Could this happen to you? Family hit with a shocking $370,000 medical bill due to denied travel insurance claim
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Nothing can prepare you for the financial shock of a medical emergency when overseas.
One South Australian family learnt this lesson the hard way after holiday gone awry.
Adelaide local Blake Gibbs was on holiday in Indonesia when he was thrown from his motorbike into a cement wall after missing a right turn on the island of Lembongan.
He was taken to an Indonesian hospital, where he slipped into a coma after suffering multiple skull fractures and traumatic brain damage,.
He was then flown back home to Adelaide Royal Hospital while still in critical condition.
The circumstances of his accident were traumatising enough for his parents, Rosslyn and Bill Gibbs, but their shock took an unexpected turn when they discovered the family would have to pay for the medical costs out of pocket.
The reason? They hadn’t purchased the additional $7 plan to cover scooter or motorbike coverage. That detail, of course, was in the fine print.
'They tell you [to] get insurance, get insurance, so you do and you expect that insurance to actually cover you and it doesn't,' Blake’s mum Rosslyn Gibbs told 9News.
'I had to sign that I would be responsible for the bills if they say no.'
Blake Gibbs remains in intensive care and is expected to start rehabilitation once he is well enough. His recovery is likely to take several months.
Understanding travel insurance
Travel insurance policies can be confusing with their nuances, inclusions, and exclusions. But don’t be disheartened, you can learn the ropes and ensure you're fully protected for your next adventure, wherever it may take you.
Most travel insurance policies will cover medical costs if you fall or have an accident overseas. They also generally protect you against trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and certain personal liability cases. Knowing that unexpected costs will not empty your hard-earned savings gives you peace of mind.
However, what's often overlooked is a crucial factor–the exclusions–it's the 'fine print'. Adventure sports and activities are frequently not covered in standard policies. For instance, if you're getting adrenalised for skydiving, or even something as common as motorbiking, you may need additional coverage like Blake Gibbs.
Furthermore, pre-existing health conditions are often a sticking point. If you have a pre-existing ailment, reveal it when purchasing your policy. If not, you might be in for a rude shock when the claim gets denied.
Also, not every travel nightmare stems from actual travel events. Sometimes, the situations back home might complicate your trip, such as a neighbour's flooded kitchen prompting your urgent return–and most standard policies won't cover those.
Lastly, remember some countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia, covering the cost of essential medical care. However, these arrangements don't negate the need for travel insurance. They're not designed to replace travel insurance and won't cover you for things like medical evacuation back to Australia.
Remember, dear members, don't just trust your agent, dive into the policy and swim through all pages–it could save your family from a world of financial pain. Happy travels and safe returns!
What are your thoughts on this story? Share them in the comments section below!
One South Australian family learnt this lesson the hard way after holiday gone awry.
Blake Gibbs’ insurance did not include motorbike accidents costing them $370,000 on medical bills. Image source: wirestock on Freepik.
Adelaide local Blake Gibbs was on holiday in Indonesia when he was thrown from his motorbike into a cement wall after missing a right turn on the island of Lembongan.
He was taken to an Indonesian hospital, where he slipped into a coma after suffering multiple skull fractures and traumatic brain damage,.
He was then flown back home to Adelaide Royal Hospital while still in critical condition.
The circumstances of his accident were traumatising enough for his parents, Rosslyn and Bill Gibbs, but their shock took an unexpected turn when they discovered the family would have to pay for the medical costs out of pocket.
The reason? They hadn’t purchased the additional $7 plan to cover scooter or motorbike coverage. That detail, of course, was in the fine print.
'They tell you [to] get insurance, get insurance, so you do and you expect that insurance to actually cover you and it doesn't,' Blake’s mum Rosslyn Gibbs told 9News.
'I had to sign that I would be responsible for the bills if they say no.'
Blake Gibbs remains in intensive care and is expected to start rehabilitation once he is well enough. His recovery is likely to take several months.
Understanding travel insurance
Travel insurance policies can be confusing with their nuances, inclusions, and exclusions. But don’t be disheartened, you can learn the ropes and ensure you're fully protected for your next adventure, wherever it may take you.
Most travel insurance policies will cover medical costs if you fall or have an accident overseas. They also generally protect you against trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and certain personal liability cases. Knowing that unexpected costs will not empty your hard-earned savings gives you peace of mind.
However, what's often overlooked is a crucial factor–the exclusions–it's the 'fine print'. Adventure sports and activities are frequently not covered in standard policies. For instance, if you're getting adrenalised for skydiving, or even something as common as motorbiking, you may need additional coverage like Blake Gibbs.
Pre-existing conditions are often excluded from insurance coverage. Image source: jcomp on Freepik.
Furthermore, pre-existing health conditions are often a sticking point. If you have a pre-existing ailment, reveal it when purchasing your policy. If not, you might be in for a rude shock when the claim gets denied.
Also, not every travel nightmare stems from actual travel events. Sometimes, the situations back home might complicate your trip, such as a neighbour's flooded kitchen prompting your urgent return–and most standard policies won't cover those.
Lastly, remember some countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia, covering the cost of essential medical care. However, these arrangements don't negate the need for travel insurance. They're not designed to replace travel insurance and won't cover you for things like medical evacuation back to Australia.
Remember, dear members, don't just trust your agent, dive into the policy and swim through all pages–it could save your family from a world of financial pain. Happy travels and safe returns!
What are your thoughts on this story? Share them in the comments section below!
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but hate having to pay out parasites of the world 
and why do they put it in small small print so you can't read it
