Medical Treatment at Sea

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to arrange to catch the latest cold virus sometime other than during a cruise? Unfortunately, none of us have that kind of control over illness. Fortunately, if you do catch a bug while sailing, your ship has an onboard medical facility that can rival those found on shore.

These facilities are staffed by doctors and nurses and are equipped to treat everything from seasickness to respiratory problems to broken bones. Some ships also have digital X-ray equipment, cardiac life support stations and telemedicine capabilities that allow the staff to communicate in real time with specialists on shore. Oceania Cruises’ ships even have fully equipped operating rooms for use in extreme emergencies.

For very serious conditions, such as heart attacks or strokes, the medical staff will arrange to have the passenger transferred to a hospital on shore as quickly as possible. Some newer ships have helipads that make it easier to airlift passengers who need the attention of physicians on land.

Before you cruise, check your medical insurance coverage information to find out if it will cover medical treatment and evacuation while you are away from home. If not, consider purchasing travel insurance that includes medical coverage. Your personal cruise expert can provide more information.