Man Hit with £60k Hospital Bill After Waking Up Paralysed During Benidorm Holiday
A man from Newcastle, dubbed ‘Benidorm Bob’ by his friends, found himself in a nightmare situation while vacationing in Benidorm. Robert Atkinson, a 67-year-old grandfather and a pub landlord, woke up one morning during his holiday in Benidorm unable to move. His family revealed that he had to undergo emergency spinal surgery after collapsing the previous night while dining with his wife, Carol, at the popular holiday destination. The incident left Robert paralysed from the waist down, requiring immediate medical attention.
The Atkinson family’s ordeal took a drastic turn when they discovered that their travel insurer, Zurich, declined coverage for Robert’s medical expenses amounting to a staggering £60,000. The insurer cited the presence of alcohol in Robert’s system as a reason for the denial. Despite the family’s shock and dismay, Zurich stood firm on their decision, stating that private hospital treatment, undisclosed medication use, and alcohol in his system exempted them from fulfilling the claim. This unforeseen financial burden has added immense strain to Robert’s recovery process, prolonging his stay in the ICU.
Robert’s stepdaughter, Amanda Liddle, expressed her frustration with Zurich Insurance’s refusal to cover the mounting medical costs, leaving the family feeling abandoned in a foreign medical setting. She highlighted that the insurance company’s stance has compounded their distress, labelling the situation as being held hostage by both the insurer and the hospital. The unexpected turn of events has prompted the family to seek external support through a GoFundMe page in a bid to cover the escalating medical expenses and facilitate Robert’s repatriation to the UK.
The gravity of the situation has not only taken a toll on Robert’s physical health but has also deeply affected his wife, Carol, who is grappling with the language barrier and the looming financial burden. With Robert still confined to a hospital bed and the costs mounting, the family is striving to secure a fit-to-fly authorization to transport him back to the UK for further treatment. The distressing turn of events has underscored the challenges faced by travellers abroad, emphasizing the critical importance of comprehensive travel insurance coverage.
As the Atkinson family navigates this harrowing ordeal, the generosity of well-wishers and donors on the GoFundMe platform has provided a glimmer of hope amidst the adversity. The rallying support underscores the power of community and compassion in times of crisis, offering a lifeline to those grappling with unforeseen challenges. While the road ahead remains uncertain, the unwavering solidarity and empathy shown towards the Atkinson family serve as a beacon of resilience and human kindness in the face of adversity.
In a world where unforeseen circumstances can upend lives in an instant, the Atkinson family’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preparedness and support in times of crisis. The collective outpouring of assistance and goodwill towards their cause embodies the strength of unity in navigating challenges, offering a ray of hope amid the darkness of uncertainty. The Atkinson family’s journey serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of community support in overcoming adversity and rebuilding shattered hopes.