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Date Published: 12/12/2024

Family of UK tourist stuck in Murcia hospital plead for help to get paralysed daughter home

Robyn, 34, suffered a tragic health issue while on holiday at the Mar Menor Golf Resort and was in a coma for two weeks

We have all heard stories of travelling adventures that have changed lives for the better. However, there’s another side to travel that is often overlooked – the devastating consequences of neglecting to secure travel/health insurance when venturing abroad.

Take the case of Robyn, a 34-year-old who was simply popping over to Murcia’s Mar Menor area from the UK to visit her parents as she had done loads of times before. Like many people, Robyn assumed she was covered by the GHIC travel card, issued by the UK government. She packed her case and booked her flights assuming that if anything happened, her GHIC card would cover her.

The day before Robyn was due to return home to the UK tragedy struck. Robyn suffered a devastating stroke. Emergency responders rushed her to a local hospital where she suffered two brain haemorrhages. The second would leave her permanently brain damaged.

Here’s where the reality of her situation hit home: without comprehensive travel/health insurance, Robyn was only entitled to basic emergency care. Specialist rehabilitation treatment, which could significantly improve her prognosis, was not covered by the GHIC card. Nor was repatriation back to the UK.

A preventable catastrophe

When the unexpected happens, the financial and emotional burden doesn’t just fall on the individual. It also ripples out to family and friends. In Robyn’s case, her parents scrambled to raise thousands of pounds through crowdfunding, and desperate calls to embassies and charities who were unable to help.

The stress was unbearable. Robyn’s mother, already grieving the uncertainty of her daughter’s condition, was forced to navigate the complexities of the Spanish medical system.

What makes stories like Robyn’s even more heartbreaking is that the worst outcomes are often preventable. Comprehensive travel/health insurance could have covered the cost of his specialist treatment, emergency repatriation and rehabilitation. A policy for a trip like Robyn’s would likely have cost less than £100 – a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Yet, according to a recent survey, nearly 40% of travellers admit to skipping insurance altogether, citing reasons such as cost, confusion over policies or simple oversight. This is a dangerous gamble. Even in countries with advanced healthcare systems, visitors without insurance often face exorbitant medical bills or limited access to care.

Robyn’s story serves as a stark reminder that health insurance is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. When planning a trip abroad, consider these key tips:

Choose comprehensive coverage: Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies, specialist treatment, and medical evacuation. Read the fine print to understand what is excluded.
Declare pre-existing conditions: Failing to disclose medical history can void your policy. Be upfront, even if it raises the premium.
Understand local healthcare systems: Research how healthcare works in your destination. Some countries require proof of insurance before treatment.
Carry emergency contacts: Keep your insurer’s contact details, policy number, and a list of emergency numbers easily accessible.
Don’t skimp: Cheap policies might exclude crucial benefits. Invest in a reputable provider with strong reviews and global reach.

Robyn’s ordeal is a cautionary tale, but it doesn’t have to be yours. A small investment in health insurance can mean the difference between a life-changing adventure and a life-altering tragedy.

Robyn is currently still in Los Arcos Hospital in Murcia, Spain, whilst her family and friends continue to try to raise funds for her repatriation back to the UK. If you wish to read her story or donate to the fund, visit the Just Giving page set up by her cousin.

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