A father is facing a £30,000 medical bill after falling ill on holiday in Spain because he failed to disclose a common condition on his travel insurance. Kevin Turner traveled to Alicante with his partner Joy Peck in May, despite feeling unwell the previous week with a chest infection.
What happened to Kevin Turner?
After treatment with antibiotics and steroids, the 63-year-old retired painter and decorator said his GP reassured him he was 'good to go' and gave him additional medication for the trip. He felt 'off' upon arrival but attributed it to the journey. The next day, his chest pains worsened, and Joy called an ambulance. At a hospital in Alicante, medics found Kevin had a pierced lung and pneumonia, and he was placed in intensive care.
Insurance claim denied
Despite having holiday insurance, Kevin's family says his medical costs are not being covered because he failed to declare his chest infection before departure, leaving him with bills of at least £30,000. His daughters, Sam Turner, 44, and Natalie Fowell, 40, launched a GoFundMe to help with expenses and secure his return to the UK.
Sam, from Winsford, Cheshire, said: 'It was really, really scary because you're helpless. He did have an existing chest infection that he had visited the doctor for and had been given antibiotics and steroids. He was due to go on holiday and there were no warnings or concerns from the GP, so he thought he was good to go.'
She added: 'He arrived at midnight, had something to eat and drink, and went to bed feeling a bit off. By the next day, the pains were so much that in hindsight he probably already had pneumonia when he got on the flight, but he wasn't aware.'
Joy called Sam from the hotel, saying Kevin needed an ambulance. Doctors said he had a pierced lung and air and gas buildup that had to be drained. Sam traveled to be at her father's bedside on May 30. After contacting the insurance provider, she was told the claim was denied due to the undisclosed chest infection.
Kevin's medical bills are estimated at £30,000, but with him still in intensive care, the figure could rise. Sam said: 'It looks like the small print says if there are any significant health changes up to the date of travel, you must notify them. He's still in intensive care, and we're trying to find out the prognosis. He hasn't used his legs or feet and has lost all feeling in them.'
She advised: 'Always read the small print of the insurance document, go with a reputable company, and look at their reviews.'
