Imagine heading off on a dream vacation, only to have it turn into a financial nightmare! That’s exactly what happened to an Alberta family after a sudden medical emergency turned their trip to Japan into a staggering $100,000 ordeal.

A Vacation Gone Awry

Dione Amundson and her son Peyton embarked on a two-week adventure in Japan this past July, excited for what was supposed to be a memorable getaway. However, on the fourth day, Dione felt a strange ‘pop’ while in the washroom, which signaled the beginning of their turmoil.

A Harrowing Diagnosis

Dione was rushed to a nearby hospital, where the shocking diagnosis revealed she had a perforated intestine and was fighting an infection that had escalated to sepsis. Despite being placed on antibiotics, her condition deteriorated.

Emergency Surgery and Family Support

With her health failing, doctors performed emergency surgery. Meanwhile, family members flew to Japan to support Peyton and Dione during this crisis, navigating the complexities of medical expenses in a foreign country. Peyton recalls the daunting request from the hospital: either pay upfront with a credit card or cash—an impossible feat given the staggering amount required.

Funding the Medical Nightmare

To alleviate some of the financial burden, a GoFundMe was started by a family friend, raising over $20,000 to assist with the unexpected expenses. After over a month of needed rehabilitation, the duo finally returned home to Okotoks on August 21.

The Costly Aftermath

When all was said and done, the Amundson family's vacation costs skyrocketed to nearly six figures, factoring in the original trip expenses plus surgery, canceled flights, hotels, and lost wages. Thankfully, Dione has travel insurance through her employer, which she hopes will cover about 80% of these unforeseen costs.

Travel Insurance: A Must for Every Trip

Lesley Keyter, known as The Travel Lady, underscores the importance of travel insurance. She advises all her clients to take out insurance before traveling, warning that travelers without coverage can end up in dire financial straits if illness strikes abroad.

Looking Ahead

Despite the traumatic experience, both Dione and Peyton remain hopeful. They plan to return to Japan someday to properly enjoy the trip they had originally anticipated. "We want to give it another shot," Peyton said, eager for a redo of their dream vacation.