While weaving through traffic in Laos, 22-year-old Matthew* hit a bend in the road and lost control of his motorcycle. All he remembers is being on his bike, and then waking up in the hospital.
Here is Matthew's story.
Losing Control in Laos
Matthew was celebrating his recent graduation with a solo trip to southeast Asia. He planned on traveling to a variety of cities, but his six-week trip was cut short two weeks in.
While exploring the city on motorcycles with a new friend, there was an accident.
Matthew woke up in a hospital, semiconscious and unable to move. At first, doctors believed Matthew had ruptured his spleen, a significant injury that could have had devastating repercussions if not treated properly.
Imagine being critically injured while traveling alone in another country. The local language isn’t your first language, and the only person onsite to help, possibly making medical decisions for you, is a new acquaintance you’ve met on the road.
It’s not a particularly inspiring scenario. But Matthew wasn’t as alone as he might have first believed.
Friends in Unexpected Places 
Matthew’s new friend was able to tell him what happened. They also found a copy of Matthew’s travel insurance card. This made it extremely easy for them to identify Seven Corners as Matthew’s insurance provider and contact our Assist Team.
Due to Matthew’s severe condition, the friend handled most of the communication with Seven Corners Assist. They stayed in touch using Skype and the hospital’s Wi-Fi since Matthew’s SIM card from overseas didn’t have unlimited data.
Together with Seven Corners Assist, Matthew’s friend and the doctors immediately recognized that he needed to be medically evacuated to another facility for appropriate care. Seven Corners arranged for Matthew to fly via private plane to a hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, where he could be treated properly.
To everyone’s relief, the medical team in Bangkok determined that Matthew’s issue stemmed from his liver, not his spleen. He was treated for his condition and, once he was fit to fly, Seven Corners coordinated his flight back home to California with a lay-down seat and a medical escort so he could travel comfortably and safely.
Matthew: Travel Insurance Is Worth It
Before his trip, Matthew had taken all the right precautionary steps to prepare for this type of incident. It started with travel insurance, without which he might have been stuck in a Laos facility without the resources and services needed to make a full recovery.
His story is an important reminder of the benefits of travel insurance and how vital it is to always carry a copy of your travel insurance card with you.
"It wasn't just having Seven Corners that helped with my accident but the fact that the representatives were so diligent and accessible, even with the different time zones. [They] played a major, major part in reassuring me and my parents that I was in good hands,” said Matthew once he’d returned home.
"I can't reiterate the importance of not only having the insurance but also the strong support team on the other end of the phone that makes Seven Corners shine among other travel insurance agencies."
Travel Medical Insurance for Southeast Asia
Seven Corners travel medical insurance covers expenses for treatment if you get sick or hurt while traveling. It doesn’t even have to be a life-threatening situation like Matthew’s. You’re also covered for illnesses like the flu or a case of appendicitis on the road.
And like Matthew, your coverage can include emergency medical evacuations and repatriations, making sure you get the appropriate care at the right time.
Travel Insurance Coverage for Motorcycles and Motorbikes
Some travel insurance plans exclude benefits related to motorcycles, motorbikes, and mopeds, even if it’s a common mode of transportation at your destination.
It’s important to read your plan document to find out if you’re covered, and add these benefits if you plan to ride these types of vehicles. You can sometimes find travel insurance for motorcycles and mopeds listed under “Adventure Activities” and similar headings in that document. If you’re not certain there is coverage for an activity you’re planning, contact the insurance company to make sure.
Get a quick quote for travel insurance at SevenCorners.com. If you have any questions about whether your planned activities are covered, you can also talk to a licensed agent.
*Name and identity have been changed at the request of customer.
