In March 2022, Leidemor Bartolome traveled to the U.S. for amission: to take her late mother’s ashes home. But what was already a difficult journey took an unexpected turn. She and her father were involved in a car accident that left them injured and facing nearly ₱2 million in medical bills.

Far from home and still grieving, Leidemor suddenly found herself in an overwhelming situation: navigating the complex logistics of a hospital stay in a foreign country while worrying about the immense costs added to an already heavy emotional toll.

A Lesson in Being Prepared

“I never thought I’d face something like this while grieving for my mom,” Leidemor shared. “In just 12 hours, my hospital bills reached over $33,000. It was shocking, and I didn’t know how I could handle it all.”

Traveling during such a vulnerable time was already difficult, but the accident made her realize just how unprepared many of us can be for emergencies abroad.

Luckily, Leidemor had prepared for her trip by getting a reliable travel insurance provider. “I chose AXA because I knew I could easily communicate with them, especially in the U.S., where medical costs are so high.”

As it turns out, her AXA Smart Traveller policy became more than just a piece of paper; it was a lifeline during a time of crisis. “When I learned my claims had been approved, I felt like a huge weight was lifted,” Leidemor recalls. “I could finally focus on healing, instead of worrying about the bills. It gave me peace of mind during one of the most difficult moments of my life.”

Why Travel Insurance Is Worth It

Leidemor’s story is a powerful reminder of how quickly things can change, even during trips with the best intentions. From medical emergencies to accidents, being unprepared for the unexpected can result in financial and emotional stress.

For her, having the right support made all the difference. “It’s easy to think you don’t need insurance, but after what happened to me, I realize how important it is. I only went to the U.S. to bring home my mother’s ashes, and yet something completely unexpected still happened. You just never know.”

She also offers practical advice for other travelers: “Make sure you know what your policy covers and share it with someone back home in case they need to help coordinate during an emergency.”

A Safety Net When You Need It

Leidemor’s experience underscores the importance of preparation, especially when traveling abroad. Travel insurance isn’t just about financial protection—it’s about having peace of mind to confidently handle life’s unpredictable moments.

Designed for worry-free international and domestic trips, the AXA Smart Traveller offers comprehensive benefits, including:
• Highest medical coverage of up to PHP3.5 million each for accidents and sickness while abroad
• Refunds for travel inconveniences like flight cancellations or delays
• Coverage for lost or damaged luggage
• 24/7 travel and emergency assistance

With Smart Traveller, know you can focus on making memories by having the right coverage for the unexpected—just like Leidemor was.

Before you embark on your next adventure, take a moment to plan for your safety and security. To learn more about Smart Traveller and how it can help protect you from the unexpected while traveling, visit here.