How an Aussie's Dream Holiday Turned Into a $400,000 Nightmare with One Misstep on an Escalator
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For many of us in the over-60s club, a milestone anniversary is the perfect excuse to splurge on that dream holiday we've been imagining for years. It's a time to celebrate love, life, and the adventures we've shared. But for Sydney couple Elizabeth and Andrew Rump, their 40th-anniversary trip to Hawaii became a harrowing tale of how quickly joy can turn to disaster and a stark reminder of the importance of travel insurance.
Elizabeth Rump, a 60-year-old retired school principal, and her husband Andrew, 63, had initially postponed their celebratory trip due to Elizabeth's mother's cancer diagnosis. After careful consideration and consultation with her mother's doctors, they decided to embark on their long-awaited holiday to Hawaii in September last year. Little did they know that their trip would be marred by an accident that would not only threaten Elizabeth's health but also their financial stability.
Upon arriving at the Hyatt Regency Resort in Honolulu, the couple encountered an escalator leading to the foyer. It was there that Elizabeth's suitcase began to rock precariously. Her last memory before the fall was a chilling premonition: 'It's going to fall.' In a split second, Andrew lost his footing, and both he and the suitcase tumbled into Elizabeth, sending her crashing down the escalator.
The fall resulted in what paramedics described as a 'catastrophic injury.' Elizabeth suffered a broken leg with compartment syndrome, a condition where pressure builds up around muscles, causing severe swelling and potentially leading to loss of the limb if not treated promptly. She fractured the top of her tibia in three places, experienced bone marrow extrusion, and lost a significant amount of blood.
The severity of her injuries required immediate surgery to save her leg, followed by two more operations, including one to manage a post-operative infection. Elizabeth endured 65 stitches and described the pain as surpassing that of childbirth. She spent 16 days in Queens Hospital, the main surgical trauma centre, before being transferred to a rehabilitation facility to regain her strength. In total, Elizabeth's recovery in Hawaii lasted 26 days before she was cleared to fly home.
The financial toll of this accident was staggering. Without travel insurance, the Rumps would have faced a $400,000 bill for surgeries, hospitalisation, rehabilitation, and flight changes. Fortunately, they had purchased a policy from 1Cover for $350, which covered all their medical expenses. The insurance company provided immediate support, ensuring Elizabeth had a private room and all necessary arrangements were made.
Andrew Rump emphasised the importance of forwarding all bills to the insurance company, highlighting the stark contrast between the $350 insurance cost and the potential $400,000 debt they could have incurred. The couple now advocates comprehensive travel insurance as essential for all travellers. Elizabeth's perspective on travel has also changed; she now opts for elevators over escalators, especially when handling large suitcases.
Natalie Ball, the chief operating officer of 1Cover, underscored the significance of Elizabeth's ordeal, pointing out how a simple fall can escalate into a major medical event. She warned against the risks of travelling without insurance and praised Elizabeth's recovery journey.
A year on, Elizabeth is still on the mend, facing physical challenges and additional surgeries. Yet, the couple's spirit remains unbroken, as they have booked a trip to Japan, a testament to their resilience and love for travel.
Members, let this story be a cautionary tale and a reminder always to protect yourself with travel insurance. It's not just about covering the costs; it's about peace of mind, knowing that you can enjoy your well-deserved holidays without the looming threat of financial ruin from unforeseen accidents.
Have you ever experienced a travel mishap that made you thankful for having insurance? Or perhaps you've taken a gamble and travelled without it? Share your stories with us in the comments below. Your experiences could help fellow travellers make informed decisions and avoid the pitfalls that can turn a dream holiday into a nightmare.
Elizabeth Rump, a 60-year-old retired school principal, and her husband Andrew, 63, had initially postponed their celebratory trip due to Elizabeth's mother's cancer diagnosis. After careful consideration and consultation with her mother's doctors, they decided to embark on their long-awaited holiday to Hawaii in September last year. Little did they know that their trip would be marred by an accident that would not only threaten Elizabeth's health but also their financial stability.
A $400,000 travel insurance claim was filed after an Australian couple's 40th-anniversary trip to Hawaii ended in an accident. Credit: Pexels
Upon arriving at the Hyatt Regency Resort in Honolulu, the couple encountered an escalator leading to the foyer. It was there that Elizabeth's suitcase began to rock precariously. Her last memory before the fall was a chilling premonition: 'It's going to fall.' In a split second, Andrew lost his footing, and both he and the suitcase tumbled into Elizabeth, sending her crashing down the escalator.
The fall resulted in what paramedics described as a 'catastrophic injury.' Elizabeth suffered a broken leg with compartment syndrome, a condition where pressure builds up around muscles, causing severe swelling and potentially leading to loss of the limb if not treated promptly. She fractured the top of her tibia in three places, experienced bone marrow extrusion, and lost a significant amount of blood.
The severity of her injuries required immediate surgery to save her leg, followed by two more operations, including one to manage a post-operative infection. Elizabeth endured 65 stitches and described the pain as surpassing that of childbirth. She spent 16 days in Queens Hospital, the main surgical trauma centre, before being transferred to a rehabilitation facility to regain her strength. In total, Elizabeth's recovery in Hawaii lasted 26 days before she was cleared to fly home.
The financial toll of this accident was staggering. Without travel insurance, the Rumps would have faced a $400,000 bill for surgeries, hospitalisation, rehabilitation, and flight changes. Fortunately, they had purchased a policy from 1Cover for $350, which covered all their medical expenses. The insurance company provided immediate support, ensuring Elizabeth had a private room and all necessary arrangements were made.
Andrew Rump emphasised the importance of forwarding all bills to the insurance company, highlighting the stark contrast between the $350 insurance cost and the potential $400,000 debt they could have incurred. The couple now advocates comprehensive travel insurance as essential for all travellers. Elizabeth's perspective on travel has also changed; she now opts for elevators over escalators, especially when handling large suitcases.
Natalie Ball, the chief operating officer of 1Cover, underscored the significance of Elizabeth's ordeal, pointing out how a simple fall can escalate into a major medical event. She warned against the risks of travelling without insurance and praised Elizabeth's recovery journey.
A year on, Elizabeth is still on the mend, facing physical challenges and additional surgeries. Yet, the couple's spirit remains unbroken, as they have booked a trip to Japan, a testament to their resilience and love for travel.
Members, let this story be a cautionary tale and a reminder always to protect yourself with travel insurance. It's not just about covering the costs; it's about peace of mind, knowing that you can enjoy your well-deserved holidays without the looming threat of financial ruin from unforeseen accidents.
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It was not a $400,000 nightmare as they had travel insurance which was very wise.
