As the 2026 travel season hits its stride, the allure of the open sea is being met with a sobering reality check. While most travelers are busy packing formal wear and sunscreen, recent reports of Norovirus clusters on major lines and localized Hantavirus warnings have shifted the conversation from excursions to endurance. For those relying on Medicare, the risk isn't just physical — it’s fiscal.
Beyond the discomfort of a "stomach bug" or the severity of respiratory distress lies a complex web of "territorial waters" and a "Six-Hour Rule" that could leave you responsible for a five-figure medical bill before you even reach the next port of call.
