WATCH: How specific do you need to get when inquiring about your travel insurance coverage? Find out above.
TORONTO – Saskatchewan’s Jennifer Huculak and her so-called “Million dollar baby” Reece have raised questions about what is and is not covered when it comes to travel insurance.
Huculak made international headlines after she was slapped with a $950,000 medical bill last October while vacationing in Hawaii. She was 26-weeks pregnant when she suddenly went into labour two days into her trip. She spent weeks in hospital and her baby required special care before they were flown back to Canada.
Huculak thought her Blue Cross travel insurance would cover the nearly $1 million tab, but the company denied her claim based on a pre-existing condition which Huculac denies she has.
It’s a scenario many lawyers hear about from clients.
“Make sure you ask questions, make sure you get answers,” said Sivan Tumarkin, a partner at Samfiru Tumarkin Barristers and Solicitors. “If you’re pregnant, you ask ‘What happens if my baby is born while I’m away?’ If you’re older and you’re having certain medical issues ask, ‘Will I be covered if something happens?'”
Tumarkin says consumers have a responsibility to ask the right questions and read the fine print when it comes to exclusions listed in insurance policies. Each policy is different, but experts say if there is any grey area surrounding what kind of pre-existing medical conditions are not covered, ask for clarification and get it in writing.
“I tell my agent, listen. Tell me what you need to know from me in terms of pre-existing conditions, in terms of any medical conditions that I may have that may compromise the policy.” said Tumarkin.
READ MORE: Million-dollar baby – Hawaii vacation leaves Saskatchewan parents with massive medical bill
Global News called Blue Cross and inquired about travel insurance for expecting women. The agent said women who are eight weeks from their due date, women with a high risk pregnancy, pre-existing conditions or “minor ailments” could be denied coverage.
On the company website, it does not list specifically what is considered a “pre-existing condition” or what is considered a “minor ailment.” When Global News asked for clarification, the agent said conditions like a simple bladder infection or the common cold could affect your claim depending on when you’re infected.
Huculak isn’t the only Canadian to be slapped with a million dollar medical bill. Seventeen years ago, Laurie Wolfe of Calgary, then 26-weeks pregnant, travelled to Nebraska. That’s when she went into early labour. Wolfe claims she had clearance from her doctor to travel but her insurance company refused to cover her mounting medical costs. The Government of Alberta along with donations from Calgarians helped pay off her debt.
As for Huculak, Saskatchewan Health has picked up $20,000 of her tab. Amercian officials covered $12,000 for her delivery. The couple may now face bankruptcy to pay off the remaining $900,000 balance.
Tumarkin says the good news is, many people have won court cases against insurance companies that have denied claims. He says the insurance company also has a responsibility to properly explain its policies. If not, the case may work out in the customer’s favour.
“The reality is that these claims are actually not that difficult to resolve,” said Tumarkin.
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