It is stressful times for the family of a Toronto mother of two who is stranded in a foreign hospital this week. Elissa Antonio chose to take her chances when she bypassed travel insurance during the booking process for her trip to Trinidad.
Ontario Health Minister Eric Hoskins said last week that the case of a Toronto mother of two stranded in a foreign hospital while her family and friends struggle to raise $50,000 to pay for an air ambulance home proved the need for travel insurance. - Insurance Business Canada
This is a stark reminder of the financial danger travelers put themselves in when they choose to travel without protection. Without travel protection, Antonio must pay for her medevac out of pocket. This leaves her unable to receive treatment in Trinidad, but unable to get home to Canada where proper care is available.
To be honest, this particular air ambulance is even on the lower end in terms of cost- which is good news for Antonio and her family. We have seen price tags as high as $150,000 within the industry.
Not only will a travel insurance provider promise to pay for your evacuation up to your benefit limits, they will often partner with emergency services who will handle all arrangements. Combining years of professional experience with excellent customer service, travel insurance companies and their partners can ensure timely emergency services.
In most cases, we hope you never have to use these services. But if you do, we hope you have chosen to spend a fraction of the cost on insurance and not the full cost on evacuation.
