Losing a loved one is one of the most profound challenges anyone can face. For Leidemor Bartolome, the emotional weight of saying goodbye to her mother was intensified by a series of unforeseen events while she was abroad. In March 2022, she traveled to the US with a heavy heart to fulfill the painful task of arranging her mother’s cremation. But on the very day of the ceremony, Leidemor and her father were involved in a car accident. To make matters worse, the vehicle they collided with belonged to a diplomat on official assignment in the US.
Already reeling from the loss of her mother, Leidemor now found herself dealing with the aftermath of an accident in a foreign country—injured, grieving, and far from home. The confusion and anxiety were overwhelming. Yet, the situation only became more complex when the medical bills quickly climbed to an enormous 1.5 million pesos. It was a weight she never expected to bear during such a vulnerable time.
Amid this chaos, Leidemor found unexpected support. What could have been a crippling financial burden was lifted thanks to the travel insurance coverage she had in place. This relief allowed her to focus on her healing, her family, and navigating the emotional journey of loss without the added stress of overwhelming medical expenses
Facing a Difficult Journey
Your mother decided to move to the US later in life after you and your sister had already established your own families. What was her reasoning behind that choice, and how did it impact your relationship with her at the time?
My mom moved to the U.S. because she was finally able to fulfill her long-awaited dreams. She had been petitioned by her sister, and the opportunity allowed her to have better job prospects and a new life. At the time, it didn’t affect me much. I was supportive of her decision and happy that she was able to find a better life. Even though we were far apart, I always dreamed of joining her one day.
What was it like for you to balance your role as a daughter with your responsibilities, given the distance between you and your mother?
I became both a sister and a mother to my younger sister after my mom moved. It was challenging, but it helped me grow into a more mature and responsible person. The distance made me stronger and more independent, and I took on more responsibilities at home. It wasn’t always easy, but it made me the person I am today.
The Emotional Toll of Losing a Mother
When you found out about your mother’s passing, how did you navigate the decision to travel to the U.S., knowing the emotional weight you would carry with you? What was the most difficult part of that journey, emotionally and logistically?
The decision to go to the US wasn’t easy. My father and relatives are elderly, and nobody could take charge of the funeral arrangements, so my sister and I had to step in. I felt guilty for not flying to the U.S. sooner, especially when my mom’s health had been in decline in 2021. I wished I could have been there to care for her.
Logistically, it was also tough. Traveling during the pandemic meant I had to deal with a lot of documents and RT-PCR tests. I remember the long lines at the airport in Narita, Japan, where the staff couldn’t even understand some of my documents in English. It was hard to keep my composure, especially when they referred to my mom’s ashes as “bones.” That experience felt surreal, but I kept my calm because I didn’t want to disturb the other passengers.
Finding Peace Amid Crisis
Despite the overwhelming emotional and logistical burdens, Leidemor found an unexpected source of relief. Her AXA Travel Insurance policy helped cover the medical expenses from the accident, including expenses that would have been financially devastating had she been forced to cover them on her own.
What was your reaction when the financial burden of the medical situation was taken off your shoulders? How did that relief change your experience of recovery?
I was so grateful. As a Catholic, I felt like God had answered my prayers. AXA’s support gave me peace of mind. When I learned they had approved my claims, I felt a huge sense of relief—both emotionally and physically. It allowed me to focus on healing. The stress of hospital bills had been making me physically ill, causing high blood pressure, and I had to start taking maintenance medication. With AXA’s help, I was able to focus on my recovery and not worry about the finances.
The Importance of Travel Insurance
Given everything you’ve been through, do you have any advice for people who might face unexpected challenges while traveling abroad? What do you think would help them feel more at ease or be prepared for anything?
Stay calm and composed. Always check your insurance policy and know what it covers. Make sure a family member at home has a copy of the policy too, so they can help coordinate if anything happens. The time zone difference can make communication tricky, so it's helpful if someone back home can step in. And most importantly, be sure to choose a reliable, trusted insurance provider. I opted for AXA because I knew I could easily communicate with them, especially since I was traveling to the US, where the cost of living was so high.
The Power of Family, Even From Afar
Leidemor’s experience underscores the powerful role that family plays in Filipino culture. Even though her mother was miles away, their bond remained strong, providing emotional support even across the distance. But as Leidemor’s story also shows, having the right support like AXA Travel Insurance can make all the difference when facing the unexpected. It gives travelers peace of mind knowing that, no matter where they are, they are not alone in a crisis.
Finally, what has this experience taught you about the power of family, even when distance or tragedy keeps you apart?
Family is a source of strength, resilience, and emotional support. No matter the distance, our love for each other never fades. It’s a reminder that, even when we are apart, we are never truly alone.
A Lesson in Preparedness
Leidemor’s story is a powerful reminder of why travel insurance is so essential. In moments of crisis, having a trusted provider can help shoulder the financial burden, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. Whether you're traveling for a family emergency or an adventure, being prepared for the unexpected ensures that you're never caught off guard.
As Leidemor’s experience shows, having travel insurance isn’t just about protecting your belongings or getting reimbursed for canceled trips. It’s about ensuring that no matter what happens, you have the support you need to navigate difficult times without worrying about the financial toll.
AXA Travel Insurance offers comprehensive coverage that includes up to $250,000 in medical expenses, emergency evacuation services, and 24/7 assistance, ensuring you're never alone when the unexpected happens. With AXA, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are secure in times of medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost belongings, and more, no matter where you are.
For peace of mind on your next trip, learn more about how AXA Travel Insurance can protect you during life’s unpredictable moments.