What If I Get Sick on a Ship?

It’s something I get asked all the time: Peter, if I get hurt on a cruise ship, am I protected? Although today’s ships are better equipped medically, they are mainly outfitted to deal with non-life-threatening illnesses such as sunburn and broken bones.

Sign up for the AARP Travel Newsletter

In the case of a more serious injury, the ship can only stabilize you before you are sent to the mainland — a trip which could not only involve helicopters, but a lot of money out of your pocket. Chances are your current health insurance does not provide for such incidents — it is imperative to research supplemental medical insurance for when you travel. And don’t forget one critical type of insurance you may not know about: medical evacuation and repatriation service. For a few hundred dollars a year, this insurance will pay for you to be flown to any hospital of your choice.