Does Medicare cover you on a cruise ship? (2024)

FAQs

Does Medicare cover you on a cruise ship? ›

If you received care within U.S. territorial waters, the doctor should submit a claim to Medicare. However, if you received care while in international waters, Medicare generally doesn't cover it.

Does my health insurance cover me on a cruise? One of the main reasons to buy cruise insurance is for medical emergencies. Note that, once you're on a cruise ship or visiting a destination outside the United States, your own U.S. health insurance plan will not apply.

The on board medical centers are staffed and equipped to treat routine medical conditions as well as to initiate stabilization of more serious conditions. Physicians are available to render services at a customary fee.

If you have original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, you'll be covered for emergency care while traveling anywhere in the U.S. Keep in mind that if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may not be covered for routine health care beyond your plan's service area. Outside the U.S., Medicare coverage is limited.

If your cruise stays within United States territorial waters, such as along the coast of Alaska or Miami, Medicare may cover medically necessary services and supplies. However, if your cruise ventures into international waters, such as to Mexico or South America, Medicare typically does not cover medical care.

You'll be instructed to stay in your cabin for a specified amount of time. If your medical condition requires treatment at a hospital, the doctor will work with the ship's captain to decide what to do. In some instances, the ship may change course to reach the next port, sooner so you can be treated on shore.

Cruise ships have a licensed pharmacy … but they do not generally dispense drugs for passengers other than OTC stuff. They generally seek to stabilize acute cases for transfer to shore. Crew members have to state their needed meds before sailing … and those do get dispensed through the ship pharmacy.

If you get sick or hurt on a cruise, the urgency of your condition will determine whether you are treated aboard, taken ashore at the next scheduled port, (more urgently) taken ashore at the nearest port, or require an at-sea medical evacuation.

What doesn't Medicare cover in the US? ›

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).

However, Brazil is the only country in the world that offers free healthcare for all its citizens. Also, Norway is the first country in the world to implement a free healthcare policy as far back as 1912. Coincidentally, Norway is recognized as one of the healthiest countries in the world.

Unfortunately, accidents happen. And sometimes people get sick on vacation. Keep your Medicare card with you so it's handy and secure in case you need it. Also, leave a copy of your health care insurance with a loved one so they can send it to you if you lose yours.

Generally, Medicare covers services (like lab tests, surgeries, and doctor visits) and items (like wheelchairs and walkers) it considers “medically necessary” to treat a disease or condition.

Before you go, consider your insurance options.

U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas. Private U.S. insurance policies also might not cover any or all expenses. Check with your insurance before traveling to see if it provides coverage overseas.

Depending on the plan, it covers delays, cancellations, emergency medical and more while you're on a cruise or traveling to and from your cruise. Some cruise insurance plans even offer cancel-for-any-reason coverage, which provides the ultimate flexibility when your plans change.

Standard travel insurance is generally meant for a land-based holiday and as such, won't cover many of the elements of a cruise holiday. A cruise holiday requires more specialist cover, for example if there was a need to be medically evacuated at sea.

Does Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines have any medical facilities on board their ships? Cruise ships have an onboard medical facility with doctors and nurses. They don't accept insurance and charge any treatment and medicine costs to your room.