Does Cruise Travel Insurance Cover Sea Sickness?
Travel Insurance Review says it's important to buy travel insurance for specific medical care on a ship before you take a cruise. That's mainly because cruise ships don't offer health insurance once the cruise begins. Most cruise travel insurance covers sea sickness care, although you might be shocked at the money you have to pay upfront if you just have an on-board travel insurance policy. However, other and better insurance options are available.
-
On-Board Insurance
-
If you get seasick on a cruise, you'll likely be treated in the cruise ship's infirmary. But any medical attention required on a cruise ship is going to be very expensive. Many cruise ships expect you to pay out of pocket before you can get compensation from any insurance you have back home. For this reason, buying on-board insurance is not recommended. Travel Insurance File says most cruise insurances have very low coverage limits that may not pay for extensive medical care.
Specialized Insurance
-
The best plan is to avoid coverage offered by cruises or travel agents and find specialized travel insurance. You can find many specialized insurance companies by doing a simple online search. Specialized insurance companies sometimes have competitive rates. Plus, this type of insurance can help you get quicker compensation if you happen to have a severe bout of sea sickness or other health issues requiring costly medical care.
-
Preventing Sea Sickness
-
A Q&A on Cruiseexperts.com says that today's cruise ships are usually designed to prevent sick sickness in most people. Stabilizers are fin-like devices that are now used under cruise ships to prevent any rolling or rocking sensations on the ship. Also, ships frequently sail in calmer seas to prevent the same problem. Nevertheless, some people may still have problems with sea sickness that require additional treatments.
Dealing with Sea Sickness
-
If you still happen to experience symptoms of sea sickness, move to the center of the ship if you can. Also, if you look to the horizon while on deck, you might be able to stabilize your equilibrium. For those who have a tendency toward severe sea sickness, taking medications before going on a cruise is recommended. Marezene is one of the best known medications, although it's known to cause drowsiness. (See Resources)
-
References
- Travel Insurance Review: Can I Buy Cruise Insurance While on the Ship?; May 30, 2010
- Travel Insurance File: Beware Cruise Line Insurance. And Don't Get Sick at Sea.
- Galapagos Travel: Health and Medical Issues
- Cruise Experts: Ask The Cruise Experts--FAQ
- Isned.com: FACT: Large Passenger Ships Have Stabilizers for Rough Seas
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images