Sarah Lancestar was traveling in Central America when she was forced to desert her vacation plans after a seemingly innocent act led to $60,000 in medical bills.
The Tasmanian resident was staying in a hostel in Nicaragua when she decided to play with the home cat.
“It was scratching me when it suddenly bit my left index finger,” recalls Sarah. “It was like a scratch with a stab wound.
“I went back to my room, doused the bite with water and told my friend what happened. She, being Nicaraguan, told me not to fret.”
Sarah, who traveled abroad last October, said she thought since everyone was fiddling with the cat it will be high quality.
“On reflection, it was a bit silly to pat him. But I did, she said.
In line with the World Health Organization, rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and, once symptoms appear, is “virtually 100% fatal.”
Despite being told to not be nervous about being bitten, Sarah became increasingly concerned concerning the risk of rabies.
“I used to be concerned about this and nobody on the hotel could tell me if the cat had been vaccinated,” she said.
Sara’s decision to get $235 travel insurance paid off after she needed to fly to the US for emergency medical care, costing a whopping $60,000.
Her travel insurance company 1Cover advised her to get prophylaxis as soon as possible, regardless that local health professionals told her not to fret if the bite “wasn’t bad”.
The Australian tourist didn’t wish to risk it.
“I used to be really apprehensive that I could not get the treatment I needed. Rabies is 100% lethal, so even when there was a 0.1 percent probability of getting it, in my opinion it was higher to only eliminate it,” she said.
James Martin, a travel insurance expert at Finder, explained that rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system and is transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal comparable to dogs, bats and monkeys.
“Central America has the next incidence of rabies in comparison with other regions, and travelers could also be in danger in the event that they come into contact with animals while exploring the region,” news.com.au told news.com.au.
“I could not imagine the value of the injections. I definitely would not give you the option to pay out of my very own pocket,” she said.
Sarah said a flight back home to Australia was out of the query as it will put her outside the seven-day window for rabies treatment.
As an alternative, she was flown to Tampa, Florida, where her friend was in a position to accompany her with travel insurance.
Sarah received the primary of 4 kits of rabies vaccines, each costing $20,000.
She received her last set of shots back home in Australia.
The prices of her flights were also covered by the insurer.
“Before you go, confer with your doctor and discover what sort of vaccinations could also be required as this may prevent an enormous amount in medical fees,” Ms Smith advised.
“Travel insurance definitely pays off, not only financially, but additionally having someone to seek the advice of.”
Natalie Smith, spokeswoman for 1Cover, travelers need to pay attention to the danger of rabies, especially in distant and developing parts of the world.
“Take precautions around animals, irrespective of how cute and friendly. And at all times pack travel insurance.”
Importance of travel insurance
Mr. Martin agreed that in case you are planning a vacation in places like Central America, it’s important that you just take out the correct travel insurance before starting your trip.
“A number of months before your intended departure date, confer with your doctor about any vaccinations it’s possible you’ll need in the countries you propose to go to,” he reiterated.
“For instance, in case you are visiting Panama, it’s possible you’ll need a yellow fever vaccination. “Vaccinations against malaria, rabies, typhoid, hepatitis and a variety of other diseases can also be required.
“It is vital to do not forget that not all travel insurance policies are the identical. Before purchasing a policy, read the product disclosure agreement to make sure you are covered against the risks it’s possible you’ll face, including exposure to rabies.