Lauren Gumport was en route to a vacation on the island of Chios, Greece, in July, where she was set to stay in an Airbnb for five nights with her best friend.
But upon her arrival in Athens to connect to her flight to Chios, she received a WhatsApp message from someone stating that their dad owned the Airbnb property, but that they managed it. The son said they’d be out of town — and that their dad didn’t speak English — but that Gumport would still be able to check in with the dad.
Gumport, who works for the travel insurance company Faye, is no stranger to stories of travel mishaps. She sensed something was off but forged ahead with the Chios flight. When she arrived at the meeting spot near the Airbnb, no one was there.
“It was hot and not in a touristy area, so it didn’t feel great,” she says. “We were exhausted from the flights and just wanted to drop our bags, so that was frustrating.”
She had an international cell phone plan, so after 15 minutes of waiting for the owner, she called Airbnb customer service. An hour later, an Airbnb customer service agent finally offered to rebook them elsewhere. But with no other suitable Airbnb listings, Gumport declined the offer. Airbnb then offered to pay for two nights at a hotel.
“Airbnb didn’t give any type of nightly cap on cost, and frankly the island didn’t have a ton of options,” she said. “We found a great hotel and sent Airbnb the receipt.”
The two-night hotel stay came out to $443.50, and Gumport received a reimbursement from Airbnb to her bank account in a few days. Airbnb also refunded the $434.22 cost of her original five-night reservation.
As for the other three nights they were supposed to spend in Chios? Gumport took the opportunity to check out another Greek island, where she booked a last-minute stay.
What happens if your host doesn’t show up?
Gumport contacted Airbnb as soon as she realized her host wasn’t there and says Airbnb appropriately compensated her for the inconvenience.
“Luckily, my friend and I have traveled so much that when things go wrong, we just quickly pivot and laugh it off,” she said. “We stayed two nights in the other hotel, had a great time, then hopped on a ferry to Samos, Greece, for the rest of our trip.”
But not all vacation rental companies have robust customer support, and not all will be as generous with compensation. Plus, not all travelers will be able to pivot like Gumport.
And it’s not just vacation rental companies, like Airbnb or Vrbo, where ghosting is a risk. It’s a challenge facing the ever-growing list of peer-to-peer travel platforms. That includes RV rental companies like Outdoorsy or RVshare, and rental car companies like Turo. There’s also a boat equivalent called GetMyBoat.
Each company has its own set of policies to mitigate mishaps. Some immediately rebook the closest alternative, which can often entail an upgrade. If the owner of the Toyota you booked through Turo doesn’t show up, the company might instead send a Tesla.
But even an upgraded Tesla might not come without some stress. Turo says you need to wait at least 30 minutes past the trip start time before you can contact customer support, according to a note on its help page. That’s 30 minutes you might be sitting on a curb in a foreign city, followed by the transport time hauling your bags to a different location once the company has found an alternative.
Also, the second option might not be exactly what you wanted. You may have to sacrifice features found in your initial vacation rental booking, like laundry or a kitchen, given the last-minute arrangement. Potential “upgrades” might not be much better, such as a larger car that just proves harder to park.
For what it’s worth, many sites that facilitate peer-to-peer rental services have increasingly cracked down on hosts who cancel reservations. In September 2023, vacation rental site Vrbo began instituting financial penalties for hosts. The amount of the fee is based on the overall cost of the listing, as well as how far out they cancel.
Have a plan in case you get ghosted
What if you make it to the check-in time and the host hasn’t canceled but also hasn’t materialized? Sometimes careful pre-trip research can’t prevent ghosting, but backup plans during the trip are critical.
Understand the booking company’s policies. For example, Airbnb promises to help rebook guests into a similar place if the host cancels, but the promise only applies to cancellations made by the host within 30 days of check-in. So, if the host cancels 31 days before Super Bowl Sunday for a home in the host city, good luck finding affordable alternative lodging.
Carefully read the reviews and only book listings that have plentiful, positive reviews. Previous guests might offer insights into the host’s reliability and help indicate which rentals to skip.
Have contact information handy for the host and customer support. Should you be abroad, consider purchasing an international phone plan or at least know where to find free Wi-Fi (such as train stations or cafes).
Research nearby alternatives, including other available listings. Be prepared to be flexible and change plans if necessary.
Take advantage of last-minute deals. Just as Gumport ferried to another Greek island for part of her stay, you could be similarly flexible. Hotels can often be cheaper when booked last minute anyway. Jamie Lane, chief economist at vacation rental data platform AirDNA, says the same holds true with lodging beyond hotels.
“Ask for last-minute deals,” Lane says. “Unbooked weeks or recent cancellations can lead to big discounts to fill open nights.”
This article was written by NerdWallet and was originally published by The Associated Press.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
You’ve planned your dream vacation and invested thousands of dollars in prepaid reservations. Then, a family member becomes seriously ill or the cruise line that you’ve booked with declares bankruptcy. If you need to cancel a trip for an unexpected reason, you might lose a lot of money.
However, if you used your eligible Capital One card — such as the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — to book your ticket, you can use the card’s trip cancellation insurance to request reimbursement for some of your prepaid expenses.
Before you book your trip, here’s what you need to know about Capital One trip cancellation insurance, including what the policy covers and how to file a claim.
When does Capital One trip cancellation insurance provide coverage?
Capital One trip cancellation insurance covers trips booked with an eligible Capital One card that are canceled for a covered reason. The list of covered reasons includes:
Death, accidental injury or illness of you or someone in your immediate family.
Financial insolvency of your airline, cruise ship, bus line or other common carrier.
Capital One will require you to have a physician verify any death, bodily injury or illness that is preventing you from completing your trip. Certain types of injuries, such as those caused by participating in sports or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, are excluded.
To be eligible for trip cancellation insurance, you must book the entire cost of your trip with your Capital One credit card. You can also use Capital One Miles or coupons, as long as the cash component of your trip is booked using your card.
Who does Capital One trip cancellation insurance cover?
When you book a trip with your eligible Capital One card, coverage applies only to you, your spouse or domestic partner and any dependent children under 19 years old who live with you. Children under 25 are also covered if they’re considered full-time students.
If you’re an authorized user on someone else’s Capital One account, you and your family members will be covered as long as you use your card to pay for the trip.
What does Capital One trip cancellation insurance cover?
Capital One trip cancellation insurance covers up to $2,000 per person toward non-refundable common carrier tickets. Common carrier tickets include tickets from airlines, ferry lines, bus lines and other forms of scheduled transportation.
Note that Capital One’s benefit covers a much smaller set of prepaid expenses than trip cancellation policies provided by other cards.
The Capital One trip cancellation insurance covers none of these types of prepaid expenses.
How do I file a claim?
If you need to file a claim with Capital One’s insurance, you’ll initiate it by calling the card benefit administrator at 1-800-825-4062. They’ll ask for preliminary details of your claim over the phone and then send you a series of forms to complete.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Be sure to initiate your claim as soon as possible. Capital One recommends that you submit your claim within 20 days of when your trip is canceled.
Once you’ve received your claims forms, you’ll need to provide all requested information, including proof of loss, and return it to the benefits administrator at:
cbsi Card Benefit Services
550 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 309
Harrison, NY 10528
Alternatively, you can initiate your claim by sending a written description of your loss to the benefit administrator or submitting your claim online at Eclaimsline.com.
What if the benefits are insufficient?
Capital One’s trip cancellation benefit only covers the cost of your non-refundable common carrier tickets under a limited set of circumstances. For more comprehensive trip cancellation insurance, you might want to consider a standalone travel insurance policy.
A travel insurance policy usually offers an expanded list of covered reasons that may cause you to cancel a trip and reimburses other prepaid expenses like hotels, rental cars, booked tours and other travel arrangements.
You can use an insurance comparison site like SquareMonth to find a travel policy that best fits your needs.
Capital One trip cancellation insurance recapped
Capital One’s trip cancellation insurance is nice to have, but many will want more than just an airfare reimbursement if they need to cancel their trip — not to mention that the covered reasons for cancellation are quite limited.
If you want more coverage, consider using a credit card that offers more robust travel insurance benefits or buy an additional travel insurance policy.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
U.S. airlines aren’t required to compensate passengers for flight delays. Refunds are only guaranteed for entirely canceled flights (assuming the passenger opts not to be rebooked by the airline). There’s also no legal requirement for airlines to offer additional flight delay compensation.
That said, most U.S. airlines have pledged to provide additional services or amenities to customers affected by disrupted flights, as documented in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s customer service dashboard. But those pledged amenities can be semi-stingy. While every major U.S. airline offers meal vouchers for delays of three hours or more, only Alaska Airlines promises frequent flyer miles.
I’ve had two flight mishaps this year — yet both times I got compensation above what the U.S. government requires, and greater than what the airlines pledged.
Here’s the script I used to get travel vouchers, bonus miles and a free meal.
Southwest delayed flight compensation: a meal voucher and travel credit
The first delay I experienced this year happened as I traveled from Oakland, Calif., to St. Louis on a Southwest Airlines flight that entailed a layover in Denver.
Because the Oakland flight departed late, I (and 20 of my now closest friends seeking the same connection) arrived minutes after the boarding door closed on the St. Louis-bound flight. Together, we stood and watched our plane take off.
Southwest automatically rebooked us on the next departing flight, but that meant an irritatingly long layover plus a 2 a.m. arrival time in St. Louis.
I beelined to Southwest’s customer service desk, and after exchanging niceties, I said, “I’m going to land nearly three hours late, which means my ride home isn’t going to be able to pick me up. Do you offer any sort of compensation?”
They said they didn’t cover rides home, so I asked what else they could provide.
The agent offered me a $100 voucher toward future Southwest flights, something no airlines promise, besides Alaska Airlines and JetBlue.
I accepted, and as they printed the voucher, I said, “I don’t want to be greedy, but do you offer meal vouchers?”
Southwest’s delay compensation stance is to offer meal vouchers for delays of three hours or more, plus a hotel stay (and ground transportation to that hotel) for overnight delays. Though my delay was just under three hours, the agent printed out a $14 voucher, which covered dinner at Panda Express.
United canceled flight compensation: travel credits and miles
My second flight mishap of 2023 fell under United Airlines’ July Fourth weekend meltdown. My coach and I were headed to Colorado to compete at the 2023 USA Weightlifting National Championships when United canceled our flight entirely.
While the United cancellation policy promises to book you on the next available flight, the next available flight wasn’t for two days — after the competition ended.
Since federal law requires airlines to refund you for canceled flights (as long as you opt not to take another flight with them), I quickly bought two last-minute seats on another airline. There was no way I was going to miss the competition.
After the dust had settled, I filed for and received a full refund. United also sent us both (and everyone else caught up in the meltdown) 30,000 United MileagePlus miles, which NerdWallet estimates are worth about $360.
But our last-minute flights weren’t cheap — and I also booked an Uber because the hotel shuttle had stopped running by our new (delayed) arrival time. So I sent a message to the United customer service team through its online form. Here’s what I said:
“Hi there!
My Wednesday flight was canceled and the next available option was Friday. I was competing at a weightlifting meet on Friday morning, so that alternative would not have been possible. Instead, I booked a last-minute flight for my coach and me on Southwest, which was $279.97 per person and got in at about 2 a.m.
Originally we were going to take the hotel shuttle, but since it stopped running at midnight, I also paid $39.62 for an Uber.
I am requesting compensation of $599.56 (both our airfares plus the Uber) to cover the unanticipated expenses. I know Southwest offered compensation for flights on other airlines when it had a similar cancellation situation in January, so thanks in advance for providing it to United customers.”
While United didn’t give me the $599.56 I requested, a customer service rep did issue me a $500 certificate toward future United flights. That was on top of the airfare refund, plus $720 worth of miles between us.
Considering that my out-of-pocket expenses to get us there last-minute amounted to about $700, we actually profited off United’s meltdown (assuming we’ll use the United vouchers and miles).
Tips for maximizing delayed flight compensation
Major flight disruptions are almost inevitable for frequent flyers. In the first four months of 2023, only 76.49% of flights arrived on time. More specifically, 21.6% of flights were delayed and 1.7% were canceled entirely, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
And while my two personal anecdotes had a happy ending, such outcomes are hardly a guarantee, particularly in the U.S., which provides few legal protections for disrupted flights. That’s in contrast to EU flight delay compensation rules, where travelers are legally entitled to up to 600 euros (about $660), depending on the delay.
Know what compensation you’re entitled to in the U.S.
Before seeking compensation for delayed flights, understand what you’re legally entitled to.
For canceled flights: Most airlines will rebook you on the next departing flight to your destination at no additional cost beyond the initial airfare paid.
If you choose not to take another flight on that airline, you are legally entitled to a refund.
For delayed flights: Airlines are not required to provide flight delay compensation. Compensation is only required when “bumped” from an oversold flight, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Look to travel insurance
Your travel insurance policy may help (if you have one). Many policies offer trip-delay and interruption benefits that can alleviate delay-related costs such as meals or hotel accommodations. While travel insurance typically costs extra, you might already have it because many credit cards provide trip insurance on trips paid for with that card.
Act quickly
If your flight is canceled or delayed, move quickly to get rebooked, or make alternative arrangements before seats fill up. You might be competing with all of the other passengers on your disrupted flight for a limited number of seats on the next departing flight. In situations like United’s July Fourth weekend meltdown, or the 2022 Southwest meltdown, you might be competing with a lot more than just one aircraft full of people to get to your destination.
While comparison shopping is wise in some situations, if getting to your destination is critical amidst a last-minute disruption, then booking any flight — assuming it’s in your budget — might be the best move.
Be polite
The customer service agent is likely stressed and overwhelmed, so show kindness when asking for support. I suspect that’s what worked for me.
In both situations, I got to my destinations with some delay, but I felt appropriately compensated because of it. And once I finally made it to the weightlifting competition, managing the hassle felt worth it, as I even medaled at USAW Nationals.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
If you’re a frequent traveler, annual travel insurance may be something you’ve been considering. Unlike single-trip insurance, annual travel insurance plans can cover you for an entire year, no matter how often you’re on the road.
Let’s look at the five best yearly travel insurance companies, why we choose them and the coverage you can expect.
Factors we considered when picking travel insurance companies
We used the following criteria when choosing which companies we thought were best:
Cost. Annual plans can be expensive — depending on the type of coverage you choose — so we wanted ensure that they stayed affordable.
Types of coverage. Travel insurance for annual travelers can be limited in its coverage. We picked the ones with the broadest range of coverage for possible travel disruptions.
Coverage amounts. Annual trip insurance isn’t worth much if your limits are too low. Instead, we wanted plans with reasonable coverage amounts.
Customizability. If your travels take you to different places, you’ll want the ability to customize your plan. The best annual travel insurance plans can provide this.
An overview of the best annual travel insurance
We gathered quotes from various travel insurance companies to determine the best annual travel insurance policies. In these examples, we used a year-long trip by a 22-year-old from Alabama. We indicated the main countries of travel as France and Malaysia, and when asked, put the total trip costs at $6,000.
The average cost for an annual travel insurance plan came out to $192, though you may notice that Seven Corners’ basic coverage cost of $386 drove the average up. The plans ranged from $83-$200 otherwise.
Basic coverage cost
Recommended for
Allianz Travel
Health care and rental car coverage. It’s the only plan that includes both.
World Nomads
Lowest cost. This plan combines health care with travel benefits at a great cost.
Seven Corners
Good coverage for preexisting conditions.
$200 (Requires personal health insurance).
Affordable high-end health insurance.
Trawick International
Travel insurance benefits, such as trip cancellation and interruption.
Top annual travel insurance options
Let’s take a closer look at our top five recommendations for annual travel insurance.
Allianz Travel
What makes Allianz travel insurance great:
Lower than average cost.
Provides health care and travel insurance benefits.
Includes rental car insurance up to $45,000.
“AllTrips Basic (annual plan) is suitable for those who would like emergency medical coverage while abroad but don’t need trip cancellation and interruption benefits. The AllTrips Prime, Executive and Premier plans provide an entire year of comprehensive travel insurance benefits.
The Executive and Premier plans offer various levels of trip cancellation and interruption benefits. The Executive plan is specifically designed for business travelers since it offers protection for business equipment.”
World Nomads
What makes World Nomads great:
Absolute lowest cost.
Provides travel medical coverage.
Includes sports and adventure activities.
“World Nomads offers the Standard and Explorer travel insurance plans and excels in sports/activity related travel insurance coverage while offering solid trip delay, baggage delay and lost luggage protections.”
Seven Corners
What makes Seven Corners great:
Offers up to $20,000 for acute coverage of pre-existing conditions.
Includes up to $1 million for emergency medical evacuation.
Optional add-on for adventure sport activities.
$0 deductible available.
“Seven Corners offers one annual policy called Travel Medical Annual Multi-Trip. The policy can be customized depending on how long you plan to be away from home for any one trip. You can travel as much as you like during the 364 days, so long as any one trip doesn’t exceed the option selected — 30, 45 or 60 days.”
IMG
What makes IMG great:
Good customizability with medical evacuations and sports coverage.
Low $250 deductible.
Includes coverage for semi-private hospital rooms.
“Some policies provide emergency medical evacuation coverage, while others skip this benefit entirely. This benefit may be more important to you if you travel to a remote location or engage in physical activity such as trekking.
More comprehensive plans may include other benefits such as assistance with acquiring a new passport, reimbursing reward mile redeposit fees or coverage for pre-existing conditions. If these are something you’re interested in, be sure to check that your policy includes these options.”
Trawick International
What makes Trawick International great:
100% coverage for trip cancellation and trip interruption.
Emergency medical evacuation included.
Trip delay reimbursement coverage.
“Trawick International is a comprehensive travel insurance provider that offers trip delay and cancellation insurance, baggage delay coverage, medical coverage and medical evacuation, rental car damage protection, and even COVID-19 coverage among its various policies.
Trawick covers trips for worldwide destinations, including for foreign nationals coming to the U.S.”
What does travel insurance cover?
You’ll find a wide variety of coverage types offered by travel insurance policies. This is true whether you’re purchasing a single-trip or annual travel insurance plan. Here are some common types you can expect to find:
Common types of travel insurance
How to choose the best annual travel insurance policy
While we’ve highlighted some of the best annual travel insurance companies, the truth is that the best plan for you isn’t going to be the best plan for someone else. If you’re interested in buying annual travel insurance, you’ll want to collect a variety of quotes to see which policy best fits your needs.
This may mean opting for a plan that covers pre-existing conditions or one that specifically includes high-risk activities. Or, if you’re in a country where health care is notoriously expensive, you may want to choose a policy with higher maximums.
Whatever the case, do your research first and review all the plan details before making your purchase.
If you want to buy annual travel insurance
Annual travel insurance can be a great option if you’re often out of town. With such a wide range of policies available, selecting a plan that fits your needs is easy. We’ve done some of the work for you by choosing the five best annual travel insurance companies, all of which made the top of the list for their cost, customizability, types of coverage and plan maximums.
Frequently asked questions
How much does annual trip insurance cost?
Like any travel insurance policy, the cost of your plan is going to vary. Factors that may affect the cost of your annual travel insurance include your age, where you’re going, how long you’ll be traveling, your policy maximums and whether preexisting conditions are included.
Can I buy travel insurance for the year?
Although not all travel insurance providers offer annual travel insurance, many of them do. We’ve gathered together the five best, including Allianz Travel, World Nomads, Seven Corners, IMG and Trawick International.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Traveling can bring a host of worries, but travel insurance can help create peace of mind when away from home.
Capital One offers a range of credit cards, many of which provide travel insurance as part of the benefits. This service is free to cardholders, though coverage isn’t automatic. Let’s look at Capital One travel insurance, which cards offer this perk and the benefits you can expect.
Does Capital One have travel insurance?
Capital One’s credit card travel insurance is complimentary and available on many different cards. To be eligible for the insurance, you’ll need to have charged the cost of the trip to your Capital One card. Once you’ve done so, the insurance kicks in automatically.
Capital One credit cards with travel insurance
Many of Capital One’s credit cards include travel insurance, even ones you wouldn’t normally expect. Here are some of the best:
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card travel insurance is different from the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card travel insurance. This is because the Venture Rewards is a Visa Signature card while the Venture X is a Visa Infinite card. Visa Infinite cards typically have slightly better perks and protections, but also come with a higher annual fee.
Capital One travel insurance benefits
The actual benefits you’ll receive will depend on which Capital One credit card you hold. In general, these cards provide a whole suite of trip insurance options including rental car insurance, trip delay insurance and baggage delay insurance. Here are some of the best features of Capital One trip insurance.
Trip cancellation and interruption protection
Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable expenses incurred when your trip has been canceled. There are two cases for which you’ll be covered: in the event of injury, death, disease or illness of you or your immediate family member, or default of the common carrier (an airline, for example) resulting from financial insolvency.
If eligible, Capital One’s trip cancellation insurance will refund you up to $2,000 per person for your ticket when you or other covered travelers (such as a spouse or child) cannot travel.
Trip interruption insurance has the same requirements and benefits as trip cancellation insurance, though it simply means that your trip has been interrupted, not entirely canceled.
Trip delay insurance
Capital One’s travel protection isn’t limited to cancellations. You’ll also have coverage with an eligible card in the event of delays. For example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has trip delay insurance that begins after six hours of delay or one that requires an overnight stay.
If this is the case, you, your spouse and dependent children under the age of 22 are eligible for up to $500 in expenses incurred due to the delay.
Rental car insurance
Rental car companies love to charge you for their proprietary insurance offerings, but if you have an eligible Capital One card, you’ll want to skip out on their charges.
Both the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card ($95 annual fee) and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ($395 annual fee) offer rental car insurance. In the case of the less expensive Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, coverage is secondary. This means that it’ll kick in after any personal insurance that you have.
The rental car insurance offered by the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is primary, so it’ll be the first provider with whom you’ll file a claim in the event of an incident.
Note that you’ll need to decline the rental car company’s collision damage waiver for the insurance to apply. You’ll also need to use your eligible card to pay for the rental. Coverage includes expenses for damage incurred by either theft or collision.
Baggage coverage
Capital One travel protection also includes lost luggage insurance. If your carry-on or checked luggage is lost due to theft or misdirection by the common carrier, Capital One will reimburse you up to $3,000 (or $2,000 for New York residents).
Lost luggage reimbursement is secondary, which means it’ll pay you the difference between the value of your claim and what the common carrier reimburses you.
How to make a Capital One travel insurance claim
The exact process you’ll need to follow to make a travel insurance claim on your Capital One card will vary based on the card you hold and the claim you’re making.
Generally speaking, you’ll have a limited number of days to file the claim and you’ll need to call or submit your paperwork online.
However, you’ll want to check the individual benefits guide for your credit card for the steps you’ll need to take. They’ll be outlined in detail so it’s simple to follow.
If you’re interested in Capital One travel insurance
Capital One has a range of credit cards that provide travel insurance as part of their benefits. Among common offerings are lost luggage reimbursement, rental car insurance and trip delay insurance.
However, each card has its own particular set of insurance coverages, so it’s important to double-check before using your card to book. Otherwise, this is an excellent — and free — perk of being a Capital One cardholder.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
If you’re in the market for a cash-back credit card that rewards you for the types of purchases you probably make every day (or at least every week), look no further than the USAA Rewards American Express Credit Card. It’s one of the best no-annual-fee cash-back cards around thanks to a generous rewards program and choice nonrewards benefits.
The big catch is that it’s only available to USAA members, who make up a very small minority of U.S. consumers. But if you’re fortunate enough to be an existing or eligible member, this card is definitely worth a closer look.
What Is the USAA Rewards American Express Credit Card?
The USAA Rewards American Express Credit Card is a cash-back card with no annual fee or foreign transaction fees. It offers an accessible sign-up bonus, a 0% intro APR promotion on balance transfers, and a simple but solid cash-back earning structure.
New account holders can earn a tidy sign-up bonus without much effort. The fact that there is no minimum spend for this sign-up bonus makes it accessible to everyone.
New cardholders may also qualify for introductory financing, which offers 0% APR for 15 months on balance transfers and convenience checks that post to your account within 90 days of account opening. This offer is available only for a limited time. And after the introductory APR offer ends, a variable APR will apply — which is currently 14.90% to 30.90%, depending on your creditworthiness.
This card’s rewards program is quite generous for a no-annual-fee card:
3 points per $1 spent on dining
2 points per $1 spent on groceries
2 points per $1 spent at gas stations
1 point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
These points are worth one cent each when deposited to a USAA checking or savings account, which is the best redemption option. They’re worth slightly less when you request your rewards as a statement credit.
The card also offers other travel benefits, including auto rental coverage, travel accident insurance, trip cancellation and interruption coverage and baggage delay and reimbursement. Plus, you get extended warranty protection on eligible U.S. manufacturer warranties.
What Sets the USAA Rewards American Express Credit Card Apart?
This card has several features that help it distinguish itself from other credit cards in its category.
0% Intro APR promotion on balance transfers. Although this offer doesn’t waive interest on purchases at any point, its 15-month, 0% intro balance transfer APR is still a good offer. It also covers convenience checks that post to the account within 90 days of account opening, with no additional cash advance fee. That’s unusual (and welcome).
A sign-up bonus that’s easy to earn. New accountholders qualify for this card’s sign-up bonus after making just one purchase with their card. Many other sign-up bonuses have a minimum spend that you must meet in order to receive the bonus, but this one doesn’t.
3x points on dining. For a card with no annual fee, 3x points on dining is a good earning rate for folks who regularly dine out and/or order takeout.
Requires USAA membership. You must be a member of USAA to apply for this card. USAA membership is available to active-duty and retired military service members and their families, which means most consumers aren’t eligible. This is definitely the card’s biggest drawback.
Key Features of the USAA Rewards American Express Credit Card
The USAA Rewards American Express Credit Card offers an easily accessible sign-up bonus, a 0% intro APR promotion, and a simple but solid earning structure.
Sign-Up Bonus
Earn 2,500 bonus points after your first purchase. That’s worth up to $25 at redemption.
Earning Rewards
This card earns 3 points per $1 spent on dining, 2 points per $1 spent on groceries, 2 points per $1 spent at gas stations, and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Redeeming Rewards
Rewards can be redeemed for:
Cash back in the form of a statement credit or an electronic deposit to your USAA account
General merchandise
Gift cards from participating merchants
Charitable contributions to participating charities
Travel accommodations through USAA’s own travel booking portal
Minimum redemption requirements vary by redemption method but are generally manageable..
0% Introductory APR Promotion
For a limited time, this card offers 0% introductory APR for 15 months on balance transfers and convenience checks that post to your account within 90 days of account opening. After the intro APR offer ends, a variable APR will apply, which is currently 14.90% to 30.90%, depending on creditworthiness.
Important Fees
This card charges a balance transfer and cash advance fee of 3% of the amount of each transaction. There are late payment and returned payment fees of up to $35, but no foreign transaction fee.
Credit Required
This card requires good or better credit to qualify. If your FICO score is much below 700, your application might be denied.
Pros & Cons
The USAA Rewards American Express Credit Card has several appealing benefits and a couple downsides to keep in mind as well.
Generous rewards program for a no-annual-fee card
Long 0% intro APR promotion on balance transfers and convenience checks
Valuable nonrewards benefits
Requires USAA membership
Very small sign-up bonus
Pros
This card has a generous rewards program, a long 0% intro APR promotional period, and valuable nonrewards benefits.
Strong bonus categories. Earning 3x points on dining and 2x points on groceries and at gas stations can add up quickly. These points are worth $0.01 each when you deposit your rewards into a USAA checking or savings account.
Receive 15 months of 0% APR financing. This offer is a little quirky in that it applies only to balance transfers and convenience checks, both of which have a 3% fee. But it’s rare to find an introductory APR offer that includes convenience checks, which usually charge interest from the get-go.
Valuable benefits. This card comes with a host of travel insurance and purchase protection policies that are usually just found on premium rewards cards. So it’s a welcome surprise to see these benefits on a cash back card with no annual fee.
Cons
This card has strict eligibility requirements and a sign-up bonus that’s almost not worth writing home about.
You must be a USAA member. For the most part, USAA members are very satisfied with their membership, but it’s not open to everyone. You have to be an active-duty or retired service member, or a spouse or child of one. If you’re not eligible for membership — and something like 95% of Americans aren’t — then you can’t apply for this card.
Token sign-up bonus. The new account bonus is very small, even for a no-annual-fee card. Sure, it’s better than nothing, but you’ll barely feel it.
How the USAA Rewards American Express Credit Card Stacks Up
The card’s closest competitor is probably the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card. Here’s how the two cards compare:
USAA Rewards American Express Credit Card
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
Annual Fee
$0
$0
Sign-Up Bonus
Tiny
Average
Rewards Rate
Up to 3x
Up to 5x
0% Intro APR
0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers and convenience checks
0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
None
Credit Needed
Good or better
Good or better
Final Word
It’s great to find a cash back credit card that offers competitive returns with no annual fee. For USAA members, the USAA Rewards American Express is an offer that’s worth considering. If you can take advantage of the bonus rewards categories, as well as the promotional financing terms, then the USAA Rewards American Express could be right for you. And if you’re not a USAA member yet, it could be worth joining just to take advantage of this offer.
The Verdict
Our rating
USAA Rewards American Express Credit Card
The USAA Rewards American Express Credit Card is a competitive cash-back credit card that comes with a strong introductory financing offer. Its strength is the bonus rewards available for dining, grocery, and gas purchases along with the introductory financing offer. However, this card is only available to USAA members. Plus, the financing offer is only valid for balance transfers and convenience checks rather than for new purchases, which limits its usefulness.
Editorial Note:
The editorial content on this page is not provided by any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Jason Steele is one of the nation’s leading experts in credit cards and travel rewards since 2008. Jason is also the founder and producer of CardCon, which is The Conference for Credit Card Media. Jason lives in Denver, Colorado where he enjoys bicycling, snowboarding and piloting small airplanes.
Open a BMO Harris Premier™ Account online and get a $500 cash bonus when you have a total of at least $7,500 in qualifying direct deposits within the first 90 days of account opening. Expires 9/15. Conditions Apply.
The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card is a fantastic travel rewards credit card for people who aren’t wedded to a particular airline or hospitality family.
Notable perks include a big new account bonus with qualifying spend, competitive rewards on eligible purchases, and potentially valuable add-ons like complimentary airport lounge access.
Is the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect card perfect? Of course not — no credit card is. But it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the market for a new premium spending aid.
What Is the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card?
The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card is a cash-back card that offers solid earning rates and travel-related benefits.
It starts with a great sign-up bonus: Spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening to earn 50,000 bonus points. That’s worth up to $500 towards cash back, travel, gift cards, merchandise and more.
This card earns up to 5x points on eligible prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center and 4x points on other eligible travel, gas station, and EV charging station purchases.
Other bonus categories (2x points) include grocery stores, grocery delivery, dining, and streaming services. In addition to 2x points on streaming subscription purchases, you also get a $30 annual credit for streaming services, like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, Disney+, Apple Music and more.
Not only does U.S. Bank Altitude Connect earn bonus points on travel-related expenses, the card also has several travel-related benefits:
Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, which gives you four free visits to over 1,300 airport VIP lounges worldwide
Trip cancellation/interruption coverage
Trip delay reimbursement
SmartDelay access on eligible travel delays
Other notable benefits include a statement credit up to $100 every four years to cover Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fees, plus a cell phone protection plan that provides up to $600 in reimbursement if your cell phone is stolen or damaged when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your card.
There’s a $95 annual fee for this card after the first year. There are no foreign transaction fees.
What Sets the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card Apart?
This card has several features that help it distinguish itself from other credit cards in its category.
Excellent sign-up bonus. This card has one of the better sign-up bonuses in its class (sub-$100 annual fee). It’s worth up to $500 towards cash back, travel, gift cards, merchandise, and more.
4x points on gas and EV charging. This is one of the highest rewards rates for vehicle fuel. There are cards with quarterly rotating bonus categories of 5x on these types of purchases, but the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature card earns 4x points year-round without a cap.
Streaming credit. The card comes with a $30 annual credit for streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, Disney+, Apple Music and more. This can help offset the $95 annual fee, since this credit is easy to use.
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS. The card delivers a statement credit up to $100 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS. Since the annual fee is waived for the first year, this credit makes the card worth holding for at least two years if you want one of these services.
Key Features of the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature card offers a solid earning rewards rate on travel and gas categories, a streaming service credit and other travel-related credits and benefits.
Sign-Up Bonus
Spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening to earn 50,000 bonus points. This bonus can be worth up to $500 at redemption.
Earning Rewards
This card earns rewards as follows:
5 points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center
4 points per $1 spent on other travel and on purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations
2 points per $1 spent at grocery stores and on grocery delivery, dining, and streaming services
All other eligible purchases earn 1 point per $1 spent.
Redeeming Rewards
You can redeem your points for one cent each towards cash back, travel purchases, gift cards, merchandise, and more.
Points can be redeemed in the U.S. Bank Mobile App, in the Rewards Center in online banking at usbank.com, or by calling the 24-hour Rewards Center. They’re generally worth $0.01 apiece at redemption.
Important Fees
This card charges a balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% of the amount of each transaction and a cash advance fee of $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction. There is a $41 late payment fee and a $41 return payment fee.
The annual fee is $95 after the first year, when it’s $0. There is no foreign transaction fee.
Additional Benefits
This card has several additional benefits:
A $30 annual credit against eligible streaming service purchases
A complimentary Priority Pass Select membership that entitles you to free or reduced-price access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
Up to $600 in cell phone protection coverage when you pay your bill in full with your card
Trip cancellation/interruption coverage and trip delay reimbursement
SmartDelay on qualifying travel delays, entitling you to complimentary access to select airport lounges when your flight is delayed
Up to $100 in statement credits every four years against eligible Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fees.
Credit Required
This card requires good or better credit to qualify. If your FICO score is much below 700, or your personal credit history is limited, then you’ll likely have trouble being approved.
Pros & Cons
The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card has some attractive upsides along with a couple drawbacks worth noting.
Very generous sign-up bonus
Great rewards program
Lots of nonrewards benefits, like airport lounge access
Relatively low fees
Limited rewards flexibility
$95 annual fee after the first year
Pros
Overall, this is a generous travel rewards card with a surprisingly strong lineup of nonrewards benefits.
Sign-up bonus worth $500. This card has an excellent sign-up bonus: Spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening to earn 50,000 bonus points. This is a very competitive offer relative to other cash back cards.
Strong bonus point offers. If you spend a lot on hotels and car rentals, and you don’t mind booking through U.S. Bank’s in-house travel agent, then you could earn 5 points per $1 spent on those purchases. Even if you book another way, you’ll still earn 4x points on travel, at gas stations, and even at EV charging stations and you’ve got a very compelling rewards program.
Plenty of benefits. This card’s most valuable benefit could be a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, good for up to four visits per year — a rarity on a card with such a low annual fee. The cell phone protection and travel insurance coverages, along with SmartDelay access, are potentially valuable as well. And it’s always nice to get $100 off your Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee.
Low fees. The $95 annual fee is waived the first year, and there are no foreign transaction fees.
Cons
This card’s point system leaves something to be desired, and the annual fee could be an issue for users who can’t spend fast enough to offset it.
No flexible rewards points. Award travel enthusiasts love Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards points because they can be transferred to airline and hotel programs. When you do this skillfully, it’s possible to realize much more than $0.01 in value per point redeemed. But with this card, you can’t transfer your points to airline and hotel programs, so you can’t get more than $0.01 per point at redemption.
Annual fee after the first year. Though it’s waived the first year out, this card does have a $95 annual fee after that. This isn’t ideal for light spenders.
How the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card Stacks Up
This card’s closest competitor is probably the Bank of America Premium Rewards card. Here’s how the two cards compare.
U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
Bank of America® Premium Rewards®
Annual Fee
$95, waived the first year
$95
Sign-Up Bonus
Very good
Even better
Rewards Rate
Up to 5x points
Up to 2x points, but Preferred Rewards members can earn more
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
None
Credit Needed
Good or better
Good or better
The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card has a more generous rewards program than the Bank of America Premium Rewards card, and it’s nice that it waives the annual fee in the first year. But Bank of America has a slightly better sign-up bonus and better perks for existing Bank of America deposit customers.
Final Word
The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card is a great card for earning a valuable sign-up bonus and extra points on common purchases. It’s also a card that showers you with valuable perks and benefits, while keeping the fees low. If you aren’t ready to dive into a travel rewards card that lets you transfer your rewards to airline miles and hotel points, then this is one of the best travel rewards cards available.
The Verdict
Our rating
U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
If you want a premium travel rewards card with plenty of benefits, but you don’t want to pay a very large annual fee, then the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card is a good option. It features bonus reward points, airport lounge access, cell phone protection and credits towards TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. And with no annual fee the first year, there’s little risk in giving this card a try.
Editorial Note:
The editorial content on this page is not provided by any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Jason Steele is one of the nation’s leading experts in credit cards and travel rewards since 2008. Jason is also the founder and producer of CardCon, which is The Conference for Credit Card Media. Jason lives in Denver, Colorado where he enjoys bicycling, snowboarding and piloting small airplanes.
The last thing you want to think about before packing your bags and sailing away on your dream cruise vacation is what would happen if you got sick while on board the ship.
But unfortunately, people do get sick while on vacation. They can also injure themselves or become ill enough that they need to return home.
That’s why it’s prudent to invest in a cruise travel insurance policy and be prepared for the unexpected. It’s also a good idea to know what onboard medical care your ship can and cannot provide in an emergency. It’s especially important if you’re traveling in far-flung locales that may not have adequate medical facilities – when you can even go ashore.
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TPG reached out to several cruise lines, from mass-market companies to smaller luxury ships and expedition lines, but few wanted to comment directly on this topic in response to our questions. Some declined, while others referred us to their websites, where you can find basic information under the FAQs sections on what their ships typically offer regarding medical assistance.
If you want to know the specifics about getting a COVID-19 test on board or what would happen if you broke an arm or needed to be airlifted to a medical facility while cruising, we have direct answers from three cruise lines – MSC Cruises, Holland America Line and Azamara. We’ve also compiled general information from several lines with detailed information on their websites.
Here’s what you need to know before you go, so you can feel confident that you’ll have competent and comprehensive medical care if you fall ill while cruising on the high seas.
Do cruise ships have medical centers, and who works in them?
All ocean-going ships have medical centers staffed with trained professionals, so medical care is accessible when you’re on board the ship. The facilities and what they offer will vary, depending on the size of the ship and the number of passengers and crew.
For example, according to Royal Caribbean’s website, their medical centers are staffed with two or three licensed physicians and three to five licensed nurses 24 hours a day. The staff may be international or U.S.-based. The website also states, “All Royal Caribbean Group (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Silversea) ships are built, staffed, stocked and equipped to meet or exceed guidelines established by the American College of Emergency Physicians Cruise Ship & Maritime Medicine Section.”
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A clinical staff from multiple nationalities works in MSC Cruises’ facilities. The medical professionals also adhere to the standards prescribed by the American College of Emergency Physicians – Cruise Ship Medicine Section Guidelines.
Holland America’s medical centers are staffed with a team of experienced physicians and nurses that can manage a broad range of conditions. The onboard facilities are fully equipped with testing and treatment capabilities, and the team has a close working relationship with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.K.’s National Health Service, regional and local public health agencies and the University of Texas Medical Branch. These associations benefit both the guests and their employees.
Azamara’s spokesperson tells us that the medical facility on board its four boutique ships offers “enhanced equipment, isolation staterooms that provide comfortable and complimentary care, onboard testing capabilities and telehealth medical support. Guests who fall ill will meet with the medical team, which is typically at least one registered physician and one nurse, who will then develop a multi-level response plan.”
Viking’s website also states that its ocean and expedition vessels have upgraded state-of-the-art medical facilities with specialized equipment.
It’s best to contact the company directly if you’re traveling with a smaller cruise or expedition line and want information on specific capabilities and the medical services they offer should you become ill or injured. Many smaller ships sail close to shore, so additional medical facilities will be available in port. However, this won’t be an option when sailing expeditions to remote destinations like Antarctica or the Arctic.
Related: How to avoid seasickness on your next cruise
Do I need an appointment to see a doctor on board?
You should visit the medical center if you have a persistent sore throat, headache, fever, body aches or an upset stomach that could be the flu or a contagious virus, such as COVID-19 or norovirus. If you’ve tripped or fallen and have a swollen ankle or hand, you should also seek medical care.
According to a representative for MSC Cruises, you don’t need an appointment to go to the onboard medical centers. Walk-ins are welcome 24/7, but you can also make an appointment.
MSC’s spokesperson recommends seeing someone if you’re not feeling well, and they tell us their staff can handle a “spectrum of medical situations ranging from routine general practice cases and medical emergencies to those requiring intensive care.”
Holland America guests can dial the emergency number on their cabin phone 24 hours a day for medical assistance.
Azamara’s medical centers are open twice a day for walk-ins. If you need to see someone during off hours, guest services can call an on-duty nurse.
On a Carnival Cruise Line ship, medical staff is on call 24 hours a day for emergencies. On sea days, you can visit the medical center between 9 a.m. and noon and again between 3 and 6 p.m. On port days, the facility is open from 8 to 10 a.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m.
According to its website, Princess Cruises’ ships also have medical centers staffed by full-time registered physicians and nurses. The facilities are open twice daily, and they provide 24-hour emergency care.
Can you get a COVID-19, flu or strep test on the ship?
Most cruise lines, including those mentioned above, can perform various tests, as needed, as part of the medical services offered. These include testing for COVID-19, flu, strep or other suspected illnesses.
Some lines, like Azamara, offer COVID-19 testing without a medical consultation, while others, such as MSC Cruises and Holland America, do not offer walk-in testing. Guests must see a physician first to determine if testing is necessary.
Related: Why I feel safer now on a cruise ship than in my home town
“The onboard physician may recommend a test for COVID-19 if one’s symptoms suggest the possibility of a Covid infection,” shares a Holland America spokesperson in an email. “We encourage our guests to purchase their self-tests before traveling and bring them aboard. In that way, if they have any concerns, they may test themselves and protect their family, fellow guests and our crew. Of course, we do request they notify the medical staff if they test positive.”
Can I get medications on board the ship?
If you forgot to pack basic over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, allergy medications or antacids, these items are typically available in one of the shops on the ship or at the medical center. You should also be able to find them at a pharmacy in port when you go ashore.
If you’ve forgotten prescription medications and need a prescription filled, you’ll have to visit the medical center to see a nurse or a physician. A cruise ship can’t stock all possible medications, so you might need to accept an alternative.
Cruise lines aren’t going to release their formularies, but they probably have prescription medications for the most common ailments such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and thyroid disease. They also stock antibiotics for infections.
If you have another medical condition, you may not find the appropriate medicines to treat it on board. On its website, Carnival advises that its ships may not have certain medications and vitamins available. If you forgot your medications and they’re not stocked on your ship, you must visit a medical facility ashore.
MSC Cruises urges passengers to bring any required medications for their journey from home. If they forget or need something, over-the-counter medications are available in the retail spaces. Guests will find some medicines at the reception desk for minor ailments like motion sickness. They can visit the medical center for other requests, such as basic prescription medications inadvertently left at home.
Related: 27 cruise ship embarkation day do’s and don’ts
In addition to over-the-counter medications available at the retail shops, such as pain medications for headaches, cough drops or upset stomachs, doctors at Holland America’s medical centers can prescribe and dispense basic medications you may have forgotten. They also have medication to treat severe illnesses until a guest is better or until they can be brought ashore for treatment.
Some over-the-counter medications, including antacids and ibuprofen, are available to guests at the medical center on Azamara’s ships. If a guest needs a prescription medication, it can be prescribed after a consultation.
Carnival sells over-the-counter medications for colds, coughs and upset stomachs at the medical center, or in some cases, at the retail shops. Its ships also have motion sickness pills available (for a fee) through room service, guest services or the medical center. In extreme cases, they can administer a shot for motion sickness.
The line also offers complimentary medi-coolers to store prescription items that must be kept at a specific temperature. They are available in limited quantities with a $75 deposit. You can request one once you’re on board the ship.
What if I fall and break a bone or need stitches?
The trained staff at the ship’s medical center can handle injuries, such as broken bones or deep cuts that require stitches. If the injury is more severe, the medical team can stabilize a guest until the ship reaches the port and the patient can be transferred off the ship.
MSC Cruises’ onboard medical centers can handle a spectrum of medical situations, including the initial management of fractures and suturing of lacerations, a spokesperson explained.
Holland America’s medical centers are also well-equipped to care for guests that need immediate medical attention, much like an urgent care center at home. Their ships have X-ray machines, and the medical teams are trained to operate radiology and lab equipment.
Azamara can also handle these types of injuries, says a spokesperson for the line. In the case of a broken bone or orthopedic injury, the onboard provider will also recommend that the guest follows up with an orthopedic referral at the next available port.
“While Azamara’s onboard staff is available to help with any medical issues that arise, the medical facilities are not intended as clinics for guests,” a spokesperson says. “Azamara is not responsible for the diagnosis, treatment or services furnished by shipboard medical personnel, who are independent contractors.”
What if I’m really sick and need a specialist or hospital?
The medical staff on oceangoing vessels are trained to handle emergency situations such as a heart attack or stroke and they have defibrillators and other life-saving equipment on board in case of such emergencies.
MSC Cruises’ vessels are equipped with intensive care facilities where guests can be stabilized and cared for until the passenger can be transferred to a hospital. If the ship is at sea, the ship’s captain and medical staff will need to decide how the passenger will be evacuated. Options may include a diversion of the ship to the nearest port, a boat transfer or, if necessary, a helicopter evacuation.
“The decision is influenced by a variety of external factors, like weather, distance to land and resource availability,” an MSC Cruises spokesperson told TPG. “The decision is also made by consulting with local shoreside maritime authorities.”
Related: How to avoid getting sick on a cruise
Holland America also has established and well-practiced medical protocols surrounding treating seriously ill passengers. “In situations that require referral to shoreside hospitals, the shipboard treating doctors evaluate suitable options by medevac,” a company spokesperson said.
The line works with local emergency services to arrange for the patient to be picked up and transferred to a designated shoreside medical facility when necessary. The care team will also continue to assist and support the disembarked guest and their traveling companions.
Azamara will also assist in bringing guests that need additional care to a hospital as quickly as possible. The onboard team will request an airlift if necessary (depending on the location). Since the line’s itineraries include more time in port, ships are typically close to land. Azamara will also follow up with the guest to ensure they receive the necessary care.
Royal Caribbean Group’s physicians and nurses are required to maintain Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) training. “In responding to medical emergencies, our goal is to first stabilize emergency patients and, when necessary, evacuate the patient to an appropriately equipped and staffed shoreside medical facility,” its website says.
Will insurance cover me if I get sick on a cruise?
You’ll be charged a fee for service if you need to visit a physician or nurse during your cruise. Cruise ships don’t file insurance claims, so you’ll have to do that directly with your insurance company once you’re home. Princess’ website clearly states that charges for medical services will be added to your shipboard account and that guests will receive an itemized bill to send to their insurance company.
This is one of the reasons to invest in travel insurance when you travel. Your regular health insurance policy may or may not cover you when you’re traveling outside the country — or will only cover some but not all of your expenses. Some insurance plans, like Medicare, won’t cover you outside the U.S. except for a few specific emergency circumstances. A travel insurance policy with good medical coverage can make up the difference or reimburse you for medical bills your regular insurance won’t.
Related: The 5 best cruise travel insurance plans
Bottom line
It’s advisable to bring emergency supplies with you when you cruise because you never know what might happen. You’ll want to pack essential over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, antacids and allergy medications. If you think you may need any of these medicines during your vacation, you’ll want to have them on hand, so you won’t need to pay high prices on the ship or schedule a consultation with a doctor in order to get them.
You might also want to bring a COVID-19 test with you or any braces or assistive devices you occasionally use. It will be much cheaper to bring them from home than to purchase them on board.
Also, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical care that your regular health policy won’t reimburse you for when traveling, especially when you’re out of the country. Depending on the policy, you can also recover some of the expense of the trip if you have to return home early.
It’s important to know that if you fall ill or become injured during your vacation, you can get medical care on board the ship for many situations – or at least be stabilized until the medical team and crew can transfer you ashore to a hospital or emergency facility.
It’s best to check with each cruise line before traveling to understand their policies, especially if you have a preexisting condition that could flare up while on the cruise. Be sure to ask what medical care is available specifically on the ship you’ll be sailing on, as older and smaller vessels may have different facilities and capabilities than the newer and larger ships.
Insurance is not the sexiest topic when it comes to, well, anything.
The truth is insurance is there to protect us from an event that our finances are not able to handle.
While planning for bad news is not something any of us enjoys, having proper policies in place is a necessary part of protecting our families and our finances.
Instead of being afraid to think about the future we need to empower ourselves by planning for worst case scenarios. To help you get the best information available I have put together guides for several types of insurance that are offered by top rated insurance companies.
Life
The sudden loss of a loved one can be devastating to a family. What can compound that loss is losing the income that person has been providing and having no plan in place to replace that income. With proper life insurance you can make sure that you and your loved ones are financially prepared for a worst case scenario.
A good life insurance policy is a key to any financial plan so learn more about your options and the importance of life insurance.
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Auto
Every state require you to purchase auto insurance. The problem people run into is that we don’t exactly know how much insurance is enough or what type of policy to get. With each state having different rules and a jumble terms like deductibles, premiums, uninsured drivers, collision, comprehensive, etc. it is difficult to know exactly what you need in a policy.
Get a better grasp on all the details of a car insurance policy and get detailed information about the coverage need for your specific state from our guide for auto insurance.
Homeowner’s
If you buy a house, you’ll likely want (need) homeowner’s insurance. Especially if you buy a home by using a mortgage, the lender will want you to have coverage to protect the investment.
As with several other types of insurance, you’ll need to understand exactly how much you’ll need, what type of policy you might require, and the different nuances with deductibles, maximums, and more.
Medicare
Seniors and those on disability have great difficulty in getting a health insurance policy. Because of this the government set up Medicare as a means of providing coverage to these individuals. What is frustrating is that Medicare is not complete coverage and the terminology is difficult to understand.
Between parts, plans, and advantage coverage most seniors get very frustrated with navigation the Medicare landscape. To help you with getting through the tough transition I put together a guide to Medicare.
Health
With the passage of the Affordable Care Act, health insurance has gotten even more difficult to understand. The good news is that the basic principles are still the same. The bad news is that how we pay for health insurance has gotten more complicated. Whether you have an employer plan or are purchasing your policy as an individual you can get a better grasp on your options for health insurance.
Disability
There was a time when I didn’t think disability was worth the cost, but the statistics for being out of work for an extended period of time are eye-opening and will quickly push you to get this type of coverage. As with all types of insurance you need to learn the terminology before you can make the best decision for your needs. See our detailed guide to disability insurance.
Burial
Burial or final expense insurance is designed specifically to take care of the expenses of your funeral and any expenses that may pop-up as a result of your untimely death. Because it can be purchased in various different ways it is slightly different than Life Insurance. Get a better grasp in our guide for burial insurance.
Business
If you own a business, you know you have a lot at stake, especially if you’re the owner and/or key operator. If something were to happen where your business would be dropped into a legal battle, would you be prepared financially?
This is why business insurance is so important; mistakes can happen, but a business insurance policy can help you alleviate the worries of having to close your business down because of an at-fault hazard, or otherwise. It’s a safe investment for your business, and your future income.
Other Types
Surprisingly, all of those kinds of insurance above aren’t all! There are even more.
Some of these policies might be new to you. You might be surprised to see you’re missing some coverage.
Travel
If you’ve got the travel bug, you might consider putting some cash into travel insurance. Travel insurance can cover A LOT of unexpected costs, like medical bills while you’re traveling, lost luggage, delayed luggage, travel delay costs, and much more.
If you want to see the world, you should see a travel insurance agent first.
Compare Travel Insurance Quotes
Pet
Pets are a part of our family, why shouldn’t they be insured like one of them? Think of pet insurance as a health insurance policy for your furry friend (don’t worry, they aren’t expensive as a health insurance plan).
LTC
Around 70 percent of people over the age of 65 are going to need some long-term care. That specialized assistance can be expensive. This is where long-term care insurance policies bring value. If you or someone you love needs in-home assistance or has to go to a nursing home, you won’t be responsible for paying all those bills yourself.
Renters
Renters insurance is an affordable way to protect all of your belongings from theft or natural disasters. Because renters insurance doesn’t have to cover the physical building itself, it’s much more affordable than homeowners insurance. That’s another benefit of renting instead of owning.
Umbrella
No, this policy doesn’t give you insurance ON your umbrella. Umbrella insurance is designed to fill in the gaps and give additional coverage beyond your standard policies. These plans protect you against major lawsuits and give you additional liability.
Boat
Just imagine hitting the water on your boat. Wind running through your hair and enjoying the sun. What happens if something happens to your boat and you’re stuck on shore? Don’t get sunk paying for those repair bills yourself.
RV
There are few things better than hitting the open road. More and more people are selling their homes and packing everything into an RV. If you’re one of them (or you just like to see the country in your RV), you need to get the same protection you give your home. Your RV is your home on wheels.
Motorcycle
Just because motorcycles have two fewer wheels doesn’t mean they need any less coverage. Motorcycles give you freedom and adrenaline you won’t get with a minivan. If you’re in an accident, don’t get stuck riding around on four wheels. Motorcycle insurance can get you back on that bike.
Could you use some good vibes? Whether you visit the famous vortexes, explore the red rocks, or simply enjoy a hike through nature, there are plenty of things to do in Sedona, Arizona, that will send those positive vibrations your way.
This town is awash in history, natural beauty, and spiritually rich experiences. Plus there are great arts, shopping, and dining. Here, learn about the 10 best things to do in Sedona, Arizona, and how to plan your trip to make the most of your time in the Southwest.
Best Times to Go to Sedona
Sedona can get hot for summer travel, so consider planning your trip for April, May, October, or November when it’s cooler. Bonus: There are flowers to enjoy.
Here are some annual events in Sedona you might want to plan your trip around:
• April: Sedona Yoga Festival
• May: Piano on the Rocks International Festival
• July: Sedona Hummingbird Festival
• September/October: Red Rocks Music Festival
• October: Annual Sedona Rock, Gem & Jewelry Show
• November: Sedona Food Truck Festival
• December: The Festival of Lights
Bad Times to Go to Sedona
Summer can get pretty brutal in Sedona, with temperatures in the high 90s and even 100s June through August. If you’re traveling with pets, consider how the weather will impact them, especially if you go on a long hike in the dry air and high altitude.
Also, early July is monsoon season, so if you’re planning outdoor activities, there’s a chance you won’t be able to enjoy them during this period.
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Average Cost of a Sedona Vacation
If you’re planning a weeklong vacation for two in Sedona, you’ll want to budget for renting a car and paying for a hotel room, activities, and food. On average, you can expect to spend about $3,614 a week for a couple or $2,012 for a solo traveler.
Hotels typically cost between $92 and $421, while vacation rentals often run from $260 to $600 per night, but you may be able to bring the whole gang or family.
Many of the best things to do in Sedona are free, so you won’t break the bank finding activities, but you do have to calculate how much it will cost you to get to and from Arizona. If a plane ticket will be involved, this could be a good moment to sign up for an airline credit card and earn some rewards or discounts.
Also think about whether you’d like to buy trip insurance. You may be covered by credit card travel insurance, or you may want to buy a separate premium to protect your investment in your vacation.
10 Fun Must-Dos in Sedona
If you’re saving your travel fund and thinking about your Arizona adventure, here are the top 10 things to do in Sedona based on recommendations from those who have recently visited, as well as top-rated attractions from travel review sites. There’s something for everyone, whether you are spiritual, sporty, or live to shop.
1. Take a Vortex Tour
Sedona is known for being a vortex hotspot. A vortex is considered to be a concentration of earth energy that you can feel in certain spots and may enhance meditation and self-knowledge. There are hikes like the Airport Mesa Vortex where you can try to feel the vortexes yourself, or you can take a tour.
There are many companies that offer vortex tours, including Sedona Spirit Journeys & Vortex Tours. The advantage of taking a tour with a guide is that they have permission to visit certain sacred sites that you won’t be able to access on your own, and they’re very knowledgeable about the vortexes. A three-hour tour for two people costs $194 each. You can use your plastic and earn some credit card rewards when paying. spiritjourneysofsedona.com/tour-journeys
2. Visit Tlaquepaque Art & Shopping Village
After your vortex tour, get your retail therapy on at the adorable Tlaquepaque Art & Shopping Village. This village is reminiscent of Old Mexico and houses art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. You might linger till nighttime and enjoy a romantic dinner at René, an upscale French restaurant. tlaq.com/
3. Follow a Wine Trail
A fun thing for couples or groups to do in Sedona (or more precisely, just outside of Sedona) is wine tasting in Verde Valley. Cool off in the shaded patio of Javelina Leap Winery with a tasting flight, or watch Oak Creek gurgle by at Page Springs Cellars over a bottle of New Mexico Pinot Gris and a picnic. visitcottonwoodaz.org/wine-trail.html
4. Go for a Hike
Sedona is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true. A fun activity is to hike to see the many uniquely-shaped red rocks, like Snoopy Rock, Cathedral Rock, or Coffee Pot Rock, which looks just like what its name implies.
This amazing landscape will leave you with loads of memories, whether you hike for an hour or a full day. Plus, hiking is a free thing to do in Sedona, which can be a way that families afford to travel.
5. Book a Jeep Tour
Not in the mood to hike? One of the local Jeep tours, like the 60+-year-old Pink Adventure Tours (pinkadventuretours.com/), can get you out into the natural beauty of Sedona that you might not otherwise see. From one of these rugged vehicles, you can better appreciate the cliffs and ravines while (depending on which tour you take) learning about the lives of the indigenous Sinagua people or seeing where Hollywood Westerns were filmed. Prices start at around $79 for adults for a 90-minute tour.
6. Explore a Wild West Town
Just outside of Sedona is the not-to-be-missed Wild West town of Jerome. How can you not visit a place that was called “The Wickedest Town in the West”?
Jerome, perched on the side of a hill, boomed in the late 1800s, thanks to its copper mines, and was a hub for the best and the worst of life back then. Today, you’ll find a historic downtown with cute boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. Start your morning with an indulgent breakfast at The Clinkscale, followed by a few hours of shopping and exploring. The first Saturday of each month, from 5 pm to 8 pm, there’s the Jerome Art & Wine Walk. jeromechamber.com/
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7. Spiritual Reading
Take advantage of Sedona’s plethora of spiritual practitioners by having a tarot card or palm reading, going on a shamanic journey, or having your aura read. You can also have a reiki healing, a sound bath, or learn about transformational breathwork. If you’ve ever been curious about such pursuits, Sedona can be a great place to explore and experience them.
8. Meditate at Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park
Step out of Sedona and into Asia at the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park. This beautiful park welcomes people of all faiths and is a wonderful place to walk, meditate, or pray. The Stupa, a dome-shaped structure, is 36 feet high and is said to bring visitors happiness and protection. tara.org/amitabha-stupa/
9. Have a Spa Day
A Sedona vacation, by its very nature, demands relaxation. What better way to slow down than to book an individual or couple’s massage at one of Sedona’s many spas?
Or you might try something different by experiencing a sweat lodge at Sedona’s New Day Spa, or pick the Time for Two package at Amara Spa.
10. Get Arty
Sedona draws (pun intended) artists from all around the world, who yearn to capture its famous red rocks and endless vistas. See exhibits at the Sedona Arts Center, which features 100 local and regional artists. You can also purchase jewelry, art, and photography made by the artists, and, if you’re an artist yourself, there are workshops and classes you can participate in. sedonaartscenter.org/
The Takeaway
Sedona offers nature, healing, and spirituality, as well as the chance to unwind from your busy life. The problem is: You won’t want to return home! Whether you are looking for an active getaway or something more relaxing, you’ll find it among the beautiful red rocks, along with great cultural attractions, shopping, and dining.
Whether you want to travel more or get a better ROI for your travel dollar, SoFi can help. SoFi Travel is a new service exclusively for SoFi members that lets you budget, plan, and book your next trip in a convenient one-stop shop. SoFi takes the guessing game out of how much you can afford for that honeymoon, family vacation, or quick getaway — and we help you save too.
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FAQ
How long should I spend in Sedona?
You can see and do a lot in just three to five days in Sedona, including hiking to the famous red rocks, getting a massage or spiritual reading, shopping, and enjoying great cuisine.
What are some hikes in Sedona?
There are hikes for every level of expertise, including the Airport Mesa Vortex, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock Climb, and Fay Canyon.
Can I find a vortex by myself in Sedona?
There are trails that you can hike to find vortexes in Sedona like the Airport Mesa Vortex, though taking a guided tour may help you discover vortexes in protected areas you can’t visit on your own.
Photo credit: iStock/bboserup
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