Medical Check-Up for Employees

Once you have landed that job onboard a cruise ship, there is quite some paperwork you have to complete, maybe courses to take and to get a medical check done.

The cruise line will send you their form, which you and the doctor need to fill out. Some cruise lines have medical centers, which they work with and it could be, that before joining the ship you need to pass by the medical center/doctor of their choice.

This is not uncommon with ships which pass by Miami. You would most likely join there and it could be that you need to arrive there a day early to go for the medical.

Other companies sent you the forms and you go to a doctor of your choice.

What is Tested?

Besides basic information regarding height, weight, vision, past medical history, medication you are taking, treatments you have or you are receiving, there are several lab tests to be completed.

Depending on your position you will need to provide Stool, Blood and Urine samples to your doctor. Some cruise lines require a test for tuberculosis.

All cruise lines require testing of Drug use of any kind, including consumption of amphetamines. Also a HIV test and other STD’s are common.

In addition to the tests, you need to be physically fit to fulfill you duties, able to lift a certain weight and have your hearing tested.

Some cruise companies will ask you to fax or e-mail the medical form, filled out and signed by you and your doctor, before you will travel to the ship. In any case you need to have the original form with you, when you sign on onboard the ship.

Health Care for Employees Onboard a Cruise Ship

While you are onboard, medical treatment will be free of charge - except for dental treatment. Other exceptions might apply depending on cruise line.

There are specific crew opening hours for the Medical Center, which you can either get from the crew office or are being posted on notice boards for the crew and at the medical center.

If you are taking medication, it is recommended, that you take enough with you for one contract, since you might not be able to get the same medication when you are sailing the seven seas. It is also recommended, that if you are on medication, you inform the medical center in the first few days after you sign on.

Happy sailing!