Ongoing medical problem

[wburchell]

Hi, I have a leg ulcer that is threatening to impact our upcoming cruise. Have any other cruisers had a similar problems or any advice to offer? I'm hoping that I can still go! :confused:

[cherylandtk]

What does your physician say?

[Krazy Kruizers]

Agree

You should ask your doctor if you can cruise.

How soon is your cruise?

Did you buy insurance?

[GUT2407]

I think you need to listen to the doctor on this one, but if you can treat it yourself for the duration go for it.

[Cruise_Christy]

Talk to your doctor, get something in writing in case something does happen. If they advise not going - don't risk it. Your health is worth more than this vacation.

 

Think about the worst case scenario - will you be covered for this pre-existing condition with your insurance if you need to be airlifted off? If not, could you afford the expense or will it be a problem?

 

Make sure you take more than enough medication/supplies for the journey, especially prescription medication even if there's only a small chance you will need it.

 

I travel with pre-existing conditions and the travel insurance company does cover them, it just takes a while to get the paperwork done and my premiums are higher. I always have to check with the dr a few weeks before travelling to make sure everything is still fine.

[sparks1093]

I agree, talk to the doctor. Personally I would rather recuperate on a cruise ship than at home, but of course the doctor has to say I'm fit enough for travel in the first place.

[Dayenu]

I would get a doctor's note. If s/he says OK to go, the note will be with you to show on the ship if needed. If not, it will be for insurance company to reimburse you.

[xxoocruiser]

You would have needed to have purchased travel insurance that covers medical/evacuation within 10-14 days (varies by company/policy)of the initial booking in order to have had the pre-existing condition wavier included. Therefore if it were me and I did not have insurance covering pre-existing conditions than even if the doctor approves travel I might be reluctant to go. Note most policies purchased through the cruise lines do not cover pre-existing conditions.

Edited October 18, 2014 by xxoocruiser

[xxoocruiser]

I would get a doctor's note. If s/he says OK to go, the note will be with you to show on the ship if needed. If not, it will be for insurance company to reimburse you.

 

Since the OP is dealing with a pre-existing condition the insurance company will only reimburse if the OP purchased the policy within 10-14 day ( varies by company/policy) to have the pre-existing wavier included.

Edited October 18, 2014 by xxoocruiser

[fabnfortysomething]

You would have needed to have purchased travel insurance that covers medical/evacuation within 10-14 days (varies by company/policy)of the initial booking in order to have had the pre-existing condition wavier included. Therefore if it were me and I did not have insurance covering pre-existing conditions than even if the doctor approves travel I might be reluctant to go. Note most policies purchased through the cruise lines do not cover pre-existing conditions.

 

the OP is from the UK and no pre existing conditions are covered by purchasing within 14 days

 

you need travel insurance that will cover pre existing conditions for an additional premium

 

Staysure is one that I have used and covers a variety of conditions as standard but a leg ulcer will probably be subject to underwriting questionaire

[Calgon1]

Listen to your doctor.

While many of us have said, "Wow. That cruise costs us an arm and a leg . . ." We were speaking figuratively!

You don't need to actually do it! :eek:

[Treven]

Hi, I have a leg ulcer that is threatening to impact our upcoming cruise. Have any other cruisers had a similar problems or any advice to offer? I'm hoping that I can still go! :confused:

I have cruised before when my leg ulcers were flaring up. I simply made sure I had brought enough supplies with me to last the length of the cruise. Plus, of course, I did not get in the pool,the hot tub, fitness area nor sauna.

 

Of course your Dr. should provide you guidance in this area./COLOR]

Edited October 19, 2014 by Treven

[sail7seas]

Hi, I have a leg ulcer that is threatening to impact our upcoming cruise. Have any other cruisers had a similar problems or any advice to offer? I'm hoping that I can still go! :confused:

 

I'm unclear whether you have already seen a doctor but if you have not and have to fly some kinds of leg ulcers can be dangerous in terms of deep vein thrombosis...... I think. I would not take the chance and would at the least get it confirmed it is safe to fly. Good luck. Hope it all turns out well.

 

[Cruise_Christy]

You would have needed to have purchased travel insurance that covers medical/evacuation within 10-14 days (varies by company/policy)of the initial booking in order to have had the pre-existing condition wavier included. Therefore if it were me and I did not have insurance covering pre-existing conditions than even if the doctor approves travel I might be reluctant to go. Note most policies purchased through the cruise lines do not cover pre-existing conditions.

 

The OP is posting from the UK. Here you have to declare the pre-existing conditions before the travel insurance is booked but it does not matter when that is in relation to the cruise booking. As someone who travels a lot with multiple pre-existing conditions most of the insurance companies I have obtained quotes from are quite happy to cover them but there will be a hefty premium in some cases. My travel insurance is currently three times the price of my (healthy) husbands but still worth it.

[Kris74]

Now if the ulcer is big or very new I wouldnt go. You may need to get another type of treatment in the middle of your cruise, you cant consult a specialist on board and get treatments.

 

Also if the climate is very warm, your leg ulcer will get worse. And also if you walk long distances it may get worse.

 

Also ive understood that in uk you get medicines for free, in other places you have to pay for them and have a recipe too. And you most probably wont get antibiotics just in case in uk as you might get if you lived in the states. In case it gets infected. And a good thing too, that is.

 

But then again if the ulcer is very small and you have previously had them and know how to treat them and you not sailing to warmer climates. And there is no obvious risk of it getting worse, then maybe . But only maybe. And of course ask your doctor. But you asked for opinions, so this is my opinion as a health professional.

[Keith1010]

As others have said you really need to consult with your physician. Most of us are not qualified to comment and even a physician would need to see you.

 

Keith

[NMLady]

Hi, I have a leg ulcer that is threatening to impact our upcoming cruise. Have any other cruisers had a similar problems or any advice to offer? I'm hoping that I can still go! :confused:

 

Ask your Doctor! My husband had a severe leg ulcer but the Dr gave him Rx cream, special pads, and wraps so that we could change the dressing daily and take Panama Canal cruise. We asked cabin steward for special waste bag for the used dressings.

B Had Dr appt for the day after our return so Dr could check how the sore was after two weeks. No problem. It was continuing to heal.

 

He currently has an open leg ulcer from peripheral arterial disease. This is a different Dr and he approved skipping two weekly wound treatments from nurse so we could take a trip, with us changing the dressing daily. Again, we used a separate waste bag for the used dressings.

 

So, see what your Dr says about it.

Edited October 19, 2014 by NMLady