An Indian-origin family’s trip to Kazakhstan took a tragic turn when the husband slipped and broke his thighbone, leading to a series of hospital visits, unreliable medical care, and exorbitant costs. A social media user, identified as JD, shared the family’s ordeal on X, cautioning travelers about the importance of travel insurance.
JD reported that his friend’s cousin, accompanied by his wife and two young children, had traveled from Kuwait to Kazakhstan for a New Year’s vacation when the incident occurred. The man, referred to as “J,” slipped on snow one morning and suffered a severe femur fracture.
Challenges in Medical Assistance
The injured man was rushed to a government hospital in Kazakhstan, where doctors advised immediate surgery. However, his wife was concerned about the quality of medical care based on her discussions with local people. Distressed by the uncertainty, she contacted the Indian Embassy for assistance.
JD stated that embassy officials provided minimal help, merely giving her the contact number of Air Astana to inquire about medical evacuation. He noted that the officials did not offer to make calls or accompany her, leaving the family to navigate the crisis alone. The language barrier further exacerbated their difficulties.
The High Cost of Air Ambulance Services
Another major challenge emerged when the family tried to arrange a flight back home. The husband, unable to sit upright due to his injury, required a supine position for the journey. Unfortunately, none of the commercial airlines operating from Kazakhstan offered a stretcher facility.
The alternative—hiring an air ambulance—came with an overwhelming price tag. JD reported that the cost of an air ambulance to India ranged between six and seven million rupees. After an extensive search, the family finally secured the services of an Indian aviation company willing to fly them back home.
Lessons for Future Travelers
JD emphasized the importance of being prepared for medical emergencies while traveling abroad. He advised travelers to secure travel insurance, keep emergency contact details readily available, and use a reliable translation app to overcome language barriers. The family’s distressing experience highlights the critical need for adequate planning and awareness of emergency medical services.
