I agree with you. my step mum died in Thailand. Air ambulance stood waiting on tarmac twice sadly she didn’t make it. Then had to be repatriated home. Dread to think of the cost without insurance. I buy annual premium insurance for no more than £65 . Well worth it.
As a woman I would never ask for money, would go without or work 16 hr days but would not ask for anything. Don’t do it. She won’t love or respect you more for it.