Aussie in Bali hit with $25k bill after missing 'tiny' travel insurance detail
- Replies 3
When Ehrin Coupe, an experienced surfer from the Sunshine Coast, headed to the surf mecca of Uluwatu in Bali last week, he expected epic waves and a dream holiday.
What he didn't expect was a horrific accident that left him with severe facial injuries and over $25,000 in medical bills.
The accident occurred last Friday, September 29, when a wave slammed Coupe's face into his surfboard, causing extensive damage to his nose and forehead.
'He was very lucky there was an Australian man at Uluwatu where this happened… The man dressed the wound and saved his life,' said Coupe's friend Shane Bevan.
Coupe was rushed to Nusa Dua Hospital and underwent emergency reconstructive surgery on Saturday morning. The cost of the surgery and hospital stay came to more than $19,000.
His condition also necessitated a medical evacuation back to Brisbane, with flights and assistance having cost another $6,079.
But the expenses don't stop there. Coupe now faces long-term medical rehabilitation to fully recover from his injuries.
'The costs of his rehabilitation are unknown at this stage, and as Ehrin is unable to work, we are seeking to raise additional funds on top of his medical expenses to support his recovery,' Bevan explained.
Coupe and his wife Sarah thought they had their bases covered with top-notch comprehensive travel insurance for a year. However, a tiny detail lurked in the fine print that's thrown a wrench into their plans, which meant their medical bills won't be footed.
It turns out Sarah missed a crucial point, stating that each 'trip' they embark on can't exceed 60 days.
Taking to Facebook, Sarah admitted, 'I believed we were covered for 12 months.' Sarah also extended her heartfelt thanks to those who rushed to her husband's aid after the accident.
Natalie Ball, the Director of Compare Travel Insurance, emphasised the importance of Australian travellers comprehending the terms and conditions of their travel insurance before going on a trip.
'Unfortunately, travel insurance doesn't cover everything, which is something many travellers learn the hard way,' she said.
'While it may be lengthy, the Product Disclosure Statement is available and outlines what is and isn't covered. It's essential to pay particular attention to the General Exclusions section and ask your insurer any questions if you're uncertain,' Ms Ball added.
She also shared some unexpected issues due to travellers not carefully reviewing their policies. For example, coverage may only apply if you are riding a moped with a valid licence or helmet.
Medical expenses might also not be covered if you require treatment for a pre-existing condition not declared during the application process.
In summary, to avoid unpleasant surprises during your travels, it's crucial to meticulously review the fine print of your travel insurance policy. Doing so will provide you with peace of mind while overseas.
This story is a cautionary tale, highlighting the risks associated with international travel. It's essential to thoroughly research travel policies. Investing extra time in ensuring proper coverage could save you thousands down the road!
We hope you found this helpful, folks. Have any of you had troublesome experiences with travel insurance policies? Feel free to share in the comments below.
What he didn't expect was a horrific accident that left him with severe facial injuries and over $25,000 in medical bills.
The accident occurred last Friday, September 29, when a wave slammed Coupe's face into his surfboard, causing extensive damage to his nose and forehead.
'He was very lucky there was an Australian man at Uluwatu where this happened… The man dressed the wound and saved his life,' said Coupe's friend Shane Bevan.
Ehrin Coupe suffered a surfing accident in Bali on Friday and was rushed into surgery. Credit: GoFundMe, Facebook.
Coupe was rushed to Nusa Dua Hospital and underwent emergency reconstructive surgery on Saturday morning. The cost of the surgery and hospital stay came to more than $19,000.
His condition also necessitated a medical evacuation back to Brisbane, with flights and assistance having cost another $6,079.
But the expenses don't stop there. Coupe now faces long-term medical rehabilitation to fully recover from his injuries.
'The costs of his rehabilitation are unknown at this stage, and as Ehrin is unable to work, we are seeking to raise additional funds on top of his medical expenses to support his recovery,' Bevan explained.
Coupe and his wife Sarah thought they had their bases covered with top-notch comprehensive travel insurance for a year. However, a tiny detail lurked in the fine print that's thrown a wrench into their plans, which meant their medical bills won't be footed.
It turns out Sarah missed a crucial point, stating that each 'trip' they embark on can't exceed 60 days.
Taking to Facebook, Sarah admitted, 'I believed we were covered for 12 months.' Sarah also extended her heartfelt thanks to those who rushed to her husband's aid after the accident.
Natalie Ball, the Director of Compare Travel Insurance, emphasised the importance of Australian travellers comprehending the terms and conditions of their travel insurance before going on a trip.
'Unfortunately, travel insurance doesn't cover everything, which is something many travellers learn the hard way,' she said.
'While it may be lengthy, the Product Disclosure Statement is available and outlines what is and isn't covered. It's essential to pay particular attention to the General Exclusions section and ask your insurer any questions if you're uncertain,' Ms Ball added.
She also shared some unexpected issues due to travellers not carefully reviewing their policies. For example, coverage may only apply if you are riding a moped with a valid licence or helmet.
Medical expenses might also not be covered if you require treatment for a pre-existing condition not declared during the application process.
In summary, to avoid unpleasant surprises during your travels, it's crucial to meticulously review the fine print of your travel insurance policy. Doing so will provide you with peace of mind while overseas.
This story is a cautionary tale, highlighting the risks associated with international travel. It's essential to thoroughly research travel policies. Investing extra time in ensuring proper coverage could save you thousands down the road!
We hope you found this helpful, folks. Have any of you had troublesome experiences with travel insurance policies? Feel free to share in the comments below.
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had a motorbike accident in Bali once because some people used to run out in front of tourists to claim money. We ended up in hospital but had to pay over $5000.00 to the bastard. Lucky we had travel insurance.
