Cruise lines offer onboard medical facilities. But these facilities are limited, expensive, and designed to stabilize — not to treat. Here is what cruise ship medical care does and does not cover.
What Cruise Ship Medical Centers Actually Are
A typical cruise ship has a small infirmary with a doctor and 1-2 nurses. They can handle minor injuries, administer medications and provide basic emergency stabilization. They cannot perform major surgery, treat complex cardiac events, or handle multi-system emergencies. For serious conditions, they stabilize and evacuate.
Medical Evacuation From Sea
Helicopter evacuation from a cruise ship at sea costs USD 10,000-50,000 depending on location. Port evacuation costs vary. None of these costs are included in your cruise ticket. IATI covers all medical evacuation costs, including helicopter and emergency disembarkation.
No Age Limit with IATI
IATI is one of very few travel insurers globally with no maximum age limit. Travelers in their 70s, 80s and 90s are eligible. The policy includes emergency coverage for complications of pre-existing conditions, which is especially relevant for older cruisers.
Pre-Trip Health Checks for Senior Cruisers
Cruise lines may require a physician's letter confirming fitness to travel for passengers with recent hospitalizations, surgery or significant health events. Obtain this letter and keep it with your IATI certificate in your travel wallet. Some cruise companies require it at check-in.
Cruise Line Cancellation and IATI
IATI does not cover trip cancellation in standard plans. If your concern is the financial risk of canceling a cruise due to illness, discuss trip cancellation add-ons with our team. IATI's primary value for cruisers is medical expense and evacuation coverage — which the cruise ticket does not include.
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