Embarking on a cruise is a thrilling adventure that promises breathtaking landscapes, exciting excursions and unforgettable moments. However, just like any journey, unforeseen circumstances can crop up, potentially disrupting your dream vacation. That's where travel insurance becomes an important ally, and choosing to purchase it through your cruise line offers unique advantages that go beyond standard coverage. Here are three compelling reasons to consider buying travel insurance through your cruise line.
#1: Specialization
Travel protection purchased through your cruise line is more likely to have coverage and benefits that pertain directly to travel snafus that might arise while sailing. Because these policies are customized for not only the type of travel being sold, but also by the demographics of that travel supplier, benefits provided are generally more well suited to the experience you select. For example, a high-end luxury safari could have very different benefit needs than a three-week European river cruise. Bottom line: the specialization of insurance offerings through a cruise line helps ensure you have more adequate coverage.
#2: One-Stop Booking and Coverage
One of the top benefits of purchasing travel protection through your cruise line is the process is simplified, convenient, and cost effective. You lock in your coverage at the same time you book your trip, so there is no chance you’ll embark on your vacation without it because you planned to “do it later” but forgot. And when you purchase travel protection directly through a cruise line, the plan cost is automatically calculated based upon the amount being spent on the trip and offered at the time of booking. There is no need to complete one transaction for booking and then go elsewhere to try and find an appropriate plan, especially when some sites have consumers selecting from over one thousand different plans. The ease of procuring coverage at the same time you book your cruise provides invaluable peace of mind, knowing you have appropriate protection from the moment you book your trip through your return.
#3: Streamlined Claims Process
When you book travel insurance directly through a cruise line, it often leads to a more efficient and less complicated claims process should the unexpected occur. A cruise line's insurance provider understands cruising inside and out, experience that can be particularly beneficial in cases of trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. These specialists are equipped to help ensure that passengers receive timely assistance and claims decisions.
The Aon Travel Takeaway
“Protecting your travel investment in any way is a smart decision,” said Beth Godlin, president of the Aon Affinity Travel Practice. “But there are distinct benefits to purchasing coverage through a cruise line that make it a particularly wise decision. Reading the fine print and thoughtfully choosing an insurance partner will ensure travelers can set sail with greater confidence.”