreign country, or even on board, is not cheap.  God forbid you have to be airlifted from the ship for something more serious like a heart attack for example (which could drain your entire life savings), and the insurance will pay for itself over and over again.

COVID exacerbates that.

What NCL is trying to do is to make you feel better about booking with them and not worrying so much about COVID.  But, even they know the risks.  They aren’t self insuring.  They’re selling a policy that’s underwritten by another company.

It’s good that you’re questioning what is covered.  And, I agree that it’s somewhat nebulous in NCL’s descriptions.  I would want written clarification about what their insurance covers.  

12 minutes ago, graphicguy said:  God forbid you have to be airlifted from the ship for something more serious like a heart attack for example (which could drain your entire life savings), and the insurance will pay for itself over and over again.

A medevac flight from the ship to land will never cost anything.  Per the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention of the Law of the Seas), SAR services are provided by nations, and at no charge.  Evacuation insurance will cover a flight from the local country to your home hospital, or perhaps from a land resort to the hospital, but no cruise ship's Captain would allow a private helicopter pilot anywhere near the ship, they are just not trained for evacuations from ships at sea.

BirdTravels

The key words in the NCL policy are “mandatory quarantine”. If it is not mandated by a local authority, but you are not allowed to travel via air or rail, it is unclear what is covered. 

Medical insurance and medical evacuation insurance for foreign travel is very inexpensive.   We always buy it through AmEx.   This is whether we cruise or not.   For example for a one month policy for wife and self I paid about $55 for this coverage.  My Blue Cross/Shield covers me overseas, but many foreign hospitals, etc. require up front payment.

ChiefMateJRK

3 hours ago, NCLAlaska828 said: Hello all! I sail in about 2 weeks out of Seattle. I’m following protocol and taking an antigen test 72 hours before and of course the pre-boarding testing.   If we don’t buy any kind of insurance, and our 72 hour test is negative, but then we test positive at the pier, will NCL cover quarantine costs? I noticed their wording is that they’ll cover anything insurance doesn’t. What if we don’t purchase any insurance? Does that mean they foot the entire bill?

These are great questions.  Unfortunately,  I don't think any of us would know the real answers until we actually lived it.  I bought the NCL essentials because it was only $35 pp and it would seem to be useful in this situation (it starts "day of embarkation, which includes the port test).

2 hours ago, chengkp75 said: A medevac flight from the ship to land will never cost anything.  Per the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention of the Law of the Seas), SAR services are provided by nations, and at no charge.  Evacuation insurance will cover a flight from the local country to your home hospital, or perhaps from a land resort to the hospital, but no cruise ship's Captain would allow a private helicopter pilot anywhere near the ship, they are just not trained for evacuations from ships at sea.

Didn't know that.  Thanks!

2 hours ago, BirdTravels said: you are not allowed to travel via air or rail

That sure sound a lot like "quarantine."

We are driving to the port.  If we fail their covid test at the pier, will they refund or give us credit for the cost of the cruise.  We do not want to take a test 72 hours in advance

18 minutes ago, ronheg said: We are driving to the port.  If we fail their covid test at the pier, will they refund or give us credit for the cost of the cruise.  We do not want to take a test 72 hours in advance

No. In order to get a refund or FCC for the cruise itself, you MUST take the test within 72 hours in addition to the pier test.

5 hours ago, NCLAlaska828 said: If we don’t buy any kind of insurance, and our 72 hour test is negative, but then we test positive at the pier, will NCL cover quarantine costs? I noticed their wording is that they’ll cover anything insurance doesn’t. What if we don’t purchase any insurance? Does that mean they foot the entire bill?

I'm not an attorney and I suspect if you fell into this category, attorneys might become involved.  

As I read it, if you have insurance, you'll have to file that that claim first and NCL would cover any excess.  For instance, many credit cards include some level of insurance, plus whatever you might buy through NCL or a third party.  As other have stated better than I could, there are reasons why you might want that.  But if you really aren't otherwise covered, it reads to me as though NCL would cover it.

5 hours ago, oteixeira said: Sanger, sorry for the confusion, I do everything but cancellation (for any reason) and it is always very reasonable.  It seems the cancellation insurance is where you pay the large money.  And I have a 16 day haven cruise I paid for, so I think when I say reasonable we are comparing apples to apples. May I ask why you would want cancellation for any reason?  You do kind of get that right now with the policies the lines have (as long as you cancel 15 days out).

Good points. I learned a lot about insurance this year.  Still not saying I know even half of it.  An independent CFAR policy has to be purchased within a short time period(14-20 days) after you put down your first deposit or payment related to the trip.  This includes air fare.  

I am debating about covering a trip, I haven’t booked yet. Here are some thoughts.    

I guess one reason may be for trips further out, say 2022, we don’t know what the polices might be.    

I would think a trip far from your home(say Europe or Asia for US cruisers)  might also contribute to reasons to purchase the CFAR.  

It also seems the more expensive(in the cruiser’s opinion) and/or longer a trip is, the more reason to insure it. 

I was never really concerned that much about this before.    

13 minutes ago, milolii said: An independent CFAR policy

What is "CFAR?"

Ah,  yes,  Cancel For  Any Reason.  

ClevelandCruisin

Just wear a mask everywhere you go starting 2-3 weeks before your cruise, wash your hands, get a test 72 hours before. This is all you can do. 

I'd rather quarentine at home, than in a hotel. So I'll test before and hope for the best. I've had 3 shots though, is that enough, who knows.

1 hour ago, ClevelandCruisin said: Just wear a mask everywhere you go starting 2-3 weeks before your cruise, wash your hands, get a test 72 hours before. This is all you can do.    I'd rather quarentine at home, than in a hotel. So I'll test before and hope for the best. I've had 3 shots though, is that enough, who knows.

Yep I’m rapid testing the morning before my flight (3 days before cruise) to see if i should even bother flying to Seattle. Fingers crossed all goes well.

- I think next time I go it will be from NYC and I will get a direct ride from home and avoid as much contact as possible before going on a cruise. I think that will greatly reduce my % of testing positive.

11 minutes ago, NCLAlaska828 said: Yep I’m rapid testing the morning before my flight (3 days before cruise) to see if i should even bother flying to Seattle. Fingers crossed all goes well.

This.  Putting aside who would pick up the tab, the prospect of being quarantined in a hotel room for 10 days seems like a special circle of hell.

Goldconnection

For my upcoming cruise my CC stated NCL recommends testing 48 hours before boarding. Has it changed back to 72 hours? We are sailing out of NY.

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