Man Airlifted from Carnival Spirit

[Facation Fanatic]

Foxnews reported and showed film footage this morning of a US Coast Guard helicopter airlifting a medically ill man from the Carnival Spirit.

Foxnews stated the ship was 200 miles from the coast, but didn't say what coast or exactly where the ship was located or heading to. They also did not say when this happened, but I would guess it in the past day or so. The report continued to state the man was placed in an ambulance onshore and taken to a hospital for further medical treatment.

Although I doubt he will get a bill from the Coast Guard for the airmed transport, this incident should quiet the argument for travel/medical insurance.

I would certainly like to know more details if anyone has them!!!

Facation Fanatic

Fantasy - 6/02 Bahamas
Fantasy - 12/02 Bahamas
Victory - 9/03 NE/Canada
Sovereign of the Seas - 1/04 Bahamas
Sovereign of the Seas - 4/04 Bahamas Daughter's Birthday Cruise

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[OhioBeachBum]

The same thing happened during our cruise on the Miracle in April. A lady had a heart attack and they closed the rear of the ship so the Coast Guard could airlift her out. They actually made two airlifts - the second was to retrieve one of the Coast Guard guys that had to stay on the ship while the lady was transported. I later heard she was alright. I made the comment that day that I hope she had insurance.

Carnival Miracle, April 04

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[Bunkie103]

On our Eastern trip on the Triumph in October a man was airlifted off a tiny island in the Bahamas. We made an unscheduled stop there and he was taken ashore on one of the lifeboats and picked up by an ambulance jet and taken back to Miami. Later we heard he was okay. We were also delayed leaving St. Maarten while a female passenger was taken off to a waiting ambulance. Never did hear what that was all about. Guess it happens fairly frequently. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Mary
Triumph Eastern 10/03
Victory CTN 6/04
Sensational Cruise from the Bayou 10/04

[tef43]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Facation Fanatic:
Although I doubt he will get a bill from the Coast Guard for the airmed transport, this incident should quiet the argument for travel/medical insurance.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Do not kid yourself, he's going to receive a *huge* bill.

Not to mention that if he was taken to a hospital outside of the US, his regular health insurance coverage will most likely not cover dime one.

Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas
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Eleven cruises so far. Up next:
Shhhh, it's a surprise!
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And then:
Carnival Spirit 12/10/05 Mexican Riviera
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Perhaps something else as well. Watch this space.

Dance like it hurts, love like you need money, and work when somebody's watching.

[Facation Fanatic]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by tef43:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Facation Fanatic:
Although I doubt he will get a bill from the Coast Guard for the airmed transport, this incident should quiet the argument for travel/medical insurance.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Do not kid yourself, he's going to receive a *huge* bill.

Not to mention that if he was taken to a hospital outside of the US, his regular health insurance coverage will most likely not cover dime one.

_Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas_


Tom,

Perhaps I was incorrect in my assumption about the bill from the Coast Guard, but your last statement is all the reason in the world to purchase travel/medical insurance. No, I'm not an agent or anything like that, just an avid cruiser like everyone else. I just think the insurance is an unquestionable investment in the event the "it will never happen to me" syndrome happens to me.

Facation Fanatic

Fantasy - 6/02 Bahamas
Fantasy - 12/02 Bahamas
Victory - 9/03 NE/Canada
Sovereign of the Seas - 1/04 Bahamas
Sovereign of the Seas - 4/04 Bahamas Daughter's Birthday Cruise

Carnival Glory to the Eastern Caribbean
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[hdawson]

I understand that the US Coast Guard DOES bill you for the helicopter and care. BIG TIME!
It ain't cheap folks. Don't ever leave the country without insurance. Some group health plans do not cover outstide the US and of course neither does Medicare. You can expect a very large bill. Not a few hundred dollars.

[SUSANITA]

We sailed Conquest in January and the same thing happened. We heard that it was a person with suspected Norwalk who Carnival was making get off the ship. Apparantly, this person did not have insurance, but Carnival was making them get off anyhow, at their own expense. Not sure how accurate that story is, but I heard if from several different people.

The airlift itself was amazing, to be in the middle of the ocean and see this helicopter coming in right next to the ship was really incredible. What seemed more incredible is that I think they had an airforce escort, because off in the distance there was a jet that circled the ship the entire time. It was all very surreal.

Suep366394@aol.com
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[eerbeek]

Blue Cross covers me all over the world. No worries here! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Lido Deck Linda



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Fantasy 2/6/2000
Victory 3/23/2003
Destiny 4/25/2004

[tef43]

I have heard that the airlift alone can run $20K-30K. The question one has to ask themselves when contemplating bypassing the insurance is "Do I feel lucky?"

Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas
http://img64.photobucket.com/albums/v196/tef43/almamater.jpg
Eleven cruises so far. Up next:
Shhhh, it's a surprise!
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And then:
Carnival Spirit 12/10/05 Mexican Riviera
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Perhaps something else as well. Watch this space.

Dance like it hurts, love like you need money, and work when somebody's watching.

[Cyt4SoreEyes]

Me to eerbeek!!!!!!!!

Would hate to see that Bill from Coast Guard..yikes!!!!

Cyt

Atlantic
Oceanic
Norway
Enchantment of the Seas
Destiny
Voyager of the Seas
Conquest March 30th 2003
Glory May 29th 2004

[GroupCruiser]

My wife's sister and her husband are on that ship right now. It was a 12-day reposition cruise from Hawaii to Vancouver, to arrive in Vancouver this morning (5/12/04) at 8 am Vancouver time. I'll have to get the scoop when they get home, probably talk to them over the weekend.

[Facation Fanatic]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by GroupCruiser:
My wife's sister and her husband are on that ship right now. It was a 12-day reposition cruise from Hawaii to Vancouver, to arrive in Vancouver this morning (5/12/04) at 8 am Vancouver time. I'll have to get the scoop when they get home, probably talk to them over the weekend.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Great! By all means get back to us with whatever details your folks know!

Thanks!

Facation Fanatic

Fantasy - 6/02 Bahamas
Fantasy - 12/02 Bahamas
Victory - 9/03 NE/Canada
Sovereign of the Seas - 1/04 Bahamas
Sovereign of the Seas - 4/04 Bahamas Daughter's Birthday Cruise

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[Facation Fanatic]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by eerbeek:
Blue Cross covers me all over the world. No worries here! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Lido Deck Linda<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

My personal medical insurance covers me outside the US as well, but, I also purchase additional travel/medical insurance to cover the 30% I have to pay out of pocket for being "out of network".

Depending on the circumstances, with an airmed transport, ambulance fees, hospital and doctor charges, especially in a foreign country, the out of pocket expense could easily reach $10K dollars and go up from there if there is an extended hospital stay and intensive treatment. Not to mention all the expenses of trying to get back home if it required an airmed transport as well.

So, with the additional coverage, it gives me even more reason not to worry and to enjoy my cruise!!!!

Facation Fanatic

Fantasy - 6/02 Bahamas
Fantasy - 12/02 Bahamas
Victory - 9/03 NE/Canada
Sovereign of the Seas - 1/04 Bahamas
Sovereign of the Seas - 4/04 Bahamas Daughter's Birthday Cruise

Carnival Glory to the Eastern Caribbean
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[eerbeek]

With BC/BS, it's very difficult to find "out of network" doctors as it is the most widely recognized insurance. So for a regular office visit or hospital stay anywhere in the world, I'd be good with my $10 co-pay.

However, I would have to check the policy to see about airmed... not sure if that kind of thing is included.

My HR person said "ambulances are covered and airmed is just a fancy ambulance, right?"

Wouldn't like to see that bill one little bit!

Lido Deck Linda



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Fantasy 2/6/2000
Victory 3/23/2003
Destiny 4/25/2004

[cynic957att]

Do not feel so confident.

Last year we were in the DR and the DW had a medical energency with time of the essence. We need to get back to Miami. All the places wanted cash and the flight back ( after 2PM ALL COMMERICAL FLIGHTS GONE!) was $10,000.

So I actually looked at the "Worldwide coverage" offered by BC - It ain't as good as you say and not everyone takes it all it paid was $150 for ambulance and ER visit to a hospital with no specialists.

Thank God I had enough credit to get back to the states. Take the bloody insurance - I wish I had had it last year.

[dan40]

While not routine, airevacs from cruiseships are not unusual. We have witnessed 3 in the last 10 years of cruising.
Anyone that thinks they have worldwide insurance coverage had better get their policy and read every word for themselves. And get written answers to any questions.
A poster reported on this board about talking to a nurse on a Voyager class RCCL ship[?]. This nurse said that they treat 350 people a week on the ship. That sounds like a good reason to have trip insurance to me.
Dan

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Till 9/5 Paradise Panama Canal

[pgmrdev]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> his regular health insurance coverage will most likely not cover dime one.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Not an accurate statement. Most should, check with carrier.

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[eerbeek]

OK, straight from my policy (BC/BS):

"Air ambulance is also covered when no other means of transport is available or the patient's condition requires air transport rather than ground ambulance. For air ambulance, the provider must be licensed as an air ambulance serivce and is not a commercial air carrier." I would think and hope that the Coast Guard is licensed for this type of situation.

"CARE OUT OF THE COUNTRY": your coverage applies no matter where you are only if:

1. The hospital is accredited (I wouldn't have it any other way!)

2. The physician is licensed (Seems like a no-brainer).

I feel most confident with my coverage and would just make sure that the guidelines are met in an emergency. Otherwise, I'd fight it when I got home and not worry about it in a life and death situation.

One last thought: I bet several of the 350 patients the nurse saw were requesting bandaids for blisters, sea sickness meds, and aspirin for hangovers. I can't believe that 350 per week per ship is really, really "ill" to the point of alarm.

Lido Deck Linda



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Fantasy 2/6/2000
Victory 3/23/2003
Destiny 4/25/2004

[This message was edited by eerbeek on 05-12-04 at 07:22 PM.]

[hdawson]

I think for those of us traveling outstide the US it might be relavent as to who accredits the hospitol and who lecenses the Dr. I'm sure there is an agency that does the accredation and that could be a US entity which might, repeat might, not apply to a hosp or Dr in Belize City or other remote third world country. Just food for thought. Back to filling out my claim forms for the HAL cruise I had to cancel last month.

[margaritawoman]

A passenger passed away on our last cruise (Sun Princess 2/03) Our room steward told us this is common happens alot more than you would think. It costs between 25k - 30k to fly a body back to the states. It can cost more if you are sick because doctor or nurse most likely will have to fly with you. Friends mother had a stroke while on vacation in Hawaii. It cost the family 45K to fly her home with nurse on board the flight. Their medical insurance did not cover this expense. I would highly recommend travel insurance. Everyone hopes this never happens but is better to be prepared.

Glory 5/29

[GatorWop]

Just saw the pictures from the FOX network here in South Florida. They said the ship was off the coast of Oregon. They said that he was is desperate need of medical attention but that the cruise line will not release the exact cause for the airlift.

Rick

Seven Completed Cruises

Navigator of the Seas 08/07/2004....
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Carnival Valor 02/27/2005....
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More in the Works!!!!

[mrsgoofy98]

I think what everyone is forgetting here is that the insurance does not just cover medical issues. It covers baggage delay, lost baggage, trip delay and cancellation and death or illness of someone in your immediate family. It happened to me and it could happen to anyone.

I always tell my clients that if they can't afford to lose the amount of money they are spending on the cruise, then they shouldn't neglect to purchase insurance. I have a client who broke her wrist a week before her last vacation. If she didn't have insurance, she would have lost every penny.

Good luck with whatever you decide. Many things can go wrong, and they often do.

MrsGoofy98

LEGEND, May 04
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TOO BUSY SELLING CRUISES AND VACATIONS TO TAKE THEM. I WISH I COULD BE ON ALL THE CRUISES THAT I HAVE SOLD IN THE PAST YEAR.

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Ecstasy, Feb 01
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Grand Princess, Feb 03
Zuiderdam, May 03
Serenade of the Seas, Sep 03
Legend, May 04
Sapphire Princess, Sep 04

[jedgar]

Eerbeek

I would check the definition of air ambulanbce in your health policy. The most common definition is from the point of injury/accident to the nearest hospital and most do not cover medi-vac from a hospital in another country to the US whereas travel insurance does.

[wobel123]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Cyt4SoreEyes:
Me to eerbeek!!!!!!!!

Would hate to see that Bill from Coast Guard..yikes!!!!

Cyt

Atlantic
Oceanic
Norway
Enchantment of the Seas
Destiny
Voyager of the Seas
Conquest March 30th 2003
Glory May 29th 2004

Hi , just got off the Glory, If you would like email me for info..Had great time,
wobel123@aol.com

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[eerbeek]

jedgar, a quick spot check on insuremytrip.com doesn't seem to mention that they will air evac you to the hospital of your choice in the U.S.

The insurers I checked all have THIS sentence in the policy: Transportation will be to the closest Hospital or medical facility capable of providing adequate treatment.

Surprisingly, BCBS also has a similar statement in my policy. If a Caribbean hospital is not capable of providing treatment, it's off to the nearest one that can.

They go on to list similar guidelines on licensure and accrdidation as my policy, also.

Further, they will ONLY get you home via medical transport if it's deemed "medically necessary" that you go home, which is kind of a circle of confusion. They will get you to the nearest capable hospital. If they are capable, it wouldn't be 'medically necessary' to get you home.

And these $10-$45K flights home are ridiculous amounts. Even last minute from Aruba to Detroit is only $575-$1200, depending on flight times.

My coverage includes the services of a private duty nurse, if medically necessary, so the nurse assistance on the plane home is also covered.

Bottom line is that you still have to cover your own butt for many 'benefits' of travel insurance and THEN wait for your reimbursement at home. Therefore, you still need to have enough cash/credit to cover all 'surprises' and have that cash/credit available for probably 60+ days until you are reimbursed.

My own health insurance better covers the most important and costly aspect of travel insurance - medical attention - than travel insurance does. They will approve (worldwide) payment without my having to fork over the cash during treatment.

I don't think travel insurance provides that because they all talk about 'claim forms' and 'detailed receipts'.


Lido Deck Linda



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Fantasy 2/6/2000
Victory 3/23/2003
Destiny 4/25/2004

[This message was edited by eerbeek on 05-13-04 at 05:57 AM.]

[footballmom]

I work as a clinical case manager in a hospital in a university community. We see students (who are far from home, sometimes out of country), and visitors just "passing through" our area. Most insurance companies will cover airmed transport to the "closest medical facility providing the appropriate level of care". If you're lucky, that's your home town, but most likely not. An airmed flight to "home" would likely be considered patient/family preference or a transfer of "convenience." As far as the cost of airmed transport, it's worth every penny if you consider the trained flight crew, the equipment and medications required, helicopter/jet fuel, on-demand schedule, and the fact that you are the only paying passenger. Buy travel insurance!! Also, if the worst happens and you're in an out of country hospital, use that little 800 number on the back of YOUR health insurance card and call a case manager at your carrier. They can be great coordinators and "life-savers." Enough about my work talk............Lori

Can't wait to sail on the Conquest 11/14
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[eerbeek]

I agree that the expense of airmed is high and for all the reasons given by footballmom. And that is just from ship to nearest facility.

My objection is to the flight home costs (assuming 'economy travel on approved carrier' as insurance policies state as the covered max).

$45,000 to fly a stroke victim and nurse home? Utterly ridiculous, unless they didn't take commercial air. If they took airmed, it MIGHT be more in line, but if it was a normally scheduled flight on USAIR or whatever, the amount is unbelievable. Even the $10K for the gentleman who posted about his wife above seems astronomical, unless special accommodations were made with a private vendor.

Lido Deck Linda



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Fantasy 2/6/2000
Victory 3/23/2003
Destiny 4/25/2004

[palmtre2]

I just found out that the company I work for (we have people that travel constantly)provides free health insurance internationally thru our life insurer - check to see if you may have it too.

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til the Triumph

4/10/04 Easter aboard the GLORY

[Ashkins]

My husband has to helicopter out to oil rigs on occation for his job. the helicopter operators charge his company something in the line of 30-45$ a MINUTE.

The price is outrageous but so is the insurance for the helicopter company. There are a lot more helicopter accidents then people realize. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

Disney Magic 5/02

[hdawson]

It should be noted that Medicare provides no coverage outside the US.

[Littlegoo75]

I don't understand why people would be so cheap as to not pay $100 each person for the insurance. Think about it - You're spending an average of $1000 each for the cruise, add airfare, shore excursions etc, and you're looking at maybe another $500 - $1,000 more. What is another $100 to spend for peace of mind? That is just a fraction of many people's bar tabs!
We always buy the insurance no matter what - we needed it on our second cruise due to my mother in law's cancer taking a turn for the worse and becoming terminal after she had battled it for over 10 years. Not only that, but it covered our friends as well - even though in a sad twist of fate, her father passed away a week after the cancellation. We all were saved from losing most of our cruise fare. If you are doing active shore excursions, just think of all the chances of getting injured, even if you aren't doing an active shore excursion. I remember when I was 7 and we cruised on Sitmar. Some kid ran through the window of a souvenier shop in Puerto Vallarta, causing glass the shatter all over the place. You could have just been standing there, being careful and you would have been all cut up. You never know - If you're going to be that cheap to not buy the insurance, maybe you shouldn't be cruising. Just my thought on this issue.

Carnival GLory 11/06/04
Carnival Legend 2/03 ( had to cancel at last minute)
Carnival Pride 4/27/02
Sitmar Fairsea 4/ 1983 ( I was just a little kid!!)

[margaritawoman]

Re: Costs for airmed - Most commerical airlines will not let you fly if you are not able to set in a seat. My Friends mother needed medical nurse to be with her on flight home. No commerical airlines would allow them on the flight they had to find a private company that would allow them to fly this way. It can be very costly.