A Melbourne woman, Ingrid Zubaydullaeva, is facing a $6000 bill for medical treatment after suffering a stroke while on holiday in Bali. The incident occurred just one day after she arrived in Ubud for a wellness retreat. Zubaydullaeva experienced a haemorrhagic stroke caused by bleeding in the brain from a ruptured blood vessel. Her right side became paralyzed, and she fell into the water, prompting others to come to her aid.
It took five hours from the onset of the stroke for Zubaydullaeva to reach the hospital due to the poor reception and difficult accessibility for paramedics. Now, almost two weeks later, she is still receiving treatment at Ari Canti Hospital and has been presented with a $6000 bill that her travel insurance with Commonwealth Bank Australia will not cover. The insurance claim was rejected due to the insurance company considering Zubaydullaeva’s hypertension a pre-existing condition.
Zubaydullaeva had consulted her GP before the trip and was advised that her hypertension was well-managed and not significant. She was told that she was fit for travel and did not need to inform her insurance company. However, the claim was denied based on the pre-existing condition.
Experts emphasize the importance of declaring any pre-existing medical conditions when purchasing travel insurance. Even if a medical condition is controlled and does not cause any issues, it should still be disclosed to avoid being uninsured and liable for significant medical costs.
Ingrid Zubaydullaeva’s situation has led her friend Liz to start a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her medical bills, accommodation, physiotherapy, and doctor visits. Zubaydullaeva’s youngest son has flown to Bali to be with her until she can safely return home.
It is vital for travelers to have proper insurance coverage to ensure they receive necessary treatment abroad. Medical staff in some countries may refuse treatment if they are unsure about payment. Travelers should consult their insurers, be transparent about their medical conditions, and seek advice from their doctors to avoid unforeseen expenses and ensure they receive the care they need.