Disclosure: This guide about Disney Cruise travel insurance contains affiliate links. Read full Disclosure Policy.
Disney Cruise Insurance
...do you need it?
By Alisha Molen
There's a 17% chance you'll need it*
| So, are you willing to take the chance? I've researched the options for Disney Cruise travel insurance. In this article I will cover: | |
|
|
* Source: US Travel Insurance Association Survey
You're spending $5000 or more on your Disney Cruise. Are you willing to gamble this money?
Essentially, this is the question we're asking ourselves when deciding whether or not to purchase cruise travel insurance for a Disney Cruise. (Or Aulani vacation.)
For me, the answer is no. Disney Cruises are expensive. I'm not willing to gamble the money I'm spending on this dream vacation.
But everyone is different. Let's explore what might be right for you.
Why? What Could Go Wrong?
1 in 6 Americans
say their travel plans have been impacted by medical conditions, natural disasters including severe weather; or mechanical or carrier-caused problems.
Travel Can Bring the Unexpected
Here are some real-life examples of things that I have personally experienced or witnessed in my travels:
How Your Disney Cruise Could Be Messed Up
"No one needs insurance until they need insurance."
You probably don’t want to think about this.21REAL LIFE STORIES“Have you ever had to make a claim for Disney Cruise travel insurance?”
Read 21 real life stories.
(I know I don’t.)
Unfortunately, Disney Cruises, despite all their magic, are not immune to accidents or unexpected mishaps.
What can happen on or before a Disney Cruise that could put your vacation dollars at risk?
You Miss the Boat
Your cruise ship has a schedule to keep. It will not wait for you.
You Have to Cancel
Sometimes people get sick, loved ones pass away, divorce can change plans. Depending on when "life happens", your deposit is at risk.
You Get Hurt
With a Disney Cruise brings new adventures. Unfortunately, accidents can happen.
You Lose Your Bags
Losing a bag en route to your cruise is, at best, inconvenient. You might not have time to buy replacements. And if you have to purchase anything on the ship -- that's expensive.
Trip Cancellation: 40% of Claims
It happens every day.
People have to cancel their Disney Cruises for many reasons.
Having Disney Cruise cancellation insurance is a buffer against common reasons like these:
Bad Weather
Bad weather cancels or delays a flight en route to a connection or cruise.
Airline Delay
Airline delay or strike makes you miss a connection or cruise
Death, injury or illness
Death, injury, or illness of a family member
Car Trouble or Accident
Undriveable car or accident on the way
Home is damaged
Your home is damaged due to natural disaster, fire, or burglary
Court appearance
You are summoned by a judge to appear in court (jury duty, etc)
Divorce or Pregnancy
A divorce or unexpected pregnancy causes a change of plans
Lose a Job
You're laid off due to no fault of your own
Trip Delays & Interruptions: 37% of Claims
Trip interruption is any situation that causes you to unexpectedly have to end your trip and return home.
Trip delay is any time your trip has been delayed due to accident or a canceled flight or whatever.
What could cause a trip interruption or delay?
Natural Disaster
Floods, tornados, wildfires, whatever! Mandatory evacuations can really slow you down
Illness or injury
Getting sick or hurt is no fun. Especially on vacation!
Attack, Assault, Robbery
A vicious attack can interrupt or abruptly end a trip
Job or Money Problems
Have to work unexpectedly?
Labor Strike
When travel workers go on strike, it can really mess up your plans
Trip Provider Bankruptcy
A travel supplier (tour operator, etc) ceases operations due to financial default or bankruptcy
Medical Expense: 13% of Claims
If you get sick, hurt, or (heaven forbid) die while on your Disney Cruise, there can be a bevy of hefty costs. Here are just a few:
Hospitalization
Spending any amount of time in the hospital is expensive
Evacuation
If you get hurt in a remote spot, you'll need to be transported to a hospital
Return of Remains
Care for the deceased after unexpected death
Lost or Delayed Baggage: 9% of Claims
Stuck somewhere without your bathing suit, toiletries, Mickey Ears and fresh pair of undies?
Yeah, it's a total bummer and inconvenience, but worse...last second replacements are often outrageously expensive.
VIDEO: How to Book Disney Cruise Insurance in 5 Minutes
4 Reasons You Might Not Need DCL Travel Insurance
Cost of Vacation is Minimal
Not spending much on flights or other travel? Got a screaming deal on a 3-day cruise and it just wasn't that expensive? (If yes, show me how!)
Your Domestic Health Insurance Will Cover Medical Emergencies Abroad
Check with your existing carrier to find out what they will or won't cover overseas.
You're Comfortable with Risk of Lost Luggage
You can deal with the inconvenience of lost or stolen baggage.
You're Okay with Losing Any Amount of Money
You can handle the loss of the cost of your trip plus any additional costs you incur due to medical emergencies, evacuations, or added travel expenses.
What Travel Insurance Should I Choose?
So, are you leaning toward getting Disney Cruise travel insurance for your upcoming sailing?
Next step is to select an insurance provider.
I know, I know. Seems overwhelming, right?
Don't Stress! I'll Give You a Place to Start
Yes, there are a lot of options out there. A LOT.
I definitely recommend you do comparison on your own.
However...
I've done a lot of research on this. I've got you.
There are two basic types of Disney Cruise travel insurance policy:
Individual
Individualized policies tend to cover specific worries you might have. If you want just one type of coverage in particular (e.g. medical) call your insurance company and ask for that.
Comprehensive
Comprehensive insurance policies cover basically everything I mentioned earlier (always read your policy to understand it) all in one package.
Here...let me make it simple
To keep things simple, I have narrowed my comparison to two comprehensive options commonly selected by Disney Cruisers:
- Disney Cruise Line's Vacation Protection Plan
- Allianz Global Assistance
These two options will cover most travelers.
(As always, however, you should definitely do your homework and check out all the Disney Cruise travel insurance options.)
Let’s take a look at each...
Disney Cruise Vacation Protection Plan
Disney has Disney cruise insurance coverages that you can purchase through Disney (or your travel agent) that are underwritten by Transamerica Casualty Insurance Company.
When Can You Buy Disney Cruise Vacation Protection Plan?
You can purchase online, over the phone through DCL, or via your travel agent any time before your final payment is made.
How Much Does Disney Cruise Vacation Protection Cost?
8% of the per person sailing fare. Minimum per person cost is $29; maximum per person cost is $399.
Pros:
Convenience
You can book it at same time you book everything else through DCL or your travel agent.
Cons:
Flights not covered
Unless you book your air travel through Disney, your flights aren't covered.
More expensive
Per person cost for DCL's insurance is higher than many other plans.
No pre-existing conditions
Pre-existing conditions are not covered
Allianz Global Assistance OneTrip Prime Plan
Allianz Global Assistance offers several plans that vary in coverages.
The most popular plan, and the one that is the best for a Disney Cruise, is called “OneTrip Prime”.
When Can You Buy Allianz Global Assistance's "Prime Plan"?
You can purchase up to 11pm eastern of the night before you begin your travels. If you have a pre-existing condition, you'll want to purchase within 14 days of your first deposit, in order to meet an important condition for having pre-existing conditions covered.
How Much Does Allianz Global Assistance "Prime Plan" Cost?
Around 2-6% of the total cost of your trip. My last quote was under 4% of my trip cost.
Pros:
Kids are free
Kids under 18 are covered free when traveling with a parent or grandparent.
Better coverages
Overall better coverage limits.
Half the cost
Cost is about 4% of the total cost of your trip. Disney is 8%.
Pre-existing conditions
Buy policy within 14 days of making first deposit, it will also cover pre-existing conditions.
Cons:
Umm...it's not Disney?
Only thing I can think of is you have to book Allianz Global Assistance outside of Disney.
Why I Chose Allianz Global Assistance
Allianz Global Assistance offers quite a bit more coverage for your Disney Cruise travel insurance than the DCL protection plan.
In my personal experience and all of my research, Allianz Global Assistance has provided competitive prices, paid out claims, and given awesome customer service.
They have an A+ rating with the BBB. They're rated 4.57 out of 5 on InsureMyTrip. You’re safe to purchase from them in confidence. For more reassurance, read these individual reviews.
Disclosure: If you buy a DCL insurance policy through the Allianz Global Assistance links, I get a small commission. It’s not much but it helps keep the website running and doesn’t cost you any extra. You don’t have to use my links, but I’m very thankful when you do. I recommend them not because of the commission but because I use them myself.
GET A FREE (AND QUICK) QUOTE
Click the image below to get a quick quote from Allianz Global Assistance for your Disney Cruise travel insurance.
Understand Your Disney Cruise Cancellation Insurance Policy
Each policy is different. Whatever Disney cruise trip insurance you choose, read and understand your policy. Carefully read the definitions of "trip cancellation" and "trip interruption."Frequently Asked Questions
What if I Have Personal Health Insurance?
Check with your personal health insurance company and ask if they cover overseas personal travel. Most do not. Remember that Disney Cruise travel insurance (also known as DCL insurance) not only gives you more health coverage but also provides insurance for flight delays, travel interruptions and lost luggage.
Can I Change My Mind?
All trip insurance plans have a "Free Look" period that starts when the plan is purchased and lasts between 10 and 15 days (check your plan details).
This free look period gives you time to review your policy and return it for a refund within the time period.
How to Make an Travel Insurance Claim
Regardless of what Disney Cruise travel insurance provider you go with, here are three tips to help you if you ever have to make a claim:
Doctor Support
If you cancel a trip due to sickness or you have a medical emergency while traveling, you will need documentation from a doctor.
Keep All Documents
The more documentation you have of your expenses, the better. The insurance company will require proof of expenses, amounts you have paid, and any refunds you may receive.
Don't Wait
Contact your Disney Cruise travel insurance company as soon as possible. Virtually every good trip insurance company offers 24/7 support. Get in touch with them early and assume nothing. Ask a lot of questions.
Pin For Later
