Cruise ships can feel like floating islands in the vast ocean. However, reality quickly sets in if you require medical care.
The day before we were to finish our cruise, the ship was delayed from leaving Saguenay to evacuate a passenger. About 24 hours later, we would’ve been in Quebec City ready for disembarkation. Now, this story isn’t meant to deter anyone, but it is a reminder of how important it is to keep track of one’s health and ensure proper coverage.
There must’ve been at least a dozen electric wheelchairs on this cruise. This itinerary did cater even more to the senior crowd, and there were a lot of people with walking canes. Although they sometimes seem to be underfoot, I’m not complaining. Although they seem like a lot, this is less than one percent of the passengers. The good news is that cruising is a method to continue travelling as your health and capabilities are in decline.
My mother simply had great difficulty getting around in her latter years and early 80s. She didn’t need a cane, but she didn’t have the stamina despite playing tennis in her youth. I was delighted that I could take her on two cruises in her latter years.
Cruise ships have their own rules for medical care on board.
Consider these five tips so you’ll know what to expect:
1. Understand how your insurance works (or doesn’t) on a cruise.
- Before you plan to enjoy the sunshine on the top deck, it’s wise to check if your health insurance policy covers cruises. Most companies don’t offer coverage for illnesses or injuries outside the country.
- If you use Medicare or Medicaid, they also usually don’t cover issues on cruise ships. Call and check with your provider.
2. Consider getting travel insurance.
- If your insurance company doesn’t offer coverage on a cruise, then travel insurance is another option. You’ll have to purchase it separately, and policies vary greatly.
- Travel insurance is an expensive commitment, so it’s important to do research before buying. Policies can vary a great deal from one company to the next. You may want to consider contacting an independent insurance broker to help you find one that works for you.
- Coverage that includes both medical expenses and evacuation costs is essential.
3. Be prepared for large bills.
- If you don’t have insurance, cruise ships can be expensive.
- Requiring medical care on a cruise will result in a large bill. Each service is charged separately, and travellers often discover charges like $3 for one band-aid.
- You'll have to pay these bills alone if you don’t have insurance coverage for cruises. The totals can reach thousands of dollars for more severe conditions that require multiple tests and medications.
4. Understand the limitations of a cruise ship.
- Cruise ships are comfortable and beautiful, but they’re not meant to be hospitals.
- Modern cruises have stocked infirmaries and small pharmacies. However, they’re not a replacement for a real hospital or clinic, and the range of services that can be provided on board is limited.
- If your condition is severe, you may have to be airlifted to the nearest hospital. This can cost $50,000 or more.
- Although the staff is trained to provide help, they are limited in their services. In many cases, they’re also private contractors, so the rules for their employment differ from those of other staff on the cruise ship.
5. Check the reviews for a cruise.
Doing your homework before you sail is crucial to staying healthy.
- An illness can ruin a vacation in minutes. Have health issues occurred on this ship before? Cruise ships can harbour viruses and other germs, so checking the reviews matters.
- Viruses and bacteria are not the only culprits to watch out for on a cruise. Slips and falls caused by faulty construction or old carpeting are another area. In addition, wet decks pose a risk to everyone.
- Medical malpractice lawsuits against the cruise line are usually not an option since the medical personnel are independent contractors.
6. Medical care on a cruise ship can be an expensive adventure.
- Be prepared by checking your insurance and other factors that affect how much your care could cost.
