What happens if you have a medical emergency on a cruise?

Usually, the decision is made to disembark the patient at a location where the relevant medical facilities are available. If the necessary facilities are not available at this location or if the patient wants to get back home, an air ambulance is usually needed for medical evacuation or for medical repatriation.



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For travelers going on cruises or international, we'd recommend looking at plans that offer $150,000 per person for evacuation and repatriation. The cost of getting evacuated off of a cruise ship can vary greatly depending on where you are at that particular time.

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Cruise ship doctors work as independent contractors and may charge a basic hourly fee. There will be additional charges for medications and tests. All must be paid for at the time of service and will be billed to your shipboard spending account.

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Cruise ships can treat a wide range of illnesses and injuries on board. Some onboard medical facilities look like urgent care centers, while others are more like doctor's offices. Health insurance often does not cover medical care on cruises, but travel insurance might.

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Medical staff varies by ship size, but typically ships have a doctor and at least two nurses. The world's largest cruise ships may have two doctors and five or six nurses. River ships and small ships that hover close to shore have less staff since they can easily access health facilities on land.

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Most cruise insurance plans may cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical evacuation, and lost, damaged, or stolen luggage when you're on a cruise. Cruise insurance can also cover cruise-ship disablement and pre-existing conditions, depending on when you buy coverage.

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How much travel medical insurance do you need? Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recommends buying at least $50,000 in emergency medical coverage for international travel. For travelers going on a cruise or to a remote destination, the site recommends at least $100,000 in coverage.

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The morgue is usually found on the lowest ship deck, away from guests. It is a refrigerated room made of stainless steel with individual compartments. Generally, the bigger the ship, the more shelves are found in the morgue. Morgues tend to be small and can typically hold three to six bodies.

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The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).

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Travel medical insurance provides reimbursement for emergency medical expenses, including medical evacuations, while you're traveling. These policies do not provide coverage for routine expenses. So, if you break your leg while you're on vacation internationally, emergency medical coverage will protect you.

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Not only can travel insurance for cruises help protect the money you spend on your trip if you have to cancel or come home early for a covered reason, but it can also help with medical expenses if you get sick or hurt while away from home on a cruise.

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What Does Travel Insurance NOT cover?
  • Reasonably foreseeable events.
  • Known storms, epidemics, acts of war.
  • Travel restrictions imposed by government authorities.
  • Pre-existing conditions, unless the Premium plan is bought within the window for coverage.
  • Dangerous activities.


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Can you cancel a cruise for medical reasons? Yes, only if you have travel insurance and can have the illness documented. Andi if it is a pre-existing condition you would have to have purchased insurance within 14 days of your first deposit on the trip.

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That's because travel insurance is an affordable cost that can potentially protect you from huge costs: the cost of canceling your cruise, the cost of receiving emergency medical care when you're overseas, the cost of a medical evacuation from the ship to a hospital, the cost of replacing your possessions if your ...

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Respiratory Illnesses. Respiratory illnesses are the most common medical complaint on cruise ships.

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79% of all crimes reported onboard cruise ships are sexual assaults, as per the US Department of Transportation. This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of sexual assaults on cruise ships, and serves as a powerful reminder of the need for increased safety measures to protect passengers.

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Slip and Fall Accidents: These are among the most common accidents on cruise ships. Slippery surfaces, uneven flooring, or inadequate warning signs can lead to passengers or crew members slipping, tripping, or falling.

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