Weighing up the benefits of a good travel insurance policy

08 June 2012 16:10

Mrs Bates took a single trip policy with World First for the 109 day period for a worldwide cruise (excluding the USA) with cover for an atrial fibrillation, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and a mini-stroke. The cost was £1,576, which turned out to be money well spent.

Mr and Mrs Bates of Essex chose travel insurance from World First as we offered adequate cover for Mrs Bates' pre-existing medical and for the extended length of travel they were embarking on, a 109 day cruise to the Far East. They found us on the internet, having made many unsuccessful calls and enquiries to other travel insurers.

Many people on board seemed to be getting swollen legs and a cough, fairly common conditions. But on day 105 of the cruise, when Mrs Bates's hands started to swell, she and her husband decided she should visit the ship's doctor. She was admitted to the medical facility in order to drain retained water in her body and undergo some tests. She felt better within a couple of days but an x-ray had detected she had some swelling around her heart. The doctor instructed she should disembark at their next port of call in Madeira and get this checked out at the hospital's cardiology ward. Mr and Mrs Bates's son flew out to be with them.

After undergoing some further test all seemed well and Mrs Bates could rejoin the cruise, but at the last minute the hospital concluded she had suspected heart and renal failure and was unfit to travel. Mrs Bates remained on the cardiology ward for three days and then was instructed to stay in a hotel to convalesce until the following week. It was all a bit overwhelming but everyone from the holiday representative and cruise company, as well as World First and our medical emergency provider, Mayday Assistance, was extremely caring and professional in helping the Bates's situation. When Mrs Bates was discharged from hospital she was given a letter stating it would be safe for her to fly home with family members the following week. Mayday Assistance made arrangements for the family's repatriation, everything went smoothly and Mrs Bates is very pleased to be back home in Essex.

Although it was not the end of a holiday anyone would wish for, the Bates's agreed World First Travel Insurance saved the day and was a very sensible investment. To date the cost of their claim paid so far exceeds £6,000.

Find out more about World First's market leading cruise travel insurance cover.

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