**Heads Up! Holiday Mishap in Turkey Leaves Mum Reeling**
Rhiannon Dunn’s Turkey getaway quickly turned into a nightmare when her 7-year-old son, Carlson, backflipped into a hotel pool, splitting his head open on the very first day. The birthday treat to Antalya took a dramatic turn with a trip to the hospital instead of the beach.
After Carlson’s scary accident, Rhiannon faced another shock: her £40 travel insurance wasn’t accepted by the Konakli Medical Center. Despite efforts and even direct communication from the insurance provider, the hospital held its ground, leaving Rhiannon to cough up £1,532.27 for Carlson’s stitches and care.
“The whole ordeal was terrifying,” she recounted, “You get travel insurance for peace of mind, but this was anything but.”
Stuck in a box room until the bill was paid, Rhiannon had to borrow money from a friend to cover the unexpected cost. To top it all off, Carlson had to avoid water for the rest of the trip, a bummer for any kid excited about pool time!
Rhiannon wants to warn other travellers about her experience, urging families to double-check insurance coverage with local hospitals before jetting off. “We never imagined facing such a hurdle,” she said, “Make sure your holiday insurance is actually of use.”
Though Rhiannon’s insurance claim was eventually accepted, and she is in the process of being reimbursed, the experience left a bad taste. Many families might not have been able to pay upfront like she did, which defeats the purpose of having insurance in the first place.
The hospital apologised for any distress but highlighted that not all insurers are accepted for direct billing, which requires prior agreements. They assured that treatment isn’t delayed over insurance matters, though the incident suggests otherwise.
In the end, Rhiannon’s advice to holiday-goers: be proactive about verifying your insurance details before a fun-filled escape turns into an expensive headache. And remember, a little extra planning might save a whole lot of stress! Safe travels, everyone! ✈️☀️