Dream vacation turns into nightmare: Traveller spends days in coma, then slapped with $147,000 medical bill after more than a year

A dream vacation to Mexico turned into a medical nightmare for an Ontario man who spent more than a week in hospital, suffered multiple seizures, and slipped into a coma. As if this was not enough, he is now facing a medical bill of more than $147,000 after his travel insurance claim was denied, reports The Times of India. Vacation Plans Changed in an InstantBahoz Ali of Oshawa, Ontario, travelled to Cancun, Mexico, with his girlfriend in April 2024. He purchased a Global Youth All-Inclusive travel insurance policy through Manulife.ALSO READ: FIFA World Cup 2026 viral moment: South Korean reporter kissed live on air by Mexican fan, responds with cheerful 'Gracias' Ali said the trip had been planned well in advance and that buying travel insurance was part of the preparation. “Months before we planned it, it was me and my significant other and we booked the trip. We did pay for travel insurance as per usual,” said Ali.Before leaving Canada, Ali began feeling unwell and decided to visit a walk-in clinic. “I went to see a medical physician, and they confirmed it was a run-of-the-mill sickness and I should be perfectly fine to go on the trip,” Ali said.Believing there were no serious health concerns, he proceeded with the vacation.Medical Emergency Hits Days After ArrivalHowever, within just two days of reaching the resort, he became seriously ill and reportedly suffered multiple seizures that required emergency medical attention.His condition worsened further, and he eventually slipped into a coma. “At that point, my brain goes numb, and I don’t remember much of anything afterwards,” Ali told CTV News. Ali spent eight days receiving treatment in Mexico before doctors stabilized him.Air Ambulance Brings Him Back to CanadaFollowing his hospitalisation in Mexico, Ali was transported back to Canada aboard an air ambulance and continued receiving medical care at home.Initially, it appeared that the expenses associated with his treatment were being covered. However, more than a year later, the family received unexpected news that changed everything.Shock Over $147,502 Medical BillAli was informed that his insurance claim had been denied and that he would be responsible for repaying the entire amount spent on his medical treatment and emergency transportation. The total bill came to $147,502.His brother, Hano Ali, said the amount is overwhelming for an ordinary family.“There is no way to expect a typical household to pay over $147,000,” said Ali’s brother, Hano.Why the Insurance Company Denied CoverageAccording to Manulife, the decision was based on a "stability period" clause included in the travel insurance policy. The company requires travellers to be medically stable for 90 days before departure.In a statement, a Manulife spokesperson said medical records showed Ali had been experiencing symptoms and had sought medical care before travelling.“Manulife can confirm that medical records indicate that prior to travel, Mr. Ali was experiencing symptoms and had sought medical care related to a pre-existing condition. Under the policy, this condition fell within the three-month stability period prior to departure. Since the condition was known at the time of travel based on the prior medical care, this affected how coverage was applied.”The insurer also advised travellers to carefully review policy terms and disclose any medical changes before leaving on a trip.Family Appeals Were UnsuccessfulAli and his family appealed the insurer’s decision twice, hoping the claim would be reconsidered. Both appeals were denied.The family continues to dispute whether the symptoms Ali experienced before his trip were connected to the severe medical emergency that occurred in Mexico.Travel Insurance Expert Calls Case 'Really Sad'Martin Firestone, president of Travel Secure Inc., said the case highlights how difficult and complicated travel insurance claims can become.“This is really sad because it is a lot of money,” said Firestone.He added that there remains disagreement over whether Ali’s earlier symptoms were directly linked to the medical crisis that unfolded during the vacation.The ordeal has left Ali's family questioning how reliable travel insurance coverage can be when emergencies occur overseas. His father, Rahim Ali, expressed concern that other Canadians could face similar situations.“All Canadians, when they go to travel, I don’t feel they are safe because when they need them, they may find an excuse not to pay,” he said.(With TOI inputs)