Question about bringing DD's friend to WDW

[Shadeaux]

My daughter's 17 yr. old friend is supposed to come with us to WDW this summer. Being the worrier that I am, I asked the friend's father to put something in writing giving us permission to get her medical treatment in an emergency. I also told him she needed to bring her insurance card. That's when I found out she has no health insurance. Now I'm not sure what to do. What happens if she gets sick or hurt? A visit to the E.R. isn't cheap. I thought about asking the father to sign something saying that in the event of an emergency, he'd reimburse us for any medical expenses we incur. I realize there's very little chance of her getting sick or hurt. Am I being too cautious? When he found out dd's friend didn't have insurance, my husband said we probably shouldn't bring her with us.

Any advice from those who have traveled with their kid's friends?

Thanks.

 

[CBRorBust]

Nope not being to cautious!

I think you're doing the right thing. But make sure you still take her! Poor girl, you can't let her miss out on a WDW trip because she doesn't have insurance!



Take her with the note signed by dad.

 

[Shadeaux]

Originally posted by CBRorBust
I think you're doing the right thing. But make sure you still take her! Poor girl, you can't let her miss out on a WDW trip because she doesn't have insurance!

Thanks for the quick reply. I really don't want to tell dd's friend that she can't go! Not only will the friend be disappointed, my dd will never forgive me! She'll pout and torture me all summer.

I'll see if the dad is willing to agree to signing something to reimburse us for any medical expenses.

 

[TEENEE]

I don't think you are being overly cautious. Ask the dad to sign the papers and make sure they are notorized. Whenever I or my kids are out of town I make sure they have similar papers. It may seem silly to some people but it's peace of mind for me.

 

[Tinkerbelle739]

It would be ashame for DD to miss out on having her friend go with you! Speaking from experience, my grandparents (who took me to Disney for months at a time) allowed me to take friends 4 different times. We had a blast!!

I would just mention your concern to the parents. I would say something like, "We would love to take ? with us but we are concerned that if an emergency was to occur we would be responsible for her medical care. We, of course, would treat your daughter as our own on the trip and that is why I am bringing this up with you. An emergency trip to the ER is unlikely, but just in case I think we should discuss it."

If you feel comfortable with their answers, then take her and have fun!!! If not, well, then I guess you will have to discuss it with your family and decide what is best.

Let us know what happens.

Wishing everyone a "magical" day!

 

[Rajah]

I agree with the others. You're not being too cautious, and I think having him sign something stating he'll reimburse any medical costs and having that notorized is a good idea.

 

[FINFAN]

You may also want to contact WDW and ask what they'd require in the parks etc., for them to treat her if needed...this may make the discussion a bit more comfortable if the parents realize the parks may prefer a written consent.
How nice of you to take your DD's friend!

Pam

 

[Stepharoonie!]

 

[grinningghost]

A sticky one for sure, but you are right, get something in writing. Last summer we took our DD's friend along and got everything in writing and notarized. She had health insurance, so that wasn't an issue as it is with you.

Chances of something happening are slim, but we did end up with one tiny incident. DD and her friend both ended up with a nasty rash. While we were in MK, I had the nurse there take a look at it. She said it was "bug bites". Um, those were some pretty vicious bugs I guess. It turned out that we didn't need to seek true medical treatment, but I still don't think those were just "bug bites". Makes me wonder what kind of nurses they hire there.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

If you are really concerned, you might want to look into one of those Travel Medical Insurance plans. The generally cover emergency expenses and are pretty cheap.

We've had to put a couple of kids travelling with Scouts and Youth Groups on them and the cost has always been very reasonable.

 

[Shadeaux]

Thanks so much for all the suggestions. This is the first time we've ever brought any of dd's friends on vacation. Between driving time and time spent at WDW, we're usually away from home for almost 2 weeks. My daughter, who is 16, has been to WDW more than 20 times since she was 8 months old. She's really looking forward to showing her friend everything she's been telling her about for years.

Toby's friend - I'm going to mention travel medical insurance to the dad, but I'm not optimistic that he'll even consider it. Do you have any suggestions as to where to find out the cost, etc?

 

[Toby'sFriend]

From this website here

http://www.hthtravelinsurance.com/travel_medical.cfm

It looks like it would be about $20 to cover a week.

I imagine a local Travel Agent or Insurance Agent might be able to help you out.

 

[Shadeaux]

Toby'sFriend -

Thanks for the link. Unfortunately, that particular insurance coverage isn't sold in Louisiana.
Our insurance is through my husband's job and in looking at their website, it doesn't look like they offer any type of temporary insurance. I called my State Farm agent; they do have temporary medical coverage but it's very expensive. I'll check with some of the local travel agents to see what they can tell me.

This is so frustrating! I really want dd's friend to come with us because I don't think she's ever been on a vacation.

 

[Cruisin]

Have you tried to checking with your local AAA office or a Travel Agency. They would both sell travel/medical insurance for travellers and it should probably be at a reasonable price.

 

[Pam]

If it's a matter of the parents not earning enough to carry health insurance on their children, does your state offer free medical insurance to children?

Here in PA we have the CHIPS plan in which the state covers all children whose parents do not meet income guidelines and are unable to provide insurance coverage on their own. This might be something the Dad should look into.