Why You Need Travel Insurance: When I Fell Ill Abroad - Real Parent (2024)

This real life experience is written by my dear old mum, an older traveller, who’s telling the story of why her travel insurance came in very handy indeed!

Shall I? Shan’t I? Nothing will happen to me.

Things happen to other people, that’s what I thought.

Travel insurance is just more expense, another premium to pay. What could possibly go wrong?

Little did I know what lay in store for me on a trip to Spain…

My Story Of A Fall At Home Turned Emergency Abroad

Why You Need Travel Insurance: When I Fell Ill Abroad - Real Parent (1)

I excitedly packed my bag for my Spanish holiday, tucking my travel insurance documents into my flight bag, never dreaming how valuable they were going to be.

To set the scene, two weeks prior to going, I fell over, very embarrassing! I hastily got up. Apart from a slightly sore knee all seemed well.

Departure day, my knee hurt a little, it was slightly red, it felt warm. I didn’t think much of it, and was excited to get away.

My friends and I reached the airport, the redness had spread. We boarded the plane. We landed.

My First Holiday Excursion – A Trip To A Spanish Hospital

My knee was now very hot and swollen, the redness was spreading.

I didn’t expect my first Spanish outing to be the local Hospital.

I tried to explain about my fall 2 weeks ago, and the doctor took one look at my knee, things suddenly got scary.

Medical staff came at me from all directions, blood taken, X-ray taken, an intravenous drip with high dose antibiotics was given.

All my clothes were removed (Why? I asked myself! It’s my leg not all of me!).

We immobilise your leg.

Help, what did that mean? I thought the worst!

My left leg was pressure bandaged from toes to thigh, restricting all movement.

I Had Blood Poisoning!

Caused by dirt entering a tiny abrasion on my knee. So tiny I did not even notice it.

After 6 hours, I was discharged, the infection had lessened.

I left the hospital armed with high dose oral antibiotics, a follow up appointment at the hospital, a pair of crutches, X-ray images and letter to give to my GP on my return home.

What a start to a much anticipated holiday.

The Events Of The Day Impacted On The Holiday…

I was fairly immobile, felt shaken by my ordeal, but if I hadn’t had travel insurance to cover the treatment costs, the impact would have been so much worse.

Don’t Leave Things To Chance

Don’t take the risk by not getting travel insurance.

I have said in the past, “nothing will happen“, but it did. Travel insurance is important, I now always ensure I have adequate, appropriate cover from a reputable provider.

Why You Need Travel Insurance

Why You Need Travel Insurance: When I Fell Ill Abroad - Real Parent (2)

Peace Of Mind

It gives me, my family and my friends peace of mind that I am safeguarding myself.

It’s Sensible

It’s not worth trying to save a few pounds. Without adequate cover, those few pounds could multiply a great deal.

Accidents Happen…

You could have an accident, be injured, become ill. My personal well-being was threatened, resulting in needing medical attention, being hospitalised, requiring medication and treatment.

Lost Luggage

Your luggage could be lost, stolen, never recovered. Think of all those holiday outfits, jewellery, money… never to be seen again.

Theft Or Loss

Theft or loss of your phone, tablet, passport, money, bank cards, other personal items. We travel all the time with these items, why risk not safeguarding them?

Journey Disruption

There is a song, “Trains and Boats and Planes”. I am showing my age now! We hear all too often of disrupted travel plans – re-routed, delayed, cancelled journeys due to drones for goodness sake! So be prepared and make sure to get insurance depending on your traveling method. For example you would most definitely need boat insurance even if you plan on going on a short sailing trip. Aviation insurance would be your choice if you intend on flying to your destination.

Yes, the risks are still there when you take trips away, but with a relevant travel insurance package in place will ensure appropriate help is given without question.

Last Updated on June 22, 2023 by Lucy Clarke

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Travel Insurance

Why You Need Travel Insurance: When I Fell Ill Abroad - Real Parent (2024)

FAQs

Does travel insurance cover illness in family? ›

Does travel insurance cover cancellation due to illness? Travel insurance with Trip Cancellation coverage will cover you if you, a traveling companion or family member come down with an illness before your trip and an in-person visit to a doctor certifies that you're too sick to travel.

Should you get insurance when traveling abroad? ›

Who Needs Travel Medical Insurance? Purchasing health insurance for traveling abroad is a simple way to save money in an emergency, and anyone can benefit from the coverage. If you're traveling to a country in which your health insurance provider doesn't provide coverage, buying travel medical insurance is a must.

Does travel insurance cover the death of a parent? ›

Travel insurance will only cover you for the unexpected illness or death of a close family member. This means that if they had a medical condition when you took out your policy that was related to their death, you're not covered.

What happens if I need medical care in another country? ›

Health Care Resources for Travelers

The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).

How does travel insurance work if you get sick? ›

You will usually receive reimbursem*nt if your trip is cancelled for: unexpected illness or injury of you or a traveling companion that deems you unfit to travel; hospitalization or death of non-traveling family member; weather or common carrier issues; unforeseen natural disaster at home or the destination; a legal ...

Will travel insurance cover cancellation due to illness? ›

Travel insurance usually includes holiday cancellation cover in case your trip is cancelled for reasons beyond your control – illness or the death of a close family member, for example.

Can I use my US health insurance in another country? ›

U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas. Private U.S. insurance policies also might not cover any or all expenses. Check with your insurance before traveling to see if it provides coverage overseas. More information is also available on the CDC insurance page.

What does travel insurance not cover? ›

Travelling against medical advice or to get medical treatment. If your doctor says it's not safe for you to travel, then you won't be covered. Similarly, if you go abroad to get planned treatment, sometimes called 'medical tourism', a standard policy will not cover this – you'll need specialist insurance instead.

What is the average cost of travel medical insurance? ›

According to our research, the average cost of travel insurance is $204, but you could pay anywhere between $14 and $765 for travel insurance. Solo travelers can expect to pay around $60-$100 for coverage. Travel insurance provides a range of protection before and during your trip.

Does travel insurance cover whole family? ›

A family travel insurance policy covers up to two adults who live together and up to eight children aged under 18, though they could be included up to the age of 24 if they're in full-time education – the number of children permitted and age limits will depend on the policy.

Does flight insurance cover death of parent? ›

Most travel insurance will reimburse you for your pre-paid trip expenses if you cancel a trip because of a family member's death. Your travel insurance may also reimburse you for your unused pre-paid costs if you have to interrupt your trip and return home due to a family death.

What is a covered reason for trip cancellation? ›

The most common covered reason is unforeseen illness, injury, or death of the traveler, a traveling companion, or a non-traveling family member. Other common covered reasons include terrorism, inclement weather, or a natural disaster, among others. Not being able to travel as planned is a major concern among travelers.

What happens if I get sick in a foreign country? ›

Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling

Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance. If you want, they can inform your family and friends.

What to do if you fall ill abroad? ›

Immediate steps to take when you fall ill abroad
  1. Seek medical attention immediately. If you are experiencing a serious health issue, seek medical help without delay. ...
  2. Check for any existing coverage. ...
  3. Explore local healthcare options. ...
  4. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate. ...
  5. Inform your emergency contacts. ...
  6. Document everything.
Jan 15, 2024

What happens if an American goes to the hospital in Europe? ›

Be aware that you will likely have to pay out of pocket for any medical treatment, even if your insurance company provides international health care coverage. A visit to the emergency room can be free or cost only a nominal fee, or it can be expensive, depending on where you are and what treatment you need.

Is travel insurance per person or family? ›

List everyone, including your children, who will be taking the trip and who need coverage when getting a quote for a single-trip travel insurance policy. You usually can't add people to the policy after you buy it, so it's important to include everyone when getting your quote.

What is covered under travel insurance? ›

So, what does travel insurance cover? Here's the very short answer: Cancellations, medical expenses, evacuations, loss or delays, and 24/7 assistance. These are the 5 basic types of coverage provided with vacation insurance.

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