British Tourist Claims Hospitals in Tenerife Denied Care Due to Race

A British tourist recently recounted a distressing experience during her holiday in Tenerife, Spain, where she claims that three hospitals refused to treat her due to her nationality. Kay, a military wife and social media travel influencer, described her ordeal as the “scariest experience of her life” after suffering from a severe stomach bug.

According to Kay, her health deteriorated after consuming a salad that she believes had been washed with local tap water. She stated that her symptoms began shortly after her arrival in Tenerife, as she struggled to keep food down. In a TikTok video shared on her account @kayholsav, Kay explained, “I arrived on the Friday, had dinner at the hotel, and from then on I cannot physically keep anything in my system.” This situation persisted for days, leading to severe dehydration.

In a desperate attempt to seek help, Kay called a doctor to her hotel room, incurring a fee of approximately €100. The doctor warned her that she might need to be admitted to a hospital if her condition did not improve within two days. Unfortunately, when she sought assistance from local hospitals, she alleges that she was turned away because of her English background.

Kay claimed that the staff were not only dismissive but also exhibited what she perceived as racist behavior. She expressed her 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.”

In her experience, Kay highlighted the importance of private travel insurance, noting that private clinics tend to treat patients with more respect, regardless of nationality. After several attempts, she eventually found herself in a private hospital where she received the necessary care.

Once admitted, Kay reported that she was hooked up to an IV drip to address her severe dehydration and treated for a stomach infection. She expressed gratitude for the staff’s efforts, saying, “Bless them – they didn’t understand me, nor did I them, but they did their best.”

Kay made a full recovery and was prescribed antibiotics and probiotics to aid her recovery. Reflecting on her experience, she commented, “I would rather be dragged through a bush backwards than go through my illness again.” She concluded by thanking the staff at the hospital for their support during her challenging ordeal.

This incident raises significant concerns about the accessibility of healthcare for tourists abroad, particularly regarding the treatment they may receive based on their nationality. Kay’s experience serves as a reminder of the need for travelers to be prepared for potential health issues while abroad and to seek out reputable medical facilities when necessary.