tspinn

I was medically evacuated from a Princess cruises ship in Turkey, while on a Mediterranean cruise in 2015. I was in the Turkish hospital for 11 days before I was released to fly home. I purchased the Princess Insurance which included Medical Evacuation.  Once I was moved to the hospital,  an insurance representative to kept in touch with me the whole time, arranged for a nurse to fly from Florida to Turkey to accompany me home to Los Angeles, they took care of all air arrangements, and the nurse walked me to my front door. I was never billed or asked to pay a dime for the services they provided.

On the other hand, I had to charge $20,000.00 to a credit card to pay the hospital bill. When I got home I found out my excellent care in the ship's infirmary cost another $5,000.00. I submitted these bills to my medical insurance and received reimbursement. I didn't pursue medical reimbursement from the travel insurance because  there was no need. 

I always tell my friends, make sure to buy medical evacuation insurance on trips overseas. I don't know how I would have made it home without the added insurance. Everyone needs to be aware that medical evacuation insurance isn't the same as medical insurance to pay the medical bills.  

Also, the cruise lines have Port Agents at each port of call. The Princess Port Agent was in constant contact with my family regarding my progress. 

My experience didn't stop me from cruising. I took a cruise to Alaska in August, the Panama Canal in January, and my dream trip to  Norway leaves in less than two weeks.

Hope this helps someone. 

I am leaving on May 25, 2019 for a 14 day cruise to the North Cape on Holland America. I have prepared for poor weather, but am hoping for weather equal to yours! Your pictures are beautiful.

There are only two ship employees I will remember for the rest of my life. Dr. Anna and Nurse Anne from the Island Princess. I developed pneumonia while cruising the Mediterranean. They took care of me until I was taken away by ambulance in Ephesus, Turkey. They were exceptional. You want to have good medical care when you need it! They were true professionals. Ever wonder what happens when someone is medically evacuated from a ship mid-cruise? I have personal knowledge. I still cruise because I love cruising, being on the water moving from destination to destination.