Travel to Europe for surgery - insurance

WatlingA5

Looking for travel insurance for someone travelling to Belgium (Eurostar no-refund tickets) for private surgery.

The surgery has had to be paid for in advance. If some emergency prevented or interrupted the trip, would normal travel insurance cover the cost of the surgery as well as the normal travel costs? If not, can someone suggest an insurer who would cover this?

Doshwaster

I just renewed my travel insurance yesterday on the phone. One of the many exclusions they read out for medical treatment. Whether that would also exclude the transport too, I don't know but you would have to ask or check the small print.

I would imagine that any insurer would get twitchy when asked to quote for cover medical treatment abroad.

InsideInsurance

Have you spoken to the hospital/ consultant about what happens if said emergency happens?

Some costs may be irrecoverable but I would have thought that if you need to reschedule that they'd be accommodating and only make a partial charge if anything

Alan_Bowen

Most travel insurers specifically exclude all claims arising from travel, or the intention to travel, for medical treatment, the risks are simply unknown. What if the surgery goes wrong and you need prolonged treatment at another hospital, you need to talk to a broker, but I am not convinced many, if any, will cover you

shaun_from_Africa

As this is something that probably causes problems/concerns for many people considering medical treatment overseas, why not ask the hospital or clinic that are doing the surgery?


They may well be able to give details of insurers who are willing to take on this kind of risk.

WatlingA5

Thanks all.

I'll give that a try, Shaun. Dunno why we didn't think of that in the first place :doh: