February 1, 2006
American Express Travel insurance urges cruisers to buy insurance
American Express Travel Insurance urges people going on a cruise to buy travel insurance before sailing off.
Joanne Field, marketing manager at American Express Insurance Services, said: "When people are taken ill at sea and need urgent treatment, transportation from the cruise shop to the nearest hospital can be an added complication." She added that an emergency medical transportation service could cost "four if not five figures".
American Express Travel Insurance has a "Premier Plus Policy", which offers overseas cover for travellers for up to 120 days. "By opting for a cruise, your holiday begins the moment you board, so make sure travel insurance is something that you never set sail without," concluded Ms Field.
Medical evacuation is certainly rare, but it is expensive. Make sure that wheatever travel insurance you use covers emergency medical evacuation.
Posted by James Trotta at February 1, 2006 4:32 PM
How true this is.If only the infirmary medical staff on board were prepared for all ER. We would not have to be held hostage in a third world country hospital. Waiting for director of services or any one in the billing office to decided if they will or will not except the travlers insurance you already purchased. Evacuation transport team will leave you behind because noone can be reached in the billing office. I was ecsorted to the ATM had to empty my debit account. I had to show them I had no more money in the bank. After the Insurance Company told me assured me they sent an open end check min. starting figure $5,000.00 and Emergency Air Transport team was in route.
Posted by: Sharla & Horace Phillips at May 20, 2007 7:11 AM