home

My Bupa Unconditional support and hospital choice during cancer treatment

The value of Bupa cover was apparent during some tense times for Hans and Anna Maria Buehler.

 
Hans and Anna Maria Buehler

For almost half a century Hans and Anna Maria Buehler have shared almost all that life has had to offer – including, for the past 23 years, their health insurance.

When German customer Hans Buehler retired from his position as CEO for a multinational metal and mineral trader in 1984, he and his Dutch wife of 49 years, Anna Maria hoped to settle into a life of retirement in their adopted home of Mexico.

However, two years after retiring, the couple’s health cover, provided by Hans’ former employer, was no longer valid and they needed to seek alternative cover – a decision that they believe to be one of the best they have ever made.

“A good friend of ours in Mexico told us about ihi danmark (now part of Bupa International),” Hans recalls. “We looked into what they could offer us and ended up taking out the International Health and Hospital Plan, which allowed us to choose the hospital and doctor best qualified to deal with our particular ailments. We also took out extra cover, which included medical evacuation and repatriation.

Increasing medical needs

“Partly due to my progressing age, over the past six or seven years I have undergone various surgical interventions, such as laser prostate reduction, bladder cancer removal and two cataract operations. All of this was done in Costa Rica – where we now live, after relocating again in 1991 – with the exception of one operation, which took place at the Clinic Genolier, close to Geneva in Switzerland. The operation was carried out here after ihi danmark not only provided the payment guarantee to the clinic and the performing doctors, but also transferred the funds and paid our airfare from Costa Rica to Geneva.

“A year after my operation at Genolier I was in Switzerland again, visiting one of our sons, and I decided to have a check-up. Again this was approved and all expenses involved – including MRI, X-rays and consultation – were promptly paid and all paperwork was dealt with directly and without any involvement from me.”

Hans hasn’t been the only one to benefit from Bupa International cover, as, earlier this year, Anna Maria also found herself in need of urgent evacuation and treatment.

“About three months ago Anna Maria fell ill also and was admitted to the CIMA Hospital in San Jose, Costa Rica. She underwent many tests, which eventually showed the presence of a tumour the size of an apple on her stomach. Since a biopsy would have meant an operation, we decided to try to obtain an appointment at the Mayo Clinic in Florida, which is recognised for its first-class physicians and state-of-the-art medical equipment.

Complete support

“Since Anna Maria’s diagnosis we have been backed all the way by Bupa International. The problem became noticeable during a weekend – when you would not necessarily expect such a prompt and efficient service – but Bupa International did not hesitate in providing payment guarantees to our hospital in Costa Rica and also arranged for guarantees at the Mayo Clinic for further tests and surgical intervention. Since Anna Maria could not travel alone, Bupa agreed to absorb the costs of two tickets and also paid our hotel bills for 10 days.

“I was amazed at how quickly everything was arranged. We left Costa Rica on Sunday 31 May and – following further tests and examinations – she was successfully operated on three days later by the Director of Surgery at the Mayo Clinic. We then consulted the oncologist, who told us the tumour was cancerous but not of an
aggressive nature.

“Obviously we were extremely nervous and tense during this period but it was made easier by the unconditional support we received throughout the ordeal from Bupa International and their very helpful and efficient team in Copenhagen. Not only did they relieve us of the financial obligations but also gave us moral support during this trying period.

“We compare our existing medical insurance with Bupa International to a life insurance policy. Although we are confronted each year with the payment of the premium, we are happy that we are still around to pay it.”

Next steps

  • The care and comfort of our members is at the heart of Bupa International's service. However, please note that each of these stories is specific to its facts and the terms of the policy under which the member was insured. No representation is made that similar benefits would apply for members in the same or similar circumstances.

Contact us

  • Telephone

    To discuss your needs, please call us on:

    +44 (0) 1273 718 306

Since Anna Maria’s diagnosis we have been backed all the way by Bupa.

What Bupa offers

Meet our staff

Read about the work our doctors and specialists do