Recently, a Reddit user recounted the cost of utilizing Norwegian Bliss’ onboard medical facility. Following a bout of seasickness, the traveler was presented with a shocking invoice exceeding $2,000.
| Diana, a participant on Reddit, shared her experience, saying, “Just got back from my Alaskan voyage (which was otherwise splendid!) and the initial night at sea was in extremely turbulent waters! Despite using the scop patch without issue before, I inexplicably fell terribly ill! Nauseous all through the night. So unwell that I genuinely considered flying back home hahaha! Summoned the last of my energy to reach the ship’s medical center the next day and was attended to by the physicians. An expensive endeavor, but the intravenous fluids and Zofran were a godsend!” |
Upon departing the clinic, she was instructed to use oral anti-nausea treatment.
Later, she disclosed images of her bills online, uncovering a $96 outlay for provisions, $116 for drugs, and $2,085 for services, totaling $2,297.
Observers critiqued how such a routine case of seasickness could result in charges exceeding $2,000, highlighting substantial markups in the breakdown.
One reader remarked, “This is the O2 sensor attached to your finger, and they are billing $109 for affixing it to obtain an oxygen reading, which is absurd.”
Another Reddit user noted, “Charging for a nurse interpreting the oximeter data WHILE concurrently billing for the nurse’s duration on an hourly basis??”
Aside from the blood oxygen assessment, itemized costs comprised $131 per IV bag, $219 for admission to the medical center, $219 for the doctor’s consultation, and $228 for nursing services.
A juxtaposition of charges between an Urgent Care establishment on land and a ship.
| Service | Land Clinic | Cruise Medical Center |
|---|---|---|
| IV Bag | $95 to start, followed by $25 each | $131 each |
| Consultation/Physician | $199 | $418 |
| O2 Reading | $108 |
Cruise Radio was informed, “Cruise ship medical facilities possess limited resources and often command a premium for their services.”
Travel Insurance as the Savior
Luckily, Diana had the prudence to invest in travel insurance before embarking on her journey.
| “I bought travel insurance. I settled the bill prior to disembarking the vessel yesterday and intend to initiate a claim for compensation. I understand that some people are reluctant to purchase travel insurance, but the sense of security it provides is invaluable to me!,” she reassured concerned readers. |
Cruise lines do not accommodate onboard travel insurance transactions; however, passengers can submit claims and receive refunds post-journey.
It is crucial to settle medical charges in full prior to departure from the ship. Failure to do so mandates the signing of a promissory note.
Cruise Radio also furnishes pragmatic recommendations for averting seasickness whilst sailing.
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