A British grandfather remains stranded in a hospital abroad due to complications with his insurance, preventing further medical treatment. Brian Ackroyd, 65, sustained severe injuries including a fractured neck, skull, and brain bleeds following an accident on the first day of his vacation in Croatia. Despite receiving initial care in Dubrovnik, doctors have advised that he needs intensive treatment back in the UK.
His family has initiated an appeal to bring him home, as doctors in Croatia confirmed the need for specialized care beyond what is available locally. The issue arose from Ackroyd’s insurance policy with Admiral, where undisclosed medical information led to the invalidation of his coverage. Although Admiral made a goodwill payment, it does not cover the expenses for a medical flight back to the UK.
His son Richard explained that Ackroyd’s lack of computer proficiency resulted in missing crucial medical details on his insurance application, leading to the policy cancellation. The family has been left with a substantial financial burden for repatriation, despite the incident being unrelated to his undisclosed conditions.
Debbie, Ackroyd’s partner, mentioned his previous battle with prostate cancer and financial struggles following his retirement, which depleted his savings. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist with the escalating costs of his medical evacuation, with community support reaching over £9,000.
Admiral responded, expressing regret for the situation and offering financial aid for his care and return home as a sign of goodwill. However, they emphasized that the undisclosed medical conditions were not the sole reason for denying the claim.
The family continues to navigate the challenges of bringing Ackroyd back to the UK for the necessary rehabilitation, with support from a repatriation assistance group. Despite the ongoing efforts, the insurance company has not relented in their decision to decline further financial assistance.