We often get swept up in our dreams of sunny, tropical getaways with blue waters and lush landscapes. It's easy to forget that sometimes, these pleasant breaks can turn into nerve-wracking and heartbreaking predicaments – as happened to an Aussie mum during her visit to Thailand.

Kylee Enwright, a 48-year-old mother from Singleton, NSW, was enjoying a holiday in Khao Lak with her husband, Paul, not knowing that her life would take a tragic turn after an unexpected accident.

On her way back from the bathroom at a hotel bar, Kylee stumbled and fell off a wooden deck, reportedly about a metre in height, resulting in severe head injuries and leaving her in a vegetative state in the hospital.

Her distraught husband, Paul, explained that 'she was expecting there to be a few more steps' but instead, 'dropped into nothingness', instantaneously knocking her unconscious upon impact. The hotel staff quickly notified Paul and arranged immediate medical attention.

A choice to unwind with a few drinks during their Thailand holiday has forever altered an Australian family's lives. Credit: GoFundMe.

Before continuing Kylee's story, we at the Seniors Discount Club wanted to remind our readers and travellers to take extra precautions when travelling. Being aware of where you walk, using handrails when available, and always paying attention to your surroundings can make a significant difference in avoiding potential accidents. But, of course, sometimes even our best efforts aren’t enough to prevent accidents.

After being rushed to the local hospital, where she received life-saving treatment, Kylee was then transported to a larger facility, where she remained in a coma for almost two weeks.

Tragically, brain surgery and other treatments haven't yet shown signs of her regaining consciousness.

This heartbreaking situation has been exacerbated by the fact that the couple's travel insurance won't cover her extensive medical bills, which have already amounted to over $50,000 and continue to climb by about $5,000 each day she remains in the hospital.

Mum-of-three Kylee Enright suffered a significant brain injury and remains in a coma. Credit: GoFundMe.

The reason for this exclusion is the involvement of alcohol—a clause outlined in many travel insurance policies.

According to the consumer website CHOICE, most travel insurance policies include a specific exclusion clause pertaining to alcohol and drug consumption.

Usually, this clause states something along the lines of: 'Under no circumstances will we provide coverage if you were under the influence of any intoxicating liquor or drugs, except when the drug was prescribed by a medical professional and taken as per their instructions.'

CHOICE has cautioned that this implies a strong likelihood that your travel insurance provider will not reimburse you for any claims that arise from incidents occurring while you were under the influence of alcohol.

Getting medical assistance abroad can be expensive, which is why it's essential to have travel insurance that meets your specific needs. It's crucial to read the fine print, understand the limits and exclusions, and be aware of underwriting clauses involving alcohol and drugs.

One moment could result in a substantial financial burden.

Below is the statement released by Cover-More, the travel insurance company, regarding the incident:

Cover-More is fair and reasonable in our claims processes, and we make our decisions after thoroughly assessing all available details and medical information.

This is a very sad case, and we will continue to offer Paul and Kylee and their families all the non-financial assistance Cover-More can. This includes help with arranging repatriation to Australia, assisting with hospital admissions and a ground ambulance in Australia, travel arrangements and making appointments with local medical practitioners overseas or in Australia.

Being under the influence of alcohol is a standard exclusion across all travel insurance policies.

Travel insurance is a contract between a travel insurance provider and the traveller. The contract includes a general exclusion for claims involving, arising from or related to a person's impairment due to them drinking too much alcohol:

a) which is evidenced by the results of a blood test which show that your blood alcohol concentration level is 0.19% or above. (The level of alcohol in your blood is called blood alcohol concentration (BAC). As a point of reference, a BAC of 0.19% is almost four times the legal driving BAC limit range in Australia which is currently 0.05%);

OR

b) taking into account the following, where available:

(i) the report of a medical practitioner or forensic expert;

(ii) the witness report of a third party;

(iii) a person's own admission; or

(iv) the description of events described to us by the policyholder or the treating medical professional (e.g. paramedic, nurse, doctor) as documented in their records.

With all of our claims and before any decision is made where alcohol may be a factor, extensive enquiries are undertaken, which may involve obtaining an independent report from a specialist toxicologist as to the potential amount of alcohol consumed and the impact this could have had in contributing to the incident.

We gave Kylee's husband, Paul, a detailed and transparent explanation for declining this claim.

Cover-More will not and cannot comment on the individual or specific details of the case due to our privacy commitment.

Key Takeaways

• An Aussie mum, Kylee Enwright, is stranded in Thailand with a life-threatening injury after slipping and falling at a hotel bar, leaving her in a vegetative state in the hospital.
• The fall has left her with severe head injuries, and her family has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to help with the mounting medical bills.
• The couple's travel insurance won't cover her medical bills because alcohol was involved—a clause outlined in most policies.
• CHOICE, a consumer website, warns travellers of exclusion clauses that cover alcohol and drug consumption in travel insurance policies, stating that insurers may not pay out for claims that arise from being under the influence of alcohol.

The Enwright family has set up a GoFundMe to raise funds for Kylee's medical expenses and the necessary medical evacuation, which costs an additional $200,000. So far, the campaign has managed to raise over $164,000.

In light of this tragic story, we urge our readers planning to travel overseas to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during their trips. Invest ample time selecting a suitable travel insurance policy, and stay informed of the terms and conditions. Stay vigilant and be mindful of your surroundings so that your dream holiday doesn't turn into a nightmare.

We extend our heartfelt thoughts to Kylee, Paul, and their family and hope for her safe return to Australia and eventual recovery.

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[riskydave]

I feel for them but this alcohol thing applies to ANY insurance I think you will find.

 

[KSS]

There was another case reported a few years ago of an Australian person in America knocked down on a pedestrian crossing by someone who sped through a red light. The person injured had been drinking so even though they did nothing wrong and the fault was all with the car driver, the travel insurance did not pay out then either. Unfortunately, people just don't read the small print in their policies then when something happens, they seek to blame anyone and everyone but themselves. The same goes for activities that may or may not be covered. The prohibition of any alcohol is a common clause regardless of who may be at fault in any given circumstance. In this case, the woman was not looking where she was going, notwithstanding that such a drop would not be permitted in Australia. She was not in Australia and different rules apply. We are all responsible for our own actions and actions have consequences.

I am sorry this happened to her but I will not be rushing to Go Fund Me - AGAIN!

 

[Frida1944]

I have been using Cover More on my many trips to the US since 1999 when I made a trip to the US, collapsed, and was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Cover More were excellent. They covered the costs of the hospital stay there, the tests and scans required,organised immediate flights back to Australia so I could get the neurosurgery necessary, and the care with which they dealt with my family in the US was remarkable. My only out of pocket with them was the usual excess any policy has. Because of the excellent service I received from the company I have used them since 1999 for any travel insurance I needed, especially for my regular trips to the US. I think as far as this reported case is concerned, unfortunately, because alcohol was involved, that is the sticking point. Perhaps people need to check their policies more carefully, as I think this is a regular clause in policies.

 

[riskydave]

I have been using Cover More on my many trips to the US since 1999 when I made a trip to the US, collapsed, and was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Cover More were excellent. They covered the costs of the hospital stay there, the tests and scans required,organised immediate flights back to Australia so I could get the neurosurgery necessary, and the care with which they dealt with my family in the US was remarkable. My only out of pocket with them was the usual excess any policy has. Because of the excellent service I received from the company I have used them since 1999 for any travel insurance I needed, especially for my regular trips to the US. I think as far as this reported case is concerned, unfortunately, because alcohol was involved, that is the sticking point. Perhaps people need to check their policies more carefully, as I think this is a regular clause in policies.

Hope you are better, but yes, I am not sure why people have to suck in some booze all the time and then expect everything to be ok, it's like drink driving I guess, you take a chance. How good was it that they covered you, no wonder you have nothing but praise.

 

[GLS]

Can they not sue the resort for inadequate barriers?

 

[riskydave]

Alcohol once again, good luck.