Travel insurance - is increase excessive?

JosephK

My wife and I are in our late 60s and have annual travel insurance policy. Of the total premium approx 2/3 is down to me as I have couple of pre-existing conditions, and the remaining 1/3 for my wife. Recently she was told by her doctor that she has a bit of arthritis in one knee. No particular treatment required other than painkiller or ibuprofen gel if and when it aches. She has not been referred for any tests or treatment and needs no mobility aids. Indeed it has not restricted her in any way and we went on a walking holiday in the Alps shortly after diagnosis, with no ill effects whatsoever.

On informing the insurance company of the condition, as I thought it wise to do so,they required an additional premium which, given there is less than 6 months still to run on the policy, amounted to an increase of over 30% on my wife's portion of the premium

This strikes me as excessive - any other opinions?

Quentin

Not a lot you can do except look at the market now and see if it is cost effective to cancel the policy and go elsewhere

ciderboy2009

I was diagnosed with arthritis in my knee a couple of years ago - phoned my travel insurers & it made no difference to the premium.
Possibly down to age though (I'm in my late 40's).

lisyloo

yep does strike me as a bit harsh.
Any particular reason you want to stay with them if you think they aren't particularly fair?

Mr_K

They probably upped it by 30% for you having the cheek to contact them about anything at all. That's how insurance companies operate.

JosephK

Thanks for replies, guys. As ever, I'll be looking at other quotes when renewal due soon, but I guess if one company wants to impose such increases, others will as well. Maybe one of them will have a slightly different set of boxes to be ticked but I'm not holding my breath.

Wonder what's next - everyone who's ever taken a paracetamol or bought a bottle of liniment required to declare it and risk being penalised?