A British traveler faces a £50,000 medical bill after contracting a severe brain infection in Bali, just days after his health insurance expired.
Andrew Court had traveled to Bali to visit his friend, Zeke Scott, before starting a new job. In January, he developed a fever, initially suspecting dengue fever—a common mosquito-borne illness. However, after three days, Andrew suffered multiple seizures and was hospitalized. Doctors diagnosed him with pneumonia and viral encephalitis, a serious condition causing brain inflammation. This left Andrew in a “blank state,” often unable to recognize even close family members.
Compounding the crisis, Andrew’s health insurance had lapsed just a week prior to his illness, as he planned to renew it with his new job in February. His family and Zeke are now fundraising £50,000 to cover medical expenses and arrange for his return to Derbyshire, UK.
Zeke, 40, from Bali, described the situation: “They’re focusing on treating the encephalitis due to the brain swelling. He recognized his mum briefly last week, but soon after, he was unaware of who anyone was and went into a blank state.”
Andrew, an engineer from Buxton, had been set to start a new job on a nearby island. His brother, Stewart, 34, expressed the family’s distress: “It’s devastating to know he’s over there, and we’re here. We’re taking it day by day.”
The family has launched a fundraising campaign to cover the costs of Andrew’s treatment and repatriation. Stewart added: “We’ve been massively appreciative of what people have done; it’s blown my mind how much they’ve been able to donate.”
Encephalitis, though uncommon, is a serious condition requiring urgent hospital treatment. It often begins with flu-like symptoms and can progress to more severe issues like seizures and cognitive impairment. Prompt medical attention is crucial for recovery.
This incident underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date health insurance while traveling abroad, as unexpected medical emergencies can lead to significant financial and emotional strain.