Medical evacuation from a cruise ship: what happens and who pays

Reviewed by the AirAmbulance.org editorial team · Updated 6 November 2026 · Editorial policy

Cruise ship medical evacuation usually happens in two stages: from the ship to the nearest suitable hospital, and later from that hospital back home.

Stage one: off the ship

• The ship's medical team stabilises the patient.
• Near the coast, a rescue helicopter or boat may take the patient ashore, or the ship diverts to port.
• The patient is admitted to a local hospital, which may be abroad.

Stage two: getting home

• Once stable, the patient can fly home by air ambulance or with a medical escort on a commercial flight.
• Travel insurance with evacuation cover usually arranges and pays for this stage if you call them first.
• Without cover, families often need to pay upfront.

Before you sail

• Buy travel insurance that includes medical evacuation and repatriation.
• Carry a list of medications and conditions.
• Know your insurer's 24/7 assistance number.

From cruise ports and islands

• Antigua → Miami 2,140 km · 3 h 10 min
• Aruba → Miami 1,830 km · 2 h 45 min
• Barbados → Miami 2,590 km · 3 h 45 min
• Cancún → Atlanta 1,420 km · 2 h 15 min
• Cancún → Chicago 2,330 km · 3 h 25 min
• Cancún → Dallas 1,660 km · 2 h 35 min
• Cancún → Houston 1,310 km · 2 h 10 min
• Cancún → Miami 860 km · 1 h 35 min
• Cancún → Toronto 2,610 km · 3 h 45 min
• Cozumel → Miami 900 km · 1 h 35 min
• Grand Cayman → Houston 1,840 km · 2 h 50 min
• Grand Cayman → Miami 730 km · 1 h 25 min
• Guadalajara → Los Angeles 2,110 km · 3 h 10 min
• Kingston → Miami 950 km · 1 h 40 min
• Los Cabos → Dallas 1,650 km · 2 h 35 min
• Los Cabos → Denver 1,920 km · 2 h 55 min
• Los Cabos → Los Angeles 1,470 km · 2 h 20 min
• Los Cabos → Phoenix 1,170 km · 1 h 55 min
• Los Cabos → San Francisco 2,010 km · 3 h
• Mazatlán → Phoenix 1,270 km · 2 h 05 min
• Mexico City → Houston 1,230 km · 2 h
• Mexico City → Los Angeles 2,500 km · 3 h 35 min
• Montego Bay → Miami 850 km · 1 h 35 min
• Monterrey → Houston 660 km · 1 h 20 min
• Mérida → Houston 1,160 km · 1 h 55 min
• Nassau → Fort Lauderdale 290 km · 50 min
• Nassau → Miami 300 km · 50 min
• Port of Spain → Miami 2,610 km · 3 h 45 min
• Providenciales → Miami 930 km · 1 h 40 min
• Puerto Vallarta → Dallas 1,580 km · 2 h 30 min
• Puerto Vallarta → Los Angeles 1,960 km · 2 h 55 min
• Puerto Vallarta → Phoenix 1,570 km · 2 h 30 min
• Puerto Vallarta → Vancouver 3,550 km · 4 h 55 min
• Punta Cana → Miami 1,470 km · 2 h 20 min
• Punta Cana → New York 2,510 km · 3 h 40 min
• San Juan → Miami 1,680 km · 2 h 35 min
• Santo Domingo → Miami 1,370 km · 2 h 10 min
• Santo Domingo → New York 2,500 km · 3 h 40 min
• Sint Maarten → Miami 1,970 km · 3 h
• St Lucia → Miami 2,420 km · 3 h 30 min
• St Thomas → Miami 1,780 km · 2 h 45 min

General information only, not medical, legal or insurance advice. Rules, coverage and prices change; confirm with your provider and insurer.