WAVE SEASON SURVEY FINDS MOST AMERICANS HAVE NEVER CRUISED, MAY BE WARY OF PERCEIVED HIGH COST OR BAD PR
An Allianz Global Assistance Survey Revealed More than 10 percent of Cruisers Have Reported Falling Ill or Sick Mid Cruise or Have Missed Boarding Due to Cancelled or Delayed Flights
A new survey conducted by leading travel insurance provider Allianz Global Assistance found that two-thirds (66 percent) of Americans have never been on a cruise, highlighting a significant opportunity for cruise lines to grow their customer base. The survey also found that a combined 69 percent of non-cruisers think cruises may be too expensive or suffer from a poor reputation, pointing to the industry’s need to target cost conscious consumers and bolster cruising’s image.
Of those that responded that they have never taken a cruise, 47 percent reported it was because of prohibitive price or cost and 22 percent stated that cruises have a bad reputation or word of mouth. Others have not taken a cruise because of susceptibility to seasickness (10 percent), fear of getting ill or sustaining injury (8 percent), fear of shipwrecks (7 percent) or claustrophobia (6 percent).
“Cruises represent a significant travel investment, so it’s important that Americans protect that investment when they do book a cruise,” said Joe Mason, Chief Marketing Officer at Allianz Global Assistance USA. “The right travel insurance policy may cover non-refundable payments if a customer has to cancel their cruise due to a reason covered by their policy. It may also cover the cost to catch up to a cruise if a connection is missed as well as pay for medical bills incurred on board or in port.”
Of the Americans that reported having taken a cruise, a little over 10 percent acknowledged having been sick or injured or having missed a cruise due to flight cancellations or delays. Yet, only 16 percent of people surveyed have purchased travel insurance to protect their cruise or other travel investments.
William Brady, MD, Allianz Global Assistance’s U.S. Medical Director and a Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Virginia, says that injuries or illnesses that occur while cruising can be expensive and logistically challenging. “Most ship doctors provide prompt medical care, but more serious emergencies require passengers to be transported to the closest appropriate medical center or hospital for treatment,” said Dr. Brady. “Cruisers may need to be transported to a distant medical facility, may be asked to pay for treatment in advance or may even need to be evacuated to the U.S. In all these circumstances, having the right travel insurance can help.”
Whether it’s a medical issue or a travel delay, a travel insurance policy* from Allianz Global Assistance can provide peace of mind, especially for travel outside the U.S., where many hospitals may request cash payments in the thousands before treatment even begins. Many U.S. health insurance policies (including Medicare and Medicaid) may not cover international travel; those that do may not cover the cost of medical evacuation.
Allianz Global Assistance sells travel insurance through most major U.S. airlines, leading travel agents, online travel agencies and directly to consumers. For more information on Allianz Global Assistance and the policies offered for travelers, please visit: http://www.allianztravelinsurance.com or Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/AllianzTravelInsuranceUS.
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Methodology: This 10-question survey was administered to the U.S. internet population on February 9, 2016, through Google Consumer Surveys, receiving 1,883 responses. The methodology is explained here and a snapshot of survey findings is below:
- 66.6% of people surveyed have not taken a cruise
- 7.9% of people surveyed have been sick on a cruise
- 1% of people surveyed have been injured on a cruise
- 1.6% of people surveyed have missed a cruise due to flight cancelations or delays
- 6.1% of people surveyed are planning on booking an off-board activity with an independent excursion company
- People surveyed that have not taken a cruise responded it was due to:
- Prohibitive price/cost – 46.6%
- Cruises have a bad reputation/ word of mouth – 21.9%
- Susceptible to sea sickness – 10.1%
- Fear of getting ill or sustaining injury – 8.4%
- Fear of shipwrecks – 6.8%
- Claustrophobia – 5.9%
- 84% of people surveyed have not purchased travel insurance
Allianz Global Assistance USA
Allianz Global Assistance USA (AGA Service Company) is a leading consumer specialty insurance and assistance company. We insure 21 million customers annually and are best known for our Allianz Travel Insurance plans. In addition to travel insurance, Allianz Global Assistance USA offers tuition insurance, event ticket protection, registration protection for endurance events and unique travel assistance services such as international medical assistance and concierge services. The company also serves as an outsource provider for in-bound call center services and claims administration for health insurers, property and casualty insurers, and credit card companies.
To learn more about Allianz Travel Insurance, please visit allianztravelinsurance.com or Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/AllianzTravelInsuranceUS.
*Terms, conditions, reductions, and exclusions apply to all plans. All plans not available in all states. For a complete description of the coverage and benefit limits offered under your plan, carefully review your letter of confirmation and certificate of insurance/policy. Insurance coverage is underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: Oakbrook Terrace, IL), rated “A-“(Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: Richmond, VA), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on the insured's state. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are brands of AGA Service Company. AGA Service Company is the licensed producer and administrator of this plan and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage because of the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company.
Media Contact: Daniel Durazo
804.673.7175
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