A Costly Accident in a Foreign Country - Fully Covered by Travel Insurance

"On the day of the accident, I was between sessions at the conference, which I was attending as a speaker. I was exiting the loo when my foot twisted, and I fell down. I was blocking the entrance, and some people stepped over my head and midsection while others walked around me. I was in excruciating pain, but nobody helped me at first. So, I started speaking. I said: 'I've fallen and hurt my ankle really badly. Please ask someone from the venue to help me?

"One lady left saying she'd alert the venue. Another sat down on the floor, held my hand, looked me straight in the eye, and said, 'What's happened to you is terrible. What can I do to help? I gave her my cell phone so that she could call my colleague, who came almost immediately. She advised our South African office that I had been injured. A paramedic from the venue arrived and stabilised my ankle, and about 45 minutes later, an ambulance took me to a nearby hospital. Both sets of paramedics and hospital staff asked a lot of questions about medical insurance. I had the operation that first day, and I was very well taken care of. When I was discharged, I went to stay with my friend until I was well enough to travel. The assistance company checked on me every day telephonically.

The service I received from TIC was great. They were so professional and caring. TIC handled everything. I did not have to be involved with any admin related to the costs of my hospitalisation. They gave approval to my travel agent to upgrade my flight to accommodate my injury. The travel agent also ensured that I had assistance when clearing security and customs and boarding and disembarking the plane. This terrifying experience has taught me a great lesson. We must factor in what could go wrong when we plan for our trips abroad. Before making travel arrangements, check your travel insurance carefully and ensure that you have comprehensive cover and top it up if you are able to. Insurance must be part of our budgeting as it gives great peace of mind. If something terrible happens, it makes the situation so much easier. I'm grateful that my company always buys travel insurance when we travel. If they had not done so, the medical expense could have bankrupted me and made a terrifying experience worse. So, just as you save for your flight and accommodation, it is vital that you factor in travel insurance as well. It is silly not to!"