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They were on a cruise out of Galveston, Texas, Stephen Johnson and his fiancée Tori Austin on Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Dream for a cruise to Mexico and return. When it came time to see the sights of Mexico at Progreso, Mexico Johnson wasn’t physically able to do so.
Johnson went to the ship’s infirmary who was able to make a preliminary diagnosis, and correctly determine Johnson needed medical care available in port, which exceeded that which was on board the Carnival Dream.
As it turned out Johnson was in diabetic shock.
The ship’s medical staff arranged for Johnson to be transferred to the Progresso, Mexico, Centro Medico Americano hospital insisted that Johnson isn’t being held captive, but that he’s not allowed to leave because he is still too sick to travel. hospital, when he was admitted into the intensive care unit. Carnival also assured Johnson and Austin they could rejoin the cruise at one of the future ports of call should Johnson’s condition permit.
It didn’t take long to stabalize Johnson, and when Johnson asked to be discharged he learned that in Mexico, when in a private hospital one must pay for the services provided prior to departing. The amount for Johnson’s stay in the hospital’s ICU was US$ 14,000. The hospital accepts private insurance and credit cards.
Johnson did not have insurance.
Johnson and Austin’s credit cards weren’t sufficient to cover the costs, so the couple offered to pay 50% on the spot and then the remainder of time. This offer was rejected, as was Johnson’s request to be discharged (the hospital wasn’t going to let Johnson go anywhere until his bill was paid).
The hospital spokesperson said, “When the service is done, the patient has to pay, we are a private hospital, and here and all parts of the world, payment has to be collected.”
Johnson was adamant he was well enough to travel; the hospital spokesperson said he wasn’t.
The hospital said that “He arrived in grave condition and aside from his kidney failure and dialysis, he also has other problems and had to be treated by the cardiologist and other specialists … Right now, he is not in a condition to even travel on a commercial plane. He would have to fly in an ambulance.”
Johnson acknowledged that the hospital staff had saved his life, that bill for services rendered was not in dispute, but that it was “simply wrong” to be held captive over a medical debt. And he was ready to leave.
ABC News piece on Johnson’s plight in Mexico
US Embassy Mexico’s advice
The US Embassy Mexico notes that hospital quality in Mexico varies. There are different types of hospitals in Mexico:
- public clinics where patients are expected to pay for medications and other basic items;
- public and private hospitals, which generally provide basic-level of care, but might not be able to handle complex cases; and
- modern private facilities that provide high quality care at prices generally higher than those in the United States
The US Embassy “Confirm a U.S. citizen is being treated at a hospital in Progreso and on November 21, a consular officer visited the U.S. citizen in the hospital. We are monitoring the situation closely.”
In a publicly available notice on the US Embassy website discussed Mexico’s medical situation for travelers:
Hospitals in Mexico generally require payment up-front for services rendered and will place holds on credit cards if a patient is admitted. The U.S. Government does not pay for medical care overseas. Some private U.S. insurance companies pay for medical care overseas, but usually on a reimbursable basis, meaning that you will need to pay first and request reimbursement later. Patients should contact their insurance company as soon as possible to understand exactly what services the insurance company will cover.
And this is exactly what was happening to Johnson. He was at a private hospital, who had every right to expect payment, and he was traveling without any insurance.
In Johnson’s case, as detailed in the two media pieces above, after hearing about his plight on the news reached out to him in Progresso and advised that he was sending a plane and would pay for Johnson’s hospital bill at Centro Medico Americano hospital. Johnson is expected to leave the hospital on Monday, 25 November.
Traveling without insurance carries risk
As we have admonished many times, insurance is a must when traveling abroad. Many US health insurance providers will cover medical treatment received in Mexico on a reimbursement basis. Which means, you have to be prepared to cover the costs. The US Embassy guidance above is spot-on. The first thing you do after entering hospital in Mexico is reach out the your insurance company to align expectations with coverage.
We, at Securely Travel recommend that those with a prior medical condition which may flare up that they take advantage of the trip/evacuation/medical insurance available, either from the vendor (Carnival Cruise) or from a third party.
CBS Evening News piece on Johnson’s situation in Mexico
Why Travel Insurance
If you are unable to cover the initial expense of a medical emergency when traveling, then you should invest in medical insurance for the traveler to the location you are visiting, as premiums are variable. In this manner, the insurance company is able to guarantee payment for you and the scene playing out with Johnson is obviated.
Evacuation insurance is just that. If you required a medical evacuation, this insurance or service provides this to you in exchange for a premium. Generally speaking a medical evacuation air ambulance will run at least US$10,000, depending on locale.
So next time you travel, consider ensuring you are covered for all emergencies with travel/trip/evacuation insurance.
