(1) Gil, an American physician on vacation in Western Europe, injured his back in a bicycling accident and suspected a minor spinal fracture. (2) His wife contacted Assist America, who could arrange doctors, monitor Gil's care, and assist with returning home if needed, though Gil stubbornly tried to continue his vacation. (3) After realizing he couldn't stand on his own, Gil sought treatment, where his diagnosis was confirmed, and Assist America arranged and paid for him to fly first class and receive assistance to return safely home and recover.

1. ASSISTANCE CASE STUDY
Assist America has no exclusions for pre-existing conditions, geographic risk,
puts our resources in motion on behalf of any member, whether they are traveling on
business or pleasure. For more information, visit www.assistamerica.com.
Spinal fracture in Western Europe
Gil* was a physician from the US, on a dream vacation in Western
Europe. He was bicycling across the countryside when he got
into an accident, injuring his back. He was in a great deal of pain,
and at times, couldn’t gather the strength to walk. Gil was familiar
with this type of injury, and suspected he had sustained a minor
spinal fracture.
Gil’s wife was back at home in the US and anxious about how
her husband could obtain help overseas. She called Assist
America on his behalf and spoke to coordinators who explained
all that Assist America could do to help. Gil’s wife was pleased
to hear that Assist America would be able to recommend doctors
in Gil’s location, monitor his care and even arrange for assistance
with his trip home if need be. The problem would be convincing
her stubborn husband to seek treatment.
Gil tried to enjoy the remainder of his vacation as planned,
however at dinner one night, he found he was unable to stand
on his own and finally decided to seek treatment. He went to a
local facility recommended by Assist America where it was
discovered that his self-diagnosis was spot on. Not much could
be done for the type of injury he had sustained, however—he
would just need to get as much rest as possible to allow himself
time to heal.
Since Gil wouldn’t be able to sit upright for the long flight home,
Assist America arranged and paid for him to travel home via first
class, where he’d be able to lay down for the majority of the flight.
They even arranged wheelchair assistance throughout the airport,
porters to help with his luggage during his layovers and a car
service to take him to and from the airport. Gil’s wife couldn’t
have been happier to see her husband return home safely to
continue his recovery.
* names changed for privacy