|
Many think that because they are on a ship, nothing serious will happen. Clearly, none of
us knows when the unexpected life-threatening emergency will occur. Here are two scenarios
that can result in very expensive circumstances.
The first would be a stroke, heart-attack, or
fall causing critical injuries while the ship was far at sea. The passenger must be evacuated
by helicopter to the nearest hospital which could be in Cuba; Haiti, Russia, or any one of
dozens of countries not noted for their medical care standards.
Cruisers take shore excursions. Imagine the possible
injuries that can result from hiking in the jungle; diving on dangerous reefs; riding
scooters; parasailing; hang-gliding; walking on glaciers; riding ziplines; ad-infinitum just
to mention a few possibilities. Most quaint tourist destinations do not have the medical
facilities to handle a sophisticated injury. Usually, once the patient is stabilized, a
second flight aboard jet ambulance is required to relocate the patient to a suitable
hospital, frequently in the U.S.. These expenses are high.
The cost of air ambulance services
is considerable. Aircraft charter companies, hospitals, and some EMS systems charge hourly,
and $5,000 per hour is not unusual. The average Coast Guard rescue cost $27,712.50 last year.
Coast Guard helicopters cost about $4,400 an hour, Coast Guard cutters cost about $1,550 an hour
to operate.
Trip cancellation and medical insurance policy pay for
these expensive services which are requiredwhile travelling; medical evacuation;
hospital transfers; and medical expense which is normally not covered by individual
insurance, outside of the United States.
|
Trip Cancellation Insurance protects travelers against
the risk of losing all of their money because of an unplanned last minute cancellation. Cruises
are expensive! If the traveler cancels after the final payment has been made to the cruiseline,
the cruiseline will not return the fare paid regardless of the reasons for any
cancellation. This ability to obtain reimbursement through insurance is
particularly important when a family group is travelling together.
