Cancellation of Cruise and Flights due to Carrier Imposed Restrictions

kurler79

Hi all,

I booked a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Lines in January 2024 and then made a separate flight booking with British Airways in December 2024 to get us to embarkation point - date of cruise is August 2025. In January 2025 we have found out that my wife is expecting our third child (unplanned) and at date of travel, she will be well over NCL's 24 week pregnancy rule and very close to BA's 36 week flying rule (currently awaiting baby due date).
As we are willing to travel, but unable to due to carrier imposed rules, will I be able to claim on my annual travel insurance policy for the cruise deposit costs (£800) and my BA Flights which have been paid in full? My insurer, Coverwise, have been notoriously difficult to get hold of.

eskbanker

I doubt that your travel insurance will cover cancellation due to pregnancy (which is ultimately the root cause rather than 'carrier rules') but you should have a copy of the policy terms?

TELLIT01

Unlikely to be able to claim from insurance for any part of the costs.  It might be worth checking with the cruise line and BA to see if it's possible to get earlier dates for travel.  There will probably be cost involved but better than losing all the money.

DullGreyGuy

Pregnancy is seen as a choice, insurers won't payout a claim because you got pregnant and choose to have the baby. It's different if you have a material issue with the pregnancy. 

NCL's rules seem sensible, survival rate at 24 weeks gestation is a little under 70% if they are born in a hospital with a neonatal unit and exceptionally low if born elsewhere. Ships do have a medical centre but they arent floating hospitals and arent setup for premature babies which would mean if she goes into labour potentially diverting the ship and getting a medi-vac off, both of which are costly and also disrupt other passengers holidays. 

In these litigious days you can also see people trying to sue the cruise line if they do have a very premature baby onboard. 24 weeks is fairly significant because before that your 50:50 at best even in a hospital setting so proving it was their fault rather than the outcome that would have happened wherever it had occurred become significantly more difficult. 

NoodleDoodleMan

I can't think any insurer would pay compensation in these circumstances.

The pregnancy was avoidable.

heatherw_01

As others have said, you cannot get cover for this.
Pregnancy is not a reason to cancel for free and your insurance would not cover this.
Unplanned pregnancy or not, it is a choice so you do not get cover for that.