Jakob Davies, a 25-year-old factory worker from Scarborough, North Yorkshire, remains in hospital in Faro, Portugal, after falling from a three-storey balcony during a stag do in Albufeira on June 4. His family fears that his travel insurance may not cover his mounting medical bills because tests showed alcohol in his system.
Details of the Incident
Davies had traveled to the Portuguese party hotspot with around 30 work colleagues for a stag weekend. On June 5, he chose to stay behind at the accommodation to play football while the rest of the group went out. When his friends returned later that day, they saw fire engines, police cars, and ambulances rushing to their hotel. Davies was found unconscious on the car park floor with severe head injuries and broken bones.
According to his mother, Claire Gerrard, 51, Davies has no recollection of the fall. He was initially taken to a local hospital before being transferred to a larger hospital in Faro, where doctors discovered a serious head injury, broken feet and ankles, and fractures to both his L1 and L4 vertebrae.
Insurance Concerns
Gerrard said: "He does have travel insurance but because of the alcohol that he's drunk it's not looking like they will pay. We've contacted the insurance company and they wanted all the reports so I sent the reports. The doctor gave Jakob his alcohol levels with his bloods done and it did show alcohol in his system, which unfortunately they will not pay out."
She added that the family is still waiting for a final decision from the insurer. "They've not said no yet, we're still waiting on information. I think it should be made more clear to people, especially to youngsters. You're going on holiday to a stag party and you can't drink, they don't listen, they just go and have a drink."
Medical and Financial Impact
Doctors warned Davies that without immediate surgery, he may never walk again. Gerrard said: "He was told if you don't have this operation immediately then you won't walk again." The family fears being left with huge costs, as the insurance may not cover the medical expenses or the cost of bringing him back to the UK.
Travel insurance experts note that some policies contain exclusions related to alcohol or drug use, though terms vary. Holidaymakers are urged to check their policy details before traveling, especially if they plan to drink.
Fundraiser Launched
Family and friends have launched a GoFundMe appeal to help cover Davies's medical expenses and repatriation costs. The fundraiser aims to support the family as they await the insurance decision and Davies continues his recovery overseas.
