A British tourist says her dream winter escape to Thailand has spiralled into a financial and medical nightmare after a horse riding accident left her with a broken spine — and a £30,000 hospital bill. Joanna Ingram, 57, from Belton, Norfolk, United Kingdom, travelled to Thailand in February with her husband Stuart for a relaxing two-week break. Instead, the trip ended in emergency spinal surgery and a battle with their travel insurer over who will pay the soaring costs. A Holiday Ride That Ended in Disaster The couple spent the first part of their trip enjoying the beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui before heading to Krabi. During a beach pony trek on 8 March, Joanna says the accident happened in seconds. “One minute I was on the back of the horse, the next I was on the ground,” she said. Doctors later told her she had fractured her spine in three places. The shock diagnosis left the couple fearing she might never walk again. Emergency Surgery and a Long Recovery Joanna was rushed into emergency spinal fusion surgery, where surgeons inserted multiple screws to stabilise her back. “I think I have seven different screws holding it together,” she said. Despite the severity of the injuries, doctors say she has regained full movement — a recovery she describes as “an absolute miracle”. She is now undergoing physiotherapy and can walk short distances as she rebuilds her strength. Insurance Row Leaves Couple Facing Huge Bills The financial fallout has been severe. Joanna says her travel insurer has refused to cover the treatment because horse riding is classified as a high-risk activity. Hospital care is costing about £2,000 a day. The total bill has already exceeded £30,000 and continues to climb. Officials at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office warn that some activities abroad may not be covered unless travellers purchase additional insurance. Race to Get Home The couple hope Joanna will be medically cleared to fly home within 10 days — but that journey could cost another £10,000. Once back in Britain, she will require a specialist ambulance to reach home, adding a further £2,000 to the bill. Friends and family have launched a fundraiser to help cover the costs as the couple fight to bring their nightmare holiday to an end. My dream holiday in Thailand has become a nightmare with a £30,000 bill
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