What began as a long-awaited European adventure for Melbourne couple Linda and Stephen Loveder quickly turned into a harrowing medical ordeal that tested their resilience and physical health. Thankfully, 1Cover Travel Insurance were able to fully assist them, while covering their $100K medical bill.
After retiring, Linda spent nearly a year planning a dream European holiday with her husband, Stephen. Their journey would take them to iconic destinations including Belgium, Paris, Normandy, Lyon, and finally Spain and Morocco.
“I’d retired two years ago, and I spent a year planning our big trip to Europe,” says Linda. “Steve said to me, 'You know what I'd like to do? I'd love to spend about a month or so in the south of France.’ And ironically, that’s what we ended up doing, but in hospital,”
After starting their Scenic tour in Belgium, the Loveders continued on to France and Normandy and then back to Paris where they hopped on a crowded train to Lyon.
“It was on the train where someone had the flu and that's where we caught it,” says Linda. “On the second leg of the river cruise we isolated ourselves in the cabin because we were both coughing and sneezing. We soon found out that everybody else on board was getting sick.”
While Linda’s symptoms were not as acute, Stephen’s condition deteriorated quickly, leading to an emergency ambulance transfer to a hospital in Arles, France.
“We got off the cruise and went by ambulance to the closest hospital. I went back and collected our luggage, stayed a night in a nearby place and then booked a hotel closer to where Steve was.”
Linda, still unwell herself, was eventually admitted to the same hospital.
“The hospital staff saw me in emergency and checked my breathing and said, ‘sorry, you're into hospital too’. The nurses were sweet,” Linda recalled, “they even moved our beds closer together so we could be near each other”.
Despite the kindness of the staff, the hospital experience was far from ideal, says Linda.
“It was a really big hospital and the staff were wonderful. But it was underfunded, the food was terrible, but as far as the care, it was first class.”
After spending a week in intensive care and additional time in the pulmonary ward, Stephen gradually began to recover, though he experienced significant weight loss and weakness.
Throughout their ordeal, one constant source of comfort was 1Cover, the Loveders' travel insurance provider. Linda described their support as beyond administrative.
“It was never about the forms, it was always, ‘how can we help?’” she says. "Did we need anything? It was very little about paperwork; that wasn't the focus. It was really nice dealing with them.”
After being cleared to fly home, the Loveders were assigned a travel doctor and nurse to escort them home. While uncomfortable, the pair commended their travel doctor, as ‘amazing’. And despite a long road to recovery once back home, Linda admits that their experience was made easier by 1Cover.
“I was really pleased with how it all went. The team were amazing.”
The Loveders’ total claim exceeded $100,000, covering hospitalisation, medical escorts, flights, and aftercare. Looking back, Linda said things could have quickly spiralled financially without insurance.
“You don’t expect to get sick, but it can happen so easily,” she said. “People really need to stop and think of what could potentially go wrong.”
She now urges others to think beyond the basics when traveling. “We bother to get flu vaccinations. Why wouldn’t we insure ourselves in case we get sick overseas?”
And while big holidays for the couple are off the table, the pair are grateful for the support they received during one of the most difficult times of their lives.
“When it's these big things that happen.. travel insurance really, really matters,” says Linda. “When you're really unwell, that's when you need someone reliable and compassionate.”
Cruises are generally safe, but unexpected health or safety issues can arise onboard or ashore. Keep yourself secure with these tips::
Ships can be busy, especially around pools, stairs, and buffet areas. Watch your step and hold handrails when moving between decks to avoid slips or falls.
Wash your hands regularly, carry hand sanitizer, and follow crew guidance on illness prevention. Staying on top of your health helps protect both you and fellow travellers..
Familiarise yourself with muster stations, lifeboat locations, and the ship’s safety announcements. Knowing what to do in an emergency can save precious time..
Cruises often offer a packed schedule of activities and excursions. Don’t overdo it, allow time to rest, hydrate, and recover, especially in hot climates or after long days ashore.
Comfortable, non-slip shoes and weather-appropriate clothing will make getting around safer. Keep essential items like medications, sun protection, and a small first-aid kit handy.
Crew members are there to help. Listen to announcements, follow signage, and respect rules for pools, decks, and excursions. Their guidance is there for your safety.
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