Diane Steadman, 61, from the UK, has vowed never to holiday abroad again after a quad bike accident in Greece left her facing a £28,000 bill. The incident occurred on September 11 while she was on a £2,200 holiday in Skiathos with her partner Mick Raftery, 64.
Accident and injuries
The couple had rented quad bikes to travel between beaches on the island. They claim they were struck from behind by a local car during one of their journeys. The impact threw them both from the road. Mick escaped with cuts and bruises, but Diane suffered more serious injuries, breaking two vertebrae in her back.
Recalling the incident, Diane said: "I felt a jump in my back and I don't remember anything else." She added: "All I remember is waking up on the road. He [the car driver] wasn't watching the road and didn't have time to slow down."
Insurance gap and costs
Diane was taken by ambulance to a local medical centre before being transferred to the Greek mainland for further treatment. The couple believed their travel insurance would cover the costs. However, they discovered that quad bikes were not covered under the policy.
Diane could not afford a £40,000 operation while abroad. Despite being on powerful pain relief, she was forced to borrow £28,000 to pay for an air ambulance to return to the UK. She eventually returned home on September 30 and is now waiting to undergo surgery on her back.
Warning to other holidaymakers
Following the ordeal, Diane said she will not travel abroad again. She said: "It's just been one thing after another, I will not be going abroad again, no way. Mick has been brave and tried to put a smile on my face. I'm scared of the operation, everyone is telling me it's going to be okay."
Mick has urged other holidaymakers to carefully check their travel insurance before hiring vehicles abroad. He said: "Check your insurance before you rent a quad bike. We were mistaken in thinking insurance covered quad bikes too." He has also launched a GoFundMe page to help the couple cover some of the costs they have faced following the accident.
