Family battles AXA after Jane Rubens is hit by car in US
- Jane Rubens suffered severe brain injuries after being struck by an SUV in St Louis on November 1, 2023.
- Her family faced pressure from AXA insurance to fly her home despite medical advice against it.
- After gaining public attention, AXA reconsidered their position and agreed to discuss options with her doctors.
On November 1, 2023, Jane Rubens, a 73-year-old woman from Edinburgh, Scotland, was involved in a serious accident when she was struck by an SUV while crossing a pedestrian crossing in St Louis, Missouri. This incident left her with severe brain injuries, necessitating immediate medical attention. Medical professionals, including neurologists and a neurosurgeon, have indicated that it would not be safe for her to fly back home for several months, as she requires ongoing treatment and monitoring in her current condition. Despite this professional advice, her family faced significant pressure from the insurance company, AXA, which insisted that she needed to be repatriated to Scotland or risk losing her medical coverage, placing the family in an extremely stressful situation. Desperate for support, Catriona, Jane’s daughter, shared their story on social media, which gained substantial attention. Following this outcry, AXA agreed to communicate with the treating doctors and reassess their stance regarding Jane's repatriation. Catriona highlighted the emotional toll this ordeal has taken on their family, and the distress of fighting against an insurance company during such a tragic time. The situation underscores the often harsh realities families face when dealing with medical emergencies abroad, especially regarding insurance policies and their requirements. AXA stated they were prioritizing Jane’s welfare and were in discussions to find suitable solutions for her medical claim.