As more travellers set sail on luxury cruises, new data from Southern Cross Travel Insurance has revealed why comprehensive travel insurance is more important than ever
Recent insights reveal that the cost of medical emergencies and trip cancellations on cruises can be staggering, making insurance coverage crucial for safeguarding against unexpected expenses.
Medical Costs at Sea: A Pricey Proposition
Cruise ship medical expenses can quickly spiral out of control, often reaching exorbitant levels. For example, a basic prescription like Panadol might cost a shocking $300 on board. This highlights the broader issue of high medical costs on cruises, particularly when repatriation is required. According to recent data, the average cost of a cruise-related claim is approximately $2,725—64% higher than the average cost of a non-cruise international travel claim, which stands at $1,657.
SCTI Claims Data: The Numbers Tell the Story
Over the past 24 months, Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has paid out $839,000 across just over 200 claims. The average cruise claim that necessitates intervention by SCTI’s Emergency Assistance (EA) team can reach $4,550. This team, available around the clock, provides critical support, including verifying medical care, assisting with hospital admissions, and managing costs if necessary. They also help with accommodation, flight changes, and medically required upgrades.
The high costs associated with cruise medical care are largely due to the unregulated pricing models. Plus, cruises frequently traverse remote locations, complicating and increasing the expense of repatriation and medical evacuations.
Case Studies Highlighting the Risks
Several recent claims illustrate the extreme financial risks involved:
- A 62-year-old passenger faced a total cost of $115,303 AUD for medical evacuation from Papua New Guinea, which involved both internal and international air ambulances.
- An 81-year-old passenger incurred approximately $87,448 AUD for similar evacuation and medical care.
- A hip fracture from a fall required disembarkation, surgery, and repatriation from Fiji, costing around $60,000 AUD.
- A kidney stone diagnosis led to a total cost of approximately $50,000 AUD for treatment and repatriation.
Expensive Cancellations: A Financial Burden
Travel insurance also covers trip cancellations, which can be costly. Notable cases include:
- A trip to the UK and France was cancelled due to a medical condition, with a total cost of around $29,000 AUD.
- A cruise involving Iceland and Greenland was cancelled due to a cancer diagnosis, costing approximately $9,750 AUD.
- A fractured patella led to the cancellation of a major itinerary, including a cruise, with expenses totaling about $52,000 AUD.
The Cost of Basic Treatments
Even minor medical issues can result in hefty bills. Recent claims include:
- A doctor’s visit and urine sample: $595
- GP visit: $190
- Prescription: $198
- Dysentery treatment: $760
- Common antibiotics ranging from $109 to $140
Understanding Cruise Ship Medical Assistance
Cruise ships are equipped with emergency rooms and medical staff, but their capabilities are limited compared to land-based hospitals. If a passenger’s condition surpasses onboard medical resources, the ship may alter its course to disembark the patient at the nearest port with suitable facilities. In some cases, an air ambulance may be required for transportation to a higher-level medical centre.
Recommendations for Travelers
SCTI advises travellers to notify their insurer immediately if they fall ill on a cruise. This ensures prompt assistance and helps manage the financial impact of medical emergencies.
As Dan Lake of Sunrise notes, understanding these aspects of travel insurance is vital for anyone planning a cruise. By securing comprehensive coverage, travellers can protect themselves from the potentially ruinous costs of medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
For further information on travel insurance and coverage specifics, travellers are encouraged to consult their insurance providers to ensure they are adequately protected during their cruise adventures.
