A Warning for Travelers: Check Your Insurance to Avoid Costly Mistakes
A family is sharing their cautionary tale after a simple error on an insurance form resulted in an invalid policy and a staggering £100,000 medical bill. The incident occurred when their daughter fell ill while on holiday in South Africa.
The Unfortunate Incident
Katya Katalinic, an 18-year-old from Midhurst, West Sussex, suffered a brain haemorrhage during her stay in South Africa in February. She had extended her trip after a family holiday in Kenya.
An Invalid Policy
When the Katalinic family reached out to their insurer, Axa, they were informed that their policy was invalid due to incorrect information provided on the form. This left them responsible for the hefty medical expenses.
A Terrifying Experience
Recalling her ordeal, Miss Katalinic said she woke up in the hospital surrounded by strangers. She had lost the ability to speak and read, feeling like a newborn baby. The sudden and unexpected nature of the situation left her and her family in shock.
The Insurance Mix-Up
Miss Katalinic’s parents had ensured that the family was fully insured for their trip to Kenya. However, when she decided to stay on in South Africa for a yachting stewarding course, her father took out another insurance policy for her. Unfortunately, this policy was deemed invalid by Axa as it did not meet the requirement that the journey must start in the UK.
A Warning to Others
Miss Katalinic now urges other travelers to double-check their insurance coverage before embarking on any trips. She emphasizes the importance of ensuring that everything is in order to avoid finding oneself in a similar situation.
Insurer’s Response
In response to the incident, Axa stated that the policy was canceled and the full premium was refunded to Miss Katalinic. They highlighted the importance of providing accurate information during the purchasing process.
Consumer Concerns
Sam Richardson, deputy editor of Which?, expressed concern over the fact that a quarter of insurance claims are not paid. He called for clearer and more transparent policies to ensure that consumers fully understand what they are getting.
Conclusion
Travelers must exercise caution when filling out insurance forms to avoid costly mistakes. The Katalinic family’s experience serves as a reminder to thoroughly review policy details and ensure accurate information is provided. By doing so, travelers can protect themselves from unexpected financial burdens.
About the Author
Ben Moore is a member of the BBC South East Investigation Team. He has extensive experience in reporting on travel-related issues and aims to provide valuable insights to help readers make informed decisions.
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
