British tourist trapped in Spain after insurance denial
A 67-year-old man, Robert Atkinson, a tourist from the United Kingdom, discovered he had a tumour on his spine while staying in Benidorm, Spain. Following surgery, he ended up trapped in a private hospital, facing significant financial difficulties, as the insurance company refused to cover the medical expenses.
Known to his friends as "Benidorm Bob" due to his fondness for visits to the Spanish city, Atkinson was enjoying the final meal of his holiday with his wife, Carol, in the popular Mediterranean resort. At one point, according to the "Daily Mail," "his legs suddenly gave way beneath him."
With assistance from his wife, the tourist from Yorkshire managed to return to their room. However, upon waking the next morning, he could neither feel nor move his legs. Upon examination, doctors discovered a spinal tumour, which was inhibiting his ability to walk.
On 6th April, Atkinson underwent spinal surgery, only to be informed the following day of severe financial problems. He had been taken to a private hospital by private ambulance transport, resulting in a hefty bill of £60,000. His step-daughter claims that their insurance provider, Zurich Insurance, has "washed their hands" of the situation and refuses to cover any costs.
According to the "Daily Mail," representatives from the company explained that the patient is being treated in a private hospital, is receiving medications not covered by the insurance policy, and, furthermore, had traces of alcohol in his blood (he had wine during his final dinner in Benidorm). For these reasons, the insurer declines to cover the treatment costs.
— They had been out for a meal before their flight home the next day and had shared a bottle of wine. It’s not like that would affect his spine, — insists the man's step-daughter.
The treatment costs are rising
The man remains unable to walk and is currently in a Spanish hospital's intensive care unit. The medical bill continues to grow, prompting the man's family to set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for his treatment and to bring him back home to the United Kingdom.
He must, however, wait for a "green light" from the Spanish doctors.
— My mum is very stressed with it all. She doesn’t speak Spanish and is having to use Google Translate to speak to doctors. It is very difficult for her being on her own out there but we are trying to support her from the UK as best we can — explained the step-daughter of the 67-year-old, as quoted by the "Daily Mail."
"She is so worried about everything - not just about the health of my stepfather, but the monetary side of things and how they are going to pay the bill. It is a huge concern," she added.
