Originally Posted by Machka

Get the insurance!



When I came to Australia in 2009, I was healthy and active. I had just cycled a 1000 km month in May, and hopped on the plane in early June.

And I was going to Australia, so wasn't likely to encounter tropical diseases or anything.

What could possibly go wrong?

The flight from LA to Melbourne was the longest flight in the world at that time, and the plane was delayed taking off, leaving us sitting there for an hour or so, and the plane sat on the runway for an hour or so after landing too. I was squashed in next to the window beside two large guys with bladders the size of the Pacific, so I only got up once in all that time.

About an hour before landing, it felt like my left calf cramped. I figured I'd just walk it off when I got off the plane.

6 weeks later, I was still figuring I'd walk it off ... but by then my whole left leg felt like I was dragging a heavy dead tree branch around.

Dr visit ... ultrasound ... and I was hospitalised for 2 weeks with DVT. Blood clots from mid-thigh down.

Thankfully I had travel insurance because otherwise the whole thing would have cost well over $10,000.