Vacation Horror: Bat Flees into Woman’s Mouth, Leading to $20,000 Medical Bill

A woman vacationing at Arizona's Glen Canyon National Recreation Area experienced a frightening encounter when a bat flew into her mouth, resulting in a medical bill exceeding $20,000. Erica Kahn, 33, who was visiting the site last August, noticed bats flying nearby while taking nighttime photos but didn't think much of it until one got dangerously close, becoming trapped between her camera and face. In panic, she screamed, and part of the bat entered her mouth for several seconds. Her accompanying father, a doctor, advised immediate rabies treatment, prompting her to seek emergency care across multiple clinics in Arizona, Massachusetts, and Colorado. Unaware that her newly purchased insurance plan had a 30-day waiting period, Erica was shocked to receive a bill for over $20,000 for the rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin treatments. She had opted out of COBRA coverage shortly before her trip, believing she could manage without insurance, which left her vulnerable in this emergency. This incident underscores the unpredictability of medical emergencies and the importance of adequate insurance coverage, especially when engaging in outdoor activities in wildlife habitats.