A recent story regarding an Australian tourist in Thailand has been recently publicized and is a real warning to travelers around the world.
It is reported that the woman was taken to hospital as a result of an accident on a hired moped during a visit to a resort location in Thailand.
She suffered serious injuries as a result of the collision and was placed in a coma.
Despite having a travel insurance policy that offered cover for motorcycle riding, the insurer has refused to pay out in this case because she didn’t hold an Australian motorcycle license.
As a result, she is being held in the hospital with a current medical debt of some $56,000, and this is increasing daily. The hospital won’t discharge her until the debt is paid.
Not only that, but she needs further treatment back home, but the cost of a medical evacuation is estimated to be a further $36,000.
This story should be seen as a real warning to all travelers to take the time needed to read the “small print” of your travel insurance policy in detail before leaving on your trip overseas.
When you visit most cities in Asia, you will find many places that will hire you a motorbike, scooter or moped. Most of these outlets will be quite happy to rent the bike to you, regardless of whether or not you have a valid license.
Quite often, even a request for a crash helmet is treated as an unusual concept by these businesses.
Not only that but in many of these countries, you will need an international driver’s permit in addition to your driver’s license if you are to avoid breaking the law.
Our plea to you is to make sure that you don’t put yourself in the situation that this traveler has found herself as a result of overlooking the small print on your travel insurance policy.
