travel insurance re hip replacement

jeanwales

Found out today that during the next year I will need a hip replacement.
I am about to book flights and hotel for a holiday in Florida next October.
I would imagine that I would have had the hip done and be back to normal before next October but if the waiting list was that long would the insurance pay up if I had to cancel seeing I booked it after being told.
Ive always booked holidays as soon as flights come out and dont like to leave it if possible.

jfdi

My hubbie couldn't get travel insurance for a year after a hip replacement - something about the op & DVT? So be careful. Luckily we were only in Europe & we risked it with just the EHIC & non-medical insurance.

alba7

I think the hip replacement would come under the heading of pre-existing condition, as you knew about the operation before you booked the holiday. They probably wouldn't pay out in that circumstance. Sorry.

hanwellmike

I have just had a full hip replacement 3 months ago and I feel fully recovered (although I know that full recovery from the surgery could be 6 months). I will be going on a holiday to Thailand next January which will entail a long flight. I haven't taken insurance yet but if I cannot get cover (specifically for my hip) then I will still go on holiday. Life is for living. The new hip is not suddenly going to go wrong unless I have a trip or fall or accident. From my own experience then I would say that travel abroad less than 3 months is not a good idea but after that then not a problem. Obviously this assumes no problems with the surgery and a ''normal'' recovery which will vary from person to person. I have been told by the physio that I have made a strong recovery. So for your October deadline then I would say surgery by no later than June but earlier the better.

hanwellmike

PS If you delay booking your flights until after the operation then you will remove all anxiety about the insurance and missed flights.

jeanwales

Thanks for the replies. It really has helped. I know the answer is to delay flights really so I must put my sensible hat on! If all goes ok then maybe I will find a last minute bargain