A TEIGNMOUTH woman who suffered a serious hit-and-run accident on holiday says it proved just how vital travel insurance can be.

Pat May, 63, was left with a smashed hip after being struck by a scooter and was given 'brilliant' medical help by her insurance company.

She is recovering at her Maudlin Drive home, and sang the praises of the 'wonderful caring attitude' of the Indian people.

Her drama began on a two-week holiday in Goa, with a woman friend, to celebrate her 63rd birthday.

But the big day, on February 25, turned into a nightmare when she was crossing a road and a scooter 'appeared out of nowhere', knocking her over. The rider did not stop.

Locals took her to a hospital-medical centre, but she was not happy with the poor conditions there, especially the mosquitoes and cockroaches, and with stray dogs and cats wandering around.

'They wanted to operate, but I refused because I did not like the look of the place. I was in there for five days. It was not nice at all.

'The local people heard about it and they contacted the British Embassy, who were able to arrange for me to be transferred to the private Apollo Hospital, which was five star.

'I had a top surgeon operate, and my hip needed seven bolts, seven screws, four bits of wire, and a plate.

'It was a world apart from the other place and I could not have had better treatment anywhere.'

Eventually, Saga insurance arranged for her to be flown home via Mumbia, where she was also given a tour of the city while waiting for the flight to Heathrow.

Mrs May was allocated a bed in business class and accompanied by a doctor, who stayed with her in a private ambulance all the way to Torbay Hospital.

She remained in hospital for five days.

She is making good progress at home, but is taking strong painkillers. She is expected to stay on crutches for up to two months.

'If it wasn't for the insurance, I don't know what I would have done. It would have cost thousands for the treatment and transfer home.

She said: 'It just shows how important such cover is abroad. The Indian people could not have been kinder – they even brought me food in the first hospital, because none was provided.

'Since I have been home, they have telephoned to see how I am, and said they were praying for me. They are wonderful people and I cannot wait to return to thank them for their help and generosity.'

Mrs May, who is a foster carer and a charity worker, often taking children for Saturday morning fun sessions at the Teignbridge 76 Club in Newton Abbot, is also full of praise for husband John.

'He has been given time off work to look after me, as well as the foster child we are looking after.

'John is a real star and I could not have coped without him,' she added.