31/01/2024
Embarking on a journey, whether it's a leisurely vacation or a business trip, is always an exciting prospect. However, amidst the thrill of exploring new destinations and creating lasting memories, it's crucial not to overlook a fundamental aspect of travel – insurance.
Recently, I had an experience that really drove home the important of this.
Earlier this month my husband and I embarked on a trip to Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean. What was meant to be a relaxing trip to paradise to meet friends became some of the most difficult days I’ve experienced.
Just four days into our trip I was rushed to hospital during the night with a suspected heart attack. The ambulance was called and I was taken to the local hospital. Before being allowed to enter the hospital we were told we needed to pay $400, and the bills escalated quickly from there. Fortunately, we had our insurance in place to deal with this.
The medical staff were incredible and soon stabilised my pain. During my second day in hospital, now in less pain but very exhausted, I did what most people would do and told the doctors that I would go home and get any further tests and treatment there. However it soon became apparent that the hospital could not provide an important test that was required for any doctor to certify me to board a long haul flight across the Atlantic. This is where our insurance became really important.
The only way I could be certified to fly home was to be taken by Medevac to a different island to allow me to undergo further tests. Our insurance company organised the transfer, including covering the payment, which was upwards of $50,000. Without our insurance we would have been left with this bill. The entire process was flawless and allowed us to focus on my health.
This experience highlighted the value in ensuring that you have good travel insurance and also to make sure that all health conditions are declared to on any policy to avoid any queries around eligibility of cover.
Besides health complications, there are a number of reasons to ensure travel insurance is in place at the time of booking:
- Trip Cancellations and interruptions - Whether it's a sudden illness, family emergency, or unforeseen work commitments, having insurance ensures you are covered for any disrupted trip.
- Lost or delayed luggage - Travel insurance can help mitigate the frustration and inconvenience by covering the costs of essential items you need while your baggage is located or replaced. Additionally, it provides compensation for lost or stolen belongings.
- Delays and missed connections - Flight delays and missed connections are not uncommon. Travel insurance provides coverage for additional expenses incurred due to such delays, including accommodation, meals, and transportation
- Emergencies or natural disasters – In the rare event of a natural disaster or political unrest in your destination, travel insurance can assist in arranging and covering the costs of emergency evacuation to ensure your safety
🚨Moral of the story - make sure your travel insurance is in place as soon as you've booked your trip! 🚨
P.s. I'm fully recovered now and back home with a whole new appreciation for our NHS!
