A Perth man could be facing a very hefty hospital bill after failing to read the small print on his travel insurance policy.
Emlyn Thomas was riding a scooter without a helmet in Bali on Christmas Day, when he became separated from friends and fell from his bike, Nine News reported.
He was found in hospital on Boxing Day, unable to speak, and untreated 12 hours after the crash.
Since, the 24-year-old has received an emergency operation for two fractures on his skull, and a bleed on his brain – at a cost of $30,000 upfront.
Emlyn Thomas (pictured), 24, crashed his motorbike in Bali on Christmas Day, and was found on Boxing Day in hospital, untreated and unable to talk
More worryingly for the family, Emlyn will need to remain in hospital for at least a few more days until he is stable enough to fly – which could put the bill up to $65,000.
The money for the operation was loaned by Emlyn’s employer, and his friends have started a GoFundMe page to help raise enough money to cover his costs.
Ordinarily, someone in this situation would expect their travel insurance to cover the costs of the accident – but this is not the case for the 24-year-old.
Because he was not wearing a helmet, and does not hold an Australian motorbike license, Emlyn’s insurance will not cover him.
Emlyn had two fractures on his skull (right) and a bleed on his brain. His employer lent him $30,000, which was required upfront, but his hospital bills could hit up to $65,000
Garth Krasinski, a spokesman for Elliot Insurance Brokers, told Nine News travellers with an adventurous streak should always be especially careful to read the fine print.
‘If you’re doing anything that’s slightly high risk – whether it be going on a jet ski, riding a scooter, whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, take the time and effort to read the policy,’ he said.
While the cost of Emlyn’s care will weigh heavily on the family, his sister Reija Hurry says she is just thankful he is alive.
‘We lost our mum this year, so to lose him would be devastating, so I’m so glad it looks like he’s going to come through,’ she said.
Emlyn’s insurance will not cover him, as he does not hold an Australian motorbike license, and he was not wearing a helmet (pictured: the scene of the crash)