Cruising Tips 86: On-Board Medical Treatment Liabiity

Cruise Ship Coming into Sydney Harbour

Gary Bembridge author of “The Cruise Traveler’s Handbook” provides another 60-Second Cruise Tip. For more visit 60SecondCruiseTips.com and subscribe free to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher Radio and TuneIn Radio

Cruise Contract Watch-outs: Non‐Liability For Medical Treatment

Although there will be a medical centre on board on ocean cruise ships, it is usually provided by a third party or specific organisation within the overall cruise corporation. The medical team are unlikely to be direct employees of the cruise line itself. In the contract you agree to when buying your ticket it is likely to state that if you access the service on board the line itself will not be liable for any aspect of medical treatment provided – including the advice, diagnosis, medication or treatment.

If the cruise line has to refer you or transfer you to a medical facility in a port they will not provide any warranty, guarantees or be held liable for any treatment you receive.

You need to understand that while there is medical facilities on board that are ready to deal with most incidents and accidents, you are accessing them at your own risk. If you are unhappy with the treatment you receive you will find you are unlikely to have direct recourse to the cruise line itself. You can, of course, make complaints and there is likely to be a process but your rights may be limited based on the terms of the contract.

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