A celebratory Caribbean cruise turned into a financial nightmare for a Minnesota couple after one of them contracted the flu and received a staggering $47,000 medical bill. Mike Cameron and his girlfriend, Tamra Masterman, won a free week-long cruise on the Norwegian Cruise Line Encore, embarking on January 5th, 2025. The trip was intended to celebrate Masterman’s recovery from lung cancer surgery in October 2024.
Their joy was short-lived. Cameron fell ill with the flu and required four days of intensive care in the ship’s medical facility. According to Cameron’s daughter, Krystal, who launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with the expenses, he received oxygen, IV medications, a catheter, and x-rays.
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Mike Cameron and his girlfriend, Tami Masterman, faced unexpected medical expenses after Cameron became ill on a cruise. The couple had purchased traveler’s insurance, expecting it to cover the costs. (GoFundMe)
Believing they were adequately covered by their traveler’s insurance, Cameron and Masterman were shocked when presented with a $47,000 bill upon disembarking. Cameron told KMSP-TV that medical staff had assured him his $20,000 coverage would suffice. The cruise line maxed out both of their credit cards on file, totaling approximately $26,000, leaving them with a significant remaining balance.
The couple is now caught in a frustrating insurance claim process. Their health insurance provider is hesitant to pay because the treatment occurred abroad, while the travel insurance company requires them to exhaust their health insurance options first. This bureaucratic hurdle has left the couple struggling to manage the unexpected debt.
Norwegian Cruise Line defended its pricing in a letter to the couple, stating that the medical costs were “fair and reasonable” and comparable to other cruise lines. However, a 2024 NIH study indicated that the average flu hospitalization cost in the US during the 2022/2023 flu season ranged from $11,000 to $13,000, significantly lower than the bill Cameron received. The cruise line said it is reviewing whether the charges were typical for flu treatment.
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Norwegian Cruise Line stated that the medical expenses incurred by Cameron were reviewed internally and deemed appropriate. They encouraged him to file a claim with his health insurance provider and follow up with his travel insurance. (File Photo)
In a statement to PEOPLE, Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed Cameron’s medical care, stating he received 62 hours of critical care. They reiterated their policy of not accepting medical insurance onboard and advised Cameron to pursue claims with his health and travel insurance providers. This incident highlights the importance of understanding the limitations of travel insurance and the potential for exorbitant medical costs while traveling abroad.
