A family is urging travelers to scrutinize their insurance policies following an unfortunate incident where an incorrectly filled form left them with an invalid policy and a staggering £100,000 medical bill when their daughter fell ill during a holiday.
Katya Katalinic, an 18-year-old from Midhurst, West Sussex, experienced a brain hemorrhage in South Africa in February. The mishap occurred after she extended her stay in Africa following a family holiday to Kenya.
Despite having insurance coverage with Axa for their initial trip to Kenya in 2022, the family faced a predicament when Katya fell ill during her extended stay. A new insurance policy was procured for her by her father, Roberto Katalinic, as she pursued a yachting stewarding course in South Africa.
However, Axa deemed the policy invalid, asserting that incorrect information had been provided by the family. The insurer claimed the trip to South Africa had commenced from Kenya, not the UK, rendering the policy void.
Katya recounted waking up in a hospital in South Africa with severe impairments, losing the ability to speak and read. Her mother, Marsha Katalinic, had ensured comprehensive insurance coverage for the family’s Kenya trip.
When her parents rushed to Cape Town after Katya’s illness, they were shocked to learn that Axa had disclaimed responsibility, leaving them with a hefty medical bill.
Axa, in a statement, explained that the policy was canceled upon realizing its invalidity, and the full premium was refunded to Katya. The insurer emphasized the importance of accurate information during the purchase process.
The Katalinic family is now cautioning others to meticulously review their insurance details to avoid similar predicaments. Katya stressed the significance of ensuring that all details are in order to prevent unforeseen challenges.
Sam Richardson, deputy editor at Which?, expressed concern over the complexity of insurance information, suggesting that clearer guidelines could improve consumer understanding. He highlighted that a significant number of claims are not paid, indicating potential shortcomings in the structure of insurance products.
