Not disclosing existing condition in insurance application

The_Boss

Hi all,

I have a condition called diabetes insipidus which is totally stable and only requires ongoing medication (and an annual review with a specialist(. I am taking more medication than I will need in each of my hand luggage, my checked luggage and my fiancee's hand luggage. Disclosing this condition hikes up my insurance premium considerably when it's really not going to be a problem when I'm away. I've always disclosed this on previous travel insurance policies.

So if I choose not to disclose it on my policy does that mean it just won't be covered or could it totally invalidate the policy if I needed treatment for, say, a broken leg?

harz99

I think you already know the answer. Painful though it is always declare any condition.


Probably well worth shopping around and making sure the insurer's rep knows exactly what condition diabetes insipidus is, and that the potential problems are much less severe than "normal" T1 or T2 diabetes.

The_Boss

harz99 wrote: »

I think you already know the answer. Painful though it is always declare any condition.


Probably well worth shopping around and making sure the insurer's rep knows exactly what condition diabetes insipidus is, and that the potential problems are much less severe than "normal" T1 or T2 diabetes.

Thanks - and you're right there I think...

dickydonkin

A risky strategy as it could null and void any claim even if it is not related to the pre-existing condition.

You could very likely get cover with the condition or anything caused directly or indirectly from it excluded which in my mind, defeats the point of having travel insurance in the first place.

That said, I am coming towards the end of my annual policy, however, In March I was diagnosed with Cancer and following treatment, I informed my Insurer of the situation.

It was early stage and was treated successfully, and on my first post treatment check up, I asked the consultant the worst case scenario that could occur relating to my condition and subsequent treatment and quite simply he told me there was nothing other than a very low chance of getting a sore throat.

That was good enough for me so after informing the insurers of the situation, they still covered me with the condition excluded.

I have been searching around for cover after my current policy runs out and by declaring everything, I was pleased to find that I could get worldwide cover (including USA) for everything at a better price than expected, but shop around as some of the prices quoted were ridiculous.

The_Boss

Thanks a lot. I think I'm going to bite the bullet. The only reason I asked is Martin's article on the main website suggested you could leave existing conditions out towards the end (although at the start says they should be disclosed).

More importantly though I wish you good improving health for the future.

Cardew

As you have previously disclosed the condition, that information will be on a database.

The 'small print' on most policies state it is invalidated if you don't make full disclosure.

tony1947

The_Boss wrote: »

Thanks a lot. I think I'm going to bite the bullet. The only reason I asked is Martin's article on the main website suggested you could leave existing conditions out towards the end (although at the start says they should be disclosed).

I hope you don't mind me joining your thread but I had exactly the same question as you although I too already knew the answerl. I also read Martins article on the main site and have just spent ages on the phone trying to find companies which would exclude specific pre conditions and have failed miserably. Does anyone out there have any recommendations for such companies as I am sure the OP and I would appreciate them.

Many thanks..Tony

The_Boss

No problem Tony, hope you get the answer you need.

sheramber

We found that you could only exclude all conditions, not specific ones, and only be insured for accident or injury cover.

FBaby

To add to the issue, even if you want to make a claim for a broken leg for instance, diabetes means that you are at a higher risk of complication, not healing as well etc... so even then, they could say that your condition affected your treatment and the cost of it.

Shimrod

tony1947 wrote: »

I hope you don't mind me joining your thread but I had exactly the same question as you although I too already knew the answerl. I also read Martins article on the main site and have just spent ages on the phone trying to find companies which would exclude specific pre conditions and have failed miserably. Does anyone out there have any recommendations for such companies as I am sure the OP and I would appreciate them.

Many thanks..Tony

Have you looked at travel insurance packaged with your bank account? My last quote for a Canadian holiday was £230 for three weeks, but for £10.50 a month I get worldwide cover with medical conditions included (This travel pack also includes UK and Europe RAC cover so a real bargain).