A Heart-Wrenching Incident in Brampton, Ontario.

A heart-wrenching incident in Brampton, Ontario, unfolded recently when 88-year-old Alice John traveled from India to visit her family. What should have been a joyous reunion turned into a financial nightmare as she unexpectedly found herself hospitalized for nearly three weeks due to hypoxic respiratory failure.

The Journey Begins.

Joseph Christy, her son, was thrilled that his mother was able to visit Canada on a 'super visa,' which allows parents and grandparents to stay for extended periods. However, shortly after arriving in January 2024, Alice began to exhibit symptoms of respiratory distress, including coughing, shortness of breath, and fever. During a visit to her daughter's home in Hamilton, her situation worsened, leading to her admission at Hamilton General Hospital, where she eventually required a ventilator.

A Shocking Insurance Denial.

Feeling secure, the family had purchased a basic super visa travel insurance plan with a coverage limit of $100,000 from Manulife. Unfortunately, after Alice's medical treatment, the family received a shocking denial of their insurance claim. The insurer cited a pre-existing condition—congestive heart failure—as the reason for their decision. Joseph was blindsided, insisting that there was no record of such a condition in Alice’s medical history over the past three years.

The Weight of Uncertainty.

"We felt completely disappointed and let down," Christy expressed, as the weight of the looming medical bill, totaling a staggering $96,311, became an unbearable burden for the family.

Expert Insights.

Martin Firestone, the president of Travel Secure Inc., explained that basic insurance policies often lack in-depth medical questionnaires and only begin underwriting at the time a claim is filed. This means that if an unexpected illness arises related to any existing but undisclosed health issues, claims can be denied. "If it says no pre-existing conditions covered, anything they can find in their records will reflect a problem and will ultimately not be covered in Canada," he stated.

A Turning Point.

In a turn of events, after CTV News intervened on behalf of the family, Manulife reconsidered the claim. A spokesperson revealed, “Sometimes unique situations come up where the interpretation of the medical file doesn’t align with the contract." They confirmed that, upon further review, they decided to honor the claim and would cover the medical expenses in full.

Gratitude and Reflection.

Joseph expressed immense gratitude for the intervention that led to this resolution, elaborating, “We appreciate the support and understanding in helping us navigate this overwhelming situation.”

Advice for Families.

Insurance firms advise that when purchasing health coverage for overseas relatives, it is crucial to disclose any medical history accurately to avoid complications at the time of a claim. Manulife emphasized the importance of clear communication about health conditions and encouraged customers to consult doctors for guidance when uncertain.

Final Thoughts.

This incident not only highlights the potential pitfalls of travel insurance but also serves as a reminder to families about the importance of thorough preparation when bringing loved ones from abroad. With medical costs often skyrocketing, being armed with comprehensive knowledge about health coverage could be the difference between financial stability and a life-altering burden. Is your travel insurance up to the mark? Make sure you get the coverage you truly need!