Medicare 'misconception' leaves P&O cruise passengers with massive hospital bill
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Embarking on a cruise is often seen as a time for relaxation and enjoyment, a chance to dance the night away under the stars as the ocean waves gently rock the ship.
However, for one Australian family, a night of fun turned into a financial nightmare.
This, in turn, exposed one Medicare' misconception' that could cost unwary travellers thousands of dollars.
The incident occurred aboard the Pacific Adventure, a P&O cruise ship journeying from Sydney to Queensland, with extended trips to Vanuatu.
One of the passengers suffered a severe injury while dancing.
The woman's ankle was 'shattered', which required immediate medical attention from the ship's doctors.
The shock came not only with the injury but with the revelation that Medicare would not cover the medical care needed.
The passenger's sister took to social media to share the harrowing experience and the hefty price tag that came with it.
'X-rays taken by doctors in the medical centre revealed a dislocated ankle and several serious fractures,' she posted, highlighting the importance of potential medical costs on board.
The final bill for the medical treatment amounted to around $8,000—a devastating sum had they not had travel insurance.
'Medicare does not cover domestic cruises,' she said.
'We do not leave home without it.'
The incident served as a stark reminder to travellers, especially those who may be more prone to health issues, that travel insurance is a must-have.
Many passengers were under the impression that Medicare should cover any medical needs while on a domestic cruise.
However, as the unfortunate story of these sisters showed, this is not the case.
1Cover's Travel Expert, Natalie Smith, confirmed that many cruisers fall into the trap of not securing travel insurance for domestic voyages.
'There are many misconceptions when it comes to travel insurance, but one of the biggest mistakes Aussies make is not buying travel insurance when cruising Australian waters,' Smith said.
She emphasised that once the ship sets sail, passengers are not covered by Medicare or private health funds for medical treatment on board.
The costs of medical care on a cruise ship could be excessive.
Without insurance, all expenses, including emergency transport, fall on the passenger.
Smith also pointed out that Medicare would cover treatment once they are back on Australian land.
For those planning to hop on a cruise soon, it's crucial to look for comprehensive travel insurance that includes cruise benefits.
This might be an add-on, but it's an essential one that could provide peace of mind and financial protection.
These policies cover emergency medical expenses on board and the costs of getting back to Australia or to the nearest major hospital.
The fear of unforeseen medical bills should not mar the joy of travel.
So, before you set sail on your next adventure, make sure you're fully covered.
Have you ever faced a similar situation on cruises? How did you handle it? Please share your experiences and tips on travel insurance with us in the comments section below.
However, for one Australian family, a night of fun turned into a financial nightmare.
This, in turn, exposed one Medicare' misconception' that could cost unwary travellers thousands of dollars.
The incident occurred aboard the Pacific Adventure, a P&O cruise ship journeying from Sydney to Queensland, with extended trips to Vanuatu.
One of the passengers suffered a severe injury while dancing.
The woman's ankle was 'shattered', which required immediate medical attention from the ship's doctors.
The shock came not only with the injury but with the revelation that Medicare would not cover the medical care needed.
P&O passengers faced a hefty hospital bill of $8,000 after shattering their ankle. Image Credit: Shutterstock/My Photo Bank
The passenger's sister took to social media to share the harrowing experience and the hefty price tag that came with it.
'X-rays taken by doctors in the medical centre revealed a dislocated ankle and several serious fractures,' she posted, highlighting the importance of potential medical costs on board.
The final bill for the medical treatment amounted to around $8,000—a devastating sum had they not had travel insurance.
'Medicare does not cover domestic cruises,' she said.
'We do not leave home without it.'
The incident served as a stark reminder to travellers, especially those who may be more prone to health issues, that travel insurance is a must-have.
Many passengers were under the impression that Medicare should cover any medical needs while on a domestic cruise.
However, as the unfortunate story of these sisters showed, this is not the case.
1Cover's Travel Expert, Natalie Smith, confirmed that many cruisers fall into the trap of not securing travel insurance for domestic voyages.
'There are many misconceptions when it comes to travel insurance, but one of the biggest mistakes Aussies make is not buying travel insurance when cruising Australian waters,' Smith said.
She emphasised that once the ship sets sail, passengers are not covered by Medicare or private health funds for medical treatment on board.
The costs of medical care on a cruise ship could be excessive.
Without insurance, all expenses, including emergency transport, fall on the passenger.
Smith also pointed out that Medicare would cover treatment once they are back on Australian land.
For those planning to hop on a cruise soon, it's crucial to look for comprehensive travel insurance that includes cruise benefits.
This might be an add-on, but it's an essential one that could provide peace of mind and financial protection.
These policies cover emergency medical expenses on board and the costs of getting back to Australia or to the nearest major hospital.
The fear of unforeseen medical bills should not mar the joy of travel.
So, before you set sail on your next adventure, make sure you're fully covered.
