Kuwait sits on the Persian Gulf shores between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. It has built an excellent healthcare and medical system. But like many countries overseas, hospital care can be very expensive for travellers and can require up-front payment.
An elderly Australian traveller experienced the system first-hand when he fell ill on arrival.
Rushed to hospital, he underwent emergency surgery. His family contacted his health insurance provider.
Local consular officer Dina was there to help the man who had no family in the country.
Dina's role requires her to speak Arabic and help with translations.
'My role was to provide guidance and assistance. This included visiting the man at the hospital. After seeking consent to talk to his family, I was able to explain what was happening to his next of kin', explained Dina.
'The Australian Consul in Kuwait visited the hospital with me. I updated our consular team in Canberra, and they updated the family on his condition.'
Most healthcare facilities in Kuwait expect patients to pay in advance. Luckily, the man's travel insurer helped with his urgent medical care.
'The client had comprehensive travel and health insurance, which was helpful. It made sure he got the care he needed’, Dina said.
'If you can't afford health insurance, you can't afford to travel.'
The man's family were actively involved in the case.
'As his health worsened, his son travelled to Kuwait. We helped him understand the local healthcare system. Then we got them on the long flight back home.'
'I felt a sense of duty and compassion towards the elderly man who didn't live here.
'Empathy and compassion are important qualities for consular officers. It helps us understand and connect with our clients. The people we encounter in our work influence us as humans.'
SMARTRAVELLER
Travel doesn't always go to plan. The right insurance is as essential as a passport.
You'll depend on your travel insurer for help if things go wrong. Without it, you or your family could suffer financially.
Learn why insurance is important in the CHOICE travel insurance buying guide. Read more about travel insurance at smartraveller.gov.au.