In Reply to: Travel insurance-incredibly important!! posted by Kiwi Carol on Thursday, 16. April 2009 at 20:52 Bali Time:
I actually know about this case.
The nightclub called BIMC and asked how much it was for an ambulance. At no point did they state that there was an emergency case. BIMC told them the cost of the ambulance (they do often get calls for transfers and such for someone who may be ill, but not dangerously so) and the caller said thankyou and hung up the phone.
Apparently the girl walked her partner home, and when she woke in the morning, he had tragically passed away.
The thing that everyone here should remember and take note of is that in an emergency situation, the BIMC does NOT charge up front for an ambulance. If they are called to any kind of emergency, they go without asking questions, as it only costs them petrol - they have the vehicles standing by, as well as doctors.
At no point were the BIMC told that there was any kind of emergency. Had they been told so, they would have been there as fast as they could.
This is a very unnecessary death, and one that should never have happened. Firstly, the fight was apparently over a drink coupon, and secondly, I think that 5 men on to one intoxicated man is a tad excessive.
Travel insurance is SO important. I recently had to Med Evac a man out of Bali with a back injury. Luckily he was covered by a very good insurance policy, otherwise he would have been out of pocket USD70,000. In another case, another woman was Med Evac'd out after having a stroke. This was USD60,000. Personally, i have been Med Evac'd out a few years ago, and this was around USD15,000 (on a commercial flight).
People have been known to take out a second mortgage on their homes just to get a loved one back to Australia. Dont let it be you.
My heart goes out to Mr Hedifens family and partner.