Don't underestimate the cost of medical claims. Here are some examples of some recent claims and the costs that were covered by travel insurance.
Air New Zealand Travel Insurance incorporates the services of QBE's own Worldwide Emergency Assistance team.
QBE's in-house travellers' assistance team has been providing assistance to travellers in need since 1992. QBE Assist is a team of trained medical and insurance specialists available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, whenever and wherever you need them. The QBE Assist team support you with:
- Medical Advice and Assistance
- Medical Evacuation if required
- Urgent messages to your family or your Air New Zealand Holidays Store travel planner
- Assistance with replacement of lost tickets
- Re-scheduling of travel plans disrupted through document loss, or theft or medical emergency at home or overseas
- Introduction to lawyers for advice and representation in the event of unlawful detention
Some QBE Assist Case Histories
Diving in the Caribbean
Our male client was 32 years old, diving in the Caribbean on a cruise. While he was diving, our client suffered a seizure and was immediately off-loaded off the ship by air ambulance to a hospital in the USA for CT scans. Client was transferred to Specialist Medical Clinic to be put into Hyperbaric Chamber treatment which later revealed that our client had a Cerebral Bleed. Treatment was provided. QBE Assist organised repatriation for our client to fly home. He since has required surgery and on going treatment.
Estimated cost of the claim $945,000 NZD
Hit by car - in Vietnam
Our female client was 62 years old holidaying in Hanoi, Vietnam. She was involved in a car accident, being hit by a car. The client had an extensive x-ray displaying sustained leg trauma with a broken fibula and ankle in the left leg requiring surgical intervention. The hospital carried out surgery which was a complete success. Insured repatriated in business class.
Estimated cost of the claim $63,000 NZD
Air Ambulance - from China
Our female client was 31 years old, travelling with a tour group in China. She suffered sudden extensive neck pains and head aches while travelling and was admitted to hospital. As the facilities were inadequate, leaving the condition to get worse, we organised for her to be air-lifted via air ambulance to Bangkok. After several CT scans, our client was diagnosed with persistent bleeding in the Cerebral Artery of the brain. Our client required emergency surgery. She spent time in ICU and made a full recovery. QBE Assist organised the repatriation of the client and family member in business class back home.
Estimated cost of the claim $140,000 NZD
Assault - in USA
A male traveller 26 years of age, backpacking in San Diego, USA. The traveller was out for a stroll near his residence on the beach, where he was attacked and viciously bashed with a skateboard and thrown into a fire pit on the beach. The brutality of the assault, left him with third-degree burns to 15% of his body, a broken wrist and deep lacerations to his face and body. He received extensive surgery and treatment in the USA, and was eventually repatriated.
Estimated cost of the claim $750,000 NZD
Injury - in Croatia
A male traveller 52 years of age, visiting family in Croatia. While he was travelling on a ferry to the mainland, he accidentally fell over and suffered a broken leg. The local hospital in Croatia refused to conduct surgery on his leg and only wrapped it up in plaster as the facilities were inadequate. Traveller required surgery immediately as he could possibly bleed internally. He was transferred to London by Air Ambulance to a private hospital to receive surgical scans. Several other complications arose. QBE Assist organised repatriation for the traveller.
Estimated cost of the claim $100,000 NZD
Accident in Greece
A young female traveller 19 years of age, holidaying in Greece on a Contiki Tour. As the passenger was getting off the tour bus, she stepped out into the path of a car. She suffered very serious injuries to her head, leg, pelvis, chest and many other serious complications. The passenger was admitted to ICU on life support. After several weeks in ICU, the family were covered for all expenses to be by the passenger's side for the final moments before removing the life support. The remains were repatriated and funeral was conducted.
Estimated cost of the claim $1Million NZD
Cruise in USA
A senior male traveller 74 years of age, on a cruise in the USA. The traveller was on a Juneau Alaska cruise with his wife, when the insured had a sudden heart attack. He was cared for by the ships medical staff. When the ship docked, the traveller was transported by ambulance to the closest hospital. He received surgery to coronary angiogram and stent to the heart, and was repatriated.
Estimated cost of the claim $115,000 NZD
Skiing Accident in South America
A male traveller 20 years of age, on a skiing holiday in South America. He had a serious fall while skiing on a slope and suffering serious spinal injuries and other complications. The traveller lost movement in his legs. He required emergency surgery and treatment, and was repatriated.
Estimated cost of the claim $150,000 NZD
