Beach Ride Fall Leaves UK Woman With Soaring Medical Costs

So she & her husband has already paid 33k GBP or 1.4 million THB

Does make one wonder if the hospitals are also being fair or not & also all the talk about that tax that was added ( was it?) to arrivals in Thailand to supposedly help with things like this.Does make one wonder not to mention the weird claim that a pony ride is extreme sports? Doesn't the handler actually lead the pony by hand?

1 hour ago, FlorC said:

Riring a pony is not an extreme sport.

As usual insurance companies weasels out.

Pony riding on the beach should not be considered an extreme sport, unless you are an unexperienced rider, but how would she be able to proove that? Travel and accident insurances will also not cover, when you are under the influence of alcohol and how many doesn't have a few glasses daily when on holiday.

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

British woman

multiple fractures and a shattered disc pressing on her spinal column

Crikey, it's the week for foreign women breaking their back.

A woman fell from a 4th floor balcony recently breaking her back in several places

1 hour ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Absolute nonsense. The couple accepted that their policy clearly stated exemptions and that they just did not read them... nothing to do with insurers' "weaselling-out as usual", it is a fact that in excess of 90% of all insurance claims are paid out by insurers so successful payouts are 'the usual'.

Is there a case to say that all such insurance policies should have a statement at the top and bottom every pag, in very big bold font saying 'READ THE SITUATIONS WHICH ARE NOT COVERED ON PAGE X CLAUSE ZZ, READ IT SEVERAL TIMES, contact your agent if you have any questions'

i'm aware that in some Australian states it's the law in some Australian states for certain insurance policies to state in some Autralian states the brochures, application forms, policy documents, renewal documents must have the above. Not difficult.

Travel ins I got for my kid to USA had a list of sports or activities we expected to participate in and price was adjusted accordingly.

Crossing the road in Thailand should be classed as an Extreme sport, Many times in the past we have always gone horse riding when on Holiday, serious trekking not just a trot along the beach, I'd like to know what do they cover now?

1 hour ago, Liverpool Lou said:

A Brit who conceded that she didn't read her policy conditions and did not do anything to "ask the society" [sic] for anything.

Liv have a heart ...it's only his second post !

In response to those here who said "she didn't read the policy", none of us have seen the policy. Often, maybe even usually, the coverage and exceptions are buried deep in the legal terms and conditions. Some policies I've seen, now do list more clearly what is, and what is not covered. It's often the cheaper policies that don't offer broad coverage. Still, who here really would consider riding a pony for leisure on a beach as an "extreme sport"? Shame on their insurance company. Seems like the employer is a decent one and I hope the lady recovers as swiftly and as fully as possible.

2 hours ago, milesinnz said:

would you call riding a pony on a beach an extreme sport ? I wonder if the insurance policy lists what are to be deemed extreme sports.. maybe crossing a road on foot in Thailand is also an extreme sport - would seem more dangerous than riding a pony on a beach ?

It is extreme when you don't want to pay out which is what it appears to be in this case. Having said that there could be more to the story than we know.

Does the fine print of an insurance policy typical define what is considered and extreme sport ?

How many people actually read their policies. That's the real leason here.

Expected to see a bunch of cucks for the insurance companies in comments and was not disappointed. Good luck to them when they have something go wrong and get to see the almost infinite number of ways insurances companies try to get out of paying.

Get international healthcare insurance that will cover one 24/7 regardless of cause for medical treatment other than pre-existing condition if specified and applicable. If ultra cheap add travel insurance but third party medical insurance may delay underlying international healthcare insurance claims.

54 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

Crossing the road in Thailand should be classed as an Extreme sport, Many times in the past we have always gone horse riding when on Holiday, serious trekking not just a trot along the beach, I'd like to know what do they cover now?

Don't give them any ideas. Insurance companies entire model is raking in as much cash as possible and denying as many claims as they can.

Calling a beachside pony ride an “extreme sport” tells you everything you need to know. Travel insurance companies will twist reality itself if it helps them deny a claim.

2 hours ago, scorecard said:

Is there a case to say that all such insurance policies should have a statement at the top and bottom every pag, in very big bold font saying 'READ THE SITUATIONS WHICH ARE NOT COVERED ON PAGE X CLAUSE ZZ, READ IT SEVERAL TIMES, contact your agent if you have any questions'

i'm aware that in some Australian states it's the law for certain insurance policies (and other subjects e.g. finance) for brochures, webpages, application forms, policy documents, renewal documents must have the above. Not difficult.

Just now, scorecard said:

2 hours ago, scorecard said:

Is there a case to say that all such insurance policies should have a statement at the top and bottom every page, in very big bold font saying 'READ THE SITUATIONS WHICH ARE NOT COVERED ON PAGE X CLAUSE ZZ, READ IT SEVERAL TIMES, contact your agent if you have any questions'

1 minute ago, scorecard said:

2 hours ago, scorecard said:

Is there a case to say that all such insurance policies should have a statement at the top and bottom every pag, in very big bold font saying 'READ THE SITUATIONS WHICH ARE NOT COVERED ON PAGE X CLAUSE ZZ, READ IT SEVERAL TIMES, contact your agent if you have any questions'

Dont understand some people , when you make travel insurance always take extreme sports also . You never know what you be doing during your holidays and it not cost a lot extra for extreme sports insurance.

Get well soon honey.

What a horrible end to a celebratory holiday.

My mother broke her hip a few days ago and had surgery to replace it the following day, hospital in our home town and that was a whole lot of aggro, i can't imagine how much organisation this couple has had to go through after she got injured in Thailand.

There truly are some miserable and heartless posters on here.

Poor man....I wonder how he will pass the evenings away with the missus stuck in a hospital bed?

Let me get this straight, "a donkey ride on the beach is an extreme sport" ? Really ?

I've always dreaded the thought of ever having to deal with an insurance company.

10 hours ago, Tyke said:

Even if they misunderstood, why should others be expected to pay?

@Tyke & @Taboo2 , they're not asking other people to pay, which you imply would be through taxes, IMHO. They are merely asking people to donate to help them. I see nothing wrong with that. Heck I wouldn't think to read a policy that carefully to know what is and isn't covered. Cut 'em some slack (and donate).

10 hours ago, milesinnz said:

would you call riding a pony on a beach an extreme sport ? I wonder if the insurance policy lists what are to be deemed extreme sports.. maybe crossing a road on foot in Thailand is also an extreme sport - would seem more dangerous than riding a pony on a beach ?

I used to have a quarter horse gilding, almost sixteen hands tall. I road him in the foothills of the Cascade mountains. I have been thrown from my horse a few times and I can tell you it is frighting and very dangerous. I can very well understand why insurance companies interpret horse or pony riding as extreme.

14 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

A British tourist has warned others to check their travel insurance after being left with medical bills of at least £21,000, approximately 920000 baht, following a spinal injury on holiday in Krabi. Jo Ingram, 56, from Belton near Great Yarmouth, broke her back in three places after falling from a pony during a beach trek on 8 March. The activity was later classed as an “extreme sport” and was not covered by her insurance policy, leaving the couple to fund treatment themselves.

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Jo and her husband Stu, 58, had been on a two-week trip celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary when the incident occurred on the penultimate evening of their stay. She was taken to hospital by ambulance after waking on the sand in severe pain, where X-rays revealed multiple fractures and a shattered disc pressing on her spinal column. She underwent emergency surgery after lying in hospital for 36 hours in extreme pain.

The couple paid £12,000 upfront from their savings to begin treatment, with the total cost of a two-week hospital stay rising to £21,000. Additional expenses continue to mount due to ongoing physiotherapy, rehabilitation and extended hotel accommodation, as Jo cannot fly home until at least seven weeks after surgery. They expect to remain in Thailand until at least the end of April.

Stu said the experience had been “indescribable”, with constant fear and concern about possible paralysis during the wait for surgery. The couple accepted the insurer’s decision, acknowledging they had not fully checked the policy details. An online fundraiser set up by Stu’s employer has already raised enough to cover their initial outlay, with support also coming from family, friends and Jo’s workplace.

Jo said her recovery would take months, although she has regained some mobility with the help of a walking frame. She urged other travellers to carefully review insurance policies before taking part in activities, warning that many are not covered. “It’s a mistake we’ve made and we’ve paid dearly for it,” she said.

The BBC reported that Tom Vaughan from the insurance website confused.com said travellers should assume any activity not explicitly listed in a policy is excluded. He noted that while many policies cover activities such as scuba diving or bungee jumping, it is essential to confirm details in advance. A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it is supporting a British woman hospitalised in Thailand.

Pictures courtesy of BBC

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Adapted by ASEAN Now BBC 27 Mar 2026

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Pony riding an extreme sport 😱FFS do me a favour. 😤

13 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Absolute nonsense. The couple accepted that their policy clearly stated exemptions and that they just did not read them... nothing to do with insurers' "weaselling-out as usual", it is a fact that in excess of 90% of all insurance claims are paid out by insurers so successful payouts are 'the usual'.

My weaseling insurance company did their best to weasel out of my tsunami claim but I got the bastards.

6 hours ago, garsmx said:

Let me get this straight, "a donkey ride on the beach is an extreme sport" ? Really ?

I've always dreaded the thought of ever having to deal with an insurance company.

Right I would have thought more chance of being hit by a stray gold ball on a golf course or twisting your ankle in the sand trap. Is golf listed as an extreme sport?

14 hours ago, RamblingOn said:

Still, they didn't read the policy!

I’m willing to bet that the policy doesn’t say that pony riding on a beach is an extreme sport that is not covered.

Assuming that to be the case, reading the policy would do them no good whatsoever. Isn’t that correct?

Personally, I’d be fighting tooth and nail to say that jogging on a beach pony is in no way extreme. Particularly if on general offer to adults and children without any disclaimers as to the danger involved.

These insurance companies are sneaky bastards. Checked my policy for permitted and exclude activities and horse riding, pony trekking or beach donkey rides are not listed in either section. But there is a catch all clause "If an activity is NOT listed above it is NOT covered unless You contact Us and We agree, in writing, to cover the activity. Please telephone Our Customer Helpline on 0330 041 2880 if You are unsure as to whether Your intended activity is covered by Your Policy."

I am going to pay special attention in future.

What I did notice under the what is not covered in the accidents section. "Any claim arising from an Accident occurring while You are motorcycling as a rider or a passenger"

Now I am not likely to be riding a motor bike how ever I do have a full UK motor cycle license and on my IDP. Why is this excluded if you have a full license? I will be giving motor cycle taxis a miss.

3 minutes ago, wensiensheng said:

I’m willing to bet that the policy doesn’t say that pony riding on a beach is an extreme sport that is not covered.

Assuming that to be the case, reading the policy would do them no good whatsoever. Isn’t that correct?

Personally, I’d be fighting tooth and nail to say that jogging on a beach pony is in no way extreme. Particularly if on general offer to adults and children without any disclaimers as to the danger involved.

See my post above about the blanket exclusion clause if something is not specifically listed. I something is not listed as being permitted or is not listed as a not covered hazardous activity then it is not covered. In my policy pony trekking is not listed but mountain biking is listed. Seems a bit strange it is not specifically covered or specifically excluded. Not exactly a rare past time.

Just now, Geoff914 said:

See my post above about the blanket exclusion clause if something is not specifically listed. I something is not listed as being permitted or is not listed as a not covered hazardous activity then it is not covered. In my policy pony trekking is not listed but mountain biking is listed. Seems a bit strange it is not specifically covered or specifically excluded. Not exactly a rare past time.

I take your point.

But, there’s always a but, if I read the policy word for word and pony riding isn’t mentioned, do I then take the insurance anyway and be left in the position of guessing whether I can ride a pony or not?

Of course, it’s not just pony riding, I effectively have to guess whether ANY activity may or may not be covered. The point being that I personally would guess that pony riding would be covered as it just doesn’t seem that extreme in the slightest. So the worth of insurance is for whatever is specifically mentioned as being covered. And that often isn’t much because insurance companies prefer to detail benefits, and exclusions, and then add a blanket exemption clause. Very rarely do they detail specific activities being included as part of a general policy.

So Mr consumer, guess whether you are covered or not.

I’m not a fan of insurance tbh, I prefer to self insure when I can. Other wise I am paying for the risks others run. Need to have the dosh to back that up of course