Melfort family faces devastating hospital bill

The brother of a Melfort SASKATOON woman who died in China after contracting an unknown influenza strain and left a significant hospital bill is warning others to check their insurance before travelling overseas.

“Just double check that coverage. If you don’t feel that’s enough coverage then look into (it) in Canada before you leave, and get extra coverage, whatever the case may be,” said Travis Garlock, whose sister Alicia died Feb. 14 in a Chengdu hospital.

Alicia Garlock, 38, travelled to the capital of China’s Sichuan province to teach English in September. She fell ill in late December and deteriorated rapidly before dying this month, Garlock said.

His sister’s medical treatment resulted in a bill “close to” $250,000, he said. The family has made a lump-sum payment but a “substantial” amount remains outstanding, which relatives are hoping to cover through online fundraiser.

Garlock said he believes Chinese authorities won’t release her body until the bill is paid in full. As of Tuesday, the fundraiser had generated more than $29,000 in donations.

Saskatchewan government spokeswoman Karen Hill said the Ministry of Health is aware of Garlock’s death, but is prevented by privacy legislation from commenting specifically on her case.

Garlock said his understanding is the provincial government and other agencies are willing to help, but the entire bill must be paid outof-pocket and a receipt submitted before any money will arrive.