Insurance

I always stress to new travelers embarking on a long or distant trip that they should consider some type of insurance. This applies even if they are young and healthy since accidents happen t everyone and illnesses can also strike loved ones back home.

For expensive trips this can one way of cancelling without feelings of guilt.

Several years ago I worked as Chief Medical Officer for Carnival Cruise lines and had to evacuate several all-unwilling passengers.

While travelling out of Port Angeles one man had a sudden collapse and was unwilling to listen to advice to be treated or evacuated. He had no insurance and although long suffering from many medical illnesses but decided to travel against his doctor's advice.

He even refused oxygen while we were arranging transfer.

Another elderly woman while dancing the jitterbug badly broke her elbow just as we were leaving Tampa. Even so close to the US we were still unable to properly send her to a hospital. The big problem was money and it took a great deal of effort to convince this woman and her husband to pay for an evacuation over $ 20,000 US.

Finally while crossing the Gulf of Mexico another woman developed a severe deep vein thrombosis. In this case she totally wanted treatment but the problem was that we were 15 hrs away from mainland and she just had to wait until we go to Coastland waters.

Travelers can avoid the ethical dilemma of springing for an expensive return trip home. Choosing an appropriate insurance package is important, as there may be many exclusions. If travelling to very remote areas be sure your policy also covers helicopter evacuation, all types of medical transport as well as for treatment and hospitalization.

Also choosing your itinerary can also help. A cruise ship crossing an Ocean will always be at least 12 hrs from any safe port while travelling between Caribbean Islands will be only a few hours from the nearest medical facility.