A Somerset couple feared losing their home after their son was born early in the US. They faced a massive hospital bill following a life-saving emergency surgery.
Sudden Health Crisis
Issy Ferris and Archie Sylvester are a folk duo from Frome. The pair flew to Nashville to perform when Issy was 33 weeks pregnant. Suddenly, Issy began vomiting and felt very unwell during the tour. Doctors discovered she had pre-eclampsia, which is a dangerous pregnancy complication. She needed an emergency C-section to save her life and the baby.
Insurance Battle Begins
The couple had premium travel insurance that specifically covered pregnancy issues. However, the insurance company initially refused to pay the £200,000 bill. The insurers argued that only Issy’s personal treatment was covered. Issy spent months examining medical records to fight the huge company. “Eventually, we hired a lawyer,” Issy said about the difficult situation.
Recovery and Marriage
Baby Lucky was born weighing 4lbs 1oz on September 19. He spent three weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit. While Lucky was ten days old, the couple married in Nashville. They visited their son in the hospital wearing their wedding clothes. Finally, the family flew home to the UK in November.
Raising Global Awareness
A lawyer eventually won the case after a ten-month legal battle. The couple now raises funds for Tommy’s, a pregnancy research charity. They also released an EP called “Songs That Saw Us Through.” Archie admitted the ordeal left him in a long fight-or-flight mode.