Editor’s Note: The travel agent and insurance broker interviewed in this story do not have any personal or professional ties to the Bovards and were in no way involved in the tragic situation that occurred.

POLAND, Ohio (WKBN) – A local congregation is coming together to help a family suffering an unimaginable loss.

Church of the Rock in Poland raised almost $50,000 for Lee and Linda Bovard. Earlier this month, the Bovards were on a cruise off the coast of Panama when Linda was badly hurt in a fall down a flight of stairs. She ultimately passed away there but not before generating tens of thousands in medical and other expenses.

“The last I looked, it was unbelievably..people were giving, you know, out of their hearts,” said Church of the Rock Pastor Reid Lamport.

Lee is now back in the United States but spent days on his own trying to get help while Linda was in the hospital.

“We understand that the phone bill alone was in the thousands,” said Pastor Lamport.

Local travel agents say it shows just how important travel insurance can be.

“Most of our medical coverage does not cover us outside of the country,” said Debra Whitmore of “Debra Destinations.” “That is why I always recommend to my clients to purchase travel insurance for their trip.”

Whitmore says the coverage can come from travel providers such as cruise lines or from a third party.

“I give clients a card with their insurance and it’s got an 800 number on there,” she said.

It’s recommended clients call their agent or carrier if they have specific questions about coverage and benefits.

“Ask the questions,” said Jolene Payne of The Assurance Group. “And if it’s not what you’re looking for–needing–maybe a little bit of extra something in travel insurance.”

Experts say if insurance won’t cover expenses right away customers may need to pay up front themselves.

“Document everything,” said Payne. “You know, and keep all of those receipts making sure that you’re getting everything from the hospital.”

Payne also encourages clients to review their life insurance each year to ensure benefits are in place to cover the unexpected.