Help- Parent's taken off NCL Escape in Cozumel

[SMK06437]

Hi there.. my parents were just on the Escape out of NYC for a 14 day Western Carribean Cruise.  At the port of Cozumel ( the last of the cruise before returning to NYC) my father wasn't feeling well and went to the infirmary.  It was there they determined he had the flu / pnuemonia and they were both ( my parents)  promptly  packed up by the ship staff and then escorted off the ship and brought to a local hospital.  We are in the process of trying to get them home...they purchased the insurance through NCL...I have come to learn they were the 4th cabin to be removed and one of which was their neighbor on the ship. Does anyone have any experience with a similar situation that can possibily offer any assistance. 

Thanks in advance!

[twincheryl]

First step would be to get in touch with the NCL travel insurance.  While I haven't had to use any travel insurance, I've read that they generally take care of many arrangements for you.  Not sure if the NCL insurance covers getting them back home, but the insurance people could certainly give you all the info you need.

 

Hope your dad is feeling better soon!

[klfrodo]

Please keep us updated and I hope your family is well.

 

I would also contact the closest embassy or consular. I've attached a web link

https://mx.usembassy.gov/

 

There is not one on Cozumel Island but there are 2  real close. 1 in Cancun and 1 in Playa del Carmen.

[ablodget2]

We can relate to this situation.  My husband was diagnosed with pneumonia when we were on the Dawn last March.  We were forced to leave the ship in Roatan and then airlifted to San Pedro Sula in Honduras.  After five days in ICU there, we were sent to Florida by air ambulance.  We had NCL insurance.  I contacted them and they made all arrangements and paid for the transfer to Florida where he was admitted to the hospital in Broward County.  They charged $22,000 and the insurance coverage was $25,000, so not much to spare.  We did not have to put any money upfront.  The hospital was a different story.  Had to pay a $4000 deposit, then submitted bills to NCL, Medicare and Blue Cross Medicare supplemental policies.  Had to wait for Medicare denial, then Blue Cross paid some to the hospital,  NCL reimbursed us for the $4000 deposit and the $5500 cruise ship infirmary bill.  I found AON insurance, which handles NCL claims, to be very reasonable  to deal with and knew exactly what they needed.  Medicare was the hang up because they took so long to deny the claim.  Unfortunately the NCL insurance is only for $10,000 medical, but the air ambulance coverage was such a relief.  We will continue to buy NCL insurance, but we also add a policy with $100,000 medical and $500,00 evacuation.  Hope your parents return home soon and safely.  Good luck!

 

[klfrodo]

Glad to hear they’re okay.

Regarding NCL reimbursing missed days, probably not NCL, but the insurance will.

[ablodget2]

Yes, NCL insurance will reimburse you for the days missed, as well as port fees and taxes for those days and any prepaid gratuities.  Again, everything must funnel through Medicare as your primary, if applicable, then any secondary insurance, then NCL Travel Protection.  They can only reimburse after everyone else has done their part.  I found NCL to be very considerate and helpful when being evacuated from the ship.  Their insurance did everything I would have expected them to do.  Reimbursement for missed days and other NCL related expenses will be paid promptly because they have all those records.  I didn't have to furnish any other paperwork for that part.  Be sure to keep receipts for everything you can even though it is such a difficult time.  Glad he is doing fine and home.