Business View Magazine Jan-Feb 2019

11 EMERGENCY EVACUATION CAN GET PRICEY Medical evacuation on cruise ships is often more expensive than typical medical transport costs, especially for cruises to more remote locations. To prepare for these potential expenses, Squaremouth recommends cruisers look for at least $250,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage when purchasing a policy for their cruise. This benefit can cover the cost of an evacuation off a cruise boat, or from port, and even back home if deemed neces- sary. DON’T OVERLOOK MISSED CONNECTION COVERAGE If a traveler misses their cruise departure due to bad weather or other airline delays, the Missed Connection benefit can cover their expenses to catch up to their cruise at the next port. This benefit can kick in as soon as three hours into a delay and cover- age can range from a few hundred dollars to more than $2,000. CONSIDER WEATHER BENEFITS As hurricane season is one of the most popular times for cruises, Squaremouth recommends travelers consider select- ing a policy that includes hurricane and weather benefits. If bad weather causes cancellations or significant delays in travel plans, typically 12-48 hours, covered cruisers would have the option to cancel a trip and be reimbursed for their trip costs. However, if a cruise ship changes its destination due to inclem- ent weather, travel insurance will not cover the traveler to cancel their trip, as the cruise is still scheduled to take place. PURCHASE COVERAGE EARLY Travel insurance only pays claims to travelers who purchase coverage before an event takes place, such as bad weather or illness, so it is key to purchase a policy early in order to get the best possible coverage for their cruise. Travelers who purchase a policy within the first two weeks of their trip deposit date may also be eligible for additional benefits, such as Cancel for Any Reason, Pre-Existing Condition, Financial Default, and Cancel for Work Reasons.