Holland America Line Travel Insurance - 2024 Review
Holland America Line Travel Insurance
7
Strengths
- Strong Insurance Partner
- Available at Check Out
Weaknesses
- Poor Medical Insurance
- Weak Medical Evacuation
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Who is Holland America Line?
Holland America Line has been a recognized leader in cruising for 147 years, with more than 500 sailings a year visiting all seven continents. Cruises include both popular and less-traveled ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Mexico, South America, the Panama Canal, Australia, New Zealand and Asia — as well as unique voyages to the Amazon, Antarctica and their extended Grand Voyages.
In our Holland America Line Travel Insurance review, we highlight the costs of its two Cancellation Protection Plans and the limited benefits that are provided.
Our Holland America Line Cruise
Our illustrative couple, a 55 and 60-year-old, chose a Holland America 7-day Western Caribbean cruise.
The total fare for 2 travelers, including taxes and fees, is $2,508.00. Later, we’ll use this trip cost to compare alternative travel insurance plans.
Holland America Line Cancellation Policy
Holland America Line offers two cancellation plans: Standard and Platinum. The Standard Cancellation Protection Plan is just that: standard cancellation protection with no extra coverage, other than up to $500 for Baggage/Personal Effects loss while the traveler’s bags are in the custody of Holland America Line.
The Platinum Cancellation Protection Plan, on the other hand, includes limited coverage for Medical Insurance, Medical Evacuation, Trip Interruption, and Baggage Coverage, which we will discuss later in our review.
Holland America Line’s cancellation coverage is reasonably generous when compared with other cruise line insurance plans. However, this is limited to certain destinations.
This information comes directly from Holland America’s website:
Cancellation Policy
Your entire booking including cruise fare, air add-ons, ground transfers, pre-cruise and post-cruise hotel and tour packages, excluding Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses, is subject to the same cancellation policy. If you booked any travel arrangements through other operators, you will be responsible for any cancellation fees imposed by the airlines, other transportation carriers, other tour and ground operators, and other hotel properties. Refunds (except for amounts paid for Cancellation Protection Plan) will be made directly to the method of payment you used to book with Holland America Line.
Refund schedule for guests with bookings made in US$, CA$, or AU$:
BOOKINGS OPENED NOVEMBER 10, 2023, OR AFTER:
ALL OTHER VOYAGES 5 NIGHTS OR LONGER:
|
Days Before Commencing Travel |
Refund Schedule |
|
Cancellations through 90 days before commencing travel |
100% Refund |
|
89-83 days before commencing travel |
100% refund, less required deposit amount |
|
82-46 days before commencing travel |
50% refund of gross fare |
|
45 days or less before commencing travel |
No refund available |
For other destinations, the cancellation fees begin sooner and reimbursements are less. On the positive side, Holland America Line is one of the few cruise lines that provides a refund in cash. Many cruise lines only offer a future cruise credit but keep your money if you cancel. Under those circumstances, this is a positive feature of Holland America Line.
Cruise lines, like airlines, moved in the direction of non-refundable deposits, so at a minimum you will lose your deposit for a cancellation.
What is Holland America Line’s Cancellation Protection Plan?
When you book your Holland America Line cruise, you will be invited to buy Holland America Line insurance plans: either the Holland America Line Cancellation Protection Plan Standard or Platinum.
Holland America Line Insurance
Upon inspection, we discovered the Standard Cancellation Protection Plan is not a travel insurance policy.
Instead, it is an optional upgrade to Holland America Line’s Standard Cancellation Protection Plan and is administered by Holland America Line.
Holland America Platinum Cancellation Protection Plan
On the other hand, the Platinum Cancellation Protection Plan is an exclusive insurance policy written for and sold by Holland America Line, underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
Holland America Standard Cancellation Protection Plan
Adding the Standard Holland America Line Cancel Protection Plan increases the trip cost to $2,746. Holland America Line charges each traveler $119 for the Standard Cancellation Protection Plan
Holland America Insurance Cost
This plan costs our travelers $238 to extend the cancellation out to 24 hours prior to departure for an 80% refund. That means they paid a $238 fee and will lose at least 20% of the cruise fare cost: $549.20.
Still, it lacks full trip coverage. While this plan provides baggage loss/damage protection up to $500 (while bags are in the custody of Holland America Line), it has no medical expense insurance or emergency medical evacuation benefits.
If you are searching for Holland America Platinum Travel Insurance, the Standard Cancellation Protection Plan is not an insurance policy. It’s simply an improved partial refund due to cancellation than without the plan.
Holland America Platinum Cancellation Protection Plan
Adding the Platinum Holland America Line Cancel Protection Plan increases the trip cost to $2,806. Holland America Line charges each traveler $149 for the Platinum Cancellation Protection Plan
What does the Platinum Cancellation Protection Plan cover for $298?
This plan is made up of two parts: First is the upgraded Cancellation policy sponsored by Holland America Line and second is the actual insurance policy with Trip Interruption, Trip Delay, Baggage coverage, and medical benefits.
Holland America Line - Standard vs Platinum Cancellation Protection Plan
|
Benefits Provided by |
Standard Plan |
Platinum Plan |
|
CFAR |
Up to 24 hrs prior to departure |
Any time prior to departure |
|
Cancellation fee refund |
Up to 80% total cruise vacation cost |
Up to 90% total cruise vacation cost |
|
Extra Baggage Liability |
$500 |
$500 |
|
Trip Interruption |
Not Included |
Up to 150% total cruise vacation cost |
|
Trip Delay |
Not Included |
Up to $500 |
|
Baggage/Personal Effects |
Not Included |
Up to $1,000 |
|
Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation |
Not Included |
Up to $75,000 |
|
Medical & Dental Expense |
Not Included |
Up to $20,000 |
|
Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services |
Not Included |
24/7 |
Holland America Standard Cancellation Protection Plan
The Standard Plan offers no medical coverage. It’s just an expensive, upgraded cancellation policy.
Holland America Platinum Cancellation Protection Plan
Side by side, the Platinum Plan has better coverage than the Standard Plan , but, the traveler still risks incomplete coverage and unfavorable value buying the Platinum Plan.
Holland America Platinum Plan has low levels of Emergency Medical Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation, which may be acceptable if traveling domestically, but not internationally.
Neither plan covers privately booked travel arrangements, such as airfare, accommodations, rental cars, or other tours and excursions one may take while on their trip.
Under the Platinum Plan, cancellation and interruption coverage only applies to products and services sold by Holland America Line.
On the contrary, every policy at TravelDefenders provides trip coverage for all prepaid and non-refundable costs, not just the cruise cost.
These may include airfare, rail tickets, excursions and tours, event tickets, hotel rooms, long-term parking, medical device or mobility rentals, and port/airport transfers.
Holland America Line’s Travel Insurance will leave you completely unprotected in the time spent traveling to and from the cruise or afterward – a critical omission of coverage.
What Medical Insurance Benefits Do I Need on a Cruise?
No one goes on a trip expecting massive medical bills or for a medical evacuation.
Travel Medical Insurance covers your emergency doctor and hospital bills while outside the US. Emergency Medical Evacuation gets you to the best place to treat your condition, and later brings you back home should you require further treatment.
Medical Insurance Overseas
At TravelDefenders, we believe the only time it’s appropriate to consider lower medical protection overseas is when a traveler has a health insurance that pays full benefits outside the US. Unfortunately, few Americans own health insurance policies with international coverage.
Travel Medical Insurance is only effective when it can mitigate a worst-case scenario. We have seen worst-case scenarios, so we always recommend a traveler carry at minimum $100,000 of Travel Medical Insurance protection when outside the US.
That may seem like a lot, but unexpected traumatic injury or illness often result in significant medical expense. International private hospitals can charge up to $3,000-$4,000 per day.
A policy with only $10,000 in medical coverage won’t last long before the hospital bills you personally. A minimum medical benefit of $100,000 will buy you time and treatment.
Where to Seek Medical Treatment Overseas
Moreover, many Americans believe overseas public health services are free and open to treat a sick or injured American traveler. On the contrary, public health services are not open to foreign visitors, so Americans must seek treatment at costlier private health clinics and hospitals.
As a result, you will pay full price to use private health facilities. Again, the US State Department does not provide financial support to US residents needing overseas health care.
Therefore, proper Travel Medical Insurance is absolutely necessary.
What Medical Evacuation Benefits Do I Need When Cruising?
It’s not unusual for US tourists to require a Medical Evacuation.
If you experience a serious accident or illness on your trip and the local hospital is not equipped to treat you, you need evacuation to the appropriate facility.
Transport may be as simple as transfer to a nearby hospital or as complicated as a private jet outfitted with medical equipment accompanied by a nursing team to another country, such as back home to the US.
Without Medical Evacuation coverage, you’d be left to recover alone for weeks or months in a foreign country. Patients recover faster when supported by nearby family and friends. Medical Evacuation provides this.
Health Insurance Won’t Help You
Don't count on your health insurance to send a plane to pick you up and bring you home.
Even if you have good health insurance in the US, it does not include medical evacuation. If you break a leg in Canada, have a stroke in the Bahamas, or get a disabling virus in Belize, you will be stuck there until you are well enough to take a commercial flight home.
Recommended Medical Levels
Specifically, travelers who cruise within 3-4 hours of the US border should carry a minimum $250,000 of Medical Evacuation benefits.
Travelers venturing further from home need a minimum $500,000 of Medical Evacuation coverage – the cost of a long-range private jet staffed with a medical evacuation team.
Holland America Trip Medical Insurance Benefits Are Dangerously Low
Next, we highlight the Holland America Line Cruise Insurance Medical Insurance, and the Emergency Evacuation levels of coverage.
In the event of serious illness or accident, both Cancellation Protection Plans have very low levels of medical insurance that will leave a traveler exposed to catastrophic financial risk. Later in this article, we go into more detail.
Holland America Line offers low Medical Insurance and Emergency Evacuation benefits despite the fact their primary clientele are seniors.
Travel Medical Insurance
|
Recommended Medical Insurance |
Holland America Line Cancel Protection Plan Standard |
Holland America Line Cancel Protection Plan Platinum |
|
$100,000 |
$0 |
$15,000 |
Medical Evacuation Insurance
|
Recommended Medical Evacuation Insurance |
Holland America Line Cancel Protection Plan Standard |
Holland America Line Cancel Protection Plan Platinum |
|
$100,000 near US border $250,000 outside of the US |
$0 |
$75,000 |
Emergency Medical Evacuation is provided, but again, it’s too low to be reliable in a true emergency.
Seniors who rely on Holland America Line’s Cruise Insurance for medical care and evacuation face increased financial risk. The Platinum Cancellation Plan only provides a meager $15,000 medical coverage and Medicare is not accepted outside of the US.
Although Holland America’s Platinum Travel Insurance has helpful cancellation, it is not a strong or dependable insurance plan. Fortunately, there are many more affordable trip insurance options with better coverage throughout the wider travel insurance market.
Basic Cancellation Travel Protection
Every Travel Insurance policy includes some form of basic Trip Cancellation protection. Typically, trip insurance pays a 100% cash refund for reasons that include:
- Accident, illness, or death of you, a traveling partner, business partner, or family member
- Jury duty
- Legal appearance
- Traffic accident en route to airport
- Death or hospitalization of your host at your travel destination
- Weather
- Bankruptcy of your travel provider
The Holland America Line Cancellation Protection Plan has pretty good cancellation benefits.
Both the Standard and Platinum Cancellation Protection Plans have a “Cancel For Any Reason” option. However, this is the exception, not the rule, in the realm of cruise cancellation.
Most cruise lines that do offer Cancel For Any Reason pay cruise credits instead of a cash refund.
In fact, Holland America Line itself takes financial responsibility to pay the Cancel For Any Reason benefit under both protection plans, by issuing the traveler a cash refund for up to 80% of the cruise cost with the Standard Plan, and up to 90% of the cruise cost with the Platinum Plan.
The following Cancel For Any Reason Waiver is provided by Holland America and is not an insurance benefit. Please see the dates set forth in the Cancellation Policy in the applicable Holland America Line brochure.
The Cancellation Policy further details the requirements for a payout:
Trip cancellation protection is effective for any reason up to 24 hours prior to scheduled cruise or cruise tour departure under the Standard and Platinum Plans. The Platinum Plan additionally offers cancellation protection for covered reasons within the 24 hours prior to departure. All other benefits of the Platinum Plan are effective upon departure.
Holland America Line’s Covered Reasons for Cancellation
In the final 24-hour window, Holland America’s Cruise Standard Cancellation Plan does not provide coverage at all. That is why it is important to secure a travel insurance policy that will provide coverage, even within 24 hours of your departure.
Holland America’s Platinum Plan will still provide Cancel For Any Reason coverage anytime prior to departure and will provide you with a refund of 90% of the total cruise vacation cost.
Single Supplement
Most cruise fares are based on double occupancy of the room. In the event one of the cruisers cancels, they normally charge the roommate a supplement fee or even the remaining fare, if traveling alone.
If your companion cancels their cruise for a covered reason, and you still want to go without them, many travel insurance policies cover the added cost of the person who cancelled:
Benefits will be paid, up to the Maximum Benefit Amount, for the additional cost incurred as a result of a change in the per person occupancy rate for Prepaid Travel Arrangements if a Traveling Companion’s or Family Member’s Trip is canceled for a covered reason and You do not cancel Your Trip.
This is a benefit TravelDefenders recommends so that travelers can enjoy their cruise vacation even if their traveling companion cannot.
Neither Holland America Line’s Standard Cancellation plan or Platinum Plan offers this benefit.
Work Cancellation Travel Protection
In the event a traveler previously received approval for vacation, but the employer later rescinds it, Cancel For Work Reason covers cancellation for a 100% refund.
Although Holland America’s Cancel Protection Plan does not specifically allow Cancel for Work Reason, it falls under Cancel For Any Reason.
By comparison, the Travel Insured FlexiPAX plan allows for an add-on that would cost an additional $12 and would provide coverage if a traveler is required to work during the trip. In fact, it pays a 100% cash refund to cancel for this reason. At Best, Holland America Line would refund 90% cash.
Worth nothing, a traveler who gets laid off from work through no fault of their own may be covered under ‘covered cancellation’ with many travel insurance policies.
Trip Interruption Travel Protection Reasons
If you’re already on your trip and a family member back home dies or is unexpectedly ill or injured, you may interrupt your trip and return early. This is a covered cancellation reason on all trip insurance policies available through TravelDefenders.
Although Holland America Line’s Platinum Cancellation Protection Plan is a “Cancel For Any Reason” policy, that does not mean it includes “Interruption For Any Reason.” On the contrary, it lists only a few reasons it will cover a trip interruption:
- Your Sickness, Accidental Injury or death, that results in medically imposed restrictions as certified by a Physician at the time of Loss preventing Your continued participation in the Trip. A Physician must advise to cancel the Trip on or before the Scheduled Return Date.
- Sickness, Accidental Injury or death of a Family Member or Traveling Companion booked to travel with You that a.) occurs while You are on Your Trip; b.) requires Necessary Treatment at the time of interruption; and c.) as certified by a Physician, results in medically imposed restrictions as to prevent that person’s continued participation on the Trip.
- Sickness, Accidental Injury or death of a non-traveling Family Member.
- A Terrorist Incident that occurs in Your departure city or in a city listed on Your Trip itinerary during Your Trip.
- You or Your Traveling Companion being hijacked, Quarantined, required to serve on a jury or subpoenaed during the Trip; having Your Home made Uninhabitable by Natural Disaster.
- You or Your Traveling Companion being directly involved in a traffic accident while en route to departure (substantiated by a police report provided by You to the Company).
This is a very basic list that all travel insurance policies should cover for Trip Interruption.
Moreover, Holland America Line only refunds Trip Interruptions for travel arrangements booked through them. Anything you booked privately is not covered for cancellation or interruption.
By comparison, the Travel Insured International FlexiPAX plan has an option to add “Interruption For Any Reason” which would allow you to interrupt your trip for any reason and receive a refund of up to 75% of the non-refundable insured trip cost.
What Alternatives Can I Find for Cruise Travel Insurance?
Each year, Americans spend over $3 billion on travel insurance. Since the United States is home to one of the largest travel insurance markets in the world, travelers can easily compare policies to find the best fit for their cruise.
To help you shop for the best value, TravelDefenders allows the traveler to quickly quote and compare travel insurance plans from some of the top travel insurers in the country.
Size Up Policies at a Glance with TravelDefenders
First, we work with the most reputable travel insurance carriers in the US. Each of our carriers is rated ‘A’ or ‘A+’ by A.M. Best and offer highly respected customer service. For more information on AM Best, visit their website.
Second, our carriers offer a range of travel insurance plans with different levels of benefits. A savvy consumer can compare a dozen different travel insurance plans at the same time.
Third, you are assured to find the best value on cruise insurance. We guarantee you will not find the same travel insurance policy at a lower price.
Holland America Line Cruise Insurance vs Travel Insured International FlexiPAX Insurance Plan
Earlier we noted that the Holland America Line Standard Cancellation Protection Plan was $238 for both travelers. Here we compare this to a more comprehensive travel insurance policy priced at $196 for both travelers.
For our senior cruise couple, the cruise fare with fees and taxes is $2,628 for both travelers.
The Travel Insured International FlexiPAX standard cancellation plan would only cost our two travelers $178 versus the $238 they would pay for the Holland America Line Standard Cancellation Protection Plan.
For the $178, these two travelers would be covered for a 100% refund of their total trip cost of $2,746 under 23 covered cancellation scenarios. Additionally, they would have ample coverage for medical insurance and medical evacuation coverage, which is not included in the Holland America Line Standard Cancellation Protection Plan.
For our two travelers to have Cancel For Any Reason and Interruption For Any Reason coverage included, it would cost $271, which is still about $27 less than the $298 cost of the Holland America Line Platinum Cancellation Protection Plan and has more complete coverage.
Features of Travel Insured International FlexiPAX (CFAR/IFAR75%)
Travel Insured International FlexiPAX (CFAR/IFAR 75%) is one of the most popular plans at TravelDefenders due to both its Cancel For Any Reason feature and Interruption For Any Reason, as well as a high level of Medical Evacuation ($500,000), with the ability to upgrade the Medical Evacuation to $1 million or even as high as $1.5 million.
|
Time Sensitive Benefits
Cancel For Any Reason: 75% refund Interruption For Any Reason – 75% refund Pre-Existing Medical Condition Waiver: Yes Time Sensitive Period: 21 Days Free Look Period: 14 Days Pre-Existing Medical Condition Look Back Period: 60 Days |
Regular Benefits
Medical Coverage: Primary Hospital of Choice: Yes Covered Cancellation: 100% refund Financial Default: Yes Medical Sickness: $100,000 Medical Evacuation: $500,000 |
Optional Add-ons/Upgrades for Travel Insured FlexiPAX
|
Optional Coverage or Increase of Benefits |
Maximum Amount |
Additional Premium |
|
Trip Delay Increase |
|
|
|
Baggage and Personal Effects Increase |
|
|
|
Baggage Delay Increase |
|
|
|
Medical Upgrade Bundle 1 |
|
|
|
Medical Upgrade Bundle 2 |
|
|
|
Rental Car Coverage |
|
|
|
Cancel For Work Reason |
|
|
|
CANCEL FOR ANY REASON |
|
|
|
interrupt for any reason |
|
|
As you can see from the above chart, this plan’s name truly says it all. FlexiPAX, this plan is a great alternative to purchasing cruise line insurance as it offers solid flexible comprehensive coverage, multiple upgrade abilities, both Cancel For Any Reason and Interruption For Any Reason, all at reasonable and lower prices. Ask yourself, why pay more for less coverage?
Now, let’s look at how a comprehensive travel insurance policy compares to the Cancellation Protection Plan offered by Holland America Line:
|
Benefit |
Standard Cancellation Protection Plan |
Platinum Cancellation Protection Plan |
Travel Insured International FlexiPAX (Standard Cancellation) |
Travel Insured International FlexiPAX (CFAR/IFAR 75%) |
|
Trip Cancellation |
80% of total cruise vacation cost |
90% of total cruise vacation cost |
100% of total trip cost |
75% of total trip cost |
|
Trip Interruption |
No |
150% of the total cruise vacation cost |
150% of total trip cost |
150% of total trip cost |
|
Medical Insurance |
No |
$20,000 |
$100,000 (with an option to increase to $250,000 or $500,000 per person) |
$100,000 (with an option to increase to $250,000 or $500,000 per person) |
|
Medical Evacuation |
No |
$75,000 |
$500,000 (with an option to increase to $1 million or $1.5 million) |
$500,000 (with an option to increase to $1 million or $1.5 million) |
|
Baggage Loss/Damage |
$500 (only while in the custody of Holland America Line) |
$1000 |
$1,000 per traveler (with the option to increase to $1,500, $2,000, or $2,500) |
$1,000 per traveler (with the option to increase to $1,500, $2,000, or $2,500) |
|
Baggage Delay |
No |
$500 |
$300 (with the option to increase it to $500, $1,500, or $2,500) |
$300 (with the option to increase it to $500, $1,500, or $2,500) |
|
Travel Delay (Incl quarantine) |
No |
$500 |
$1,000 ($150/day) (with the option to increase it to $1,500, $2,000 or $2,500) |
$1,000 ($150/day) (with the option to increase it to $1,500, $2,000 or $2,500) |
|
Missed Connection |
No |
No |
$500 per traveler |
$500 per traveler |
|
Cover Pre-existing Medical Conditions |
N/A |
Yes |
Yes, if purchased within 14 days of deposit |
Yes, if purchased within 14 days of deposit |
|
Interrupt For Any Reason |
No |
No |
No |
Yes, 72 hours after departure 75% of total trip cost |
|
Cancel For Any Reason
|
Yes, up to 24 hours prior to departure |
Yes, anytime prior to departure |
No |
Yes, up to 48 hours prior to departure 75% of trip cost |
|
Cancel For Work Reason |
No |
No |
Optional Add-on for up to $100% of the non-refundable insured Trip Cost |
Optional Add-on for up to $100% of the non-refundable insured Trip Cost |
|
Accidental Death & Dismemberment |
No |
No |
$100,000 |
$100,000 |
|
Cost of Policy |
$238 (9.1% of trip cost) |
$298 (11% of trip cost) |
$178 |
$271 |
Please note: Holland America Line states that the cost of their Cancellation Protection Plans start at $79, but is ultimately based on the total cruise cost. We used the cost of both Cancellation Protection Plans applicable to the 7-day Western Caribbean cruise package we quoted to determine the percentage shown above.
Here, our senior cruising couple can protect themselves with a top level, fully featured travel insurance plan that costs about $27 less than Holland America Line’s Platinum Cancellation Protection Plan. While $27 isn’t a huge cost saver, these travelers will still save some money and receive a far more generous amount of protection under the Travel Insured International FlexiPAX (CFAR/IFAR 75%) travel insurance plan.
Recap: Holland America Line Cancellation Protection Plan Standard and Platinum
- Holland America Line Cancel Protection Plan Standard - not travel insurance
- Partial refund for cancellation costs paid to Holland America Line (cruise fare, excursions, air, land tour, etc)
- High cost for the value of the plan
- Holland America Line Cancel Protection Plan Platinum - very limited benefits
- Partial refund for cancellation costs paid to Holland America Line (cruise fare, excursions, air, land tour, etc)
- Low medical and evacuation coverage
- Narrow scope of insurance benefits
- High cost for the value of the plan
- TravelDefenders offers comprehensive travel insurance policies
- Robust medical coverage to give you peace of mind
- Covers all prepaid and non-refundable trip costs, regardless of vendor
- Comprehensive policy benefits
- One policy can cover everyone on the trip (if they reside in the same state), rather than just 1 person
- Best value for your money
Strengths
- Platinum plan underwritten by Nationwide
- Standard plan available to everyone, regardless of country or state of residence
- Rates not based on age
- No exclusions for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions for either Standard or Platinum Plans
Weaknesses
- Plan is charged per person, instead of as a group
- Only covers the Holland America Line travel arrangements, no arrangements made by the traveler or outside travel provider
- Very weak medical
- Standard plan has virtually no benefits for the cost
Please note that the Platinum Plan is not available to residents of New York State, Quebec, British Columbia, Puerto Rico or the United Kingdom.
Summary/Overview
Before you buy Holland America Line Travel Insurance, take a moment to familiarize yourself with what it covers and review all of your options.
Overall, both levels of Holland America Line Travel Insurance have a generous but expensive cancellation plan. However, Holland America Line’s coverage is completely inadequate in the event of a serious illness or accident. The Medical Evacuation limits are dubious in an emergency.
For Holland America Line guests, there are significantly better cruise travel insurance and cancellation plans available in the wider travel insurance market.
Lastly, we presented alternative travel insurance options available for US customers. These plans offer significantly higher benefits at a lower price.
Conclusion
Holland America Line’s Cancellation Protection Plan performs solely for cancellation benefits, rather than a travel insurance policy. In fact, Holland America Line seems to play down the insurance aspect of it.
While the Cancel For Any Reason offer is rather generous, most people cancel due to the sickness, injury or death of a covered traveler or a family member. As a result, Cancel For Any Reason is good marketing but expensive for the coverage it provides.
In fact, Holland America Line Travel Insurance - Cancel For Any Reason Cancellation Protection Plan distracts from the major flaws of both Cancellation Protection Plans: deficient medical benefits.
TravelDefenders believes travelers vacationing with Holland America Line are best served when they have ample medical insurance in case of emergency during their trip, not just cancellation protection. As such, we do not recommend either of the Cancellation Protection Plans for cruise travelers. We rate the Holland America Line coverage a 7 out of 10.
General recommendations
When traveling outside of the United States, we recommend having at least $100,000 in Travel Medical Insurance, enough to protect a traveler for an unexpected medical event.
We also recommend an Emergency Medical Evacuation limit of at least $250,000 to get you to treatment quickly, and then back home, after a devastating medical event.
Furthermore, if you purchase your trip insurance policy within 10-21 days of your initial trip payment, a pre-existing condition waiver can be included to save you from a headache down the road.
Have questions? Want to speak with an expert?
We would love to hear from you. Send us a chat, email, or call at +1(786) 321 3723 and talk with a travel insurance expert at no cost.
TravelDefenders guarantees you will not find a lower price for the plans on our site anywhere else, not even from the insurer directly.
Safe Travels!
This article has been written for review purposes only and does not suggest sponsorship or endorsement of AARDY by the trademark owner.
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