What to do in a medical emergency
Cruise ships are floating cities. They don’t have on-board hospitals, but they do have medical facilities with trained staff available round-the-clock. These are assurance for passengers in case of ill health, but they’re only equipped to treat minor emergencies.
If your illness is serious or you need emergency treatment, you’ll need to be airlifted off the boat, or transferred to a health facility at the nearest port.
1. Don’t book a cruise that doesn’t have medical facilities
If you’re injured or have contracted a disease, you need the assurance you have somewhere to go for help, especially in the middle of the ocean.
2. Assess how capable your cruise liner is of handling a medical emergency
If you have a heart attack or a serious fall, most cruise lines will fly you via helicopter to the nearest port for treatment at a health facility. However, you’ll be expected to pay the costs so make sure you have adequate travel insurance arranged prior to departure.
3. Expect all treatment administered on board to be charged to your cabin
You’ll need to pay the bill directly to the cruise ship, including any treatments, emergency flights, and doctor’s fees. Take out adequate travel insurance before you travel to alleviate any concerns.
If you’re involved in a medical emergency:
1. Seek medical treatment immediately
The number for the medical facility will be posted next to your cabin telephone or in the ship’s directory.
2. Let the crew know you’re feeling unwell
If you’re alone, it’s even more important to do this as the crew can get you help if needed.
3. Call or email your travel insurance company
If you’ve already received medical attention from a hospital (or cruise ship hospital), contact your travel insurer as soon as possible. Your travel insurer’s emergency assistance team may also be able to assist or advise you on what you need to do next.
