British Grandmother Stranded in U.S. After Falling ill Without Travel Insurance
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A 76-year-old British grandmother, Patricia Bunting, remains hospitalized in the United states two weeks after falling critically ill during a family vacation to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The ordeal has left her stranded due to her decision not to purchase travel insurance, a choice that has now resulted in mounting medical bills and an uncertain future.
Bunting, a widow from Wigan, had been saving for two and a half years to fulfill her dream of taking her grandchildren and two sons to Disney World. For her, this trip was more than just a vacation; it was a cherished prospect to create lasting memories in what she considered her “happy place.” However, her declining health and advanced age made this journey particularly poignant, as it was likely her last visit to the United States.
Despite her previous 20 trips to America,Bunting decided against purchasing travel insurance for this trip,citing the high cost of coverage due to her pre-existing health conditions. She had been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and atrial fibrillation, which made insurance premiums between £3,000 and £6,000 ($3,800 to $7,600) prohibitively expensive.
Tragically, shortly after arriving in Florida, Bunting contracted COVID-19, leaving her bedridden in a local hospital. She has since refused to be intubated, fearing she might not survive the procedure. Her medical bills are now piling up, and her family is desperate to bring her home to the united Kingdom for further care.
“This was supposed to be a dream trip for her, but it has turned into a nightmare,” said her daughter, Emma, who has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for her motherS medical evacuation.
The family has been told that transporting Bunting back to the U.K. on a commercial flight, with the necessary medical support and oxygen, would cost over $30,000 (£23,500). so far, the fundraiser has garnered more than £14,000 in donations, including a generous £2,000 contribution from one donor. However, the funds are still far from the amount needed to secure her safe return.
Bunting’s story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of travel insurance, especially for older travelers or those with pre-existing medical conditions.Without coverage, even a seemingly minor health issue can escalate into a financial and emotional crisis, leaving families in a desperate situation.
As the family continues to raise funds and explore options to bring Bunting home, her story has resonated with many, highlighting the risks of traveling without adequate coverage. For now, the family remains hopeful that they can secure the necessary resources to reunite with their beloved matriarch and provide her with the care she needs.
To support patricia Bunting’s medical evacuation, visit her GoFundMe page.
British Grandmother Stranded in U.S. Hospital Awaits Christmas Miracle
A British grandmother’s dream vacation to Walt Disney World has turned into a nightmare as she remains stranded in a Florida hospital, battling COVID-19 and pneumonia.With mounting medical bills and no clear path to return home, her family is desperate to bring her back to the United Kingdom in time for Christmas.
A Family’s Dream Vacation Turns to Crisis
For two years, the grandmother had been saving to take her grandchildren and two sons on a magical trip to Walt Disney World in Florida. however, her plans took a tragic turn when she was hospitalized after contracting COVID-19 and pneumonia. Struggling with breathing difficulties, she relied on inhalers and mobility aids to navigate her vacation, but her condition worsened, leaving her in intensive care at Dr. P.Phillips hospital in Orlando.
“I am afraid that I will die in an American hospital, far from my family,” she told the Tampa Bay Times. “I want nothing more than to have my mom home for Christmas so she can be loved by her family.”
Stranded Without Support
The grandmother’s son and grandson, who had accompanied her on the trip, were forced to return to the UK on November 28 due to financial constraints. Left alone in the U.S., she has been relying on the kindness of the hospital staff, who have provided affordable lodging options. Though, the British embassy in Miami has been unable to offer assistance, leaving her family to grapple with the daunting task of securing her return.
“The embassy only asked how I planned to pay for her medical bills,” she said.“I’m anxious.I don’t know how much it will cost, but I know she needs this care.”
The High Cost of U.S. Healthcare
The situation highlights the stark contrast between the U.S. healthcare system and the free treatment available through the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). According to health spending analysts, the average per capita health expenditure in the U.S.in 2022 was $12,555, a figure that underscores the financial burden faced by those without insurance.
For the grandmother’s family, the mounting medical bills are a source of immense stress. “We just want her home,” her daughter said. “She deserves to be surrounded by her loved ones, especially during the holidays.”
A Christmas Wish for a Safe Return
As the days pass, the family’s hope for a christmas miracle grows stronger. With the support of friends, family, and strangers, they are working tirelessly to raise funds and secure the necessary arrangements for her return.For now, the grandmother remains in intensive care, receiving continuous oxygen support and medication, while her family holds onto the hope that she will soon be home.
“We’re not giving up,” her son said.“We’ll do whatever it takes to bring her home for Christmas.”
How You can definitely help
If you would like to support the family in their efforts to bring their loved one home, please consider donating to their fundraising campaign. Every contribution brings them one step closer to reuniting this holiday season.
Donate here: [Insert donation link]
For updates on the grandmother’s condition and the family’s journey, follow their story on social media using the hashtag #BringHerHomeForChristmas.
British Grandmother Struggles with Rising Medical Bills in U.S. ICU
A British grandmother, who has been in intensive care in the United States for over two weeks, is facing mounting medical bills as she continues to require continuous oxygen support and medication. Her condition has left her unable to fly home without specialized medical assistance, further complicating her family’s efforts to bring her back to the U.K.
The woman,whose identity has not been disclosed,has been hospitalized since her health deteriorated during a trip to the U.S. Her family has launched a fundraising campaign to cover the escalating costs, which include medical expenses and the logistical challenges of transporting her back to the united Kingdom.
Her daughter, Emma, described her mother as the “glue that held us together” within the family. “She was fine before the trip and always took out travel insurance when she went abroad, even though she didn’t really need it,” Emma said. “This time she was quoted between £3,000 and £6,000. My mom is a giver and doesn’t like to ask for help. She never claims benefits, never gets disability pay, it’s always given to the state, never taken away.”
Emma emphasized the emotional toll this situation has taken on the family. “Ever since my father died when I was eight, she has been with us through thick and thin. She is the rock of our family. We just want to help her. And in America,it’s unfeasible to do that with her.”
As the story was shared, the family’s GoFundMe page has seen a surge in donations, with contributions pouring in every hour. Emma expressed her gratitude on the fundraising page, writing, “Every donation, no matter the size, will make a real difference.If you can’t donate, please help by sharing this page with your network. We are forever grateful for your kindness, generosity, and prayers. We just want to bring our mom home were she belongs.”
The family’s plight highlights the challenges faced by travelers who unexpectedly require extensive medical care abroad, particularly in countries with high healthcare costs. The situation underscores the importance of comprehensive travel insurance and the potential financial risks of traveling without adequate coverage.
As the family continues to raise funds and explore options for bringing their mother home, their story serves as a poignant reminder of the unexpected twists life can take and the resilience of families in the face of adversity.
Ondition and the family’s progress in raising funds, please visit the GoFundMe page dedicated to her medical evacuation. Your support can make a significant difference in helping this family reunite and providing the care their beloved matriarch needs.
This heart-wrenching story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of travel insurance and the potential financial and emotional toll that can arise from unexpected medical emergencies while traveling. As the holiday season approaches, let us come together to support those in need and ensure that no family is left stranded during this special time of year.
