Travel Insurance Article Discussion

Doc_N

ericthelobster wrote: »

We're taking my Mum (late 70s) on holiday next year (outside the EU), and need travel insurance to cover her - just for the health aspects; not fussed about lost baggage/delayed departures etc but we can't afford air ambulances etc should the worst happen!:eek:

Looking for quotes at the moment, but what's really freaking me is the whole pre-existing medical conditions thing. I'm aware only too well that they need to be declared, which is why it's worrying me: I once had to fly back from the US urgently due to a sick relative at home, and the resulting claim was turned down on very tenuous 'pre-existing conditions' grounds.

So, although Mum's extremely active and healthy and well up for the trip, like anyone her age she's had her fair share of health issues over the years and has a fair collection of pills to take for various ailments each day. My question is, how can I be 100% sure that absolutely everything that needs to be declared, is declared, and nothing gets overlooked? I can't take the risk of a big claim being bounced for these reasons. Is this something anyone else has been through?

Going through it now - it's an absolute nightmare. It's a major headache for anyone (and that's most older people) with any kind of health 'history'.

You know perfectly well that in the event of a claim the insurer is going to go to any lengths to avoid paying out, and if it can find any kind of non-disclosure, no matter how trivial, it will refuse to pay out.

I wish there were an easier way, but there isn't - you just have to do your utmost to ensure that your mother's medical issues are fully disclosed. Expect a substantial premium loading, though.

terry2

The problem I have with this article is that it has different sections for "annual travel for over-65s" and " pre-existing medical conditions - single trip".
What I would like is the information as to where to look for "over-65s with pre-existing medical conditions" for both annual and single trip policies. I would assume that there are many other people in this position.

fitzroy

terry2 wrote: »

The problem I have with this article is that it has different sections for "annual travel for over-65s" and " pre-existing medical conditions - single trip".
What I would like is the information as to where to look for "over-65s with pre-existing medical conditions" for both annual and single trip policies. I would assume that there are many other people in this position.

Yes, I second that. My current annual insurance runs out this month and the ins co has ceased offering annual trips for over 65s because of large claims in the last 12 months.

colcfc

kettle wrote: »

tonthered My conditions match yours but I have no angina after angioplasty and stent years ago. I have had annual travel insurance from All Clear - directly with them 2 years ago and this year through Diabetes UK web site link (it is still with All Clear) and got an even better price.

I am currently looking into insurance cover for a holiday to USA for myself and family. I have Diabetes and thought that it might be interesting to see what sort of quote I can get through Diabetes UK. Things are however complicated by the fact that I also have terminal lung cancer.
Having gone through all the form filling procedures for PEMC's etc, and some ten minutes later, the site tells me I should ring the number given and speak to a rep. On doing so I was told that I had exceeded their limit of £3000 - not for cover but for the premium!!
Anyone got any suggestions for me?

Doc_N

colcfc wrote: »

I am currently looking into insurance cover for a holiday to USA for myself and family. I have Diabetes and thought that it might be interesting to see what sort of quote I can get through Diabetes UK. Things are however complicated by the fact that I also have terminal lung cancer.
Having gone through all the form filling procedures for PEMC's etc, and some ten minutes later, the site tells me I should ring the number given and speak to a rep. On doing so I was told that I had exceeded their limit of £3000 - not for cover but for the premium!!
Anyone got any suggestions for me?

That's a very poignant story, and I wish you all the very best.

Have you tried Age UK (http://www.ageuk.org.uk/buy/age-uk-travel-insurance/) ? They can sometimes come up with pretty good quotations in circumstances such as yours, regardless of age.

Good luck with the insurance, and have a really great holiday.

Doc_N

Just a further thought - have you seen this rather helpful guide:

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Livingwithandaftercancer/Practicalissues/Travel/Gettingtravelinsurance.aspx

sacherlover

Would anyone be able to recommend an insurance company to cover me?

I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / ME last year (my GP tells me this is an umbrella diagnosis).

It's causing me problems getting Travel Insurance, which seems rather daft because all of the symptoms I have had would not cause me to need medical treatment abroad.

All suggestions welcomed.

terry2

fitzroy wrote: »

Yes, I second that. My current annual insurance runs out this month and the ins co has ceased offering annual trips for over 65s because of large claims in the last 12 months.

I assume you were with the British Mountaing Council as I was told the same thing. However I also found that the single trip policy was a no-no as they have changed their medical coverage such that they are now refusing to provide any cover for my medical conditions that they previously covered without a surcharge.

Who did you end up with?

hansi

Tashap wrote: »

Does anyone know how long after you have an illness you can stop declaring. I had Breast Cancer in 1998 and no longer have check ups, any offers of advice?

Thanks

It depends on the insurance company. My wife had breast cancer surgery in 2003 and required no treatment afterwards, She has been given the allclear with no more check ups but we still have to declare it. We use AGE UK but we are both over 65. I don't know how old you are, but it's worth checking with various insurers before you decide.

pinkbtq

After weeks of trawling, I finally found a policy to cover my mums trip to OZ.

I had problems finding one due to her being 66, staying for 91 days and having a pre-existing medical condition (high blood pressure).

Anyway, I got a quote from go-walkabout.co.uk for £109 and got my mum to call their health screening dept. they charged an extra £10 and gave her the all clear to take out the policy.

Some companies were quoting us £500 :mad: so I was happy with this.

Obviously everyone's individual situation is different but might be worth giving them a try.