Elderly Woman’s Medical Repatriation Sparks Insurance Controversy
Jane Rubens, a 73-year-old woman from Edinburgh, is at the center of a distressing medical repatriation dispute after suffering severe injuries during a holiday in the United States. While visiting family in Missouri, Rubens was involved in a car accident on November 1st, sustaining critical brain injuries and multiple hemorrhages.
Currently hospitalized at St. Louis University Hospital, Rubens has undergone five surgeries, including a complex cranioplasty involving partial skull removal. Her most recent operation was performed just days ago, and she remains in a coma.
Her travel insurance policy with AXA Partners, which covers up to £15 million in medical expenses, became the source of significant family stress when the company initially demanded her immediate repatriation to the UK. Despite multiple medical professionals, including her current doctors, NHS specialists, and the brain injuries charity Headway, advising against immediate transport, AXA Partners threatened to revoke her insurance policy if she was not returned to the UK by Monday.
The insurance company’s initial stance placed Rubens’ children, Cat and Andrew, in an impossible situation. They were told they could not:
– See the repatriation plan
– Speak with the insurer’s medical team
– Obtain details about the transportation
– Receive an extension to make a decision
The family was particularly concerned about the potential risks of transporting a critically ill patient across such a long distance without comprehensive medical considerations.
Feeling cornered, Cat Rubens took to social media to highlight their predicament. Her public post on X (formerly Twitter) drew significant attention and prompted AXA Partners to reconsider their approach.
Following the social media outcry, the insurance company changed its stance. They apologized to the family and committed to making no decisions without consent from both the treating and receiving hospitals.
Cat Rubens emphasized that while the family ultimately wants her mother repatriated, the decision must be based on neurological considerations, not just aviation medical clearance.
AXA Partners subsequently issued a statement expressing sympathy for the family’s distress and promising to work closely with medical professionals to determine the best course of action.
The incident highlights potential challenges in medical insurance and patient care, particularly when international medical transportation is involved. It also demonstrates the power of public advocacy in challenging corporate decisions.
The Rubens family continues to hope for Jane’s recovery while navigating this complex medical and insurance landscape, prioritizing her health and well-being above administrative procedures.
