What seemed like a dream vacation turned into a financial nightmare for one Minnesota couple.
Here's their shocking story that serves as a warning for all cruise travelers.
The Unexpected Turn of Events Mike Cameron and his girlfriend Tamra Masterman were thrilled to embark on their free Norwegian cruise on January 5.
Little did they know that a simple case of flu would lead to a staggering $75,000medical bill!
The Medical Emergency
When Cameron fell ill during the voyage, the ship's medical team assured him not to worry about costs. However, after three days of treatment, including:
• ICU care • Oxygen therapy
• IV medications
• X-rays
• A questionably placed catheter
The shocking bill arrived: $75,000
Insurance Nightmare: Stuck in the Middle The situation got even more complicated with insurance issues: • Their cruise travel insurance only covered up to $20,000 • Both credit cards were maxed out • Still owing $21,000 US ($30,000 Canadian) • Regular health insurance and travel insurance are pointing fingers at each other
A Touching Backstory
Making this situation even more heartbreaking, the couple had taken this cruise to celebrate Masterman's recovery from lung cancer surgery in October 2024. Their celebration turned into a financial crisis.
Norwegian Cruise Line's Response While Norwegian claims their prices are "fair and reasonable," they're reviewing whether such a high cost for flu treatment is typical. Due to privacy laws, they couldn't share specific details about Cameron's care.
Important Lesson for Cruise Travelers
Key Takeaway:
Before setting sail, make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance! As Cameron warns, "Once you're in international waters, it's a whole different story."
The family has now turned to GoFundMe for help with these unexpected medical expenses.
