$47,000 bill for medical treatment on a cruise ship???

[Rainger99]

There was a recent article in which a passenger on a cruise ship had $20,000 of medical insurance that he bought from the cruise company. However, he had a three day stay in the ship hospital and the bill was $47,000!!!!

Minnesota man wins free Norwegian cruise vacation -- then catches the flu onboard and gets hit with $47K medical bill (https://nypost.com/2025/02/06/us-news/minnesota-man-wins-free-norwegian-cruise-vacation-then-catches-the-flu-onboard-and-gets-hit-with-47k-medical-bill/)

I usually get travel insurance when I go on vacation. However, can a cruise ship charge whatever it wants for the treatment?

For example, if you go to the doctor for a minor injury - a couple of stitches, etc. - and the cruise ship charges $75,000 for the bill, does your travel insurance pay the $75,000? Or do they pay a reasonable amount, and are you stuck with the rest? I would think that $20,000 would be enough insurance for almost any treatment that a cruise ship would provide - but after seeing this story, I am not sure.

I called a travel insurance company and the representative could only tell me that the insurance company would have to review the bill and the policy after the treatment.

Does anyone have any experience with this issue? Thanks.

[CarlR33]

Recent thread on topic
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-non-villages-discussion-93/medical-emergency-disembarkation-cruise-ship-351134/?highlight=Cruise+ship+insurance

[BrianL99]

I had a fried of a friend who had a heart attack on a cruise and had to be air-lifted off the ship and brought to a legitimate hospital, about 10 years ago.

$38,000, cash up front. Probably $100,000 now.

[Topspinmo]

There was a recent article in which a passenger on a cruise ship had $20,000 of medical insurance that he bought from the cruise company. However, he had a three day stay in the ship hospital and the bill was $47,000!!!!

Minnesota man wins free Norwegian cruise vacation -- then catches the flu onboard and gets hit with $47K medical bill (https://nypost.com/2025/02/06/us-news/minnesota-man-wins-free-norwegian-cruise-vacation-then-catches-the-flu-onboard-and-gets-hit-with-47k-medical-bill/)

I usually get travel insurance when I go on vacation. However, can a cruise ship charge whatever it wants for the treatment?

For example, if you go to the doctor for a minor injury - a couple of stitches, etc. - and the cruise ship charges $75,000 for the bill, does your travel insurance pay the $75,000? Or do they pay a reasonable amount, and are you stuck with the rest? I would think that $20,000 would be enough insurance for almost any treatment that a cruise ship would provide - but after seeing this story, I am not sure.

I called a travel insurance company and the representative could only tell me that the insurance company would have to review the bill and the policy after the treatment.

Does anyone have any experience with this issue? Thanks.

Number 123 reasons why I will NEVER go on cruise.

[Kenswing]

I had to go to the ship’s medical center for a severe sinus infection during a 21 day cruise. Exam plus meds was a whopping $90.

We never purchase the insurance offered by the cruise line. The past few cruises we’ve purchased insurance through Zurich. Much better coverage for less money.

[retiredguy123]

Number 123 reasons why I will NEVER go on cruise.
I agree. Why can't cruise companies charge a reasonable fee for a cruise without trying to rip you off for everything? They even charge you for wifi, overcharge for drinks, and tell you how much you should tip. I can live without cruising.

[Bill14564]

I agree. Why can't cruise companies charge a reasonable fee for a cruise without trying to rip you off for everything? They even charge you for wifi, overcharge for drinks, and tell you how much you should tip. I can live without cruising.

Are the drinks that much more expensive than they would be at Bluefin, Red Sauce, or Prima?
Given that cruises are international, not every country has a custom of tipping, and American tourists are cheap, is it unreasonable to recommend a tipping level?
I have no idea how much it costs to provision wifi for several thousand people on a ship, much less contract with a satellite provider for that much internet bandwidth, do you?

Cruising is not inexpensive and I'm sure the company makes money but are the prices exorbitant or is that just what it costs to provide the service?

[manaboutown]

20 years ago I had sinus/ear infections on a cruise ship off Greece. Saw the ship's MD who gave me an antibiotic and antihistamine. $30.

On an earlier cruise through the Panama Canal on Cunard's old and rather small ship, Ariadne, a group of very sick passengers boarded in Acapulco. Of course the bug got passed around. Some were so ill they never left their cabins. The ship's MD was exhausted. The CDC boarded and changed dining room and other protocols, no handshakes and so on. At some point one or more were evacuated by helicopter. I had an antibiotic I had picked up at the airport in Mexico City which I started prophylactically and never became ill. Then on its way through the canal the ship got pulled into the side of a lock in the canal which jammed a loading door shut. What a trip! I haven't a clue what the ill passengers had to pay.

[Haggar]

Having been the president of a small cruise line I will tell you that the economics of a cruise - to include a room, food, entertainment, on board activities, ports of interest, private beaches - compare very well against - for instance - going to Disney. My wife just came back from Disney - stayed in the Animation hotel for $500 a night, breakfast was $32, and then had to pay for Disney and its high food costs. In case you forgot Cruise Lines are public companies in business to make money for its stockholders. If you go on a more expensive cruise line you get more items included - airfare, wifi, unlimited drinks, premier meals. Carnival has lower fares but charges for everything extra. Allows those to do not want these services to not have to pay for them/

[asianthree]

My spouse had a patient who fell on a cruise ship, fractured femur, tibia. Between the on ship care (paid immediately before the improper cast over 3” thick), the med flight paid before pickup, off the ship. Flight back to the states, was $110,000. No insurance. Then the poor lady had to endure 2.5 hours cutting off the cast (if casted properly 20 minutes tops).

Our friends have had two episodes on cruise ships, insurance was purchased through Costco, which both have said has better coverage than any insurance they have purchased.

All bills on ship, flight, had to be paid immediately, so they use AmEX because high limits is preferable. Then bills submitted to insurance. Their recoup was 81%, and 90%.

Travel insurance personal will only give a vague answer, since any questions will be hypothetical issues

[Caymus]

Is travel insurance in international waters regulated?

[asianthree]

Having been the president of a small cruise line I will tell you that the economics of a cruise - to include a room, food, entertainment, on board activities, ports of interest, private beaches - compare very well against - for instance - going to Disney. My wife just came back from Disney - stayed in the Animation hotel for $500 a night, breakfast was $32, and then had to pay for Disney and its high food costs. In case you forgot Cruise Lines are public companies in business to make money for its stockholders. If you go on a more expensive cruise line you get more items included - airfare, wifi, unlimited drinks, premier meals. Carnival has lower fares but charges for everything extra. Allows those to do not want these services to not have to pay for them/

Last week stayed at Polynesian new Island Tower, for less per night, than your Art of Animation experience. We did have lunch at 220 definitely more than $100

[Rainger99]

Last week stayed at Polynesian new Island Tower, for less per night, than your Art of Animation experience. We did have lunch at 220 definitely more than $100

In May, you can take a seven day MSC cruise roundtrip from Port Canaveral for $1340 for two people. Kids sale free. Food and entertainment is included and you can drive to the port.

How much is a seven day stay at Disney with meals?

[blueash]

In May, you can take a seven day MSC cruise roundtrip from Port Canaveral for $1340 for two people. Kids sale free. Food and entertainment is included and you can drive to the port.

How much is a seven day stay at Disney with meals?

What is the usual charge to buy a child?

[Harleyman]

I am Canadian. We own a home in the villages. Two years ago I got sick and ended up in the hospital in Ocala for 36 hours. My bill was 71,000 for tests. Obviously we do not cross the border without coverage.

[asianthree]

In May, you can take a seven day MSC cruise roundtrip from Port Canaveral for $1340 for two people. Kids sale free. Food and entertainment is included and you can drive to the port.

How much is a seven day stay at Disney with meals?

Celebrating Bdays in May, 5 days 2 bedroom, at 2 different Deluxe on property for 4 adults (not accepting any kids even if there is a Free Sale). Under $900, May is a cusp month so points are cheap. We could easily be less than that for 7 days at multiple moderate resorts.

As far as food we have never done quantity, so easily under the budget for 2, you proposed, that I am guessing doesn’t include alcohol. Last week Festival of the Arts, our per day food and alcohol was under $30.

[Nana2Teddy]

Last week stayed at Polynesian new Island Tower, for less per night, than your Art of Animation experience. We did have lunch at 220 definitely more than $100
Clearly you got a special rate, or are DVC members because a room at any Magic Kingdom resort is never $500 or less per night. We are APs and tried to go for a couple of nights last week for our anniversary and I couldn’t find us any room at a MK resort using the current special 35% off rate for APs for less than $7-800/night, which of course was before taxes. We’d have been out $2K+ just for the room. We decided to go for the day only, which turns out was more than enough now that it’s hot and humid again.

[asianthree]

Clearly you got a special rate, or are DVC members because $500/night for a room at any Magic Kingdom resort is never $500 or less per night. We are APs and tried to go for a couple of nights last week for our anniversary and I couldn’t find us any room at a MK resort using the current special 35% off rate for APs for less than $7-800/night, which of course was before taxes. We’d have been out $2K+ just for the room. We decided to go for the day only, which turns out was more than enough now that it’s hot and humid again.

Not DVC, we do however buy points from different sites or private people. However using PH discount, we use two certain reservations cast members that get us great rooms when resort are less occupied. Since we can go anytime it works out well. We also book for the whole year for certain special events. Oldest last week did a bounce back rate for $74 a night on property.

[bonbonn]

we went on royal caribbean cruise. we bought the ships insurance, my wife got sick went to emergency by wheel chair. Before they would look at her they wanted our credit card, I said we had bought the insurance. We were told we had to pay them and then go to the insurance for reimbursed. I dont think they were even doctors. we waited for her to feel better and went back to our cabin. never cruise again

[Bwanajim]

I always use Alliance
or AIG. Used them twice, once to fly out of Alaska early and once out of South Africa when I injured my shoulder. Worth every penny

[TerryBo]

Are the drinks that much more expensive than they would be at Bluefin, Red Sauce, or Prima?
Given that cruises are international, not every country has a custom of tipping, and American tourists are cheap, is it unreasonable to recommend a tipping level?
I have no idea how much it costs to provision wifi for several thousand people on a ship, much less contract with a satellite provider for that much internet bandwidth, do you?

Cruising is not inexpensive and I'm sure the company makes money but are the prices exorbitant or is that just what it costs to provide the service?
Americans I believe tip more than any other people. I don’t see people tipping as much in Europe.

[biker1]

Cruise ships do have a Dr. onboard, larger ships could have 2. You were probably triaged by a nurse. River cruises will typically rely on medical personnel in the towns they visit. Regarding travel insurance, that is how it works, regardless of whether you are on a cruise ship or on land.

we went on royal caribbean cruise. we bought the ships insurance, my wife got sick went to emergency by wheel chair. Before they would look at her they wanted our credit card, I said we had bought the insurance. We were told we had to pay them and then go to the insurance for reimbursed. I dont think they were even doctors. we waited for her to feel better and went back to our cabin. never cruise again

[retiredguy123]

Americans I believe tip more than any other people. I don’t see people tipping as much in Europe.
A tip is a voluntary gratuity, and the amount is determined by the customer. I understand that some cruise lines actually charge for the tip in advance of the cruise. If not, they tell you how much to tip and they do not treat it as a voluntary payment. This is not a tip.
Charging a service fee is one thing, but to call it a tip is insulting. That is just one reason why I do not go on cruises.

[Professor]

Are the drinks that much more expensive than they would be at Bluefin, Red Sauce, or Prima?
Given that cruises are international, not every country has a custom of tipping, and American tourists are cheap, is it unreasonable to recommend a tipping level?
I have no idea how much it costs to provision wifi for several thousand people on a ship, much less contract with a satellite provider for that much internet bandwidth, do you?

Cruising is not inexpensive and I'm sure the company makes money but are the prices exorbitant or is that just what it costs to provide the service?

Virgin Voyages eliminated tips for all essential services. Of course they cover these in other ways, but it is nice to not worry about the proper amount to tip. Prices for drinks is comparable to an upper end bar or restaurant. Food is all served in regular restaurant style setup with individual tables instead of the buffet style or 20 passenger table situation. Also, they do not allow kids so it is an all adult cruise. Virgin is my goto cruise line.

[psoccermom]

Americans I believe tip more than any other people. I don’t see people tipping as much in Europe.
That's why America has great service. Servers have to earn their tip. When tips are guaranteed, like 18% for a large party, service goes downhill.

[mikemalloy]

There was a recent article in which a passenger on a cruise ship had $20,000 of medical insurance that he bought from the cruise company. However, he had a three day stay in the ship hospital and the bill was $47,000!!!!

Minnesota man wins free Norwegian cruise vacation -- then catches the flu onboard and gets hit with $47K medical bill (https://nypost.com/2025/02/06/us-news/minnesota-man-wins-free-norwegian-cruise-vacation-then-catches-the-flu-onboard-and-gets-hit-with-47k-medical-bill/)

I usually get travel insurance when I go on vacation. However, can a cruise ship charge whatever it wants for the treatment?

For example, if you go to the doctor for a minor injury - a couple of stitches, etc. - and the cruise ship charges $75,000 for the bill, does your travel insurance pay the $75,000? Or do they pay a reasonable amount, and are you stuck with the rest? I would think that $20,000 would be enough insurance for almost any treatment that a cruise ship would provide - but after seeing this story, I am not sure.

I called a travel insurance company and the representative could only tell me that the insurance company would have to review the bill and the policy after the treatment.

Does anyone have any experience with this issue? Thanks.
We took a cruise in Asia last year. Though we rely on travel insurance provided by my credit card we purchased a medical only policy through Allianz. It cost a little under $400. I had an accident on an escalator and have some cuts on my back. I was seen at the ship's medical area. Bill for treating the wounds was $471. Filed a claim from my cabin online. Check for the bill was in the mail 2 days after I got home.

[Old Bob]

There was a recent article in which a passenger on a cruise ship had $20,000 of medical insurance that he bought from the cruise company. However, he had a three day stay in the ship hospital and the bill was $47,000!!!!

Minnesota man wins free Norwegian cruise vacation -- then catches the flu onboard and gets hit with $47K medical bill (https://nypost.com/2025/02/06/us-news/minnesota-man-wins-free-norwegian-cruise-vacation-then-catches-the-flu-onboard-and-gets-hit-with-47k-medical-bill/)

I usually get travel insurance when I go on vacation. However, can a cruise ship charge whatever it wants for the treatment?

For example, if you go to the doctor for a minor injury - a couple of stitches, etc. - and the cruise ship charges $75,000 for the bill, does your travel insurance pay the $75,000? Or do they pay a reasonable amount, and are you stuck with the rest? I would think that $20,000 would be enough insurance for almost any treatment that a cruise ship would provide - but after seeing this story, I am not sure.

I called a travel insurance company and the representative could only tell me that the insurance company would have to review the bill and the policy after the treatment.

Does anyone have any experience with this issue? Thanks.

I had several tests and a treatment on a Carnival cruise. They only charged me $411.

[Topspinmo]

Americans I believe tip more than any other people. I don’t see people tipping as much in Europe.


Also united states gives more to other countries and any country is world. IMO something we need to stop or At least reduce 80%.

[biker1]

That is not typical. What you may see is recommended gratuities preemptively added to your folio. You can either accept these or have them removed and make other arrangements to provide gratuities, as you see appropriate. Many cruise lines have stopped explicitly collecting gratuities and they are included in the cost of the cruise (yes, it is built in). The one area you may see a gratuity that is paid in advance is on an included drink package. The dollar value of the included drink package may be subjected to a mandatory gratuity that is charged, and paid for, upfront with the price of the cruise. As always, you are free to consider the entire cost of the trip and decide whether it is a good value.

A tip is a voluntary gratuity, and the amount is determined by the customer. I understand that some cruise lines actually charge for the tip in advance of the cruise. If not, they tell you how much to tip and they do not treat it as a voluntary payment. This is not a tip.
Charging a service fee is one thing, but to call it a tip is insulting. That is just one reason why I do not go on cruises.

[retiredguy123]

That is not typical. What you may see is recommended gratuities preemptively added to your folio. You can either accept these or have them removed and make other arrangements to provide gratuities, as you see appropriate. Many cruise lines have stopped explicitly collecting gratuities and they are included in the cost of the cruise (yes, it is built in). The one area you may see a gratuity that is paid in advance is on an included drink package. The dollar value of the included drink package may be subjected to a mandatory gratuity that is charged, and paid for, upfront with the price of the cruise. As always, you are free to consider the entire cost of the trip and decide whether it is a good value.
I won't do business with any company that tells me how much to tip their employees. Period.

[biker1]

Reread my post. With the exception of mandatory gratuities on an included drink package, they don't. You, of course, don't have to accept an included drink package and therefore not pay any tips. For those instances where tips are solicited, you are free to tip or not tip and if you do tip, you can choose the amount. They provide a recommendation but you don't need to follow it. You can go on a cruise and not pay any tips at all, albeit that is a pretty despicable thing to do.

I won't do business with any company that tells me how much to tip their employees. Period.

[Trip_Insurance_Pros]

Hey everyone! 👋 We are Trip Insurance Consultants, the newest proud sponsors of Talk of the Villages! We’re a Florida-based, family-owned business that helps travelers protect their trips, their health, and their wallets with the right travel insurance.

That recent story about a cruise passenger getting hit with a $47,000 medical bill? Unfortunately, that’s not even the worst we’ve seen! Cruise lines and international hospitals can charge whatever they want, and if you don’t have the right coverage, you could be left paying out of pocket.

That’s where we come in! We’re here to answer questions, provide education, and offer quotes for top-rated plans that truly protect you—not just the limited coverage cruise lines and tour companies offer. Let us do the shopping for you so you can travel worry-free.

Have questions? Planning a trip? Drop a comment or send us a message—we’d love to help!
Or take a look at this information article from our travel news page on our website: Why Purchasing Travel Insurance Through a Third-Party Provider is the Best Choice — Insurance Consultants International (https://www.insuranceconsultantsintl.com/travel-news/why-purchasing-travel-insurance-through-a-third-party-provider-is-the-best-choice)

Find us at Trip_Insurance_Pros 🚢✈️🌍on Talk of the Villages forums or Talk of the Villages — Insurance Consultants International (https://www.insuranceconsultantsintl.com/tov-villages)

[Rainger99]

Back to the original question.

Does anyone know if a cruise ship can charge whatever it wants for medical treatment?

And if they can and it is within the travel insurance limits, does your travel insurance pay all of it without asking any questions??

[Trip_Insurance_Pros]

In response to your questions...

Does anyone know if a cruise ship can charge whatever it wants for medical treatment?

Cruise ship medical facilities operate independently and are not bound by standard medical billing regulations, allowing them to set their own prices for treatments. This autonomy can lead to unexpectedly high medical bills.

And if they can and it is within the travel insurance limits, does your travel insurance pay all of it without asking any questions??

Most of our plans that we recommend cover $100,000+ dollars of medical benefit and $500,000+ medical evacuation - PRIMARY coverage. Some plans even have an included benefit of international Teledoc services - so you wouldn't have to go to the ship doctor for your inital consultation.

Now to your statement "without asking any questions" - you will always have to produce documentation to substaniate the claim. If its an eligible medical reason, then yes it should be covered.

Let me know if you have any other quesitons - happy to help! - Kristen, Trip Insurance Consultants

[Rainger99]

In response to your questions...

Does anyone know if a cruise ship can charge whatever it wants for medical treatment?

Now to your statement "without asking any questions" - you will always have to produce documentation to substantiate the claim. If its an eligible medical reason, then yes it should be covered.

Thanks for the answer!!

If I have $50,000 in medical coverage and the cruise ship charges $47,000 for treatment for the flu, and I produce documentation from the cruise ship that the bill was $47,000, in your experience would the insurance company pay all of that? Even if 99% of doctors and hospitals would only charge about $5,000 for the treatment?

It seems to me that if a cruise ship knew what the policy limits were on your travel insurance that the bill might be "inflated" to about what your policy limits are!

[Stu from NYC]

We purchase an annual trip insurance policy to cover our trips out of the Country via Allianz the last few years.

[Trip_Insurance_Pros]

We purchase an annual trip insurance policy to cover our trips out of the Country via Allianz the last few years.

Thats a great plan that we sell as well! Especailly if you travel at least 3-4 times a year! The medical benefits are per trip benefits as well.

Allianz Executive Plan — Insurance Consultants International (https://www.insuranceconsultantsintl.com/allianz-executive-plan)

[Trip_Insurance_Pros]

Thanks for the answer!!

If I have $50,000 in medical coverage and the cruise ship charges $47,000 for treatment for the flu, and I produce documentation from the cruise ship that the bill was $47,000, in your experience would the insurance company pay all of that? Even if 99% of doctors and hospitals would only charge about $5,000 for the treatment?

It seems to me that if a cruise ship knew what the policy limits were on your travel insurance that the bill might be "inflated" to about what your policy limits are!

Hi!

In the 25+ years of our company, we have never seen an insurance carrier not reimburse on any eligible cruise line bill, and realistically if someone needs that much care they'd be taken off the ship more than likely anyway.

A peronsal family friend of mine was in the BVIs and needed a potassium drip for 4 days and was charged $20,000! IMG (International Medical Group) was the insurance carrier of her policy. They covered it even though that seems excessive for the treatment in my personal opinion.

We always suggest calling the 24 hour assistance line when getting treatment from a hospital or facility so they can try to cost contain and direct bill so they can pay the facility directly.

No claim is guaranteed without the documentation to tell the entire story and we are not the claims department, but we work closely with the claims department heads of the carriers we recommend to people.

Honestly, I have ALOT of follow up questions on this article to see how the bill got so high. I wish I knew the whole story... hate hearing that he is now burdened with the bill.

-Kristen, Trip Insurance Consultants

[Nana2Teddy]

Not DVC, we do however buy points from different sites or private people. However using PH discount, we use two certain reservations cast members that get us great rooms when resort are less occupied. Since we can go anytime it works out well. We also book for the whole year for certain special events. Oldest last week did a bounce back rate for $74 a night on property.
So you have inside connections, which is obviously not the norm for ordinary people like myself, which is my point.

[asianthree]

So you have inside connections, which is obviously not the norm for ordinary people like myself, which is my point.


No Inside Connections. For Disney Cruises or Hotels.

Each Disney cast member has an Extension. I have probably spoken to 50 different members since 1971. You can ask for their extension, I have 3 in case one isn’t available. Who they are I have no idea, but 95% of the time they find a better rate, when I can’t find something online.

DVC members can use their points, bank them, sell privately, or sell to DVC companies, which sell points from their customers to you. 5 minute net search.

So that hotel you found Disney online reservation is $700, point sale can be $100-300. Cheap points can come at anytime, one just needs to take the date or pass.

So no big secrets or insider info, just a little time out of one’s day, to save $50 to hundreds of dollars, to stay on property, or book that super expensive Disney cruise, for less.

[asianthree]

Friends just returning from 7 day cruise. Flu landed one in the infirmary for 2.5 days, for fluids and meds. Started claim day one, with continuous bills added.

Prior to cruise Both complaining about how expensive their insurance was ($900 for both) due to age. Right now they are extremely happy for that purchase. No details yet on cash out.

[Rainger99]

Friends just returning from 7 day cruise. Flu landed one in the infirmary for 2.5 days, for fluids and meds. Started claim day one, with continuous bills added.

Prior to cruise Both complaining about how expensive their insurance was ($900 for both) due to age. Right now they are extremely happy for that purchase. No details yet on cash out.

Was the bill in the $47,000 range? What was the cruise line?

It will be interesting to find out how their bill compares to the NCL bill.

And do people usually go to the hospital for the flu??

[Bill14564]

Was the bill in the $47,000 range? What was the cruise line?

It will be interesting to find out how their bill compares to the NCL bill.

And do people usually go to the hospital for the flu??

My dad spent two nights about a year ago. In older people the flu is no joke.

[asianthree]

Was the bill in the $47,000 range? What was the cruise line?

It will be interesting to find out how their bill compares to the NCL bill.

And do people usually go to the hospital for the flu??

Coming from extensive med background, witnessed many mid eighties + and the flu, may have deadly outcome. No food intake you are good, not keeping down any fluids, worth trip to the ship infirmary. Even with the flu shot, which has small percentage of whatever strain you acquire may not help.
Flu the extremely young and elderly death rate isn’t a small percentage, for any year. Since cruise ships can charge whatever they choose, doesn’t matter what line, the bill will not be standardized. So asking for hypothetical bills will never be the same from ship to ship, week to week, even in the same cruise line. Remember every ship is never registered from the US.

You seem to be worried about this cruise and the possibility of health issue and cost over and above insurance. Hope you can sail away and still enjoy without constant worry.