Caribbean nightmare: holidaymaker in hospital without help after accident!

Caribbean nightmare: holidaymaker in hospital without help after accident!

A wonderful vacation in the Caribbean can quickly turn into a nightmare, as the fate of Gisela Bode shows. The 63-year-old from Giessen experienced a serious accident on the island of Dominica during a bicycle trip organized by TUI Cruises. She broke her arm and the incident led to her having to cancel her planned cruise on the “Mein Schiff 2”. At first Bode thought she was being taken to the on-board hospital because that's what was advertised on the website. But as mittelhessen.de reports, the tour guide informed them that accidents on land cannot be treated in the on-board hospital and instead took them to a hospital in the capital Roseau.

Unfortunately, the local hospital did not meet the usual European standards. Bode received medical attention, but the circumstances were worrying. X-rays were taken without the necessary protection. After the treatment, Bode wanted to get back on the ship as quickly as possible, but was initially denied access. Only after discussions and the presentation of her X-rays was she finally allowed to return to her travel group and go on board. But returning was only the first step; the vacation plans were already gone.

Late insight and disappointed expectations

Despite returning to the ship, Bode and her husband's vacation ended abruptly. TUI recommended an operation in Guadeloupe, which placed another unexpected burden on the holidaymaker and her husband. TUI offered to organize a hotel room and return flight, but they declined. So the return journey began via Guadeloupe to Paris and from there with the TGV to Frankfurt - a strenuous journey home for the injured holidaymaker. She was then treated in a clinic in Germany and the necessary operation only took place after the regular end of the cruise. TUI made it clear that there are processes in place for such accidents to avoid long-term consequences, but Bode said she did not feel adequately supported. Instead of adequate compensation, they only received a voucher for a multi-course meal on board.

An incident like this raises important questions about medical care abroad. Often the reality is far removed from the expectations you have when traveling. Many vacationers are not adequately prepared for medical emergencies abroad. As savespace.eu aptly summarizes, the costs of medical care abroad can quickly skyrocket and many German health insurance companies pay only a limited amount or not at all. When traveling outside of Europe, additional international health insurance is often necessary in order to be covered in an emergency.

Prevention is the best medicine

So what should you pay attention to in order to be well prepared in an emergency? Good preparation can not only save many euros, but also protect your own health. Important points are taking out suitable international health insurance and obtaining information about the local health system. A personal first aid kit with regularly needed medications and local contacts can also be of great benefit.

Gisela Bode's case illustrates how important it is not only to dream about vacation destinations, but also to prepare for unforeseeable situations. Because sometimes a relaxing vacation can turn into an involuntary adventure that you won't quickly forget.