I'm sorry to hear your fall and hope you heal okay! My friend had her appendix rupture and had the same experience. We always try hard to be safe. I'm sure everyone does. Get better soon!
I'm sorry very sorry to hear this happened to you - I had a fall last year (my own fault) - in high heels (wedges) walked out on a red carpet laid over the beach to chat with some friends ... did stop to think about taking the heels off for a split second ... well, next thing; I was in the hospital having surgery in Mexico day 11 of our 14 day vacation ... broke my ankle in 4 spots, dislocated it and ruptured the tendon - so now, I have 2 plates n screws, but luckily after going to the wrong hospital first where they demanded 5000 saying our insurance is no good ... my hubby decided to hold out; contacted our insurance and they directed us to the hospital that would direct bill - so back in the cab we went (f'n painful - yup) and away we went ... there we were treated great and all was good; still hubby had to do some fighting - back and forth calling for 2 days to get the insurance to finalize pmt which they did, but not until just before we were needing to rush out of the hospital; speed to the airport in hopes of making our flight - but I'll take that n not the bill!!! The Hotel said absolutely nothing to my husband as a result of the accident, but in my case I truly don't fault them - it was my stupidity and was no fault of theirs - in your case something should have been done/said to reflect wrong doing/empathy - good luck with this ... so sad!!! Again, I'm so sorry for this horrible ordeal you're going thru!! Wishing you a speedy recovery!!!!
I wonder if the hotel stays quiet in case something went to court and even a letter would be used as evidence? also it seems like a good idea to contact your insurance company before leaving for a list of hospitals that they can direct bill to?
Tottally agree with that. They should pass some sort of law that 'Allows an initial apology, show of compassion, and maybe some small compensation ( if the situation warrants it )',,,, without it being used against the giver at a later date in a law suit . ie ,,,, ''We are sorry you broke your ankle. Can we provide you with a ground floor room to help out ?'' The world would be a better place.
When we travel out of Country, we ALWAYS have a current membership in MedJet Assist. It will provide immediate transport out of any Country you are in to the States to the hospital of your choice. Since Cancun is so close though, I agree with the post above where they said, just go to airport and get back. The cost of the vacation is small compared to what the local hospitals will extort and you may get questionable care. You can't sue the resort, you would not be able to sue a negligent mexico doctor either. Cut your loss, get good treatment, work on healing.
I'm beginning to wonder if travel medical policies are even worth it, especially if you have to fork over big $$$ anyways (and try to get reimbursed later). My medical insurance in the US will pay for any emergency coverage in Mexico (although I imagine I would have to get reimbursed afterwards).
Hospital in foreign countries ask for payement and don't accept foreign insurance because of there bad past experinece, it has nothing to do what country you are in. My personal experince in USA, now who would imagine that in USA also hospital will ask you to pay and don't want to deal with the foreign insurance company, happened with me!! And i had no choice but to pay them and then deal with my insurance later, so at least i get reimbursed a part of it from them later. It is always better, to call your insurance company and ask which hospital they will recommend to go in case of emergency in foreign county. That way it will save you time and money.
100%!!! We were later instructed by our insurance provider never to listen to the direction of hotel staff/paramedics; in my case it was the doctor that had directed us to go to said hospital that would care for us; this doctor was finally called to attend to my needs after an hour'ish and shot me /w morphine. So, YES ... if anyone in the future has this happen always 1st contact your insurance provider; they will let you know where to go! I ended with the best care, a fantastic surgeon, great staff and a 1st class ticket home to Canada (all covered by insurance) as a result of my hubby's persistent nature, no bullshit attitude (damn I luv that man), insurance adjusters and the doctors. ... every person played a key role/right place right time etc., but we were very fortunate - not everyone can say this and it's extremely disheartening!! Something needs to change for sure - let's begin with no slip carpets in rooms & bathrooms (easy) ... and empathy and compassion goes such a long way - words aren't documented in a random conversation - a "how's your wife doing sir?" cannot be held against you in court - like damn people seriously????? Let's be human beings here, shall we!!!
Our first room at TTR (street view) had terrible slick slate floors. even in the shower it was BAD. Our last couple of rooms (ocean view) 1258-1261 were not slick at all. very little tile, slate. Those were very safe. My wife fell on the ramp between the quiet pool and the sports pool. Very few handrails at TTR and the light was very poor!!!
That sounds like a nasty break, hopefully you are on the mend now. Did this happen to Mr or Mrs Yummy? A few medical emergency things I would mention, not to anyone in particular, but as a general post based on experience. * I'm not very familiar with US healthcare insurance, but my basic understanding is that most people visiting Mexico from the US will already have private insurance. It always surprises me that while people from the UK and Canada (who dont tend to have private insurance at home) tend to take out specialised travel insurance as a matter of course, many of those from the US do not. Maybe, it's because people think they are covered by their existing insurance, but it seems often they aren't. You can buy specialised travel insurance quite cheaply so it is always worth considering. * TTR is probably not much different to any hotel in Cancun when it comes to admitting any kind of responsibility, and any litigation initiated from outside Mexico is unlikely to prove successful. * There are three hospitals in Cancun I would recommend, in the following order. First Galenia, then Hospiten and finally Amerimed. For broken bones I'd definitely put Galenia top of the list. I would not recommend any others than the three above and there are scores of hospitals. Some pay kickbacks to the people who refer patients there. * Beware of private ambulances. I heard of a recent traffic accident where two people were charged $750 each for a 10 mile journey in the same ambulance. The person who arranges the ambulance receives a kickback. If at all possible take a taxi, if not have the Red Cross take you, not a private ambulance. * Jannet, my wife, broke her Tibia a few years ago and needed an op. Total cost of op and follow up (at Galenia) was less than $3,000. We were not asked for payment in advance (possibly because we are residents). Payment in advance may be asked for from tourists because there have been many instances of people fleeing home without paying their bills. * An emergency consultation with a Dr specialized in the field should cost around $50 USD if you make your own way to the hospital. A hotel doctor who is usually a general 'jack of all trades' will cost much more. Grab a taxi and go to a hospital yourself if you can. * In case anyone wonders about the Boobs Cruise and how we deal with accidents. In the last 3 years we have had 3 occasions where a trip to hospital has been necessary. This is from a total of about 9,000 people. We had a shoulder dislocation, a twisted knee and a gashed foot - nothing major thankfully. On two of the three occasions we had an ambulance waiting at the dock for the boats return, the third a private car and driver was provided. Each time the patient was accompanied by an Albatros (the boat company) employee to avoid any language or cost reimbursement issues, and who stayed until the patient left the hospital and was safely back at the hotel. The patients were taken to one of hospitals I recommend and all costs were covered by Albatros.
