Vacation Insurance or No Vacation Insurance

[UPbeekeeper]

I can understand that choosing to purchase or decline vacation insurance is probably a highly personal preference, but I am curious to see what your pros and cons are on either side of the argument.

I have never purchased vacation insurance of any kinda and I guess I've always been extremely lucky to never have any issues.

In particular I was looking at the Disney packages, and their cost for insurance is like $139.00, which is of course, optional. My first inclination is that I'd rather save that money to use on my trip for more Disney crap I don't need, but is that an irresponsible way to look at things?

Any thoughts on this subject?

 

[musketeer]

My two cents. Although I realize this is probably staying in the US, if traveling outside the US, I wouldn't leave home without it. I used to not think that way until a month ago when my parents were on a cruise that happened to be docked in Belize. (Carnival, not Disney). My mom got sick, very sick, like to the point she needed to be put on a ventilator. Because they had travel insurance, they were able to get an air ambulance back to the US. I can't imagine how much it would've cost if they had to pay for it.

Unfortunately, my mom never woke up and didn't make it, died way too young. But at least she was able to get back home before leaving us.

 

[I_heart_Tigger]

My two cents. Although I realize this is probably staying in the US, if traveling outside the US, I wouldn't leave home without it. I used to not think that way until a month ago when my parents were on a cruise that happened to be docked in Belize. (Carnival, not Disney). My mom got sick, very sick, like to the point she needed to be put on a ventilator. Because they had travel insurance, they were able to get an air ambulance back to the US. I can't imagine how much it would've cost if they had to pay for it.

Unfortunately, my mom never woke up and didn't make it, died way too young. But at least she was able to get back home before leaving us.

So sorry to hear about your Mom. It's hard to imagine what could have happened if she didn't have the insurance. I'm glad she was able to make it home to you before she passed.

 

[olinecoach61]

I buy it. I was diagnosed with cancer 2 1/2 years ago and have had 2 surgeries and radiation therapy once since. I"m doing very well and have a BIG trip to the World coming up in august to celebrate turning 70. Needless to say things can go south pretty quickly and the cost of the insurance is more than worth it for me.

Let me add that I'll be really PO'd if I die before this trip.

Great qoute! You made me laugh, I'm glad your feeling better.

 

[wannabeBelle]

My two cents. Although I realize this is probably staying in the US, if traveling outside the US, I wouldn't leave home without it. I used to not think that way until a month ago when my parents were on a cruise that happened to be docked in Belize. (Carnival, not Disney). My mom got sick, very sick, like to the point she needed to be put on a ventilator. Because they had travel insurance, they were able to get an air ambulance back to the US. I can't imagine how much it would've cost if they had to pay for it.

Unfortunately, my mom never woke up and didn't make it, died way too young. But at least she was able to get back home before leaving us.

Sorry about your Mom Musketeer, you made a GREAT point though. The cost of transport back to the United States literally would have run into the tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands for Medical transport of that nature. That is why we ALWAYS recommend it for a cruise as you just dont know what you will be dealing with outside of the US for Medical Care and to have the option to get back to your own doctors without worrying about the cost factor is a smart move.
Marie

 

[bethram]

My two cents. Although I realize this is probably staying in the US, if traveling outside the US, I wouldn't leave home without it. I used to not think that way until a month ago when my parents were on a cruise that happened to be docked in Belize. (Carnival, not Disney). My mom got sick, very sick, like to the point she needed to be put on a ventilator. Because they had travel insurance, they were able to get an air ambulance back to the US. I can't imagine how much it would've cost if they had to pay for it.

Unfortunately, my mom never woke up and didn't make it, died way too young. But at least she was able to get back home before leaving us.

I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I'm glad she was able to get home.

 

[bethram]

We bought the travel insurance. I've got a four year old with ashtma/allergy issues and feel better knowing we're covered if he gets sick. Also, the way the CM we made our reservations with explained it, if anything of ours gets lost/broken/stolen on the trip the insurance will cover replacement cost.

 

[wdwcandice]

I have never purchased WDW trip insurance but now I always choose the travel insurance offered by my airline. For 15 bucks a person, it is pretty good...covering some medical and lost luggage and the important thing...medical transport.

After hearing of an incident where a friend's brother totally wrecked his back in the bahamas and had to be care flighted to a hospital in the states, his little 15.00 policy did him wonders and saved him thousands and thousands of dollars.

 

[wannabeBelle]

We bought the travel insurance. I've got a four year old with ashtma/allergy issues and feel better knowing we're covered if he gets sick. Also, the way the CM we made our reservations with explained it, if anything of ours gets lost/broken/stolen on the trip the insurance will cover replacement cost.

True statement, I know one person who purchased the insurance. During travel someone at TSA was a bit rough with their video camera and the door to insert the tapes was broken. The insurance covered that claim to have it fixed. Marie

 

[jlevis]

Sorry about your Mom Musketeer, you made a GREAT point though. The cost of transport back to the United States literally would have run into the tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands for Medical transport of that nature. That is why we ALWAYS recommend it for a cruise as you just dont know what you will be dealing with outside of the US for Medical Care and to have the option to get back to your own doctors without worrying about the cost factor is a smart move.
Marie

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. That must have been so hard for all of you.

 

[LuLaSue]

Vacation insurance, for us, is built into the budget. You know what they say, "We plan and God laughs".

We have bought a lot of vacation insurance and I have to say Disney offers a very comprehensive plan. Just like WannabeBelle stated previously, even if you purchase air on your own, it is coverered under the plan. For the price, I would rather be safe than sorry.

 

[musketeer]

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. That must have been so hard for all of you.

It was a complete and total freaking nightmare. It would've been hard enough had this happend at their house 30 minutes from where I live, but to happen thousands of miles away in Belize...