TRAVEL INSURANCE Archives

For seasoned travelers like Rasa Urbonaite, safety comes first. Rasa relies on her iPhone, not just for directions or social media updates, but for something far more crucial: the Allianz travel insurance app. With real-time alerts and emergency assistance at her fingertips, her travel insurance app becomes a lifeline. These apps, including popular ones like Faye and Allianz's Allyz, offer everything from medical help to local safety warnings. Could your travel insurance app be your next essential travel companion?

Can a travel insurance app really keep you safer? Here’s the surprising answer

May 3, 2025September 7, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

A travel insurance app may be the last place you’d look when you’re concerned about safety. But for experienced travelers, it is becoming a first stop.

When James Cottrell bought travel medical insurance for his North Atlantic cruise, he never expected to need it. But when his wife fell ill and ended up with a $6,914 medical bill, he found himself relying on GeoBlue. Despite promises of a 30-day payout, six months passed with no reimbursement. Cottrell's persistent follow-ups led him to file a complaint with the Massachusetts Division of Insurance. His case highlights the differences between travel insurance and travel medical insurance and provides crucial tips for expediting claims. Will GeoBlue finally pay? Find out how he resolved it.

Their North Atlantic cruise ended in the hospital. Why won’t travel medical insurance pay their $6,914 claim

September 5, 2024August 12, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When James Cottrell bought travel medical insurance for himself and his wife for their North Atlantic cruise last summer, he never expected to use it. But if he had to, he was confident his GeoBlue travel medical plan would be there for him — and that it would pay his claim promptly.

David Aronstein's Alaskan cruise took an unexpected turn when he contracted Covid-19. While the onboard medical team provided excellent care, he faced a new challenge upon returning home: a $750 bill for Paxlovid treatment. His insurance company required medical records to process the claim, but despite multiple attempts to obtain these from Holland America, David received no response. The cruise line directed him to fill out a release form and send it to their parent company, Carnival, but this yielded no results. David's perseverance highlights the importance of securing medical records immediately after treatment.

How do I get Holland America to send me my medical records? I keep asking.

August 2, 2024July 31, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

David Aronstein needs his medical records from Holland America. Without them, he can’t file an insurance claim for the treatment he received on a cruise. What’s the holdup?

Travel insurance can be crucial for summer vacations, but it’s not always necessary. Kingsley Hopkins, traveling to Portugal and Iceland, seeks coverage for medical emergencies and trip disruptions. With high travel demand and potential risks like natural disasters and health issues, older travelers especially should consider insurance. However, you might skip it if you already have coverage or if your trip is low-risk. Evaluate your prepaid expenses and international travel plans to decide. Hopkins opts for refundable bookings and a Medjet Horizon plan for peace of mind, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Do I need travel insurance for my summer vacation? It’s complicated

May 21, 2025June 22, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you’re planning to travel somewhere this summer, you’re probably thinking of buying travel insurance.

Your next flight may get an upgrade. No, not as in a bigger seat in the front of the cabin. It's bigger than that -- much bigger.

Is air travel getting better? Here are the surprising reasons it is

August 2, 2024March 2, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Your next flight may get an upgrade.
No, not as in a bigger seat in the front of the cabin. It’s bigger than that — much bigger.

Carolyn Hoke's anticipation for a serene seven-night river cruise from St. Louis to Minneapolis with American Queen Voyages turned into a prolonged ordeal of frustration and uncertainty. After the unexpected cancellation of her cruise in November 2022, Carolyn found herself ensnared in a seemingly endless wait for a refund of $10,126. Despite her persistent efforts, including calls to the company, escalations to the accounting department, and complaints to the Florida Division of Consumer Service, the refund remained elusive. As she navigated the maze of customer service apologies and bureaucratic dead ends, the ominous shadow of the company's potential bankruptcy loomed large, threatening to engulf her hopes of reclaiming her hard-earned money. This tale of perseverance against the tides of corporate negligence unfolds as Carolyn, with the help of consumer advocacy, confronts the daunting challenge of securing her refund from the brink of a collapsing cruise line.

Help! American Queen Voyages canceled my cruise but kept my $10,126

March 21, 2024March 1, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Carolyn Hoke has been waiting more than a year for her refund from American Queen Voyages for a canceled cruise. Why is it taking so long — and how can she speed up the process?

Elaine Simmons' cruise vacation turned into a nightmare when her NCL flight reservation vanished. Left scrambling at the airport, she paid an exorbitant $1,796 to secure alternative tickets. Despite pleading with NCL for reimbursement, they directed her to their travel insurance provider, AON, which rejected her claim. Even disputing the charge on her credit card proved futile. Exasperated and out of options, Elaine sought mediation. With resolve, she turned to an advocacy team, hoping they could compel NCL to take responsibility for their oversight and compensate her for the unexpected expense.

I paid an extra $1,796 to get to my cruise. Why won’t NCL reimburse me?

September 5, 2024February 28, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

After Elaine Simmons’ flight reservation is lost, she pays an extra $1,796 to get to her NCL cruise. Why won’t the cruise line help her recover the money?

Marcia Krantz's dream vacations turned into nightmares with Celebrity Cruises, first to the Galapagos and then Europe. Faced with unbearable cabin temperatures, health issues, and an unsympathetic response to a family tragedy, Krantz seeks a refund or credit. Celebrity Cruises promises luxury and exceptional experiences, yet Krantz's adventures fell short. As we delve into the intricacies of what Celebrity guarantees versus the reality of Krantz's experiences, we confront the challenging question: does she deserve compensation for her grievances, and if so, what form should it take?

Can I get my money back for a bad cruise?

January 30, 2025February 26, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Marcia Krantz wants her money back for her Celebrity cruise. She sailed to the Galapagos last year but didn’t enjoy it. And then her replacement cruise to Europe also tanked.

I canceled my cruise, but my $19,148 credit card claim is lost at sea

August 8, 2024February 14, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Brent Feinberg and his wife cancel their cruise after a medical emergency. Why won’t their credit card cover their $19,148 loss?

When traveling, the last thing anyone wants is to face the hassle of lost luggage. This comprehensive guide offers vital information on what to do if your luggage goes missing during air travel, cruises, train journeys, or hotel stays. From understanding the rules of lost luggage claims to tips on preventing your bags from getting lost, this article is an essential resource for travelers. It covers everything from filing claims to avoiding luggage fees, ensuring your travel remains stress-free.

The ultimate guide to finding your lost luggage

December 30, 2024February 13, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you’re reading this because your luggage has gone missing, you’re not alone.

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