A British Columbia woman is warning travellers to carefully review their health insurance policies after a Florida vacation left her with a US$65,000 hospital bill.
RoseAnne Timbrell told that she believed she was fully covered by her employer’s extended health plan when she fell ill during a trip earlier this year. Instead, she returned home to an unexpected financial burden.
In February, Timbrell and her husband visited Walt Disney World in Orlando. Before leaving, she had mild flu-like symptoms but was cleared by her family doctor. During the trip, her condition worsened, leading her to seek urgent care for severe stomach pain. Doctors recommended further testing, and she was admitted to the hospital.
While hospitalized, Timbrell was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and stayed for five days for tests and treatment. Before going to the hospital, she had contacted her insurer, who assured her she was covered.
Months later, Timbrell learned her claim was denied. The insurer cited a stability clause, stating her illness was linked to a pre-existing condition that had not been stable for 90 days before her trip.
Timbrell hopes her story encourages others to carefully review travel insurance policies before leaving Canada. A GoFundMe page has been launched to help cover her outstanding medical costs.
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