The following is a synopsis of a story that appeared in the December issue of International Travel News. )

My wife and I are in our early 50’s, have few health problems, and weren’t traveling to a country with questionable medical facilities. Why would we need emergency medical evacuation? I thought it was a silly idea that was totally unnecessary. And so, the two of us embarked on a tour of Portugal and Spain with no travel protection.

We were in a small Portuguese town when I fell down three steps in the lobby of a restaurant. I was taken,by ambulance, to the local hospital. X-rays showed that I had broken several bones in my right leg. Within the hour, the entire aching leg and part of my hip was encased in a cast. After a discussion regarding the quality of the local facilities, I went by ambulance to a hospital in Lisbon. Little did I realize my difficulties had only just begun.

The real trouble began in Lisbon. Even though the tour guide called ahead and I had proof of health insurance, they didn’t want to admit me.

I don’t speak Portuguese and no one at the front desk spoke English. They did, however, recognize "VISA." So, I handed over my card and was admitted. (Later, I learned that this was the wrong thing to do… at least from the standpoint of insurance paperwork.) At the time, even if I’d known, I would not have cared. I’d have given absolutely anything to gain admittance and help.

Once that hassle ended, the orthopedic surgeon examined my s-rays, and said the bones were sell set and that I should be discharged. Of course, I couldn’t go anywhere without major help. I couldn’t move, much less fend for myself in Lisbon. Finally, I was allowed to remain in the hospital until transportation to the U.S. could be arranged.

It was days before a plane with enough space to accommodate a stretcher was located. Fortunately, my insurance covered the $15,000 to get me from Portugal to New York (9 seats total, plus the cost of a nurse and her ticket.) Unfortunately, I also flew via Air Ambulance from New York to Seattle (an additional $17,000 that came directly out of my pocket.)

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( The moral of the story is—even if the trip seems safe and you’re in good health, emergency evacuation is still important. The cost of evacuation can be VERY EXPENSIVE. This man would have saved at least $17,000 if he’d purchased travel insurance. More importantly, he would have received help every step of the way with all of his arrangements. )