Do You Have to Pay to See a Doctor on a Cruise Ship?

By Alice Nichols

When you’re on a cruise, you often don’t want to think about getting sick or injured, but it can happen. So what should you do if you need medical care while on a cruise ship? Do you have to pay to see a doctor on a cruise ship?

The answer is that it depends. Most cruise lines include basic medical care in the cost of your ticket, including consultations with the onboard doctor and minor treatments for common illnesses such as colds and flu. However, more advanced treatments or procedures may require additional payment.

In most cases, the onboard doctor will be able to diagnose a condition and provide basic treatment. The doctor can also prescribe medication if needed. In some cases, they may even refer passengers to specialists ashore for further treatment.

It’s important to keep in mind that the onboard doctor may be limited in their diagnostic capabilities due to the lack of sophisticated testing equipment available on a cruise ship. If your condition is serious or potentially life-threatening, you may require evacuation off the vessel by helicopter or boat for more advanced medical care ashore. In such cases, the cost of evacuation must usually be paid by the passenger or their insurance provider.

It’s always wise to check your travel insurance policy before heading off on a cruise so that you know what is covered and what is not. It’s also important that all passengers make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date before travelling as some countries have strict requirements for entry into ports of call.

Conclusion: In summary, in most cases it is not necessary to pay for medical care while on a cruise ship unless more advanced treatment is required or evacuation from the vessel is necessary. It’s always wise to check your travel insurance policy before travelling and make sure any necessary vaccinations are up-to-date before embarking on your voyage.