A Hamilton mother is fighting for her life in an intensive care unit in Bali after being struck ill, and her insurance company has refused to cover any medical costs.
Abby Hartley developed severe pain soon after arrival in Bali and was rushed to the ICU in BIMC hospital, Nusa Dua, where CT scans and X-rays revealed a twist in the bowel. Emergency surgery was performed to remove the dead part of the organ, though the road to recovery lasted only 48 hours before her condition worsened.
Abby went into acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and was only taking in 70% oxygen, and was placed into an induced coma and kept on an oxygen machine. Abby also developed a severe infection, had a very high fever and was suffering from a collapsed lung.
Her medical bills have now reached a total of $75,000 and her insurance company has declined the claim, leaving the family to foot the bill.
A givealittle fundraiser was started by Sophie Hartley, Abby’s daughter, who set up the page after being denied the payout. Kiwis have since rallied behind the family, with the fundraiser reaching $42,000 of its $75,000 goal within two days.
“After a very long and stressful battle with the insurance company they have made the final decision not to cover any medical costs, therefore we have been left with a very expensive medical bill,” Sophie stated.
“Mum’s infection has progressed into septicaemia, and she requires very expensive and rare antibiotics. All use of funds will proceed towards mum’s medical costs – 24/7 care and observation, medications, antibiotics and the cost of her stay.
“Mum is a fighter and we can all tell she is trying very hard to fight all the problems that are being thrown her way,” she said. “She is showing signs that she is aware we are there for her by a very small fluttering of eyelids when we talk to her or stroke her hair.”
The family has not named the insurance company they used, or given details of the policy. A number of insurance brokers have since come forward and offered to assist with looking into the Hartley’s case.
