Congrats, Jr., on attaining platinum status and realizing a concrete benefit
from it! I'm sure you understand the Princess travel protection plan, but
just in case there are some readers who are not familiar with it, a
clarification of your comment that "all is covered" is indicated.
If you're forced to cancel your cruise within the penalty period for a
covered reason (illness, death, fire, hurricane, jury or military duty,
etc.), the plan refunds your money. Pre-existing conditions are NOT covered.
If you or non-traveling family have a pre-existing condition that causes the
cancellation, your claim would be handled under the "cancel for any reason"
coverage of the Princess plan, which is somewhat unique in the travel
business and lets you cancel at any time, for any reason. If you purchase
the gold plan, you lose only 10% of the cruise fare, the other 90% is
treated as a future cruise credit. If you take out the regular plan, it's
25% penalty, 75% cruise credit.
The "cancel for any reason" benefit makes the Princess coverage a no brainer
for folks who have a hard time getting away from work or might otherwise
face a high risk of cancellation due to a non-insurable reason. If a person
doesn't fall into that category, however, and also suffers a pre-existing
condition or has a non-traveling family member who suffers a pre-existing
condition, I personally think third-party coverage is much more favorable
than the Princess plan. For starters, you get your money back instead of a
partial cruise credit. And third-party coverage is often less costly than
the Princess coverage.
Insurance needs are so individualized, each traveler has to figure out what
coverages he/she needs. But it's not too hard if you spend a little time
comparing the policy provisions at both the cruise line website and
www.insuremytrip.com, which Sue recommended above.
Good luck to the OP! Sounds like you have a great trip ahead. Where are you
going?
Diana Ball
Austin, TX
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