**Imagine becoming seriously ill when the medical staff is too: this is Jason’s stroke story in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.**
Michelle and Jason Belisle, originally from Canada, moved to Fiji in 2015 as Michelle started a work assignment. They both enjoyed their expat life and decided to stay for a few years.
In July 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jason suffered a stroke and was rushed to a private local hospital by ambulance. Michelle, who accompanied Jason, realised quickly that it would take long to get a diagnosis or care due to the ongoing pandemic and its restrictions.
I was so worried and confused that I couldn’t even find my policy number, yet Allianz reacted in such an uncomplicated way to my first call: once they understood that it was an emergency, they immediately got involved."
The team at Allianz supported Michelle from the start, contacting the hospital to help get Jason admitted and treated as soon as possible. Jason’s had suffered an extremely serious haemorrhagic stroke, requiring intensive treatment and rehabilitation over a long period of time. As his treating hospital was impacted by the pandemic (staff shortages and restrictions) it was advised that he be transferred to a more appropriate facility on another island for treatment. However, due to his serious condition flying was considered too dangerous. He remained in hospital and started his journey of treatment there.
Throughout the treatment, the Allianz Medical Team were in regular contact with Michelle, supporting her in addressing any medical queries and liaising with the treating hospital.
“John from the Medical Team in Allianz was really supportive in helping me through the process”, Michelle said. “He let me know what I should expect and also what questions to ask to the treating doctors. I never had to worry about insurance or paperwork: all this pressure was lifted off my shoulders, as the team at Allianz was looking after the administration for me. It was such a relief and allowed me to focus on Jason.”
After 20 days in care, Jason’s conditions improved enough as to be flown to New Caledonia (a two-hour flight from Fiji) where he had to quarantine for two weeks. He moved to a rehabilitation centre for further treatment where he remained until March 2022. His condition stabilised and he was finally repatriated to Canada together with Michelle. The repatriation was organised by the team in Allianz, who worked for several months to arrange it: travel restrictions and other pandemic-related circumstances made the entire process challenging.
In the rehabilitation centre in Canada Jason continued his recovery and he was discharged in July 2022. He was able to go back home to continue his recovery in a familiar environment.
Jason is doing well mentally and medically – he is improving his mobility also. He is so happy to be back home. I’m so grateful to John from the Allianz Medical Team, because he truly supported me in a time of need. The entire team at Allianz did a great job to ensure that Jason had access to appropriate care throughout his long treatment journey and challenging pandemic times."
We wish Jason and Michelle all the best and hope Jason will soon recover fully.
