Chinese hospital refuses release of Sask. woman’s body

The family of Alicia Garlock, a young Melfort, Sask. woman who died in China, has been dealt another blow — less than a week after her death.

The family was informed by the Chinese hospital where she was staying they must pay $250,000 before the body can be returned to Canada.

Garlock’s brother Travis told paNOW his sister had insurance through the school she was teaching at, but the family isn’t clear on the coverage.

“It’s still a little foggy as to what the insurance is, from my understanding it’s not going to cover everything,” Travis said.

Alicia moved to China last year to teach but was hospitalized in January after getting sick from a mysterious illness. The family launched a GoFundMe page to help cover medical costs while she was there, and to-date have raised nearly $27,000.

The family has since increased their goal to $100,000.

Travis said the school showed interest in assisting with the medical bill but have since pulled back the offer.

“That left us in a tight spot,” he said.

The Garlock family said they’ve contacted the Saskatchewan government, who say they will contribute some funding back to the family — but the costs need to be covered up front.

Travis said his sister could have followed through with more research on her coverage and said the family hopes others learn from their tragic situation.

“Check your coverage. If you need more, get more,” he said.

paNOW reached out to Global Affairs for comment, but as of publication there was no response.