Family Warns Travelers to Double-Check Insurance After Costly Mistake
A family from West Sussex is urging travelers to carefully review their insurance policies after a simple error left them with an invalid policy and a staggering £100,000 medical bill. The incident occurred when their daughter fell ill during a trip to South Africa.
Katya Katalinic, an 18-year-old from Midhurst, suffered a brain haemorrhage while in South Africa in February. She had extended her stay in Africa after a family holiday in Kenya over Christmas.
The family had taken out an insurance policy with Axa to cover their trip to Kenya in 2022. However, when Katya decided to remain in South Africa for a yachting stewarding course, her father took out another insurance policy for her.
Unfortunately, when Katya fell ill and her parents rushed to Cape Town, they discovered that the second policy was deemed invalid by Axa. The insurer claimed that the policy was not valid because Katya’s trip to South Africa had originated from Kenya, not the UK.
Marsha Katalinic, Katya’s mother, expressed her frustration, stating that she had made sure the family was fully insured for the initial trip to Kenya. She believed that the journey had started in the UK since they all departed from Midhurst.
Upon learning about the invalid policy, Mr. Katalinic shared his disappointment with Axa’s response. He recounted how the hospital manager informed him that the insurance company had denied liability, leaving the family responsible for the substantial medical expenses.
Miss Katalinic herself described waking up in the hospital with strangers around her and feeling like a newborn baby. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that everything is in order and that travelers are adequately covered.
A Warning to Others
Miss Katalinic’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for other travelers. It highlights the need to thoroughly review insurance policies and ensure that all information provided is accurate and aligned with the individual’s specific circumstances.
Axa responded to the incident, stating that the policy was canceled and the full premium refunded to Miss Katalinic. The insurer explained that the policy had been deemed invalid due to discrepancies between the information provided and Miss Katalinic’s situation.
Sam Richardson, deputy editor at Which?, expressed concern over the high number of claims that are not paid out. He suggested that insurance products should be more transparent and easier for consumers to understand.
Conclusion
Travelers should exercise caution when purchasing travel insurance and carefully review all policy details. It is crucial to ensure that the information provided is accurate and that the policy aligns with the specific travel arrangements. Failure to do so can result in costly mistakes and unexpected financial burdens.
Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Take the time to double-check your insurance coverage before embarking on any trip.
Quote from the website author: “Travel insurance is a vital aspect of any trip, but it’s essential to read the fine print and ensure that all details are accurate. The Katalinic family’s experience serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of overlooking even a small mistake. Don’t let a simple error ruin your vacation and leave you with a hefty bill.”
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.
