Undiagnosed illnesses!

desperandum

Having recently had a claim refused by my HSBC Advance Annual Travel policy, ( related to the definition of delays in arriving at " the point of International Departure"), I have read my Policy more closely.

The clause I now find that concerns me is that the need for notification of any medical condition "includes investigation or referrals for any undiagnosed conditions".

While there are 101 other words or phrases "defined" in a specific section in the policy document there is no definition for an investigation or referral.

I have spoken with HSBC, ( Aviva underwriters) and have not been given an adequate explanation as to what this clause implies or an explanation as to why it is not defined in the Policy document. Clearly it is not defined in order for HSBC to have as many reasons as possible to avoid a claim.

From what little information they were willing to give by phone it would seem that ANY visit to a doctor, dentist, optician ( and presumably A&E) that results in an "investigation or referral" must be notified to HSBC Travel. This would include what I would think are quite routine occurrences, such as being sent for a blood test, X Ray or even been sent to another doctor in the practice who may have some specialist knowledge. It may even include a company or employment medical. Who knows!

Equally, I have no doubt that HSBC would classify age related smear tests, mammograms, stool tests etc as as an investigation that needs to be notified before you travel.

Toothsmith

It's a complete minefield!

My youngest son has a genetic condition. It's a fairly common one, and he is hardly affected at all by it. But - he is looked at by the hospital annually, and every now and again he has the odd extra test.

This year he needed an x-ray and a small lump looking at! Travel insurance for him became virtually impossible this year! We needed all sorts of letters from consultants and Drs to say it really was nothing, and even then it was only a separate company from our annual policy who would take him on (Although premium wasn't that much in fairness!)

The problem is, the people in the call centres have no idea on medical issues - and just work off tick boxes.

InsideInsurance

Correct, any tests or investigations would need to be declared and they will decide if there is any reason for needing either a loading or decline as a result.

In theory with most questions even if you have been suffering a pain etc and havent bothered telling a dr about it then you should declare it.

If there is no definition in a policy then it comes down to the dictionary definition.

Whilst its a ball ache, though not one that has to be declared, the majority are fairly reasonable once you have declared things. Only occasionally you get a "computer says no" type issue and then it comes down to the skill of the operator and your ability to convince them to refer the matter on to someone to make a human rather than system decision.

maman

Toothsmith wrote: »

It's a complete minefield!

My youngest son has a genetic condition. It's a fairly common one, and he is hardly affected at all by it. But - he is looked at by the hospital annually, and every now and again he has the odd extra test.

This year he needed an x-ray and a small lump looking at! Travel insurance for him became virtually impossible this year! We needed all sorts of letters from consultants and Drs to say it really was nothing, and even then it was only a separate company from our annual policy who would take him on (Although premium wasn't that much in fairness!)

The problem is, the people in the call centres have no idea on medical issues - and just work off tick boxes.

I've had the same with a minor cancer scare a couple of years ago. I just had a small procedure and that was it. Because it's procedure to have a check up which is now annual then I'm still considered 'under the doctor' for insurance purposes.

FBaby

From a medical perspective, investigations and referrals are clearly defined. Referral is anything from a primary care provider to another provider, whether primary, secondary, or tertiary (specialist).

Investigations: Any tests done to check on a medical condition.