During a mission trip in Honduras, a participant suffered a double femur fracture after a hotel elevator malfunctioned. Surgery was performed locally, followed by multiple transfusions. Within days, the traveler developed fever, swelling, and infection. Hospital shortages made antibiotics scarce and monitoring inconsistent.
As the mission team’s one-week trip concluded, most participants returned to the U.S. The injured participant remained hospitalized, and a family member stayed behind for support. When the traveler’s condition failed to improve, and infection risk increased, they made the difficult decision—on their own and without prior insurer coordination—to depart for treatment in the U.S.
Upon arrival at a U.S. hospital, surgeons discovered severe bacterial infection and foreign material embedded in the surgical site. Multiple surgeries, long-term IV antibiotics, and extensive follow-up care were required.
Medical expenses for the international surgery and follow-up care totaled over $150,000. The insurer initially denied the claim under “Against Medical Advice” (AMA) exclusions, citing a lack of authorization for departure.
An appeal was later filed, supported by medical evidence demonstrating that continued treatment in Honduras posed a higher medical risk. After review, the insurer reversed its denial and approved all eligible claims.
Read the case study to learn how MissionSafe partnered with the Sponsoring Organization to structure the appeal. See what your travelers can do in a similar situation to ensure coverage eligibility, medical stability, and logistical safety.
¹ HopeWorks Travel Global is a representative name used by MissionSafe to illustrate actual cases drawn from real claims experiences. All identifying information has been anonymized for educational purposes.
