A former cruise ship doctor has advised passengers to bring extra medication and obtain appropriate travel insurance before setting sail, warning that medical care on board can result in significant expenses. Dr. Ellen Welch, a general practitioner with over a decade of experience working on cruise ships, highlighted a common misconception that vessels carry a full supply of regular medications for passengers.
Dr. Welch explained that cruise ship medical facilities are typically stocked to handle emergencies rather than refill chronic prescriptions. While medical staff may assist passengers in sourcing medications ashore, this service often comes with a costly bill. She urged travellers to carry sufficient supplies of their prescribed drugs to avoid unexpected charges.
In addition to bringing adequate medication, Dr. Welch emphasized the importance of having the right travel insurance. Many passengers mistakenly believe that medical coverage is included in their cruise fare. However, consultations and treatments on board incur fees, and further costs may be added for diagnostic tests, medications, or specialist care. According to Dr. Welch, severely ill patients requiring hospital admission or specialist interventions can face medical bills amounting to thousands of pounds.
She noted that passengers from the United States often appeared less surprised by these charges, owing to the country’s healthcare system, while those from the United Kingdom frequently found the expenses shocking given the NHS’s free-at-point-of-use model.
While some cruise lines provide complimentary treatment for seasickness, other medical services generally require additional payment. If a passenger needs care ashore, particularly involving emergency evacuation, costs can escalate dramatically. According to Travel Care Air, a basic helicopter evacuation from coastal waters can start at approximately $15,000 (£11,000), with fees rising sharply for more remote locations.
Dr. Welch also pointed out that standard travel insurance policies may not cover cruise-related medical incidents. She recommended travellers consider specialist cruise insurance, which can be purchased as a single-trip policy or included as part of an annual travel insurance package for those planning multiple voyages.
Her advice aims to help passengers avoid financial and logistical difficulties when unexpected medical needs arise during cruises, encouraging thorough preparation before embarking.