Why Buy Trip Insurance for My Yacht Charter Vacation?
You are not required, in most cases, to purchase trip insurance for your crewed yacht charter vacation but we highly recommend it. We work with two trip insurance companies, Allianz Global Assistance so that you can fully review & compare options.
Important: We will ask if you would like a quote because your charter fee, in general, is non-refundable unless the exact dates are rebooked. We recommend that you get a couple of quotes and purchase your policy within 2 weeks of making your first charter vacation deposit. Don't forget that you can add your airfare and pre charter or post charter hotels too!
1. Crewed Yacht Charters Have Strict Trip Cancellation Policies.
Think your cruise company will understand when your plans change suddenly and you have to make an emergency trip cancellation? Probably not. They count on having the yacht booked, so all crewed yacht charter owners have very strict cancellation policies. It's tough, but that's the way it works. That's why we strongly recommend charterers buy trip insurance. Consider it an insurance policy that covers trip cancellations and trip interruptions.
2. Medical Emergencies Happen on Charter Trips, too.
When you're lounging on the aft deck, it's easy to forget you're miles from the nearest hospital. Even if you're in perfect health, you can never predict when you might break an ankle, suffer a heart attack, or come down with the flu. If you have an existing medical condition, then you are already aware of how important insurance can be in terms of reasons to cancel, or in case of medical evacuation. But insurance does not have to be for your own health. If your parents are in frail health and you could be called home unexpectedly, insurance really helps ease their minds. The same applies to our clients with young children being left at home.
For serious health emergencies, passengers may need to be airlifted to the closest medical facility. You don't want to see the bill for that, trust us. Some cruise travel insurance plans include coverage for accidents or medical emergencies.
3. Yacht Charter Travel Insurance Lets You Relax.
The whole reason you wanted to go on a yacht charter vacation was to leave life's worries onshore. But it's tough to relax if you're worried about bad weather, illness, lost luggage, missed flights, theft, international emergencies or that big deadline at work. A good yacht charter travel insurance policy will offer coverage for the unexpected. Make sure you review your insurance plan carefully before you buy because not all plans offer the same coverage.
What if one of the couples in your group has a family member who gets sick or stuck in a snowstorm and they cannot go on the trip? We can help!
Trip Insurance Tip: Each couple should purchase their own trip insurance so that no one ends up short on sharing the charter fee. Some yachts may require the purchase of trip insurance during hurricane season. See the stories below and let us help you make an informed decision on which company is right for you!
Bottom Line: No matter how hard you try, there are some things you just can’t plan for.
If a family member gets sick.
If your baggage is lost.
If your trip is delayed.
Your passport is lost or stolen.
If the weather prevents your travel.
You need to see a doctor for a sudden injury.
If you miss a flight connection.
Tips For Dealing With a Trip Cancellation:
You made the reservations. You've packed everything you could possibly need for your vacation, from flip- flops to sunglasses. But even the best-planned trips can be derailed by circumstances beyond your control. What should you do if your trip gets canceled?
1. Do your best to reschedule canceled flights
2. If you miss a flight or are otherwise delayed, you need to make reasonable efforts to continue your trip. Find the nearest customer service desk to reschedule your flight as quickly as you can. You can also try calling the airline on your mobile phone or going online to reschedule your flight. If you have a travel insurance plan through Allianz Global Assistance, our 24-hour hotline assistance can help.
3. Know the difference between a trip interruption and trip cancellation:
If you experience a hiccup in your travel plans that slows you down or sends you home a little early, that's considered a trip interruption. But if you miss more than half of the total length of your trip because your travel is delayed, this situation may be considered a trip cancellation for insurance purposes.
Trip cancellation insurance gives cashback for prepaid, nonrefundable payments if you have to cancel your trip for one of the reasons covered by your policy. It also may cover the extra cost of single accommodations if your travel companion canceled his or her trip for a covered reason.
Most Importantly: Document Everything~
If you purchased trip cancellation insurance, you'll need to submit documentation that shows why your trip was canceled and the total amount you need to be reimbursed. Save every email and piece of paper related to your trip, including:
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Receipts and itemized bills for all expenses.
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Original of any refunds or expense allowances received from your tour operator, travel agency,
Common Carrier, resort, property management company or other entity.
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Copy of your resort invoice/vacation rental contract or confirmation.
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Any appropriate documentation that officially explains the cause of your trip cancellation or
interruption.
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Any explanation of medical diagnosis along with your original itemized bills, receipts and proof of
other insurance payments.
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Original unused tickets, copies of invoices, proof of payments and other documents that
substantiate the cost or occurrence of the trip cancellation or interruption.
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Documentation of refunds received.
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Copy of the supplier's literature that describes penalties.
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A letter from the tour operator or an itemized bill from the travel agent stating the non-refundable
amounts of the trip costs.
Contact your travel insurance provider: If you purchased trip cancellation insurance, it's essential to let your insurance provider and your travel supplier know as soon as possible that your trip has been canceled. If you cancel your trip for a covered reason, you must notify your travel supplier(s) within 72 hours of the cancellation to qualify for the largest reimbursement possible.
Understand the covered reasons for canceling a trip:
If you have a plan with Allianz Travel Insurance, there are many covered reasons for last-minute trip cancellations. One common reason is a medical emergency: if you, your travel companion or a family member suffers a serious injury or illness. A doctor must examine the sick or injured person and advise that the trip be canceled. Other covered reasons include personal misfortunes you can't control, such as losing your employment after three or more years on the job or suffering a burglary, fire or other disasters that leave your home uninhabitable. You can find a full list of covered reasons for trip cancellation in the documents for your specific plan.