Pain Meds and More Pain Meds

Date:: November 14, 2023

Categories: Emergency Room, Pain meds, Wrist Fracture

On my first day during a layover in Reykjavik, Iceland, I unfortunately tripped and tumbled down, using my wrist to break the fall. The result was a displaced fracture that required immediate attention. In a bit of pain, I decided to take a taxi to the nearest hospital.

Upon arriving at the Emergency Room, one of the initial inquiries was about my insurance coverage. Fortunately, I did have comprehensive travel insurance. The bill for the medical care amounted to $750, and I was expected to settle it before leaving. Despite the financial aspect, I couldn’t complain about the quality of care I received. The medical professionals stabilized me and recommended that I return home for further treatment, which eventually involved surgery.

I was somewhat taken aback by the ease with which they prescribed pain medication, yet it struck me as odd that no vitals were checked. After spending a few hours in the hallway, I decided to request ice for my injured arm. However, instead of addressing my request, they simply inquired if I wanted more pain medication.

Luckily, my US health insurance covered the emergency visit, albeit with a $250 deductible. Thankfully, my travel insurance covered this deductible along with expenses related to the accident, such as taxi fares and other incidentals. Despite the initial shock of the accident and the subsequent challenges, the combination of insurances significantly eased the financial burden associated with my unexpected mishap in Iceland.