For Molly, a long-awaited European cruise was meant to be the trip of a lifetime. In her 40s and finally able to take time away from her busy life, she had spent months planning every detail. She dreamt of exploring the historic streets of Italy, marveling at the stunning coastal towns of Greece, and unwinding on the sun-drenched deck of a luxury cruise liner. But just days into the voyage, the unthinkable happened. A sudden and severe medical emergency turned her dream holiday into a terrifying ordeal.
A Medical Crisis at Sea
Molly had been feeling unwell for most of the day—an unusual fatigue creeping in as she tried to enjoy a morning excursion. Brushing it off as simple travel exhaustion, she continued with her plans. However, by evening, she was in excruciating pain. Her partner rushed her to the ship’s medical centre, where the onboard doctor quickly determined that she needed immediate specialist care. The ship was in open water, hours from the nearest port. The only option was an emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.
Emergency Airlift and Hospitalisation
The cruise ship’s captain contacted local emergency services, and within hours, a medical helicopter arrived. Molly was carefully stabilised and then airlifted off the ship, her partner left anxiously watching as she disappeared into the night sky. She was taken to the nearest hospital, where she underwent urgent treatment. The next few days were a blur of specialist care, tests, and procedures. Her condition required extended hospitalisation, and her partner needed accommodation nearby to stay by her side.
The Hidden Costs of a Medical Emergency Abroad
As Molly began her slow recovery, another harsh reality set in—the staggering costs involved in medical emergencies while travelling overseas. The airlift alone was tens of thousands of dollars, hospital bills quickly escalated, and her partner’s additional accommodation and living expenses were adding up. Not to mention the financial loss of their disrupted holiday, with prepaid tours and excursions that could no longer be enjoyed.
Thankfully, Molly had purchased comprehensive travel insurance with Go Insurance before her trip. As soon as the emergency unfolded, Go Insurance stepped in, ensuring that Molly and her partner received immediate assistance. Every medical expense was covered, from her intensive treatment to extended hospitalisation. Go Insurance also reimbursed the costs of missed excursions and prepaid activities that had to be cancelled. But the support didn’t end there.
A Safe Journey Home
Molly’s condition stabilised, and she was on the road to a full recovery, but she was in no shape to navigate the long journey back to Australia alone. Recognising this, Go Insurance arranged for a specialist medical escort to accompany her home. With expert care throughout the flight, she was able to return safely, avoiding the additional stress of coordinating complex travel arrangements while recovering.
The final cost of Molly’s claim? $175,500. Without travel insurance, she and her partner would have faced an overwhelming financial burden on top of an already traumatic experience.
Why Travel Insurance Is Essential for Cruising
Molly’s story is a stark reminder that no matter how well you plan your travels, unexpected medical emergencies can arise at any time. Cruises, in particular, come with unique risks—being at sea means access to medical care can be limited, and emergency evacuations can be extremely expensive.
Comprehensive travel insurance is not just an optional extra—it’s a vital safeguard. The cost of medical treatment, emergency transport, and trip cancellations can be astronomical, particularly in regions like Europe. Travel insurance ensures you’re protected against unforeseen events, offering both financial and logistical support when it’s needed most.
If you’re planning a cruise, make sure you’re covered with Go Insurance’s unique Cruise Specific Insurance, designed to provide peace of mind for travellers at sea.
Not sure where to start? Follow our how-to guide to get a personalised travel insurance quote tailored to your trip.
When the unexpected happens, Go Insurance is here to help—so you can focus on what truly matters: your health, safety, and the journey ahead.
Please Note: Names and some minor details in this story have been changed to protect our customers identity. This claim occurred in 2024, and the total cost of the claim was $175,500 as stated in the story. The customer has now made a full recovery in Australia, and has already started on future travel plans, confident that she will be well covered by Go Insurance when she’s ready to travel again.