tooafricamad

Hi Guys
This is a serious message I would like to put out to all guests visiting Africa. As with most companies including my own we always insist upon travel insurance and there is a reason for that. In 14 years I have never had a situation but today I did.
I had guests on safari in Botswana and the husband suffered a stroke last night. Early this morning a Citation jet care of Netcare911 evacuated my guests and brought them to Sunnighill Hospital in Johannesburg. This service was unbeleivable but I had one problem. The guests had forgotten to bring a copy of their travel insurance policy, and also the wife did not have her own credit cards. TG I was able within 2 hours to make some calls to family and have the policy faxed to me which I promptly took to the hospital myself.
Guys, it is imperritive that if you travel you have travel insurance and a copy of the policy with you. Without the copy of the policy my guests would have been sent to a third world government hospital, so please take this message seriously.
BTW, my guest is recovering and I will get an update from the wife in the morning.
Mark

sandi

Absolutely, great reminder.

What good is the insurance, if you don't have the information with you. Most of these companies send, along with the policy, a card with Policy No. and Emergency phone # to call. The policy it self maybe too cumbersom to carry, but DO NOT FORGET THE CARD SENT WITH YOUR TRIP INSURANCE POLICY.

tooafricamad

Hi Sandi
Thanks. People MUST be aware of what can and does happen.
Mark

atravelynn

Must have been frightening for all involved. You too.

Travel insurance info. Don't leave home without it!

tooafricamad

Lynn
It certainly is not a nice feeling. I had to make the calls and to be honest when I was at the hospital with the wife I had tears in my eyes. But we do what we have to do and I truly beleive we saved a life.
Mark

tooafricamad

As this post gathers momentum I would like to mention the other parties involved which I know deserve more credit than me.
Firstly. Thanks to all the wonderfull staff at Chobe Chilwero who stayed up all night last night with Anne.
Second, to Netcare911 for their prompt evacuation and the wonderful lady doctor onboard.
Thirdy to Wilderness Safaris and Lucy who co-ordinated everything and spent the entire day with my guests.
Thanks to a wonderfull association I belong to.
Mark

Kavey

How terrifying. Best wishes for the speedy recovery of your guest and hope they are well looked after and get home safely.

We always have travel insurance and we always carry a printout of the main pages with us - that is the pages with the policy number and dates and the pages with instructions on what to do if something does go wrong.

With many policies you HAVE to call them at the time of the incident and if you fail to do so they may refuse to make payment, as per their terms and conditions.

tooafricamad

Hi Kavey
Thanks. Terrifying? As I am writing it is starting to sink in but this morning I did not think about it. I just acted as I had to save a life and do the best we could do and I think we have acheived that. The latest update is that Roger is stable.
Mark

Txtrav1

Thanks for a great message that I hope all pay attention to. I don't always buy travel insurance, but 100% of the time I do to any 3rd world area. Small price to pay for something you may least expect.

On top of that, I would highly suggest that everyone always carry a color copy of their passport on them that shows picture and your details. Most of us tend to lock the passport up in a safe at our hotel/lodge/resort or it is keep by the hotel itself I hear in some foreign countries until you depart(never happened to me). Point is to have a copy on you at all times in addition to a copy of your travel insurance policy. We all expect the best out of our trips, but should always be prepared for the unexpected

atravelynn

That is good news about your client. I recall working with Lucy. My problems were nothing in comparison--a delayed bag and a missed day on safari due to Air Botswana. She handled that well too.

cary999

Yes, Txtrav1, and a info about any medications you are taking. Just make a paper copy of all of that and have it all on your person. And another copy in your luggage in the room.
regards - tom

cary999

And also the name and phone number of your primary care physician back home.
regards - tom

tooafricamad

Hi Guys
This is my third attempt to post so if it is repeated please ingnore.
Just a quick update.
Roger is recovering extremely well thats to the staff and doctors at Sunninghill Hospital and he is sitting up in bed yelling for magazines to read which according to his son is normal behaviour so all looks good.
Mark

tooafricamad

Hi Guys
Just an update.
Today Roger was discharged from hospital and has made an amazing come back. I personally was there and took them to a nearby B&B where they will stay for the next week before getting onto a plane for home. I spent quite some time having a very coherent conversation with Roger and the only thing that seems to be affected is his balance. He is doing well.
Once again thanks to all who were involved.
Mark

kenyatraveler

We are all glad that he is coming along. For some additional info on travel insurance, see the last few recent messages on the "September 2007 Safari" replies on this site.

tooafricamad

Thanks Ken
We do appreciate your post.

tooafricamad

Roger is at home holding his grand-daughter. I just spoke to them and all is well.
Mark

Ag3046

Chobe Chilwero is a lovely place with very nice people.