Most people, including myself, purchase cancellation insurance when going on a cruise or any travel arrangement which has a cancellation penalty. While checking rates for a cruise we'd like to take in September, I noticed that some of the ads for cruises offer free cancellation insurance.
After reading that I compared the insurance rates and much to my surprise and dismay, I discovered that some companies will not sell insurance to people over a certain age [75 years].
I was aware that some car rental companies won't rent to people under and over certain ages... the rules vary from company to company as well as from country to country.
In the past we always purchased insurance when we took cruises and our last cruise was in 2006. At that time both of us were over 75 ... which makes me wonder what would have happened, if we'd had to cancel the cruise... We have use that same company in the past. Perhaps they didn't/don't have that clause. I plan to call and ask if they do have age restrictions and if yes, what they are.
I did more research on the Internet and the advice was always 'Read the contract before you sign'. Now I'm wondering how many of the MANY Seniors here in Florida, who take cruises every 3 or 4 months know about the age cutoff. Can you imagine what would happen if they bought insurance and became ill just before the sail date or during the cruise and the insurance company told them they weren't covered.... Ooops!
There may be a 'work around' for us... instead of taking a 7 to 10 day cruise... book last minute 3-5 day cruises.
To be continued.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
The idea that these travel companies can restrict what would be considered a BASIC consideration in any other travel mode (train or plane) really irks me!
I wouldn't be surprised to learn that they are doing this to help their bottom line, what with the increase in fuel prices. Even cruise ships have been caught unaware with those climbing constantly.
But the very idea that trip insurance would be unavailable to a person based on their age is just preposterous! That's almost worth a phone call to the Insurance Commissioner's office.
Post a Comment