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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think my insurance should cover me nearly dying?!

236 replies

octavio1996 · 17/03/2025 09:05

Posting here because I’m at my wits’ end and don’t know what to do. Currently stuck in Australia after a total nightmare and my insurance company is refusing to pay out.

Basically, I was travelling here on holiday with DH and the DC (two teens, one younger), having an amazing time. Then out of nowhere, I got really ill massive pain, collapsed, rushed to hospital. Turns out it was a ruptured appendix and I ended up in intensive care for days, genuinely thought I was going to die. DH was beside himself, kids were terrified. The hospital care was amazing but obviously, this is Australia, and the bills are absolutely eye-watering.

Here’s the kicker: my travel insurance is now refusing to pay. They’re saying it’s a “pre-existing condition” (it wasn’t), or that I didn’t declare something minor from years ago that has nothing to do with this. I’ve been on the phone to them constantly, but they’re just fobbing me off. We’ve already had to put thousands on a credit card just to get me discharged. We were meant to fly home next week, but I’m not even sure I’m well enough to travel, and obviously, we can’t afford to stay indefinitely.

Has anyone been in this situation before? Do I have any chance of fighting this, or are we totally screwed? DH is trying to stay calm for the DC, but I can tell he’s panicking too. I just want to go home and not be bankrupt.

TL;DR: Nearly died from a ruptured appendix, travel insurance won’t pay, stuck in Australia with a huge bill. Help!

OP posts:
biscuitsandbooks · 17/03/2025 09:22

@octavio1996 there’s your answer - you have health issues that you didn’t declare to your insurance company. You have to tell them absolutely everything.

vivainsomnia · 17/03/2025 09:19

Emergency refers to A&E, not any urgent treatment that results in surgery and admission to a ward.

What is it they claim you fail to report? Had you gone to your gp with stomach pain before travelling?

octavio1996 · 17/03/2025 09:19

@biscuitsandbooks I declared everything they asked for! I don’t have any history of appendicitis (obviously, or I wouldn’t have a bloody appendix to rupture!), and I’ve never had any issues that should be relevant. They’re saying I didn’t declare mild IBS from years ago, which was never even diagnosed properly and has nothing to do with this. How on earth was I supposed to know that would count?!

I thought travel insurance was meant to cover emergencies, not look for any excuse not to pay. Feeling completely trapped right now.

OP posts:
Ketchupbroc · 17/03/2025 09:15

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Gogogo12345 · 17/03/2025 09:13

Gogogo12345 · 17/03/2025 09:09

Not sure on insurance thing but as far as I'm aware Australia have a reciprocal agreement with the UK so you shouldn't be charged for treatment unless you went to a private hospital ( assuming you are a UK citizen of course)

Find out more about healthcare for UK citizens in Australia. Essential and urgent hospital treatment is free. There is a charge to visit GPs and receive prescriptions. You can recover some costs through Medicare, Australia's universal health insurance scheme.

https://www.gov.uk
Health - Austr

Welcome to GOV.UK

GOV.UK - The best place to find government services and information.

https://www.gov.uk

PinkCherryPie · 17/03/2025 09:12

I don't understand why you had to pay. Australia has a reciprocal agreement with the UK and emergency medical treatment is free. All you have to do is produce your passport.
I went several times to A&E when I have been there, registered with a doctor, baby went twice when we were there last time, and never have I had to pay for anything.

Introducingme · 17/03/2025 09:10

How can appendicitis be an existing condition.
I'm sorry you are going through this.
Insurance companies will try and get out of paying
for the most stupid reason.
A friend had 5 stitches in his hand. Never declared it.
When he lost his bag they refused to pay out.

Gogogo12345 · 17/03/2025 09:09

Not sure on insurance thing but as far as I'm aware Australia have a reciprocal agreement with the UK so you shouldn't be charged for treatment unless you went to a private hospital ( assuming you are a UK citizen of course)

Ketchupbroc · 17/03/2025 09:08

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Ketchupbroc · 17/03/2025 09:07

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biscuitsandbooks · 17/03/2025 09:07

You have to declare absolutely everything to travel insurance - did you?

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