I got sick on a cruise. What should I do?
Sources checked . Final review by Sean Williams pending.
See the ship's medical center and report any vomiting or diarrhea, which helps stop outbreaks. Ship medical care is usually billed to your onboard account. U.S. health plans often do not cover care abroad, and Medicare.gov says Medicare covers ship care only in or within 6 hours of a U.S. port. Travel medical insurance fills that gap.
| Stomach illness | Report it to the ship's medical center; CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program tracks outbreaks |
|---|---|
| Medical bills | Usually charged to your onboard account |
| Medicare on a cruise ship | May cover care in a U.S. port or within 6 hours of one; not further away (Medicare.gov) |
| Ship inspection scores | Published by CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program |
| Serious illness abroad | U.S. embassy or consulate can help locate medical services |
What should I do if I feel sick on a cruise?
- Call or visit the ship's medical center, especially for vomiting, diarrhea, fever or chest pain.
- Follow the medical team's instructions, which may include resting in your cabin.
- Wash hands with soap and water often.
- Keep the itemized medical bill and any records.
- Call your travel insurer's assistance line if care is serious or costly.
- Tell your advisor if your plans change.
Why should I report stomach illness?
Gastrointestinal illness spreads quickly in close quarters. CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program works with cruise lines to prevent and control outbreaks, and reporting symptoms helps the ship respond.
Who pays for medical care on a ship?
You do, at first. Charges usually go on your onboard account. Your U.S. health plan may not cover care outside the United States, and Medicare.gov says Medicare may cover ship care only when the ship is in a U.S. port or no more than 6 hours from one.
Rely on your health plan only if your insurer confirms in writing that it covers you at sea and abroad. Buy travel medical coverage if it does not, especially for medical evacuation.
How do I stay healthy before and during a cruise?
Check the CDC's destination advice, pack your medicines in your carry-on, and wash hands before eating. See our cruise packing list and travel insurance guide.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the ship's doctor free?
- Generally not. Cruise ship medical centers usually charge for visits and medicines, billed to your onboard account. Keep the itemized bill for your insurer.
- What should I do if I have norovirus symptoms on a cruise?
- Report vomiting or diarrhea to the medical center, follow its instructions, which may include staying in your cabin, and wash hands with soap and water often.
- Does Medicare cover a cruise ship doctor?
- Only in limited cases. Medicare.gov says it may cover medically necessary care when the ship is in a U.S. port or within 6 hours of one, and not when the ship is further away.
- What if I need to leave the ship for a hospital?
- The ship's medical team arranges it with local services. Contact your travel insurer's assistance line as soon as possible; they can help with payment guarantees and getting home.
- Can I check a ship's sanitation record?
- Yes. CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program publishes inspection scores and outbreak information for cruise ships.
Sources
Founder, Egretline Travel ยท Tampa, Florida
Talk to an Egretline advisor about getting sick on a cruise
A real person can check these details against your dates, your budget and the people you travel with.