From the Archives: Diabetic Complications on an Antarctic Cruise

How It Happened

In February 2017, the insured -- a male in his seventies -- started experiencing high blood sugar, seizures, and an inability to walk or stand. These complications from diabetes occurred while he was aboard an Antarctic cruise.

Requiring urgent care, the insured was initially transferred to the U.S. McMurdo Station in Antarctica, a small United States research center with a 6-bed hospital. When it was discovered the station did not have the facilities to provide adequate care, plans needed to be made to transport the insured to a different facility.

Because the insured’s symptoms were severe, arrangements needed to be made quickly in order to get him the care he needed.

The Challenge

Emergency illnesses suffered in remote areas can present unique challenges in terms of transport and treatment. This is especially true for travelers on ocean cruises. Often, both medical facilities aboard cruise ships as well as local facilities in remote areas are not equipped to handle these medical emergencies, leaving travelers stranded far from home with limited options.

The Outcome

While at U.S. McMurdo Station, the insured’s condition was determined to be acute, severe, and life-threatening. This required an urgent aircraft medical evacuation to Australia.

After arriving in Australia, his condition was monitored for several days until it was determined he was medically fit to fly home. The insured was flown from Australia to is home state to finish his recovery.

Cost of travel insurance policy: $72*

Amount covered by travel insurance: $215,000