Pre-existing Travel Insurance Guide Discussion

Doc_N

13Kent wrote: »

No to both of the above. He does have pre-existing conditions to do with his heart and blood pressure, but nothing has changed since last year when he got reasonable insurance that included cover for a cruise.

In case it's of any help, Which? say this:

The companies currently featured in our Best Rates for over 80s are Blue Bear Travel, Covered2go, Holidaysafe, Insuredtotravel and Nowicantravel for single-trip polices; and Circle Cover, Insure & Go, RAC, Saga and Staysure for annual policies. But beware that these companies might have maximum ages as low as 84.

If you're struggling to find travel insurance, or the quotes you are getting are too high, you can try using an insurance broker. Brokers will offer advice and search the market to find the right policy for you at the most competitive price available. Call Biba's 'Find a broker service' on 0370 950 1790 to be put in touch with a broker.

redbull08

Hi ,
I haven't time to read back all the posts but am looking for holiday insurance with pre existing medical conditions cover please.
Can anyone advise the good and who to avoid please, thanks

13Kent

Thanks Doc N will pass that information on.

Doc_N

13Kent wrote: »

Thanks Doc N will pass that information on.

No problem - could you feed back please if your father finds something suitable and affordable? It's a very common problem, and it's preventing large numbers of people from travelling outside the UK.

koru

13Kent wrote: »

My parents are trying to get travel insurance to go to Portugal initially, but they would also like cover for cruise holidays, but for now would just be happy to get cover for their Portugal holiday.

They both have pre-existing conditions, Mum is able to get insurance, but this year my Dad will be 75 and it seems that suddenly he is being refused insurance or the premiums are extortionate, the companies seem unable to tell them why he is being refused - I assume it's just a case of "computer says 'no'" and the person on the phone doesn't know why, but they are wondering if it is due to his age as it's the only thing that has changed since last year.

They have tried comparison websites, and a lot of companies already. Any suggestions would be welcomed. Thanks!

Eurotunnel has no age limit on single trip policies.

Jansbs

Check your policy carefully about what is included and not included, particularly gadet extension with Holiday Safe. Your phone, Kindle, tablets will not be included in personal possessions or electrical items. Don’t get caught out.

Katiehound

Jansbs wrote: »

Check your policy carefully about what is included and not included, particularly gadet extension with Holiday Safe. Your phone, Kindle, tablets will not be included in personal possessions or electrical items. Don’t get caught out.

Sadly medical conditions being covered are far more important than electronic gizmos IMHO!- and medical cover is a minefield- and a half....

Puteri

Hi
My partner, who is a young 81years old, has pre existing medical conditions and has been quoted £1,200 travel insurance for a three week holiday in the Far East. This is the cheapest, others have been £2,000-£4,000. He has used Global Travel in the past but they have recently changed their holiday options. We feel the only option is to get travel insurance which excludes his pre existing medical conditions. Can anyone suggest a company who will do this. Thank you.

Doc_N

Puteri wrote: »

Hi
My partner, who is a young 81years old, has pre existing medical conditions and has been quoted £1,200 travel insurance for a three week holiday in the Far East. This is the cheapest, others have been £2,000-£4,000. He has used Global Travel in the past but they have recently changed their holiday options. We feel the only option is to get travel insurance which excludes his pre existing medical conditions. Can anyone suggest a company who will do this. Thank you.

The good news is that quite a few companies will insure people in this situation, with pre-existing conditions excluded, and at apparently reasonable prices because that's a major part of the risk removed.

The bad news is, though, that you might be taking one very large gamble, depending on the conditions excluded. The costs of medical treatment, or an air ambulance, could be huge - and I'm talking tens of thousands potentially. You need to be happy to take that risk, and its financial consequences.

I say 'might' be taking a large gamble because it depends very much on the excluded conditions. If it's an ingrown toenail and a touch of arthritis you might be fine. However, anything more serious, such as high blood pressure or any heart condition, for example, and that could be used by an insurer against any number of potential claim areas - far wider than you might expect.

Only you can decide what risks you'd consider acceptable. I really would consider very carefully indeed whether to take that chance.

Katiehound

I spent yesterday afternoon checking through t&cs, premiums etc for annual insurance as mine is due for renewal next week. Been putting off the evil deed!
This time I was determined to use TCB - and it was worth while.

I was impressed by the range of products and prices from Justtravelinsurance- don't know their cut off age. Only problem was the policies I would have chosen exclude one country from 'worldwide'- and it's one I am visiting.

I chose Saga in the end- almost half the price of the dearest quote! and with good cover.
I understand they have no top age limit.
By buying thro TCB there was 18% 'refund' which is increased to 20% on single trip insurance.(This was specifically with Saga- on the dearest quote it was a flat rate £15!)

It might be worth your while to hunt that way as it makes the price slightly more palatable.