A father from Cheshire is facing a £30,000 medical bill after falling seriously ill on holiday in Spain because he did not declare a common chest infection on his travel insurance. Kevin Turner, 63, flew to Alicante with his partner Joy Peck in May after feeling unwell the week before with a chest infection. He took antibiotics and steroids and was assured by his GP that he was fit to travel, receiving extra medication for his trip.
Sudden Deterioration
Upon landing, Mr Turner felt 'off' but attributed it to the journey. The next day, his chest pains worsened, prompting Joy to call an ambulance. He was rushed to a hospital in Alicante, where doctors discovered a pierced lung and pneumonia, and he was placed in intensive care. Despite having holiday insurance, the family says his medical bills are not covered because he did not declare his chest infection before traveling, leaving him with a bill of at least £30,000.
Family's Plea
Mr Turner's daughters, Sam Turner, 44, and Natalie Fowell, 40, have launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover his medical expenses and repatriation. Sam, from Winsford, Cheshire, described the ordeal as 'really, really scary' and emphasized the helplessness of being far away. She explained that her father had a pre-existing chest infection and had visited the doctor, who gave him the go-ahead for the holiday. 'They just gave him enough medication for the fact that he was going away and that was it,' she said.
Sam flew to Spain on May 30 to be by her father's side. After contacting the insurance company, she was told the bills would not be paid because the chest infection was not declared. The estimated cost is £30,000, but with Mr Turner still in intensive care, it may rise. Sam urged others to read the small print of insurance documents and choose reputable companies.
Mr Turner remains in intensive care, and the family is awaiting a prognosis. He has lost feeling in his legs and has not been out of bed. The insurance company took two weeks to decide not to pay out, requiring persistent chasing from the family.
