Travel insurance - pre-existing conditions - to declare or not to declare

aljie

Hi folks. Hoping someone can help with my dilemma.

I am trying to get a travel insurance quote. However, I have two pre-existing conditions. First, a mild condition which has never before caused problems with obtaining insurance.

But, second, over the last few months I have been suffering from depression for which I have had several consultations with my GP. I began a course of anti-depressants which I gave up after two months as the side-effects were worse than the depression. I don't intend to take them again.

Now, when I ask for a travel insurance quote, the insurer either
i) won't touch me with a barge pole because of the depression, ii) will cover me but with both my conditions excluded iii) offers cover for both conditions but at a huge premium (about £100 on top of the normal premium).

I feel this is crazy. I know I'm never going to make a claim because of the depression. But I could - maybe - because of the other mild condition.

It's so tempting to only declare the mild condition. But just say I had to make a claim for, perhaps (trying to think of something entirely different), a broken leg, what's the chance of my depression being disclosed to the insurer and my claim being rejected?

Am I going to have to resign myself to paying a whacking great premium to cover both conditions?

What would you do?

Any advice gratefully received!

Quentin

If you (or any survivor, should the worst happen to you) make a claim relating to any sickness, the insurer will get in touch with your doctor for a health report on you. This will reveal your recent consultations.

dunstonh

It's so tempting to only declare the mild condition. But just say I had to make a claim for, perhaps (trying to think of something entirely different), a broken leg, what's the chance of my depression being disclosed to the insurer and my claim being rejected?

In this case the insurer would be allowed to fully reject your claim, void the policy and keep the premiums paid. That is in line with the FOS non disclosure guidelines.

Am I going to have to resign myself to paying a whacking great premium to cover both conditions?

Yes. Committing fraud is not a viable option.

warez22

The way I see it you have two choices:

Pay the additional premium for either one or both conditions.

Pay the base premium and accept that any pre-existing conditions are excluded.

Well, really there are three options, because if you think that the depression wouldnt ever result in a claim, you could pay the additional premium for the other condition and exclude the depression.

Hope that helps

aljie

Thanks for your responses so far. warez22, do you know any insurers that might exclude the depression but allow other conditions? That would be useful, but the quotes I've had so far have either excluded both conditions or allowed both at the extra premium.

foggytown

Look at http://www.endsleigh.co.uk/Travel/Pages/Home.aspx and their policy wording (page three) where they treat pre-existing conditions differently.

Duncombe

foggytown wrote: »

Look at http://www.endsleigh.co.uk/Travel/Pages/Home.aspx and their policy wording (page three) where they treat pre-existing conditions differently.

But don't ever ever ever go with Endsleigh!

bouncydog1

Direct travel covers pre-existing - you have to talk through all of your medical history with them. They will allow you to "cherry pick" although I think you should try and cover all conditions if you can for the peace of mind aspect.

In addition if you exclude depression, depending on the circumstances of any claim it may not be difficult for insurers to establish that this was the root cause of an incident.

Simply not worth non-disclosure as your policy will be voided or leave you with little/no cover anyway.

luci

Direct Travel doesn't let you "cherry pick". You can either cover all PEMC's or none, no middle ground.

The new free Nationwide FlexAccount travel insurance doesn't let you cherry pick either. If you decline cover you cannot go back and add a new condition during the policy year.

warez22

Sagicor Underwriting allow doing as I said, as do Citybond Insurance.

Hope that helps

puzzler100

there are a number of companies which allow pre-conditions and don't charge the earth, sorry can't think of names right now, but do a bit of searching. they are out there. but never lie. any excuse not to pay if pre-conditions are not mentioned. its a rip off, but do some research.