• The TUGBBS forums are completely free and open to the public and exist as the absolute best place for owners to get help and advice about their timeshares for more than 30 years!

    Join Tens of Thousands of other Owners just like you here to get any and all Timeshare questions answered 24 hours a day!
  • TUG started 31 years ago in October 1993 as a group of regular Timeshare owners just like you!

    Read about our 31st anniversary: Happy 31st Birthday TUG!
  • TUG has a YouTube Channel to produce weekly short informative videos on popular Timeshare topics!

    Free memberships for every 50 subscribers!

    Visit TUG on Youtube!
  • TUG has now saved timeshare owners more than $23,000,000 dollars just by finding us in time to rescind a new Timeshare purchase! A truly incredible milestone!

    Read more here: TUG saves owners more than $23 Million dollars
  • Wish you could meet up with other TUG members? Well look no further as this annual event has been going on for years in Orlando! How to Attend the TUG January Get-Together!
  • Sign up to get the TUG Newsletter for free!

    Tens of thousands of subscribing owners! A weekly recap of the best Timeshare resort reviews and the most popular topics discussed by owners!
  • Our official "end my sales presentation early" T-shirts are available again! Also come with the option for a free membership extension with purchase to offset the cost!

    All T-shirt options here!
  • A few of the most common links here on the forums for newbies and guests!

Aruba reopens, but with interesting restrictions [MERGED]

gln60

TUG Member
Joined
Oct 9, 2015
Messages
1,519
Reaction score
1,119
Location
The Garden State
Resorts Owned
Marriot Harbour Lake
Abound Points
“Get care on the Island”?! Have any of you ever had to go to the hospital while on vacation in Aruba?! It is downright incompetent with barely enough resources for locals and for that reason alone I would not go to Aruba now or for the foreseeable future! We cancelled our July trip which would have been 10 years in a row and frankly I don’t see ourselves going back anytime soon.
By “opening” the Island under these conditions to US visitors they are basically saying PLEASE come back under our rules because we realize we can’t survive without you!
Thank goodness we have other choices!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
HAVE YOU???
 

MommaBear

TUG Review Crew: Veteran
TUG Member
Joined
Aug 26, 2010
Messages
1,027
Reaction score
181
Location
Harpswell, Maine
I'm actually surprised by the number of people who won't go because of the restrictions. It actually makes me more likely to go. In fact, since Bermuda has demanded a negative test before you go and we can get a direct flight from Boston, its reassuring to know everyone has tested negative. Yes, I know the rate of false negatives , but it is still better than a plane full of sick people.
 

hajjah

TUG Review Crew
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 8, 2005
Messages
1,416
Reaction score
162
Resorts Owned
Marriott Grande Vista
4 Resorts In Cocoa Beach, FL
Well, it looks like I will need to cancel our September trip. I don’t see the 4 of us getting tested on the Friday before our Monday flight and getting the test results back in time. My major problem though is that I purchased the 4 tickets on Delta using my American Express card back in February. The tickets were $575 each. If I cancel the trip, the 3 family and friends will have the $575 as an e credit and not returned to my credit card. Neither of them have finished paying me yet because of the pandemic while they were out of work! This is not looking too good.
 

elked12

TUG Member
Joined
Mar 16, 2016
Messages
265
Reaction score
79
Location
Tennessee
Resorts Owned
MVC Aruba Surf Club
For a while there were different rules on electronic devices for International flights than US ones. The cabin crew enforced the more stringent rules even on a US airline. I assume the cabin crew on a US airline would enforce Aruba's requirement as well.

But it isn't as if anyone knows for sure or if Aruba would deny entry to anyone the airline reports as having flown mask-free.
Looks like the airlines will be banning you from their airline in the future if you don't wear a mask. Bravo! I hope they would ban you from all the airlines if this happens to really enforce it.
 

elked12

TUG Member
Joined
Mar 16, 2016
Messages
265
Reaction score
79
Location
Tennessee
Resorts Owned
MVC Aruba Surf Club
Does anyone know if the MVC insurance (Travelex) would cover expenses for Hospital or Quarantine in Aruba? Do they typically pay the hospital or Doctors office direct or is it a reimbursement when you get back? Thank you.
 

hajjah

TUG Review Crew
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 8, 2005
Messages
1,416
Reaction score
162
Resorts Owned
Marriott Grande Vista
4 Resorts In Cocoa Beach, FL
Let me just add that I'm all for wearing the face masks on airplanes. There were 3 of us flying back from Vegas the last week in January and we were all sick the next day. I didn't know that the other two friends were also sick. I couldn't lift my head off the pillow for the severe migraine, which I'd never had before. I was coughing like crazy, so I began taking Mucinex, which is the only thing I can take due to blood pressure medication. I went to the doctor two days later and she said I had an upper respiratory infection that was probably from the plane. She advised me to continue taking the Mucinex, which I did for almost 2 weeks. When I spoke with my friends days later, they were also in bed with the same symptoms. So we're thinking it could have been the pre COVID. Neither of us ran temperatures. I've always traveled with my Lysol wipes cleaning everything near my seat. People always looked at me like I was crazy! Now, the planes are being cleaned and sanitized, which should have always been done. Some people are very afraid of flying now, but I feel just the opposite. I'm glad that some things have changed our ways of cleanliness. As for my trip to Aruba in September, I'm keeping track of all the new developments with the US opening flights there in July. In all likelihood, I'm going to cancel. I don't want to get the COVID testing on Friday before leaving to Aruba on Monday only to not have the test results back in time. The mandatory insurance while in Aruba is another issue. That money I could spend eating in a restaurant. I'll be sure to cancel the II reservation for the Surf Club before the 60 requirement. This just isn't looking good. I have to still receive my payments from friends whose airfare I've paid for with my credit card.
 

TravelTime

TUG Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2018
Messages
8,114
Reaction score
6,472
Location
California
Resorts Owned
All Resale: MVC DPs, Marriott Ko Olina, Marriott Marbella, WKOVR-N, Four Seasons Aviara
Okay, I was thinking Aruba might be safe but this thread has me rethinking how complicated it will be to get there.
 

gln60

TUG Member
Joined
Oct 9, 2015
Messages
1,519
Reaction score
1,119
Location
The Garden State
Resorts Owned
Marriot Harbour Lake
Abound Points
Okay, I was thinking Aruba might be safe but this thread has me rethinking how complicated it will be to get there.
It’s definitely a nuisance...I wouldn’t say complicated
 

ljmiii

TUG Review Crew
TUG Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2008
Messages
2,699
Reaction score
1,751
Location
NY, NY
Okay, I was thinking Aruba might be safe but this thread has me rethinking how complicated it will be to get there.
I think the only 'complicated' part is the risk of losing your money if your COVID-19 test turns up positive. Which is a very real risk I would not discount...it's just a predictable one. I'd get tested early and then maybe again 14 days out before taking the one that 'matters'.
 

hajjah

TUG Review Crew
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 8, 2005
Messages
1,416
Reaction score
162
Resorts Owned
Marriott Grande Vista
4 Resorts In Cocoa Beach, FL
I've decided to cancel the Surf Club for September. There's no point in waiting any longer to make a decision. I would much rather cancel now before the 60 window expires to possibly have more choices. As for Ko'Olina in October, that will have to be a wait and see as well. We are there for 9 days. If the 14 day mandatory quarantine remains in effect, that will necessitate us canceling this one. I have 2 E-trades left on the Surf Club.
 
Last edited:

Fasttr

TUG Review Crew
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 26, 2013
Messages
6,530
Reaction score
3,823
Location
Connecticut
Resorts Owned
Marriott's Grande Ocean (Enrolled)
MVC Trust Points
I've decided to cancel the Surf Club for September. There's no point in waiting further to make a decision. I would much rather cancel now before the 60 window expires to possibly have more choices. As for Ko'Olina in October, that will have to be a wait and see as well. We are there for 9 days. If the 14 day mandatory quarantine remains in effect, that will necessitate us canceling this one. I have 2 E-trades left on this one.
2020 stinks.
 

qlaval

TUG Member
Joined
Sep 18, 2006
Messages
545
Reaction score
58
Location
Montreal, Quebec
Resorts Owned
Marriott Aruba Ocean Club, Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino
More info are out about the COVID insurance requirements:....

Faq
What is the Aruba Visitors Insurance?
The Aruba Visitors Insurance is a mandatory insurance that helps protect you against incurred medical- and non-medical expenses if you test positive for COVID-19 during your stay in Aruba.

Why is it necessary?
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and a possible large outbreak, the island of Aruba must ensure that all visitors are properly insured. The costs for treating COVID-19 in Aruba can amount to more than USD$50,000 per person. Subject to an overall limit of US$75,000, a visitor who tests positive for COVID-19 in Aruba, will have very few, if any, out-of-pocket expenses with the Aruba Visitors Insurance. The medical- and non-medical providers are paid directly by the locally licensed insurers, giving you a peace of mind in case you test positive for COVID-19 in Aruba.

Can I use my own travel or health insurance?
You can buy or use your own travel- or health insurance to supplement the Aruba Visitors Insurance but it cannot replace it. Other insurances may cover you for some of the COVID-19 related expenses but few plans offer comprehensive COVID-19 coverage in Aruba that also cover isolation costs outside of a Hospital. In addition, the foreign insurers don’t have a direct billing agreement with all the providers in Aruba, causing unnecessary delays and out-of-pocket expenses.

Who does it cover?
The Aruba Visitors Insurance covers all eligible foreign nationals from pre-approved regions or countries.

Is the Aruba Visitors Insurance required?
The following list is subject to change but at present, this insurance is required for all foreign nationals with the exception of:

1. Visitors who arrive and leave the same day
2. Residents of Curaçao and Bonaire
3. Crew Members
4. Aruban Students who return home

How much does it cost?
• The costs start at $15 per day and decrease depending on the length of your stay. The cost decreases to $10 p/day after 7 days, $5 p/day after 14 days and $0p/day after 49 days.
• Children up to and including age 14 are insured for free but a flat administration fee of $10 is applicable.
• For visitors older than age 75, the coverage starts at $21 per day and also decreases depending on the length of stay. decreases to $14 p/day after 7 days,$7 p/day after 14 days and $2.80p/day after 49 days.


What does it cover?
• Hospital Cost: Hospitalization expenses to treat severe COVID-19 symptoms, including specialist fees, diagnostic x-rays, lab expenses and nursing costs.
• Intensive Care unit Costs: Intensive Care Unit charges for treatment of a critical ailment caused by COVID-19.
• Transportation: Costs of transportation of a Covid-19 infected person up to an aggregate sublimit of $350
• Doctor Consults: Costs of doctor consults up to an aggregate sublimit of $500.
• Isolation expenses: Maximum sublimit of $125 per day, max. 14 days, in case of a positive Covid-19 test result.
• Covid-19 Test: Max. 4 medically necessary Covid-19 tests as out-patient with a sublimit of $75 per test. The mandatory first test upon arrival in Aruba is excluded.

Where can I purchase the insurance?
Starting on June 29th, the insurance can only be purchased via the ED online form available on www.edaruba.com

Do I have to pay taxes on this insurance?
The insurance premium is tax-free.

Does the Aruba Visitors Insurance cover other ailments?
The first version of the Aruba Visitors Insurance only covers COVID-19 related expenses.

When does the Aruba Visitors Insurance start and end?
The coverage provided under this insurance starts the moment you arrive in Aruba and expires at 11:59 pm Atlantic Standard Time on the end date of the policy or the moment you embark a plane to leave Aruba, whichever occurs first.

What is the maximum insurance period?
The maximum possible period of coverage allowed under this insurance is 90 successive days.

Where can I seek help?
If you’re in Aruba and you have a fever, dry cough or any other known COVID-19 symptom, please call the COVID-19 helpline shown on your policy right away. Based on your symptoms you’ll receive professional guidance and medical advice. Do not go to the ER or a general practitioner if you have these symptoms. Call before you act.

Do I have to make the claim?
Once you’ve called the helpline, the Assistance Center will notify the insurer directly to ensure that your case is handled accordingly. You may later be asked to complete a short online form to confirm your health status but you don’t have to go through the hassle of making a claim or asking for reimbursements.

Do I get a refund if I don’t go to Aruba?
If the trip to Aruba did not take place, you may request a full refund via email. Please note that a refund is subject to confirmation of you not having arrived in Aruba.


How do I receive my policy?
As soon as you’ve completed the ED-Card form and payment, you will instantly receive an email with your policy documents attached.

Will the insurance cover if I need to be in quarantine? No, the Aruba Visitors Insurance will cover isolation expenses since quarantine is considered to be a preventive measure.


PAYMENT INSURANCE QUESTIONS

How do I pay for my application?
You can pay using a credit card or debit card with a Visa or MasterCard logo on it. The card does not have to be on your name.

Can I pay for my application later? Probably not. It’s integrated with the ED Card form.

Can I pay for two or more applications with one payment?No, but you can use one card for multiple applications.

Do you only accept credit cards? Yes, with the exception of iDEAL in the Netherlands

How do I pay for my application? Subject to the answers given on the ED Card form, you’re asked to pay for the insurance and/or PCR Test at the end of the application process.

How many applications can I submit with one payment?At present, only one application and payment can be submitted at a time.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Want to know how it is gonna cost you?
https://www.arubavisitorsinsurance.com/calculator
 

hajjah

TUG Review Crew
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 8, 2005
Messages
1,416
Reaction score
162
Resorts Owned
Marriott Grande Vista
4 Resorts In Cocoa Beach, FL
Yes, thanks for the updated information. I canceled our trip to Aruba for September, yesterday. There's just too much going on right now regarding the mandatory requirements. I put the week back in E-Plus. Since so many people like myself have decided not to travel outside of the US for now, many others are rebooking their vacations as well. I did find a unit in Vegas for November, but I'm already scheduled to go there in August. I may need to tweak that vacation. I did see Newport Beach for November. We were there twice last year.
 
Last edited:

nycjimster

TUG Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2005
Messages
110
Reaction score
48
Location
New York
Resorts Owned
Marriott Aruba Surf Club, Marriott Ko Olina, Marriott Manor Club Sequel, Marriott Summit Watch
I have time booked for Aruba Surf in February 2021. This thread is making me nervous. I usually do not use the point options as Aruba in February is amazing. Maybe this is the year I should finally use my point options, and look for alternative vacation in the US.
 

hajjah

TUG Review Crew
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 8, 2005
Messages
1,416
Reaction score
162
Resorts Owned
Marriott Grande Vista
4 Resorts In Cocoa Beach, FL
I have time booked for Aruba Surf in February 2021. This thread is making me nervous. I usually do not use the point options as Aruba in February is amazing. Maybe this is the year I should finally use my point options, and look for alternative vacation in the US.
I truly understand your feelings. This is why I decided to cancel my September vacation. I really did not want to go to Vegas twice this year, but that's how things are looking for us right now. Since the airfare was $575 per person and there are four of us, each person now has that amount as an E-credit on Delta. I'm watching the airfares now to try and book into Vegas for November.
 

gln60

TUG Member
Joined
Oct 9, 2015
Messages
1,519
Reaction score
1,119
Location
The Garden State
Resorts Owned
Marriot Harbour Lake
Abound Points
I
I have time booked for Aruba Surf in February 2021. This thread is making me nervous. I usually do not use the point options as Aruba in February is amazing. Maybe this is the year I should finally use my point options, and look for alternative vacation in the US.
I understand your concern...that being said, February is long time away...Aruba seems to be doing this the right way IMO......I would sit tight for the next 4 months....a lot can change between now and then...I have a reservation booked for the Ocean Club in late October using holding account points..Aruba has not even reopened yet..so I’m going to watch how things are going in Aruba over the next few months.
 

hajjah

TUG Review Crew
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 8, 2005
Messages
1,416
Reaction score
162
Resorts Owned
Marriott Grande Vista
4 Resorts In Cocoa Beach, FL
Yep, so far, I'm seeing flights from the US pretty much full to Aruba beginning July 10 or 11. I'm going to keep watch of this to see what happens as the months pass.
 

Marathoner

TUG Review Crew
TUG Member
Joined
Jul 19, 2014
Messages
820
Reaction score
538
Location
NYC
I have two weeks planned for Aruba at the end of August. I, for one, am comfortable they are raising the bar in ensuring the the island stays COVID-free so that my health remains good during my vacation there. This makes me want to keep my trip in place. In contrast, I would never travel to some of the states that are increasing in the number of COVID cases and are becoming hotspots. I feel I really need a vacation. I just hope that Surf Club opens the lazy river!!!
 

Luvtoride

TUG Review Crew
TUG Member
Joined
Apr 10, 2011
Messages
1,438
Reaction score
1,129
Location
New Jersey
Resorts Owned
Marriott Cypress Harbor
Marriott Ocean Pointe
Marriott Desert Springs Villas II
Marriott Grande Ocean
I truly understand your feelings. This is why I decided to cancel my September vacation. I really did not want to go to Vegas twice this year, but that's how things are looking for us right now. Since the airfare was $575 per person and there are four of us, each person now has that amount as an E-credit on Delta. I'm watching the airfares now to try and book into Vegas for November.

Why weren’t you able to get a cash refund from Delta instead of a credit? We got full cash refunds from JetBlue for 2 cancelled trips in April (Turks) and July (which was for Aruba).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

hajjah

TUG Review Crew
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 8, 2005
Messages
1,416
Reaction score
162
Resorts Owned
Marriott Grande Vista
4 Resorts In Cocoa Beach, FL
Delta only gives cash refunds when they cancel a flight, not when you cancel. This is a real bummer. Even the Senate was questioning why we don’t receive full refunds when a person cancels since the airlines were bailed out due to the pandemic.
 

hajjah

TUG Review Crew
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 8, 2005
Messages
1,416
Reaction score
162
Resorts Owned
Marriott Grande Vista
4 Resorts In Cocoa Beach, FL
“Get care on the Island”?! Have any of you ever had to go to the hospital while on vacation in Aruba?! It is downright incompetent with barely enough resources for locals and for that reason alone I would not go to Aruba now or for the foreseeable future! We cancelled our July trip which would have been 10 years in a row and frankly I don’t see ourselves going back anytime soon.
By “opening” the Island under these conditions to US visitors they are basically saying PLEASE come back under our rules because we realize we can’t survive without you!
Thank goodness we have other choices!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yep! We've been going since 2005 and have not been impressed with the medical facility after driving past numerous times. I'm not opposed to the new requirements, but this is just not the time for us to go. We opted to stay within the US. I'm watching what's going on for Hawaii as well since we're due there in October. So far, it seems that we can do the COVID testing 3 days before travel and not be quarantined.
 
Top