A record 34.7 million people are expected to take cruises in 2024. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)If people aren’t careful, they may end up paying huge medical bills.
It is extremely important that anyone going on a cruise pays close attention to the fine print in the cruise line’s terms and conditions, especially when it comes to medical care.
In the worst case scenario, you could have to pay thousands of dollars before you can even get off the ship. The case of Vincent Wasney.
Wazny, who was uninsured at the time, went on a cruise with his wife in December 2022. After suffering a series of seizures, Wazny had to be evacuated from the ship by rescue boat in order to receive proper treatment on land. However, upon disembarking, he was presented with a bill for $2,500 for medical treatment he had already received on board.
Ms Wazny was on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, and the terms of her contract stipulate that passengers pay all expenses on board. Before the cruise ends.
Most cruise ships don’t accept health insurance, so even insured passengers could find themselves with huge bills due to a medical emergency.
Here’s everything you need to know about how medical care works on cruise ships.
What are some common health concerns on a cruise?
Cruise ship medical staff deal with medical issues that would typically be seen in a land-based emergency department or urgent care center, Joe Scott, president of the cruise ship medicine division of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), told Quartz.
“Seasickness and sunburn may be more common and car accidents less common, but complaints of chest pain, abdominal pain, fever, injuries and mental health issues are regularly seen and evaluated,” Scott said.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned that the environment on board ships is ” The spread of diseases transmitted from person to person, through food, or through water.”
According to the CDC, about half of cruise ship passengers seeking medical care are over 65 years old.
What amenities are available on cruise ships?
All ocean-going cruises that are CLIA members must meet ACEP’s healthcare facility guidelines, Sally Andrews, CLIA’s director of public affairs and external affairs, told Quartz.
Those guidelines include “ensuring that at least one qualified medical professional is available 24/7 for medical room visits and ‘house calls’ to cabins,” Andrews said.
Cruise ships will also need examination rooms, intensive care units and facilities to process laboratory tests, monitor vital signs and administer medication.
“Large cruise ships are typically well equipped to manage the first few hours of any potential emergency and are well prepared to deal with a range of situations over several days,” Scott said.
According to the CDC, about 95% of symptoms reported to ship’s medical staff are managed on board.
Why don’t cruise ships accept health insurance?
Most cruise ships do not accept health insurance because each cruise brings together passengers from around the world with hundreds of different insurance plans, each with different policies regarding international coverage.
“Requiring payment of all fees while on board relieves this enormous administrative burden,” Scott said.
Cruise lines typically advise passengers to seek refunds from their plans once they return home, but coverage can vary by policy.
For example, Medicare does not cover medical services. Obtained more than six hours away from a U.S. port.
What should you look out for when choosing a travel insurance plan?
The best way to protect yourself is to purchase a travel insurance plan that covers medical expenses. Although these plans can cost hundreds of dollars, they can save travelers thousands of dollars in the event of an emergency.
Scott encourages travelers to purchase a plan that covers their current health conditions and the places they plan to visit during their trip.
He also stresses that because cruise ships often visit remote locations, a good plan should include adequate medical evacuation coverage.
According to Scott, an air medical evacuation from the Caribbean to the U.S. mainland can cost about $20,000, while a similar evacuation in Alaska, the South Pacific or Australia can cost more than $100,000.
What precautions can I take to protect myself while cruising?
“Contrary to what some people think, the health concerns you have on land continue on the cruise,” Scott said.
He urges passengers to bring extra supplies of any medications they currently take, as well as a list of prescriptions, health problems and contact details of their primary care physicians, which could be useful to the ship’s medical staff in the event of an emergency.
Scott also said people should wash their hands frequently, stay hydrated and know their limits.
“Climbing the stone steps of Santorini may sound fun, but if you don’t regularly exercise in the heat, you might want to think again,” Scott said.
