Tragic Honeymoon Accident Demonstrates Value of Health Insurance While Abroad

A bride has tragically been left paralysed while on honeymoon in an incident which shows the importance of having adequate health insurance cover as part of a travel insurance policy. Carrie-Anne Freeland was on honeymoon in Corfu with her new husband Michael Dudbridge when she lost her footing and fell 30 foot from her hotel balcony. The 27 year old had just returned from an evening meal with her husband when she fell, breaking her spine in three places.

The fall left her paralysed in a Greek hospital, with the couple believing all medical costs would be covered under the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). However, though the card, which entitles holidaymakers to the same level of medical treatment as a local resident, covered the costs of receiving health care, the card does not cover the cost of being flown back to the UK, leaving Ms Freeland stranded in Corfu.

Instead of ruing the lack of private medical insurance, Mr Dudbridge decided to set up a website appealing for help with the cost of flying his new wife back to the UK. To the couple’s astonishment, within 24 hours of setting up the website, more than 400 generous strangers donated a total of roughly £16,000, with one donor giving a remarkable £5,000.