Cruises are often seen as a relaxing escape from everyday life: sunny beaches, endless buffets, and the gentle sway of the ocean. But for one Minnesota couple, their Caribbean voyage on the Norwegian Encore turned into a financial nightmare when a case of the flu led to an eye-watering $47,000 medical bill.
Mike Cameron and his girlfriend, Tamra Masterman, embarked on their highly anticipated Norwegian Cruise Line vacation on January 5, 2025, departing from Miami. Like many cruise travelers, they expected a week of rest, entertainment, and exploration. But things took a turn when Cameron started feeling unwell a few days into the voyage.
After experiencing flu-like symptoms, he sought medical attention at the ship’s onboard medical center. While cruise ship doctors are equipped to handle a variety of illnesses and emergencies, the cost of care at sea is notoriously high.
According to reports, Cameron was treated over three days in the ship’s medical facility, but once he recovered, he was blindsided by the staggering cost: $47,000.
Why was the medical bill so high?
Cruise ship medical costs are known to be expensive, but this bill raised eyebrows for multiple reasons.
While onboard medical staff can provide basic care, anything beyond routine checkups, such as IV fluids, medications, or prolonged monitoring, can come with extreme markups.
Cameron’s bill was so high because:
- He was treated over three days at the ship’s medical center.
- Medical services at sea often come with inflated costs, since supplies and personnel are limited.
- Cruise ships do not accept traditional health insurance, meaning all expenses are out-of-pocket unless covered by travel insurance.
However, what shocked the couple most was how quickly Norwegian Cruise Line charged their credit cards. Without prior notice, the cruise line maxed out two credit cards on file, leaving them still owing a staggering $21,000.
Travel insurance dilemma
Like many cautious travelers, Cameron had purchased travel insurance through Norwegian Cruise Line, which included medical coverage up to $20,000. While this should have helped offset a large portion of the bill, the insurance process has proven to be a nightmare.
First, the claim was denied by health insurance. Travel insurance policies often require passengers to first file a claim with their primary health insurance provider before seeking reimbursement. However, Cameron’s health insurance refused to cover the charges, arguing that medical treatment received at sea is considered out-of-network and international.
Then, travel insurance wouldn’t pay until health insurance responded. Since Norwegian’s travel insurance requires proof of denial from a primary insurer, the couple found themselves stuck in a bureaucratic loop, unable to claim the travel insurance payout until the health insurance company officially processed the denial.
As of now, Mike and Tamra are still fighting to resolve the issue, and they’re unsure if or when they’ll be reimbursed.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s response
Norwegian Cruise Line issued a statement defending their medical pricing, saying that their rates are “closely comparable to other cruise lines” and “fair and reasonable.” They have, however, agreed to review whether the charges were appropriate.
This response hasn’t done much to calm the storm, as many travelers question whether charging nearly $50,000 for flu treatment is justified, even in a specialized environment like a cruise ship.
How to avoid a similar nightmare
This case highlights just how costly medical care can be at sea and how confusing travel insurance policies can leave passengers vulnerable. Here are some key takeaways to avoid a similar financial disaster:
- Check what your health insurance covers internationally
- Many U.S.-based health insurance plans do not cover medical expenses abroad or on cruise ships.
- Call your provider before traveling to understand what’s covered and what’s not.
- Choose travel insurance wisely
- Look for policies that don’t require primary health insurance claims first before providing reimbursement.
- Consider third-party insurance instead of cruise line insurance, as they often have better coverage and fewer restrictions.
- Be prepared for high medical costs at sea
- Even minor treatments on a cruise can be astronomically expensive compared to land-based care.
- If possible, wait to seek medical attention at the next port rather than onboard. Local clinics are usually far cheaper.
- Keep emergency funds and a backup payment plan
- Norwegian Cruise Line charged Cameron’s credit cards without warning, which could have caused serious financial problems.
- Always travel with a backup credit card and enough available credit to handle emergencies.
- Understand cruise line medical policies before you sail
- Medical care at sea is not like going to your regular doctor. Costs are often comparable to private hospitals.
- Research how your cruise line handles medical payments and insurance claims before you embark.
Mike Cameron’s ordeal serves as a cautionary tale for all cruise travelers. While nobody plans to get sick on vacation, understanding the financial risks of onboard medical care and choosing the right travel insurance can make a huge difference.
