Source: A Hollard Travel Insurance policyholder was scuba diving when he suffered what was thought to be decompression sickness – but it wasn't. (Image: Lee & Ayu)
“We all love getting away from it all over the December holiday period. We’ve worked hard throughout the year, and we deserve some downtime – especially if it’s somewhere exotic and relaxing,” says Uriah Jansen, MD of Oojah Travel Protection, the administrator of Hollard Travel Insurance.
“But as important as getting visas sorted out and having the correct inoculations, is ensuring that we have good, proper travel insurance. Bad things happen even in good places, and being prepared for any eventuality – be it falling ill, or suffering an unfortunate accident – is essential.”
Jansen cites a recent case involving a Hollard Travel Insurance client, a 67-year-old man who got into trouble while scuba diving at Nosy Be, Madagascar, a small island off the main island and the country’s most popular tourism spot. Having Hollard travel insurance undoubtedly saved his life – and he was covered for the whopping R650 000 medical bill.
“We received an emergency call that he had ascended too quickly and required urgent medical treatment for decompression sickness (also known as ‘the bends’).
“Madagascar does not have extensive medical facilities, so we sent an air ambulance to evacuate him to Cape Town for medical treatment. His wife accompanied him on the air ambulance to Cape Town,” says Jansen.
Upon admission to a hospital in Cape Town, medical personnel ran tests on the man and discovered that he had not suffered decompression sickness. In fact, he had had a heart attack underwater.
“Either way, the man – who had no history of heart problems – could have died, as both conditions are potentially fatal,” says Jansen. “What certainly saved his life was that he was quickly given proper medical attention, and he has recovered.”
It is simply prudent for brokers to speak to their clients about taking out proper travel insurance, says Jansen.
“The bottom line is that your clients cannot count on being able to find – or even afford – emergency assistance when they’re far from home. In fact, this is rarely a consideration when people decide where they’re going on holiday.
“But should something go wrong, swift action will be required – and that’s where Hollard Travel Insurance, quite literally, can be a lifesaver.”
To find out more about Hollard Travel Insurance’s offerings, or to arrange cover for your clients, call 0861 455 738, or visit the Hollard Travel website.
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