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

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

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