48 year-old man:  Brain Aneurysm

Massive Internal Bleeding Led to Coma and Multiple Surgeries

We are frequently asked for claims examples to illustrate the importance of travel insurance to our clients.  This example shows how travel insurance protects you and your financial investment in the vent of a mishap or a medical emergency abroad.


A 48 year-old man travelled to Montana to visit friends.  While there, he suffered a massive headache and lost consciousness.  The man was rushed to the hospital.  There he was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, which had ruptured causing a massive bleed requiring surgery.  To speed his recovery, he was put into a medically induced coma.  While in the hospital, the patient required a second surgery to drain fluid fro his brain.  After 22 days, his insurance company was able to air evacuate him back to his home province.


Hospital fees.......................................$362,027.66
Physician fees.......................................$56,007.14
Radiology fees........................................$7,140.28
Ambulance............................................$10,253.67
Air evacuation.......................................$10,884.38
Provincial medical plan contribution......$10,619.32
Amount covered by travel insurance...$435,693.81

Courtesy of inTUitive Q3/Q4 2012

PMC TRAVEL CHECKLIST

Beyond helping you find the right travel health coverage, there are many things you can do to ensure you travel with peace of mind.

1. Understand entry requirements and safety issues for the country you are visiting.  Visit the Canadian government’s travel website at www.travel.gc.ca. Here you will find information on passport and document requirements. The site will advise of any travel warnings, personal safety issues and immunizations required for entry.

2. Ensure you purchase the correct coverage for the full duration of your trip. Read the travel provisions to make sure you understand your coverage and what is and isn’t included.

3. Don’t forget to take your travel health policy with you on your trip. Having your policy on hand will guarantee that you have the proper information available if you require medical services. Some countries, like Cuba and certain countries in Europe, require proof of health insurance before tourists can enter. Your Blue Cross or Travel Underwriters travel health policy will meet this requirement.

4. Be certain that you understand what to do in the case of an emergency. Remember to keep all emergency numbers handy in case you need help. Note your policy includes the number for 24-hour worldwide assistance if a medical emergency occurs in a foreign country.

5. If a pre-existing condition applies to your plan, make sure you understand what that means.  Many plans will still cover you if your pre-existing condition is stable and controlled for at least 12 months. Understand the insurance company's definition of stable and controlled. 

6. If you have any concerns when completing a medical questionnaire, please take the questionnaire to your physician to complete with your updated medical information.  Remember that individuals who complete a medical questionnaire also agree to report any changes in medical conditions that would alter their medical questionnaire prior to departure.