Squaremouth explains travel insurance coverage for cruisers
With norovirus outbreaks spreading throughout the US, travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth has answered common questions about travel insurance coverage for cruisers who face a higher risk of contracting the virus.
Squaremouth spokesperson Megan Singh explained that norovirus outbreaks aren’t confined to cruise ships. “Historically, norovirus outbreaks have been most common on cruise ships, but early this year, we've seen outbreaks throughout the US,” she said. “Travel insurance can help sick travellers in either situation, both covering them to cancel their cruise, or for medical costs while on the ship.”
The first question Squaremouth answered was ‘can I still purchase coverage for the norovirus?’. It said that travellers can purchase a policy to include both the trip cancellation and emergency medical benefits as long as they are healthy and have not been exhibiting symptoms or diagnosed with the norovirus when the policy is purchased.
The answer to the second question, ‘what if I get the norovirus before my cruise?’, was that the trip cancellation benefit can provide coverage to travellers who become ill and need to cancel their cruise. “In order to be covered, they must be able to provide medical documentation from a licensed physician prohibiting travel,” Squaremouth said.
Squaremouth answered the third question, ‘what if I get the norovirus while on my cruise?’ by saying that travellers who become sick during a cruise may be covered for the related medical expenses, including medical evacuation costs to be disembarked, and even to return home early if medically necessary.
Lastly, Squaremouth’s response to the question ‘can I cancel my cruise if I’m worried about getting the norovirus?’ was that the fear of contracting the norovirus is not a covered reason to cancel a trip under trip cancellation policies. “However, travellers who purchase the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade can cancel for a reason that is not otherwise covered, including fear of contracting the virus,” it advised.