Travel Insurance Shopper

Whilst being on-board a cruise ship allows you to sit in a luxurious atmosphere, some of the most exciting times during your holiday will be spent on land. I know that the shore excursions are one of the most appealing aspects of a cruise (having gone on many Alaska cruises myself), as you are able to step off the ship and partake in activities, and then retreat to a comfortable cabin and journey to the next port of call. Cruise insurance is important to have if you are planning on spending your next holiday at sea, yet many insurance policies will not cover shore excursions, which can make it difficult to feel comfortable participating in some activities. Here are a few of my suggestions regarding cruise insurance and excursions.

Find out What the Limitations Are for Extreme Activities

Not all insurance policies are the same, so you are sure to find some that do not offer coverage for extreme or dangerous activities. If you enjoy scuba diving, white water rafting, motorcycling or bungee jumping, then you should speak with your insurance broker before purchasing insurance. Some brokers will be able to include coverage under your policy for hazardous pursuits, which will provide coverage in the event you are injured while participating in shore excursions. You may have to pay extra for this to be included in your policy.

Winter Sports Holidays Require Different Coverage

It is important to note that if you will be travelling on a winter sports holiday, such as to a place where you may be skiing, you will need a different type of policy. These policies are usually more expensive, as there is a greater risk for injury, which could result in a large amount of medical expenses. Speak with your broker about what type of policy will cover you during a winter sports holiday, and also consider asking your broker about personal liability insurance in the event you accidently injure another person. Make sure to let your broker know if you will be skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, bobsleighing or riding snow mobiles during your trip. Many policies will not cover skiing off piste, which means skiing on slopes that are not maintained or recognised.

Find Out if Personal Belongings are Covered

Many policies will not cover personal belongings that have been stolen, as they usually expect you to take proper care of personal items. It is highly important to keep track of your possessions whilst on shore excursions, as it would be easy for someone to steal an unattended item when you are swimming or ordering food at a café. Make sure to read the fine print on your policy, and find out if the insurance company will pay for items that have been stolen or not. It is also important to find out how much the company will pay out for each item.

By being prepared and discussing cruise insurance with your broker before purchasing a policy, you will be able to make sure that you and your possessions are protected whilst on holiday.