What happens when you get sick abroad? A real story
Olha flew to Berlin for a week — exhibitions, coffee, walks. On day two her temperature hit 39°C and the plans changed. Here is her story step by step — and what it would have cost without insurance.
Day two: a fever of 39
"In the morning I realised it wasn't just a cold: the fever wouldn't break and my throat hurt so much I couldn't swallow. In a foreign country, with no German and basic English, my first thought was to just tough it out," Olha recalls.
One call to the hotline
Instead of googling clinics, Olha called the 24/7 assistance line from her policy. The operator took her symptoms and hotel address in Ukrainian — and called back within half an hour: a doctor would come to the hotel at 4 p.m.
The doctor examined her and diagnosed acute tonsillitis, prescribing antibiotics. Olha paid €38 for the medicines herself — approved by the assistance company, receipt saved.
What happened next
Two days later — a follow-up consultation by phone. The fever subsided and the trip continued at a calmer pace. After returning home Olha submitted the pharmacy receipt — the reimbursement arrived within a week.
What it would have cost without insurance
A private doctor's hotel visit in Berlin starts at €150. Consultation + follow-up + medicines — roughly €350–400. A week of insurance cost Olha about 300 UAH.
"The most valuable thing wasn't the money — it was not having to figure anything out myself. One call and everything was arranged," she concludes.
What to do if you get sick abroad
First: call the assistance line from your policy — before seeing a doctor, not after. Second: get all expenses approved and keep every receipt. Third: don't put off seeking help — "toughing it out" abroad can end in hospitalisation and complications.