A Galveston-to-Mexico cruise became a nightmare for a Conroe family after a young passenger suffered a sudden medical emergency, resulting in more than $13,000 in bills and an urgent warning about travel insurance.
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An unforeseen health crisis during a Royal Caribbean cruise has left a Conroe woman and her family with over $13,000 in hospital bills during their first cruise vacation from Galveston.
Two days into the Galveston-Mexico trip, 21-year-old Khiali Baxter became critically unwell in her cabin. She said, “I woke up and began to vomit blood.” She was asleep on the ground.
The ship's emergency room found internal bleeding in Baxter. Her ambulance took her four hours inland to a Mexican hospital. The staff sought immediate payment from her parents before starting treatment.
“We’ll proceed as far as $2,500 allows.” "This is something I have never encountered before in my life," Khiali's father, Craig Baxter, said.
Medical specialists performed endoscopy and colonoscopy, but could not locate the bleeding source. Khiali subsequently described it as terrifying: “I could feel myself kind of going in and out of consciousness.” A chill and horror overcame me.
Costs mounted quickly. Cruise lines charged $4,048 for onboard medical treatments. A Mexican hospital charged $9,970 for treatment. The family spent extra on airfare and lodging for Khiali's recovery.
The Baxters spent over $13,000 personally. A GoFundMe effort has helped cover part of the expenditures, but the family wants people sailing from Galveston or other places to learn from them.
“At times, what begins as an unforgettable journey can turn into a defining moment,” said Craig Baxter.
The family regretted not considering travel insurance before Khiali's first cruise. “It was terrifying... "I truly regret not having purchased travel insurance," he said.
Insurance helps protect against financial emergencies, say experts. Jeff Rolander, vice president of claims and customer experience at Faye Travel Insurance, estimates that a comprehensive plan costs 6% to 8% of the trip. He said it might cover medical expenditures, hospitalizations abroad, and emergency transport back to the US.
The Baxter family prioritizes awareness. “It was an enlightening experience that I trust will equip other young individuals,” Craig Baxter said.
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