Medical Emergencies While Cruising: Stay Prepared, Stay Safe
Cruising offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. It whisks you to breathtaking destinations while you indulge in onboard luxury. But what happens when the unexpected strikes and you need medical care?
While cruising on either major cruise lines or small private ones, though rare, medical emergencies can disrupt your dream vacation. Being prepared with travel insurance that includes medical services and health care can help you navigate a sudden illness, injury, or the need for medical evacuation.
Here’s everything you need to know to manage these unplanned situations and ensure smooth sailing despite the disruption.
Why Are Medical Emergencies While Cruising a Concern?
While cruise ships are like floating cities, they’re not equipped to handle all medical scenarios. Most ships have onboard medical facilities staffed by doctors and nurses to treat common conditions like seasickness, minor injuries, or dehydration. However, severe emergencies often require more advanced care, which may necessitate a medical evacuation or treatment at a port hospital. This underlines the importance of being cautious and aware of potential risks.
Sickness can happen, and it can cost you. According to Squaremouth data, the average medical emergency evacuation within North America costs just over $25,000; international transport will be significantly more because domestic health insurance does not travel well.
- A 2023 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) report revealed that over 30 million passengers cruised last year, and an estimated 1 in 14 passengers sought medical attention onboard.
- Within the last few weeks of 2024 and leading into 2025, the CDC reported three separate norovirus outbreaks, one being on a cruise ship, resulting in the death of a passenger.
Common Medical Emergencies on Cruise Ships
Some of the most frequent medical issues that put passengers in the cruise ship medical facilities include:
- Respiratory infections: Close quarters can cause colds and flu to spread quickly.
- Gastrointestinal illnesses: Norovirus outbreaks remain a concern despite improved sanitation measures.
- Injuries: Slippery decks and active excursions can lead to sprains, fractures, or worse.
- Cardiac events: Heart attacks and other heart-related issues are among the leading causes of medical evacuations.
- Allergic reactions: Exposure to new foods or environments can trigger severe allergic responses.
What Happens If You Experience a Medical Emergency?
If you fall ill or get injured onboard, the ship’s medical staff will be your first point of contact. At the ship’s medical center, they can provide initial care, prescribe medications, or stabilize your condition until you can head to a hospital if needed.
For more serious emergencies, you may need to:
- Disembark at the nearest port: The cruise line crew members will coordinate your transfer to a local hospital.
- Undergo a medical evacuation: If you require advanced care that is not available nearby, you may be airlifted to a hospital. This is where costs can skyrocket.
These scenarios can quickly become financially overwhelming without the right travel insurance coverage. This is why we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance with medical care insurance, particularly those specific to cruise passengers. This will ensure you feel secure and protected during your cruise.
The Role of Cruise Insurance in Medical Emergencies
Cruise insurance isn’t just about protecting your trip costs—it’s a lifeline during medical emergencies. Let’s break down the key benefits you should look for:
1. Emergency Medical Coverage
This coverage covers the cost of medical treatment from medical professionals onboard or at a port hospital. Depending on the policy, most plans provide coverage between $50,000 and $500,000, but some plans go as low as $10,000. We recommend at least $50,000 in coverage to protect you against disruption.
2. Medical Evacuation Coverage
This ensures you’re transported to a suitable medical facility, even if it means an air ambulance or Coast Guard. Coverage amounts often range from $250,000 to $1 million, making it essential for international cruises. We recommend a minimum of $100,000 in medical evacuation coverage for most international travelers, with higher amounts like $250,000 suggested for cruise passengers or those visiting remote destinations or participating in high-risk activities
3. Pre-Existing Condition Coverage
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, seek a coverage waiver plan, typically within 14-30 days of making your initial trip deposit. Some travel policies are more lenient and may offer this waiver if coverage is purchased before making the final trip payment. This means that an injury or illness occurring before the effective date of insurance would not be automatically excluded.
The Best Cruise Insurance Providers on Squaremouth
When choosing a cruise insurance policy, comparing plans to find one tailored to your needs is essential.
A few standout options available on the Squaremouth marketplace are noted below; however, for a more comprehensive breakdown according to destination, trip type, and budget, check our ultimate guide to the best cruise travel insurance:
- Trawick International
- Best for: Comprehensive coverage
- Emergency Medical: Up to $150,000
- Medical Evacuation: Up to $500,000
- Pre-Existing Condition Waiver: Available if purchased within 14 days of your initial trip payment.
- Additional Perks: Includes trip cancellation coverage and travel delay benefits.
- Tin Leg
- Best for: High medical coverage limits
- Emergency Medical: Up to $500,000
- Medical Evacuation: Up to $1 million
- Pre-Existing Condition Waiver: Available if purchased within 14 days of your initial trip payment.
- Unique Feature: Offers cancel for work reasons coverage as an early-purchase benefit (where available).
- Seven Corners
- Best for: Customizable coverage options
- Emergency Medical: Up to $250,000
- Medical Evacuation: Up to $1 million
- Optional Coverage: Includes cancellation and interruption for any reason.
- Additional Perks include coverage for employment layoffs after a 30-day wait period and travel and baggage delays after a 6-hour delay.
- GeoBlue
- Best for: Extensive medical coverage
- Emergency Medical: Up to $1 million
- Medical Evacuation: Up to $500,000
- Unique Feature: Cancel for medical reasons included in trip interruption.
- Travel Insured International
- Best for: Family-friendly plans
- Emergency Medical: Up to $100,000
- Medical Evacuation: Up to $1 million
- Additional Perks include inclusive plans with travel, medical, and baggage protection, benefit upgrades, including cancellation for any reason, medical expense upgrades, and ‘kids are free’ coverage.
Tips for Staying Safe and Prepared
- Pack a Health Kit. Include essentials such as motion sickness medication, basic first aid supplies, and prescription medications.
- Know Your Ship’s Medical Resources: Familiarize yourself with the ship’s medical facilities and staff credentials. Larger vessels often have more advanced resources, but don’t assume they can handle every scenario.
- Review Your Insurance Policy Carefully: Ensure you understand what’s covered and what’s not. For example, some policies exclude injuries from high-risk activities like zip-lining or scuba diving.
- Stay Up-to-Date on Required Vaccinations: Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations, mainly if your cruise itinerary includes remote destinations, as some jabs may be required.
- Take Preventative Measures: Wash your hands frequently, avoid overindulging in rich foods, and stay hydrated to minimize your risk of illness.
What to Do During a Medical Emergency When Cruising
- Alert the Ship’s Medical Team: Seek help immediately. Time is critical in emergencies.
- Contact Your Insurance Provider: Use your provider’s 24/7 assistance hotline to coordinate care and confirm coverage.
- Stay Calm: Cruise lines and insurance companies are experienced in handling emergencies. Trust the process. This reassurance will help you stay confident and reassured during any medical emergency.
Additional Resources for Cruise Travelers
- CDC Cruise Ship Travel Guide: Tips on staying healthy while cruising.
- Cruise Critic’s Medical Tips: Advice from seasoned cruisers.