Planning a trip to Peru? From exploring the historic streets of Lima to visiting Machu Picchu, there’s plenty to look forward to. But while you’re planning your itinerary, there’s one unexpected expense you may not be thinking about: a medical emergency.
A simple injury or unexpected illness can quickly become expensive when you’re travelling outside of Canada.
Take Elena’s experience* for example. While on vacation in Peru, she was relieved to have TuGo’s Emergency Medical Insurance when a fall left her with a fractured and dislocated ankle that required surgery. Read on to learn more.
Elena’s Real-Life Claims Story
Elena, a 51-year-old Canadian, was vacationing in a town in Peru when she tripped and twisted her ankle, leaving her unable to walk. She and her husband went to a local clinic, where an X-ray confirmed that Elena had fractured her ankle.
Because the clinic was in an isolated area, she needed to be transported by ambulance to Lima for further care. Once she arrived, doctors discovered that her ankle was fractured and dislocated, requiring surgery.
Two days later, Elena was discharged from the hospital to continue her recovery. Fortunately, Elena and her husband had TuGo’s Emergency Medical Insurance, which helped cover the costs of her medical care without paying out of pocket.
What Did Elena’s Medical Emergency Cost?
In total, more than $44,000 CAD in medical expenses were covered for Elena’s claim, including:
- Clinic fees $5,696.34
- Hospital fees $9,787.57
- Doctors’ fees $18,845.17
- Ambulance fees $10,227.18
- Provincial healthcare contribution: -$375.00
Total paid by TuGo: $44,181.26
So, Do You Really Need Travel Insurance for Peru?
Elena’s experience shows that you don’t have to be doing something extreme for things to take an unexpected turn. So the next time you’re heading to Peru or any destination, consider how you’d manage if you suddenly needed medical care far from home. The right travel insurance can provide coverage for emergency medical expenses and support when you need it most.
That way, you can focus on experiencing your destination for its rich history and culture knowing you’ve taken all the necessary steps to prepare for the unexpected.
Travelling to higher elevation destinations like Peru? Learn how to prepare for altitude sickness, and how travel insurance may help.
Safe travels,
Monique
* Based on actual claim with specific traveller details changed to protect privacy.
