Unexpected Medical Bills on Cruise Holidays
A recent incident on a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage has sparked widespread discussion online. A passenger shared a medical bill from the ship’s clinic totalling nearly $10,000. This amount is more than many cruise fares themselves. The charges were incurred during the Norwegian Escape’s Western Caribbean trip, which set sail from Miami on 13th July 2025.
Viral Reddit Post Raises Eyebrows
The anonymous passenger posted the bill on Reddit, captioning it: “Don’t get sick on a cruise ship.” This post quickly gained traction, amassing over 1,300 comments. Although the specifics of the medical emergency remain undisclosed, the bill was marked “EMERGENCY CARE” and dated 19th July 2025. This indicates the treatment took place during the cruise and was charged to the guest’s onboard account.
Breakdown of the Medical Expenses
Only the first page of the four-page document was shared, but it revealed some eye-watering costs. The charges included $199 for a new patient consultation and $43 for a blood draw. Testing for SARS-CoV-2, flu, and RSV cost $274, while pulse oximetry was $109. The bill also listed eight IV infusions at $131 each, totalling $1,048. Additional charges included $380.27 for medical supplies and $618.59 for medications.
Questions About Billing Practices
The multiple charges for IV infusions raised eyebrows, suggesting possible duplicate billing. A commenter, claiming to be a physician, noted that identical charges for “admission doctor consult” and “admission to medical centre” might indicate billing errors. Successfully disputing these could reduce the total bill, though not eliminate it entirely.
The Importance of Travel Insurance
This incident has reignited the debate on the necessity of comprehensive travel insurance for cruise holidays. Onboard medical facilities are often run by third-party providers and are not included in the standard cruise fare. Many experienced cruisers on Reddit stressed the importance of securing adequate insurance before setting sail. However, experts warn that not all policies cover emergency care or medical repatriation. Reimbursement depends on policy terms and whether duplicate charges can be clarified or removed.
Check Your Onboard Account
Travellers are reminded to review their onboard accounts before disembarking. Mistaken charges for drinks, spa services, or excursions are not uncommon and can be hard to dispute after the cruise ends. Guests can verify charges through their stateroom televisions, onboard kiosks, or directly at Guest Services.
Not an Isolated Incident
This isn’t the first time cruise passengers have faced unexpectedly high medical bills. In another case, a US couple’s dream cruise turned into a financial nightmare when a flu diagnosis resulted in a $47,000 bill. These stories highlight the importance of being prepared for medical emergencies while on a cruise holiday.
