British Tourist Claims Hospitals in Tenerife Turned Her Away

A British tourist, identified as Kay, has reported a distressing experience during her holiday in Tenerife, Spain, claiming she was refused treatment at three hospitals due to her nationality. Kay, who describes herself as a “military wife” and shares her travel experiences online, labeled the incident as the “scariest experience of her life.”

While on vacation, Kay developed a severe stomach bug, reportedly after consuming a salad washed with tap water. She began feeling unwell shortly after arriving on March 15, 2024, and her condition deteriorated rapidly. In a TikTok video posted on her account @kayholsav, she explained that she struggled to keep any food or liquids down, which led her to seek medical assistance.

Kay’s illness, known as traveller’s diarrhoea or “holiday tummy,” is common among tourists in regions where hygiene standards may be lower. The condition is often caused by bacteria and parasites found in contaminated food. Despite her vegetarian diet and efforts to avoid tap water, Kay found herself in a dire situation.

After calling a doctor to her hotel room, which cost her €100, she was advised that if her symptoms did not improve, she might need to be admitted to a hospital within two days. Despite her worsening condition, Kay claimed that when she sought help at three different hospitals in Tenerife, she was turned away each time.

In her video, Kay expressed frustration, stating, “The issue wasn’t just the language barrier; they were incredibly dismissive and honestly came across as quite racist. It felt like they just didn’t want to help.” She emphasized the importance of private travel insurance, noting that private clinics tend to treat patients with respect, regardless of nationality.

Ultimately, Kay managed to find a private hospital where she received the necessary treatment. She was admitted and connected to an IV drip for hydration. Reflecting on her ordeal, she remarked, “I would rather be dragged through a bush backwards than go through this illness again.”

Fortunately, Kay made a full recovery and expressed gratitude towards the hospital staff, describing them as “amazing.” She acknowledged the language barrier but appreciated their efforts to care for her. After her treatment, she was sent home with antibiotics, probiotics, and other medications to aid her recovery.

This incident raises concerns about the treatment of tourists in medical emergencies and highlights the need for accessible healthcare for all visitors, irrespective of their nationality. Kay’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for travelers, underscoring the importance of comprehensive travel insurance and awareness of local healthcare practices.