When nausea reveals a brain haemorrhage

When discussing the importance of travel insurance, it is not uncommon for professionals working in assistance companies to provide examples of the potential risks that can occur. Such individuals could likely provide at least 100 reasons to emphasise the necessity of travel insurance. However, despite our best efforts to prepare for the unexpected, unforeseen events can still occur.

Even with extensive experience, unforeseen challenges can arise. This unpredictability is also what makes our profession exciting, as every day presents unique opportunities for growth and development.

This was exemplified recently when one of our agents received a call from a client who was experiencing tiredness and nausea on vacation, and requested a referral to a nearby hospital. Due to the remote location of the patient, he sought medical attention at the nearest public facility, at which point we deemed the case to be resolved.

Not such a routine case

At first glance, this seemed like a routine case, but it soon became apparent that the client was actually suffering from a brain haemorrhage which required our immediate support.

The hospital where the client was initially located lacked the necessary resources, including a neurology department and neurosurgeons, to perform the required surgery.
 

Thanks to the intervention of a local provider, the client was quickly transferred to a more suitable hospital where the surgery was performed successfully. The case continued for approximately three weeks, and plans were made to repatriate the patient back to his home country.

This involved arranging an air ambulance with an anesthesiologist and a full medical team on board. Due to the poor responsiveness of the initial hospital, the Slovenian Embassy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs became involved in the case.

The hospital where the client
was initially located lacked
the necessary resources

This experience underscored the importance of having reliable and competent partners around the world.

Repatriating the patient

When it became necessary to repatriate the client, due to our extensive network, our team secured the services of a reputable air ambulance provider. The air ambulance team. They provided exceptional care and immediately alleviated any concerns regarding the client’s wellbeing.

Upon arrival in Slovenia, we facilitated the transfer of the client to the University Medical Centre in Ljubljana, where the neurology department was fully informed of the patient’s condition. Without the support of insurance, an experienced operations team, and exceptional local providers, the client would have been left stranded in an inadequate hospital with no local knowledge or assistance.

This serves as a reminder of how quickly a relaxing vacation can turn into a nightmare, and how vital it is to have reliable travel insurance that offers access to a network of experienced professionals who are dedicated to providing the best possible care under the given circumstances.

The successful outcome of this case was due to the concerted efforts of a well-coordinated team. The ability to provide the best possible care in the face of unforeseen emergencies is a testament to the importance of having reliable travel insurance when travelling abroad.