Recently, a Canadian tourist who was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in Thailand reminded everyone through "blood and tears" that it is important to buy appropriate overseas travel insurance and do your research before traveling abroad.
Last week, Victoria resident Danielle Kliaman was hit by a truck suspected of drunk driving while riding a motorcycle on Koh Samui, Thailand, resulting in each of her foot bones being broken.
At that time, her family paid $30,000 to take her to a hospital in Bangkok by helicopter. After that, Kliaman underwent a total of 5 surgeries.
However, Kliaman's family had difficulty asking the travel medical insurance company to pay for transportation and medical expenses. They had to pay their daughter's hospital bill out of their own pocket in case the insurance company didn't pay.
Kliaman once purchased insurance with a $250,000 policy from a U.S.-based company. As the parties are still in the stage of discussing the payment of premiums, Kliaman's family requested that the name of the company not be disclosed for the time being.
Travel experts say it's important for people to check the maximum amount of medical expenses before purchasing travel medical insurance.
Most of the travel industry people contacted by Times Colonist were surprised by the $250,000 limit on Kliaman's policy, which they thought was too low. Typically, travel insurance policies in Canada provide medical insurance for $5 million to $10 million.
Will McAleer, executive director of the Canadian Travel Insurance Association, said, "Medical expenses can easily reach $10,000 a day. ”
"If there is a code-blue incident in a U.S. hospital, the hourly charge can be as high as $10,000. ”
Although the B.C. Health Services Plan provides a share of insurance for overseas travel – $75 per day for emergency hospital care, it apparently does not cover the cost of doctor and hospital care, prescription drugs, ambulance services and going home in case of an emergency.
Cathy Scott, CEO of Departures Travel, said travel insurance sounds expensive, but if an accident does happen, it would be a nightmare not to buy one.
Typically, insurance premiums are based on the length of the trip, the traveler's age, the destination of the trip, and past medical history.
If you have overseas travel insurance, you will have in-house staff to assist you in the event of a medical emergency, such as contacting a Canadian doctor to answer the phone, provide guidance on what to do next, and pay for medical expenses in advance.
Usually, the insurance company will pay the fee first and then investigate it.
Last week, Kliaman's family learned that the insurance company would pay for her foot surgery but would not cover the cost of the air ambulance.
McAleer said it was up to the medical staff to determine whether a medical evacuation was needed – the company had the right to deny a portion of the claim if the physician in charge decided that the patient did not need immediate air evacuation or if other modes of transportation were available.
McAleer advises families to keep communication and keep all records.
All experts agree that consumers should read the terms carefully when comparing policies and seek help choosing the one that best suits their needs.