What Happens if You Need Surgery on a Cruise Ship?

By Alice Nichols

When you think of going on a cruise, you may not immediately think about the possibility of needing surgery. However, it is important to consider what could happen if an unexpected medical emergency arises while on the ship.

Injuries and Illnesses

Cruise ships have medical staff and equipment available to handle minor ailments, such as a cold or stomachache. However, there are some injuries or illnesses that require more specialized care than what is available on board. For example, if someone needs surgery due to an injury or illness they acquired while on the ship, they will need to be taken off the ship in order for proper medical care to be administered.

Costs and Insurance

The cost of getting off the ship for any necessary medical care will depend on the insurance coverage that is provided by the cruise line. The cruise line may cover some or all of the costs associated with getting off the ship for medical attention, depending on the individual’s insurance coverage.

Emergency Evacuation

In some cases, an emergency evacuation may be necessary if someone needs surgery while on a cruise ship. This means that they would need to be taken from the ship by helicopter or boat in order to receive proper medical attention at a hospital near the port where they were travelling from. This could be quite costly and time consuming, so it is important to make sure that the individual has adequate insurance coverage before embarking on a cruise.

Conclusion

Overall, it is important to consider what could happen if someone needs surgery while on a cruise ship. Injuries and illnesses can arise unexpectedly and proper medical care may not be available onboard, so an evacuation may be necessary in order for proper care to be administered. The costs associated with this can vary depending on individual insurance coverage and an emergency evacuation could also become necessary in certain circumstances.