A passenger on a Carnival cruise suffered a heart attack 200 miles offshore. The ship’s doctor stabilized him, charging $6,000 to his cabin. The Coast Guard then airlifted him to Miami at no cost. However, a ground ambulance transported him from the helipad to a hospital for $2,500. His travel insurance is now disputing the claim, arguing that the ship did not deviate from its course.
Key Takeaways
- Coast Guard is Free (Usually): If the US Coast Guard performs the rescue, they do not charge. However, in other waters (Mediterranean, Caribbean private rescue), you will be billed
20k−20k−50k for a helicopter. - Ship Infirmary is Expensive: Ship doctors are “Out of Network” for almost everyone. They charge private rates. You must pay before disembarking (or it goes on your credit card).
- “Deviancy Fees”: If the ship has to speed up or turn around to drop you off, the cruise line might charge you for the extra fuel and port fees. This can be thousands.
- Trip Interruption: Once you get off the ship, the cruise is over. You need insurance to pay for the lost days of the vacation you paid for.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Maritime Jurisdiction.”
On the ship, you are in a legal bubble. The ship’s doctor works for a concessionaire, not the cruise line. They want cash. Your domestic insurance (Blue Cross) rarely works at sea.
- The Gap: Many people think “I have health insurance.” They don’t realize it stops at the shoreline.
The Investigation: I Called Them
- Allianz (Cruise Plan): Specifically designed for this. Covers shipboard medical expenses (direct reimbursement) and helicopter evacuation. Includes “Missed Port of Call” benefits.
- GeoBlue: “We cover you worldwide, including on cruise ships, as long as you are outside your home country.” Good for the medical bill, but ensure “Evacuation” limit is high ($500k).
- Carnival/Royal Caribbean Protection: This is the “white label” insurance sold by the cruise line. It’s usually overpriced and has low limits ($10k medical). Third-party insurance is almost always better.
Comparison Table: Cruise Evacuation
| Feature | US Coast Guard | Private Heli-Evac (Foreign) | Cruise Line Insurance | Third-Party (Allianz) |
| Rescue Cost | $0 | $20,000+ | Covered (Low limit) | Covered (High limit) |
| Ship Doctor Bill | You Pay | You Pay | Covered | Covered |
| Reimbursement | N/A | Reimburse | Ship Credit / Reimburse | Reimburse |
| Trip Interruption | N/A | N/A | 75% Credit | 100% Cash |
[IMAGE: Photo of a person being hoisted from a cruise ship deck to a helicopter, with a bill overlay showing ‘Infirmary: $5,800’]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Buy Cruise-Specific Insurance: Look for policies that explicitly mention “Cruise.” They cover missed connections and itinerary changes.
- Declare Conditions: Cruise ship doctors have limited resources. If you have a heart condition, carry your latest ECG on your phone so they can compare.
- Check “Medical Evacuation” Limit: For cruises, $100k is the absolute minimum. $250k is safer.
- Don’t rely on the Card: Credit card insurance often excludes specific maritime risks or has low limits for shipboard care.
FAQ
Will the ship turn around for me?
Only if the doctor says you will die otherwise. If you just broke an arm, they will keep you drugged until the next port.
Does Medicare work on the ship?
Only if the ship is in US territorial waters (within 6 hours of a US port). Once you are at sea, no.
Can I refuse the evacuation?
Yes, but the ship doctor can confine you to your cabin (quarantine) if they deem you unfit to roam.