Can you use Medicare on a cruise?

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) may cover medically necessary health care services on a cruise ship, if the ship you're on when you receive the care is in a U.S. port or no more than 6 hours away from one when you get the services. That means the ship can be in the water, but must be within six hours of a U.S. port.



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Paying for Medical Care While Cruising When you get sick or worse and need treatment or emergency services, you will pay for it, typically out of pocket.

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Voter registration cards or Social Security are not considered proof of citizenship. If the child is a newborn and the actual birth certificate has not arrived from the Vital Records Department, we will accept a hospital issued birth certificate.

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Typically, a member of the cruise line's Care Team will accompany the ill passenger and a companion or family member to the hospital. You will not be reimbursed for any unused portion of your cruise. You will be charged for medical services onboard and in the port of call where you are disembarked.

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I was impressed by the professionalism of the nurse and doctor onboard the cruise; additionally, I was shocked that the total cost was only $155 for the physician visit, antibiotics and tests conducted. I'd argue that the convenience and accessibility of an onboard medical facility is a travel luxury.

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The short answer: Drink water and go see a doctor. If you experience symptoms of a UTI at sea, respond first by drinking plenty of water. Increasing your urinary flow can slow the progression of a UTI, which is especially important if you do not have immediate access to professional medical care.

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Activities on Cruise Ships Activities That Cost Extra on Cruises: Bingo, casino play, arcade games, escape rooms and golf simulators will all cost you extra on most ships. Additionally, hands-on cooking classes, wine and liquor tastings, and a few other courses require an extra charge outside your fare.

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A typical Caribbean cruise travel insurance policy may come with many features such as:
  • Trip Cancellation.
  • Trip Interruption.
  • Trip Delay or Missed Connection.
  • Baggage Delay or Loss.
  • Medical Expenses.
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation / Repatriation.
  • Financial Default.
  • Repatriation of Remains.


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Buying 50 Days Before Departure Buying cruise insurance at this time also takes the “panic” factor out of your purchase. There'll be lots to think about right before you leave. Buying 50 days out means you won't be worrying about “what-if” scenarios right up to departure date.

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Depending on which cruise line you're traveling with, you might be able to buy a travel insurance policy when booking your trip (through the cruise line directly) or at a later date (either through the cruise line or separately from a third party). Protecting travel costs can be a smart money move.

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Children 15 years of age and younger are required to present one of the documents listed above, but do not need to present a Government-issued photo ID. Social Security Cards and Global Entry are not acceptable proof of US citizenship for purposes of traveling outside of the US.

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Where to find a cruise travel insurance policy. You can buy a travel insurance policy directly from your cruise line when booking your trip, or through your travel agent (if you're using one, which often is a good idea when booking a cruise).

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