On July 15, Christopher Desmond, 72, was riding through Albania on his motorbike when tragedy struck.
UPDATE: A devastating road accident in Romania has left Christopher Desmond, a 72-year-old motorbike enthusiast from Perth, stranded and facing overwhelming medical costs. On July 15, 2023, Mr. Desmond was critically injured while riding his 650cc Suzuki motorcycle, but his insurer, Allianz, has denied coverage due to a policy loophole.
Mr. Desmond’s nightmare began as he rode through the Romanian countryside. “One minute I was riding along a country road and the next minute I woke up in an ambulance,” he recounted. Following the accident, he was transported to Brasov Hospital, where he has undergone six surgeries for severe injuries, including broken bones in his feet, hands, leg, and spine.
The crux of the issue lies in Allianz’s policy details. Mr. Desmond, who has been traveling the globe since 2008, was shocked to learn his insurance did not cover accidents involving motorcycles with engine sizes over 200cc. This unexpected reality has left him grappling with mounting medical bills and no immediate support for his evacuation.
“Allianz needs to stop hiding behind fine print and be honest with their advertising,” Mr. Desmond stated. “(I) should be covered fully…. I will be disputing this as soon as I am back home.”
Officials from Allianz have emphasized the importance of reviewing policy terms, which they claim are outlined in their Policy Information Booklet. They noted that it is common for insurers to limit coverage based on motorcycle engine sizes, but Mr. Desmond expressed his frustration at the lack of clear communication regarding these restrictions.
Mr. Desmond’s daughters are devastated by the situation. They highlighted their father’s resilience, having lost a leg in a work accident at age 23. “Dad is one of the strongest and most capable people I know,” they shared. “If he was covered, the insurance could organize someone to escort Dad home. Without it, I have to fly to Romania to help him get back.”
The emotional toll of being stranded so far from home is compounded by the financial strain. Allianz’s lack of financial assistance leaves Mr. Desmond and his family in a precarious position, forcing them to arrange for personal support and potential evacuation costs.
Despite the adversity, Mr. Desmond remains hopeful about continuing his motorcycle journey around the world. “It has always been my dream to ride a motorcycle around the world,” he said, expressing his passion for adventure and the joy of experiencing new cultures. “I like seeing new things every day.”
This urgent situation serves as a stark reminder for travelers to thoroughly understand their insurance policies. As Mr. Desmond prepares for recovery, his fight for justice against Allianz continues, raising awareness about the critical importance of clarity in travel insurance.
Authorities and travelers alike are urged to examine their insurance coverage to avoid similar pitfalls. The family is advocating for improved transparency from insurers, hoping no one else will have to face such a harrowing ordeal.
Stay tuned for updates on Mr. Desmond’s recovery and the ongoing discussions with Allianz regarding his coverage dispute.
