The worried family of a seriously ill woman being "held hostage" in Turkey with rising medical bills say their mother clicked on the "easiest option" when she chose travel insurance.
Fiona McCusker-Rae, 52, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, became unwell during a solo trip to Antalya after a bereavement. She was later found covered in blood in her hotel room and is now in hospital where she was diagnosed with gastrointestinal haemorrhaging, cirrhosis of the liver and sepsis.
She now faces huge medical bills before she can go home. Her son, Cody Wood, revealed his mother had chosen the "cheapest insurance option" before leaving - which doesn’t cover her illnesses.
Cody, 25, told the BBC: "My mum being my mum, she just clicked on the easiest option. They did say that if she recovers in Turkey, she will be unable to leave until she pays the bills."
Fiona's son Cody says his mum chose the "easiest" travel insurance option (Supplied)"I know I’ve done it and friends have done it in the past, where they just click on the cheapest insurance so they can carry on with their holiday and save a bit of money. But unfortunately now, as a family, we’re seeing the negative effects of that."
Brit 'saw her insides' after being cut open by propeller on luxury diving trip
He earlier told the Manchester Evening News her holiday insurance has said they are "99% not likely to pay out" as she didn't disclose her condition, which was caused by her being a recovering alcoholic. She is now undergoing treatment, which has not been discussed with the family, Cody said.
He added: "The hospital said unless she is medically repatriated with a team of doctors and nurses, she will not be allowed to leave unless she foots the medical bills. She will be held here, it's like she's being held hostage.
"I can only see her for five minutes, once a day, at visiting time. The hospital also hasn't given us a price, even though we've asked numerous times."
The cost for medically repatriating someone from Antalya, Turkey to Manchester can range considerably, anywhere between £20,000 to £50,000, and the family have set up a to help cope with these costs. It has so far raised around £4,800.
The family wrote on the page: "Whilst my sister was at home, Mum had FaceTimed and Courtney knew something was wrong. My Mum was laying on the floor covered in her own blood and acting very confused and in agony, unable to move.
"My mum’s condition has now worsened and she is unable to talk or move. The doctors have said she may be unable to walk again but they are not certain. She is non responsive and we need to get her home to carry on treatment in the UK."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
