Sarah Lancestar was taking a trip throughout Central America when she was required to abandon her vacation strategies after an apparently innocent act caused $60,000 worth of medical costs.
The Tasmanian regional was remaining at a hostel in Nicaragua when she chose to have fun with the household cat.
“It was pawing at me when it suddenly bit my left pointer finger,” Sarah remembered. “It resembled a scratch with a leak injury.
“I went back up to my room and sloshed the bite with water and told my friend what had happened. She, being Nicaraguan, told me not to worry.”
Sarah, who triggered abroad in October in 2015, said she believed since everybody was having fun with the cat, it would be great.
“In hindsight, it was a bit silly to give it a pat. But I did,” she said.
According to the World Health Organisation, rabies is a viral illness that targets the main nerve system, and when signs appear is “virtually 100 percent fatal”.
Despite being informed not to tension over the bite, Sarah ended up being progressively worried about the danger of rabies.
“I was anxious about it and no one at the hotel could tell me whether the cat had been vaccinated,” she said.
Sarah’s choice to get $235 in travel insurance coverage settled after needing to be flown to the United States to look for instant medical attention, costing a massive $60,000.
Her travel insurance provider 1Cover encouraged her to get prophylaxis as quickly as possible, regardless of having actually been informed by regional health suppliers not to stress if the bite “wasn’t bad”.
The Aussie traveler didn’t wish to take any opportunities.
“I was really worried that I couldn’t get the treatment that I needed. Rabies is 100 percent fatal, so even if there was like 0.1 percent chance of getting it, in my mind, it was better to just eliminate that,” she said.
James Martin, travel insurance coverage specialist at Finder, explained that rabies is a viral infection that impacts the nerve system and is transferred through the bite or scratch of a contaminated animal, such as dogs, bats, and monkeys.
“Central America has a higher incidence of rabies compared to other regions, and travelers may be at risk if they come into contact with animals while exploring the region,” he informed news.com.au.
“I couldn’t believe the price of the shots. I definitely would not have been able to pay out of my own pocket,” she said.
Sarah said flying back home to Australia was eliminated it as it would have positioned her outside the seven-day window for rabies treatment.
Instead, she was placed on a flight to Tampa, Florida, where she had the ability to be accompanied by a friend through her travel insurance coverage.
Sarah went on to get the very first of 4 sets of rabies shots, with each shot priced at $20,000.
She got her last set of shots back home in Australia.
The cost of her flights was likewise covered by the insurance provider.
“Talk to your doctor before you go and find out what type of vaccinations may be required as this could save you a huge amount in medical fees,” Ms Smith encouraged.
“Travel insurance is definitely worth it, not only from the financial side, but also having someone to get advice from.”
Natalie Smith, representative for 1Cover, tourists require to be knowledgeable about the threats of rabies, specific in remote and establishing parts of the world.
“Take precautions around animals, no matter how cute and friendly. And always pack travel insurance.”
Importance of travel insurance coverage
Mr Martin concurred that if you’re preparing a vacation to locations such as Central America, it’s necessary that you get enough travel insurance coverage prior to starting your journey.
“Several months before your planned departure date, speak to your doctor about any vaccinations you may need for the countries you plan on visiting,” he restated.
“For example, you might require a yellow fever vaccination if you are going to Panama. “Vaccinations versus malaria, rabies, typhoid, liver disease and a series of other conditions might likewise be needed.
“It’s important to note that not all travel insurance policies are the same. Before purchasing a policy, be sure to read the product disclosure agreement to ensure you are covered for risks you may encounter, including rabies exposure.”
