Medical help onboard ship?

[Jana60]

Anyone travel with a pacemaker???...I may have asked this 3 years ago but have forgotten...does the ship have something to monitor that..while patient is away from the land line?

 

If you've had your scheduled pacemaker diagnostics done when at home you shouldn't have a problem being away from home for a week. they can do EKGs on board if you became ill and can tell by that if your pacemaker is malfunctioning in a major way but no they probably can't tell you if your pacemaker battery is getting low.

[skittl1321]

they do not do surgery on the ship as far as I know. I guess they might in an out and out emergency.

The family in question had the money to pay for a cruise yet gambled with not needing Insurance - an extra $100 maybe. Its not fun to have a medical emergency but why the hell gamble like that??

 

Well, taking out insurance is a gamble too. You gamble on whether the pay-out if you need it is better than the cost to buy it if you don't use it. And like any gambling, the 'house' has the edge in this game. If it didn't - insurance companies would not offer it.

 

 

My husband and I do not always take out travel insurance. We don't consider it a gamble, we consider it to be self-insuring. We weigh what the situation is and determine whether it is a good idea to self-insure. Going to Mexico for just a few days, absolutely self insure. Going to the Galapagos? Evacuation would cost an absolute fortune, so we get insurance. Pregnant? Insurance (although the insurance covers almost nothing related to the pregnancy, even purchased before it was an existing condition. I was shocked how poor ever policy I looked at was. But if I fall and break my wrist, because my balance is bad, that would be covered.) Hurricane season? Well, it would suck if the cruise was canceled, but we can deal with the monetary loss- no insurance.

 

 

I cannot, however, imagine international travel without a credit card/ ATM card. Not being able to access money in an emergency sounds terrifying.

[gadan1]

Anyone travel with a pacemaker???...I may have asked this 3 years ago but have forgotten...does the ship have something to monitor that..while patient is away from the land line?

 

My mom has a pacemaker and we did a B2B in April/May. Nothing on the ship to monitor but that didn't seem to be a problem for her. Because of the x-ray machine to get back on the ship after ports, she would just tell the security officer she had a pacemaker, they'd shut the x-ray off so she could go through and then have a female officer come over and pat her down.

[mediccruzin]

Anyone travel with a pacemaker???...I may have asked this 3 years ago but have forgotten...does the ship have something to monitor that..while patient is away from the land line?

 

From my experience in 911 EMS, the vast majority of emergency rooms do not even have that capability. If you have a total pacemaker failure they can place you on a external pacer. All ER's usually will call in the specialist from whomever made your pacemaker to fix any issues with that brand of pacemaker. That's why it's important to carry the card they give with you the serial number and maker of that pacemaker.

[mediccruzin]

If you've had your scheduled pacemaker diagnostics done when at home you shouldn't have a problem being away from home for a week. they can do EKGs on board if you became ill and can tell by that if your pacemaker is malfunctioning in a major way but no they probably can't tell you if your pacemaker battery is getting low.

 

There is no way in the world I would have any adjustment to a pacemaker/AICD within a month or going on a cruise. I make many many patients that have has a pacemaker issue shortly after having a adjustment on their devices.

[Jana60]

There is no way in the world I would have any adjustment to a pacemaker/AICD within a month or going on a cruise. I make many many patients that have has a pacemaker issue shortly after having a adjustment on their devices.

 

I never suggested any change to the settings only that they should have their routine check on the functioning of the pacemaker at home if they are in any doubt to determine if they need to cancel the cruise.

[mommom of 7]

Ya know 44 cruises after my pace maker & never gave it a thought.

My heart Dr. knows we cruise all winter & if there was any concern i'm sure he would say something.

I have always walked through the xray thingy at the airport & cruise port.

Now you have me wondering if I should.

Char

[MMastell]

To the OP: Get insurance. You can still get it but it probably won't cover pre-existing conditions. If you are relatively healthy that really isn't a problem. I will cover you for accidents, broken bones or catching something while on the cruise.

 

You should never buy insurance just to insure the cost of your trip. The worst that happens in that situation is that you spent money, that you already planned on spending and didn't get to take the cruise. It's not a good thing but it isn't going to drain the family fortune.

 

If you become sick or injured on board they will drop you off at the nearest hospital or medivac you if it is warranted. If they take you to a hospital outside the United States you will be responsible for all charges and you will pay for your own way back to the U.S.. If you are still ill that trip back to the U.S. is going to be very expensive. It is possible to have charges of $100,000 by the time you get home.

 

The true value of the insurance is in the event of a medical emergency. That's where you can lose your shirt.

 

Oh yes, contrary to board rumors, the U.S. Coast Guard DOES NOT charge for a medical evacuation. Other countries may but the U.S. does not not.

 

I have traveled on about 30 cruises since having a pacemaker and have had zero problems and I am fully pacemaker dependent. Take your card with you so in the event of an emergency, medical staff will know the make and model of pacemaker you have and the number of leads. You should have annual or semi-annual pacemaker checks and they should tell you how long you have left on your battery. Most last about five to seven years, depending on rate, number of episodes, etc.. I still have four years on mine. :)

 

Take care,

Mike

[pretzellover]

Buy insurance. I had strep on a cruise once and the doctor visit and antibiotics cost $400.

 

 

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[moongal]

Gosh, now I am almost afraid to go! I went ahead and purchased the insurance for everyone but it seems that what was available thru carnival could wind up up being painfully inadequate if costs could run into 100,000k! I looked at the links that someone posted for buying additional insurance, but it seemed somewhat similar to what was offered by carnival. Does anyone ever purchase enough insurance to cover up to 100k? I will definitely look into it more tomorrow (was on the road all day today to visit in laws)

I'm just worried I might not be able to buy any more since we are less than 2 weeks away.

 

I hope these do not seem like stupid questions, I never travel and am not travel savvy and I don't want to risk financial ruin by having an illness or accident out of the country.

[sjn911]

Thanks to all pacemaker info people...perhaps one just unhooks and does not worry the monitor by phone thing for 10 days or so.. and thanks for xray off info..it is for dad and will check..he is doing beyond good on it..he got it 2012.

 

Moongal this is one of those times when everyone's 2 cents helps but scares and there is a good enough option 99% of time covering these issues...I found one great plan right after purchase on a last minute cruise..I bet an agent can help you evaluate your pre-existing conditions and all these fears with an 800 number 24/7 at these online agencies offering so many plans, fact that you have something may alow easy upgrading too...call and talk to one of these online travel ins company reps with your concerns and they can help you with a medium plan that covers what you need and that will pay the place or airlift you to home..Is Caribbean is where you are going?? Not that far to air to Florida and US help. This is part of travel that is overwhelming the first time and then duck soup later..call them..they will help you with a medium decision with issues...see what is covered first on yours and ask for enough airlift coverage for home and paying for you if need be before Ins kicks in...AAA could help you too I bet...keep the faith...it is worth it in end and doable amt and insurable usually....Sarah

Edited June 8, 2015 by sjn911

[MMastell]

Gosh, now I am almost afraid to go! I went ahead and purchased the insurance for everyone but it seems that what was available thru carnival could wind up up being painfully inadequate if costs could run into 100,000k! I looked at the links that someone posted for buying additional insurance, but it seemed somewhat similar to what was offered by carnival. Does anyone ever purchase enough insurance to cover up to 100k? I will definitely look into it more tomorrow (was on the road all day today to visit in laws)

I'm just worried I might not be able to buy any more since we are less than 2 weeks away.

 

I hope these do not seem like stupid questions, I never travel and am not travel savvy and I don't want to risk financial ruin by having an illness or accident out of the country.

 

Don't be afraid to go. Insurance is one of those things that you keep buying and never use it. Often you think "Why did I spend the money when I never use it." Hundreds of thousands of people buy travel insurance every year and never use. Millions travel and never have an incident. But, and it's a big but, there is that time when "stuff happens" that you will be glad you bought it.

 

It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

 

Go: Enjoy your cruise.

 

Take care,

Mike

[jcarlisle]

Gosh, now I am almost afraid to go! I went ahead and purchased the insurance for everyone but it seems that what was available thru carnival could wind up up being painfully inadequate if costs could run into 100,000k! I looked at the links that someone posted for buying additional insurance, but it seemed somewhat similar to what was offered by carnival. Does anyone ever purchase enough insurance to cover up to 100k? I will definitely look into it more tomorrow (was on the road all day today to visit in laws)

I'm just worried I might not be able to buy any more since we are less than 2 weeks away.

 

I hope these do not seem like stupid questions, I never travel and am not travel savvy and I don't want to risk financial ruin by having an illness or accident out of the country.

 

 

Check out insuremytrip. . Have used them for every cruise we have done. You can input the outline of your trip and it will show you lots of options. We always get one with a high medical coverage amount as well as a high emergency evacuation coverage.

 

We did need to use it on our Baltics trip last year when DW developed a problem. Had almost $800 in on board doctor and medical charges. Had to file with our medical insurance when we got home. Took them 90 days to come back and "pay under the out of network" provisions. Think they covered $50. Filed everything with the travel insurance and they paid entire balance minus the $50 deductible in ten days.

 

Always get the travel insurance. Never know when or if you might need it.

 

 

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[crusinpsychRN]

. I will cover you for accidents, broken bones or catching something while on the cruise.

 

Take care,

Mike

 

Wow! How nice of you!

 

(Sorry, I couldn't help myself.:D)

[mediccruzin]

I never suggested any change to the settings only that they should have their routine check on the functioning of the pacemaker at home if they are in any doubt to determine if they need to cancel the cruise.

 

Neither did I, I merely stating that every pacemaker malfunction I have dealt with all have had some adjustment within 30 days of said adjustment.

[blessedwith12]

This may be a silly question but I'll ask anyways. If you get the health insurance through one of the links posted, do you still need to get travel insurance with Carnival to cover things like missing your cruise because of travel interruptions or the death of a non traveling family member?

[DavyJoneses]

I saw the same story and called my travel agent today. Our cruise is already paid, but we can buy travel insurance up until 14 days before the cruise, apparently. Definitely going to add it on -- it was $90 pp.

 

 

Good decision.:)

[CantanaLobo]

This may be a silly question but I'll ask anyways. If you get the health insurance through one of the links posted, do you still need to get travel insurance with Carnival to cover things like missing your cruise because of travel interruptions or the death of a non traveling family member?

Like all things related to insurance, it depends. You'd need to read what's covered. By 'health insurance' do you mean 'medical insurance'? If you get a travel medical insurance plan, it will just cover medical stuff on your trip, as detailed in the specific plan(s). You can get comprehensive travel insurance which will have overlap in varying degrees with what Carnival offers, as detailed in those plans.

[jcarlisle]

This may be a silly question but I'll ask anyways. If you get the health insurance through one of the links posted, do you still need to get travel insurance with Carnival to cover things like missing your cruise because of travel interruptions or the death of a non traveling family member?

 

 

Definitely take a good look at the policy, but every policy I have reverted purchased far surpassed what the cruise line covers. If all you are doing is the cruise, one offered by the cruise line may be OK. Typically when we do a trip, we are adding several days in front of the trip or after we get off the ship. This means hotels, and possible additional airfare, excursions, etc. when you buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy, you are typically buying coverage for a specific period of time, and for a specific amount of money, which can include the cost of your cruise, airfare, extra hotel nights, etc. also, the cruise we just finished had two children in our group, and they were covered for everything at no additional charge.

 

 

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Edited June 8, 2015 by jcarlisle

[brtls5]

Now I'm a little concerned. I understand the insurance part for the trip. But I never really thought about carrying thousands in cash in the event of an emergency or having extremely high credit limits. I know many people that do not have 100,000 in credit limits.

 

It definitely puts a little fear into this. Are there any trip insurances that prepay or guarantee payment? That seems at least a better choice in companies.

[elainmir]

You know I'd never really thought about purchasing insurance until I read a thread right before my 3rd cruise...I believe the people had a 12,000 bill for evacuation! 12,000...I thought omgosh I'd rather pay a few bucks to have the medical and evacuation coverage...I have USAA and go through them to travelinsured and I get better coverage than what Carnival offers. I paid 31 bucks a person for this next cruise ( covers pre-existing medical conditions) I spend more than 62 bucks in the casino so it just makes sense to have that piece of mind. 62 is a lot easier to swallow than 12,000...