Individual short term plans are available to shipboard contractors and other professionals who are not direct cruise line employees but who work onboard cruise ships in a variety of areas. Contractors typically work on board either full or part time as lecturers, guest hosts, carpenters, art auctioneers, doctors, welders and individual entertainers. These plans are applied and paid for by individuals who have to take care of their own insurance arrangements while working onboard. Medical cover is often required by the cruise line prior to joining the vessel.
