Travel insurance for cruising.

[rays]

We are off to Holland for three weeks. SWBMO is concerned that we have travel insurance. Having looked at the cover it seems that a lot of the usual items are not needed if you're going on your own yacht (eg cancellation/missed flights,travel delay etc).
Is travel cover worthwhile or is the cover provided by the good old E11 ok?

CD

 

[gjgm]

you now get a "credit card" for EEC health care. You can apply on line, and it takes a few days to get it. Web page from post office.
I wouldnt bother with extra insurance, unless you feel you need some for money,cameras etc.

 

[DanTribe]

A few years ago, on a cruise in company to Ostend, a friends rudder snapped.
As they were in no immediate danger, Belgium coastguards arranged a salvage tug to tow them in, all very efficient.
The accompanying HUGE bill was all covered by their travel insurance [eventually].
Annual cover for couples is not so expensive really.
Take a chance, but you are probably saving the equivalent of a few hot meals, is it worth it?

 

[bedouin]

To my mind the most important part of travel insurance (at least in the EU) is to cover the costs of getting you home if something went wrong.

Be careful when buying travel insurance that they do actually cover you while cruising - a number of the cheaper policies do not cover you if the main purpose of the holiday is sailing.

 

[rays]

Dantribe,

Reading the travel insurance policy, I can't see that we would be covered if the boat needed sorting. Surely this would be covered by the yacht insurance rather than travel insurance?
Are you sure about this?

The travel insurance we are looking at is from Pantaenius.

CD

 

[Sailfree]

Most travel policies ONLY cover you if you take conventional holidays/flights/ferries.

I checked up on a number and got conflicting answers and it go ever kicked up to management but final answer from all that I tried was you are not covered if you sail your own boat.

Finally went for a RYA approved policy therough Bishops Skinner but probably any travel policy via a company that also insures boats will be OK.

 

[DanTribe]

No. Not 100% sure.

The case involved 2 lads sailing to Ostend, about 1997 ish. Had the story first from them on arrival at Ostend and further details later from their Dad, who had insisted on them taking travel insurance, he claimed.
So plenty of opportunities for embellishment, misunderstanding etc., but that was my understanding of the tale.

On reflection your theory of being covered by boat insurance seems more sensible.

 

[david36]

If all you are seeking is medical insurance for your trip then it depends where you are going. Holland has a well regarded public health system. Not necessarily so in all parts of EU. The only issue might be that speed of access for non life threatening matters might be quicker or easier if you are paying. However, there is nothing to stop you flashing a credit card to pay for the service that you want in such circumstances. Best wishes.