Acquiring a travel medical insurance policy when traveling can feel like just another item to check off the list, like booking flights or making dinner reservations. But if illness or injury occurs during the trip, it suddenly becomes very personal. That’s what retirees Debbie and Paul learned after she became ill during a trip to Europe. Her travel medical insurance experience shows that a relatively minor expense ensured she received proper medical care when she was far from home and vulnerable.
An Unexpected Diagnosis
Debbie and Paul were excited about a trip to Spain and Morocco, but once they arrived in Europe, Debbie felt tired and lethargic. It wasn’t the effects of jet lag. They asked a doctor to visit Debbie at her hotel, and after an evaluation, he told her to go to the hospital.
At the hospital, an administrator asked Paul if Debbie had travel medical insurance. Paul said she had a policy from Allianz, a leading travel insurance provider. The administrator confirmed he works with Allianz frequently, which reassured Paul.
As it turned out, Debbie was very ill. She was diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs and was admitted for a seven-day hospital stay. Throughout Debbie’s time in the hospital, Paul stayed in contact with representatives at Allianz who oversaw Debbie’s care. When it was time for her to be discharged, Allianz determined it would be safest for Debbie to fly home in business class, which showed Paul and Debbie that the company put Debbie’s health above all else.
“You need those insurances when you go away,” Debbie said. “I was so thankful that we had gone with Allianz.”
Watch the video below to hear Paul and Debbie’s story in their own words.
Feature photo and video copyright of Allianz Travel Insurance
How SentinelMED Works with Allianz
SentinelMED serves as an outsourced medical director and medical case management department for travel assistance and travel insurance providers, such as Allianz. Our team of physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants provide around-the-clock consultation and input on the safest and most cost-effective options for medical care and transport of travel medical insurance customers.
Our medical professionals are known for their unique ability to consider a patient's insurance coverage, local medical capabilities, and, above all else, what is best for the patient when advising when, how, and where a patient should be moved. SentinelMED has assisted patients worldwide and has seen firsthand how travel insurance can simplify and expedite care for patients who are sick or injured.
About SentinelMED
SentinelMED provides medical transport, medical repatriation, and medical escort services for people who need assistance to travel long distances. Our medical professionals work closely with travel insurance providers, patients, and their families to provide safe and comfortable door-to-door transportation after an accident or illness.
At SentinelMED, we understand the complexity of delivering exceptional care to people who need medical assistance during travel. Please contact us to learn more about SentinelMED's services or our staff.
