P.E.I. Man Faces Medical Emergency in Mexico Amid Insurance Crisis

A 65-year-old man from Summerside, Prince Edward Island, is battling a serious medical crisis in Mexico, where he has encountered significant challenges due to expired travel insurance. Robert Wagner travelled to Mexico with his partner on November 4, 2025, for their usual winter getaway. Nearly two months into their trip, Wagner contacted his son on December 28 to express concerns about his health.

Wagner’s son, Rob Wagner, explained that they hastily arranged a flight for his father to return home. However, he collapsed at the Air Canada gate, leading to an urgent ambulance transfer to a private hospital in Puerto Vallarta. Medical staff diagnosed him with an aortic aneurysm, requiring immediate surgical intervention. “We’re several centimeters past what would be considered critical,” Rob Wagner noted. “If he doesn’t get something soon, that’s going to rupture, and he’ll die within minutes.”

Insurance Complications and Financial Strain

Compounding the crisis, Wagner’s travel insurance had expired as it only covered 30 days of his trip. His son reflected, “It’s something we probably should have topped up in hindsight, but that’s just the situation that we’re in.” The incident has highlighted the risks associated with international travel without proper medical coverage.

The Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada emphasized the importance of obtaining adequate medical coverage before travelling, both internationally and domestically. Will McAleer, the association’s executive director, stated, “It’s unfortunate when situations like this come up because the impact is real. We see individuals sometimes forgetting to get coverage or not extending it when they stay longer.”

McAleer added that travel insurance is crucial for unexpected emergencies, particularly in countries like Mexico, where healthcare costs can be exorbitantly high. “We saw about a 27 percent increase in desires to go to places like Mexico this winter,” he said, underlining the importance of comprehensive insurance plans.

Urgent Search for Medical Assistance

Wagner’s son shared that the hospital in Puerto Vallarta quoted over $100,000 for the necessary surgery, a figure that proved unaffordable for the family. “I don’t have the cash to pay this up front. We’re not wealthy folks,” Rob Wagner lamented, explaining that without sufficient funds, the hospital would postpone the surgery. After several delays, the family consulted external medical professionals who advised them to seek alternative care.

Currently, the family is working to arrange an ambulance to transport Wagner to another city, where they have identified a surgeon willing to perform the operation. “We’re still trying to scratch up the funds required,” Rob Wagner noted. They have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the medical expenses, which has garnered a positive response from the community.

As of now, the family remains hopeful for a timely surgical intervention. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of travel insurance and the financial risks associated with international travel. CTV News has reached out to Air Canada for confirmation regarding travel insurance details but has not yet received a response.

The unfolding situation highlights the need for travellers to remain vigilant about their health coverage while abroad, ensuring they are adequately protected against unexpected medical emergencies.