Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
26 July 2012 12:25
Mr and Mrs Steer both agree, "We feel we are in very safe hands with World First..."
Mr and Mrs Steer, from Bristol, have just renewed their travel insurance policy for the third time with World First. Again they have taken out a single trip long stay backpacker policy as they spend up to six months at a time visiting an orphanage in Mozambique and lending a hand.
Mrs Steer is a nurse and Mr Steer is an IT engineer and computer programmer. They both share their expertise to help train up and equip disadvantaged children and teenagers. Improving the youngsters' health and first aid knowledge and IT skills gives them the opportunity of a better future.
But on the last trip Mr Steer had an accident, not related to his work, when he was on the roof at his place of residence putting up cables to improve the internet connection. The asbestos sheet roof was several years old and had been become brittle in the intense heat and sunshine of South Africa. He'd been up on the roof for sometime but then stepped away from the beam beneath, the sheeting broke and he fell through, seriously hurting his back and head and suffering cuts and bruises.
Mrs Steer assessed her husband's injuries and got him taken to the hospital's trauma centre, an hour's drive away. He was admitted and scans and x-rays were taken of his head, spine and body and various tests performed to establish the extent of his injuries. He was in a lot of pain and discomfort so was put on intramuscular painkillers.
The hospital was very well equipped, with the latest technology and care plans. Mr Steer fortunately did not need surgery but started a course of electromagnetic impulse therapy. He made excellent progress and was discharged, with oral painkillers and wearing a neck brace, within in a few days. Arrangements were made for him and his wife to stay in a nearby hotel so he could continue to rest and return each day for his course of therapy.
Within 10 days Mr and Mrs Steer were able to return to Zimpeto to complete their visit. Mr Steer took on lighter duties, overseeing IT work and training for a couple of months. They have now come back to the UK but will travel back out to Mozambique for a last trip of six months. Mr Steer still has some symptoms from his injuries, damage to his nerve endings is still repairing, areas of scarring are still sensitive but miraculously he doesn't suffer from any headaches.
Mr and Mrs Steer both agree, "We feel we are in very safe hands with World First. The policy you provided us with got us excellent care and attention when we needed it. We are returning to Zimpeto, to the Iris Ministries orphanage, in June with absolute trust and confidence in our travel insurance."
19 January 2019
Every three seconds, someone in the UK has an asthma attack - new figures show.
[more...]
18 January 2019
A plant-based diet is needed to protect future generations and safeguard the wellbeing of the planet, according to experts.
17 January 2019
Campaigners are protesting outside the High Court in London as the legal challenge against Heathrow Airport's controversial expansion ramps up.
16 January 2019
A new way to predict a woman's risk of breast cancer has been unveiled by scientists - and it's the most comprehensive method yet.
15 January 2019
NHS commissioners could be slapped with a £2,500 fine for every patient left waiting more than a year for vital care, new proposals suggest.
12 January 2019
All UK airports should buy anti-drone technology and not rely on the Royal Air Force to help out, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has said.
10 January 2019
The military was brought in on Tuesday night after police officers saw a drone operating at Heathrow Airport, forcing departures to be suspended for an hour.
11 January 2019
A so-called "drug sponge" that mops up leftover drugs from cancer treatment could improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy, new research has claimed.
09 January 2019
A hormone released during exercise could help protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease, new research suggests.
08 January 2019
Ryanair has been labelled the worst airline operating in the UK for the sixth year running in a leading consumer group survey.
05 January 2019
Anti-drone technology will be deployed at the UK's two busiest airports in response to the disruption caused before Christmas.
04 January 2019
A new cancer-detecting breathalyser test is being trialled in the UK - in a move that could revolutionise the way the disease is diagnosed.