Insurance company backs down over payment for Bradford patient stranded in Prague

Andrew Ross, 50, from Bradford, suffered a massive heart attack during a trip to the capital of the Czech Republic for his son's stag do early in August.

His insurance company, UK General Insurance, initially refused to pay the estimated 10,000 cost of an air ambulance as it said the family's claim breached the policy's terms and conditions due to Mr Ross's existing state of health.

A spokesman for the company confirmed today that the issue related to pre-existing medical conditions and a visit Mr Ross made to a doctor prior to his trip in which he complained of "sweats", which went undiagnosed.

But the firm has since had a change of heart and said it would cover the costs because of the "terrible situation" Mr Ross and his family have found themselves in.

Nicola Lightowler, director of claims at UK General Insurance, said: "This is a difficult time for the family, and we very much hope Mr Ross makes a full and speedy recovery.

"We have reconsidered the case and, while our view is that, on the evidence available, Mr Ross did not comply with the terms and conditions attached to policy, we are acutely aware of the terrible situation the family find themselves in and are happy to support the family with an ex-gratia payment to help them at this difficult time."

Mr Ross's life was saved by emergency surgery at the time of his heart attack but he was left in a Prague hospital in a coma and on a ventilator.

His wife, Marina, 44, was told the news of his illness by her son, Mark, and immediately flew to her husband's bedside, only to be told when she arrived that the family would have to pay the costs for getting him back to their home.

She made appeals through the local press to raise the cash to get her husband out of the country and Real Radio also put in numerous calls to UK General. The station was eventually told the company would pay for Mr Ross's return.

On hearing the news, Mrs Ross told Real Radio: "It's absolutely fantastic, I can't put it into words. Thank you so much.

"I'm speechless and that's not me. It's such a relief. I now know that he's going to be home and that it is going to be paid for."

Ms Lightowler said that, as soon as confirmation was received from medical officers caring for Mr Ross that he was stable enough to moved, he would be brought home.

She added: "We urge anybody buying travel insurance to read in full the terms and conditions of the policy, particularly when they are purchased online, to ensure the policy meets all their insurance needs."