A British holidaymaker faces the threat of arrest in Morocco after having a heart attack and accumulating £22,000 in medical bills, as reported by Wales Online. Collette Robinson, 58, suffered a heart attack while on vacation at the Valeria Madina Club Resort in Marrakesh, Morocco. Following the sudden onset of symptoms, she was rushed to Clinique Averroès hospital, where she underwent a procedure to insert a stent. Despite the incident occurring on February 11, Collette remains in the hospital and must gather the substantial sum to cover her medical expenses.
Collette’s son, Jack Gilder, reveals that they have proposed a payment plan to settle the £22,000 debt in instalments. However, medical staff have allegedly warned Collette that failure to make a lump sum payment could lead to her arrest. Jack expresses his distress over the situation, highlighting the exorbitant cost compared to typical medical fees in Morocco. He shares his frustration, stating, “I’ve compared the prices in Morocco and I’ve never seen anyone pay that much for this.”
The predicament arose from an oversight in Collette’s travel insurance policy. Having experienced a heart attack the previous year, she failed to update her coverage accordingly. Consequently, she is now tasked with footing the entire medical bill independently. Jack discloses that while his mother’s health is improving, she remains in the hospital due to the outstanding payment. He reflects on her oversight, noting, “My mum just wanted to go on holiday – she didn’t even think about it.”
Confronted with the financial burden and the looming threat of arrest, Jack is unable to visit his mother in Morocco. He explains his reluctance to travel until Collette is discharged and can return home. Jack emphasises the emotional toll the situation has taken, revealing, “I’ve been in tears this whole time, normally you can fix things but I can’t fix this one.” Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful for Collette’s recovery and swift return.
In response to the mounting medical expenses, a fundraising page has been set up to support Collette’s efforts to cover the costs. Individuals interested in assisting can contribute through the donation page provided. The family’s ordeal serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of thorough travel insurance coverage and the potential consequences of inadequate policy updates.
This incident sheds light on the complexities of healthcare access for travellers abroad and the critical role of comprehensive insurance coverage. It underscores the unforeseen challenges that can arise from medical emergencies in foreign countries and the financial repercussions faced by individuals without adequate protection. Jack’s determination to secure his mother’s well-being amidst these trying circumstances reflects a profound sense of familial devotion and resilience in the face of adversity.