Turkey Holiday Nightmare: Mum's 'Fun Boat Trip' Ends in Shattered Leg and Insurance Battle

A much-anticipated £2,500 holiday to Turkey, meant to be a relaxing escape for a Durham mum and her daughter, spiralled into a living nightmare when a seemingly innocent boat trip led to a horrific injury and a daunting battle with her travel insurance provider.

Joanne, 52, had envisioned a week of sunshine and cherished memories with her daughter Lily at the SunConnect Side resort, booked through Jet2.

However, just days into their getaway, on May 16, 2024, their plans were dramatically shattered. What began as a 'fun boat ride' along the scenic Turkish coast took a terrifying turn when the vessel unexpectedly 'hit a wave.' The sudden jolt sent Joanne sprawling, resulting in a devastating fall that left her with a broken leg in three places.

The immediate aftermath was a blur of excruciating pain and mounting panic.

Lily, her daughter, became her rock, navigating the challenging situation in a foreign country. 'The pain was immense,' Joanne recalled, describing how she knew instantly that something was seriously wrong. The pair were quickly transported to a local hospital, where the true extent of the injury was revealed.

Doctors confirmed a triple fracture, a diagnosis that sent shockwaves through the already distressed mother and daughter.

The medical emergency was just the beginning of their ordeal. Faced with a £2,000 hospital bill, the family turned to their travel insurance provider, Virgin Money, only to be met with an initial refusal.

The insurer claimed the incident had occurred in 'open water' and was therefore not covered under their policy – a claim Joanne vehemently disputed, insisting the boat was close to the shore. This unexpected rejection plunged the already vulnerable pair into a deeper state of anxiety, adding financial strain to the physical and emotional trauma.

Lily, demonstrating remarkable resilience, took on the arduous task of translating for her mother and liaising with the hospital and insurance company.

'It was terrifying for Lily,' Joanne shared, expressing immense gratitude for her daughter's unwavering support during such a trying time. The hospital, initially demanding full payment upfront, added to the pressure, but eventually, after persistent efforts and clarification, Virgin Money approved the claim, alleviating a significant portion of their financial burden.

The road to recovery was, and continues to be, long and arduous.

Initially, doctors warned Joanne she might be unable to fly for up to 12 weeks. However, with careful planning and necessary assistance, she managed to secure a flight back to the UK, albeit enduring a painful and challenging journey. Now back home in Durham, Joanne is still relying on crutches and faces a considerable period of rehabilitation, reflecting on a holiday that promised relaxation but delivered unforeseen agony.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly dream holidays can turn into nightmares, underscoring the critical importance of comprehensive travel insurance and the resilience of family in the face of unexpected adversity.