What real coverage looks like: a crash in rural Sri Lanka, emergency surgery abroad — and $6,000 back from your insurance company

When Brandon, a Sidecar Health member, set off on a tuk-tuk journey through Sri Lanka, he expected adventure, not emergency surgery. But after a brake failure sent his three-wheeled vehicle flipping into a ravine, he found himself navigating the Sri Lankan hospital system to reattach part of his ear and treat wounds to his head and shoulder. The result? He paid nothing out of pocket and walked away with $6,000 in earnings.

This is what real coverage looks like. Even 9,000 miles from home, in a life-threatening emergency, Sidecar Health worked as expected. No scrambling. No surprise bills. Just care and peace of mind.

What happened

During a 900-kilometer tuk-tuk race through rural Sri Lanka, Brandon was involved in a serious crash that left him with multiple injuries. After an ambulance ride to a nearby hospital, he was treated by a plastic surgeon who completed the procedure just hours after the accident.

While the panic of being injured abroad was very real, Brandon was in good hands with Sidecar Health. He could focus on getting care, not worrying about what it would cost.

Why it matters

A serious injury in a remote area far from home could have been a logistical and financial nightmare. But with Sidecar Health, Brandon knew he was protected.

Once Brandon was back on his feet and ready to return home, he submitted his medical invoice through the Sidecar Health app. That was it. No chasing down records. No haggling with overseas hospitals. The hospital in Sri Lanka charged about $3,000 for the surgery and all related care.

The Benefit Amount for that care was around $15,000, so Brandon didn’t just get reimbursed, he kept half the difference. That meant more than $6,000 back in his pocket.

The bottom line

Brandon’s story isn’t just about a freak accident — it’s proof that Sidecar Health works when life throws the unexpected your way. Emergencies don’t wait for the right time or place. But with Sidecar Health, you’re protected — no matter where you are.

When his emergency struck 9,000 miles from home, Brandon never had to wonder whether his plan would hold up. With Sidecar Health, your coverage travels with you — giving you peace of mind, even across the globe.