Health & Travel Insurance
Sail with peace of mind: medical care at sea and the insurance you really need.
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- See your doctor if you have a chronic condition, and ask about motion-sickness remedies that suit your medications.
- Check vaccinations and entry requirements for every country on your itinerary.
- Carry a medical summary: conditions, medications, allergies and emergency contacts.
- Choose cabin location wisely: midship and lower decks move least in rough seas.
- Wash hands often — the simplest defence against onboard illness.
Travel Insurance: Don’t Sail Without It
For travelers 50 and over, travel insurance with strong medical and medical-evacuation coverage is essential. Buy it soon after you make your deposit so that pre-existing-condition waivers apply where available, and buy it from a third-party insurer rather than the cruise line if you want protection if the line itself fails. The Smart Traveler network has required travel insurance on every cruise it books since 2002 — here is why.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover me on a cruise?
Generally no. Original Medicare usually does not cover medical care outside the United States, and the ship’s medical center charges its own fees. Some Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans offer limited foreign-travel emergency coverage. Check your plan, and buy travel insurance with medical and evacuation cover.
What medical care is on board?
Large ships have a medical center with a doctor and nurses who can handle common illnesses and stabilize emergencies. Serious cases are evacuated to shore, which can be very expensive without insurance.
How should I pack medications?
In your carry-on, in original labeled containers, with a few days’ extra supply and a list of your prescriptions and doctors. Some medications are restricted in certain countries; check before you go.
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Specialists can price your cruise with the right coverage for your age and trip.
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