A grandfather from the UK is currently stranded in a foreign hospital due to a mistake in his insurance policy, preventing further medical assistance for his serious injuries. Brian Ackroyd, aged 65, sustained severe injuries, including a fractured neck, skull, and brain bleeds, during an accident on the first day of his vacation in Croatia. Despite being initially treated in Dubrovnik General Hospital, where he spent days in intensive care, the medical facility has reached its limit in helping him.
Facing this dire situation, Brian’s distressed family has initiated a plea to bring him back to the United Kingdom for advanced medical care. Doctors in Dubrovnik have informed the family that the injured Brit now requires intensive treatment only available back in the UK.
Although Brian had travel insurance with Admiral, the policy became void as he failed to disclose a recent GP visit and his type two diabetes condition. Consequently, the insurance company refused coverage for his medical evacuation back home. While Admiral provided a goodwill payment, it was insufficient to cover the substantial costs of a medical flight.
Brian’s son, Richard, highlighted his father’s lack of technological proficiency as a factor in failing to disclose crucial medical information in the insurance application. The family received financial aid from Admiral, but the estimated expenses for the medical flight back to the UK were far beyond the assistance provided.
Richard recounted the accident, where his father fell and suffered severe injuries, emphasizing that the insurance policy cancellation was unjustified considering the circumstances. Despite ongoing efforts from repatriation assistance group Charles Taylor, the insurance company remains adamant in refusing to cover the expenses.
To alleviate the financial burden, a GoFundMe page has been set up, collecting over £9,000 to support Brian’s medical evacuation. His partner, Debbie, expressed concern over his deteriorating condition in the absence of intensive rehabilitation and physiotherapy available in the current hospital setting.
Admiral’s spokesperson acknowledged the situation, mentioning ongoing communication with the hospital and offering financial aid as a gesture of goodwill. The spokesperson clarified that undisclosed medical conditions were not the sole reason for the insurance claim denial, understanding the challenges faced by the family during this difficult time.
