Back conditions and travel insurance

katejo

I was browsing my usual insurer's site yesterday and noticed that they now require declaration of all 'back conditions'. Is this likely to include any muscular tension which requires an occasional dose of ibuprofen/session with an osteopath or do they just mean specific named conditions which need continuous pain relief/surgery/other hospital treatments to lead an active life/continue working? If the former applied, virtually everyone over a certain age would be included and surely the medical team would be suspicious of anyone who didn't declare this?
I can't go further into the website to find out without supplying personal details and getting an actual quote which I am not yet ready to do. I doubt though that the search box will accept muscular tension

Quentin

If they ask about "all back conditions" then disclose it (or run the risk of them being able to deny a claim that can be (remotely!) related to this)

ThinkingOutLoud_2

katejo wrote: »

I can't go further into the website to find out without supplying personal details and getting an actual quote which I am not yet ready to do. I doubt though that the search box will accept muscular tension

Ok so firstly - Quentin is right - if you have an issue declare it.

You can always enter made up details to get a quote (Joe Bloggs...) Then correct before / if you buy.

Secondly - most insurers use a smart medical condition system (provided by a third party) which will show conditions that match the key word you or their customer service agent enter. It also understands common names or where there are multiple names. It will ask you questions and if you answer honestly...then you have declared.

So I just checked and "back pain" seems to be what they call it which prompted a handful of questions I suspect you will be able to answer.

If you feel uncomfortable online - call and make sure you ask all you want - they will be recording the call - that helps protect you and them - you can ask for a copy of the call in any dispute...

Good Luck.

katejo

ThinkingOutLoud wrote: »

Ok so firstly - Quentin is right - if you have an issue declare it.

You can always enter made up details to get a quote (Joe Bloggs...) Then correct before / if you buy.

Secondly - most insurers use a smart medical condition system (provided by a third party) which will show conditions that match the key word you or their customer service agent enter. It also understands common names or where there are multiple names. It will ask you questions and if you answer honestly...then you have declared.

So I just checked and "back pain" seems to be what they call it which prompted a handful of questions I suspect you will be able to answer.

If you feel uncomfortable online - call and make sure you ask all you want - they will be recording the call - that helps protect you and them - you can ask for a copy of the call in any dispute...

Good Luck.

Yes I have since looked at the questions and they were better than expected. however giving a false name doesn't work if you want the quote sent to you as you have to provide a valid email address. i suppose I could keep a fake email just for this purpose. I don't like doing it by phone.

ThinkingOutLoud_2

katejo wrote: »

Yes I have since looked at the questions and they were better than expected. however giving a false name doesn't work if you want the quote sent to you as you have to provide a valid email address. i suppose I could keep a fake email just for this purpose. I don't like doing it by phone.

Understood. It is easier to be able to take your time and read the questions twice.

So once you have your price - you can repeat with other insurers - always worth trying as you have a couple of conditions and some insurers may not calculate their loading in the same way (whether that is fair is another discussion). Get a couple of comparative quotes at least.

If you want a copy of your answers to refer to when quoting round - for sure you could set up a hotmail or google mail account for that purpose.

I would though put not quite your date of birth to be doubly sure and do a fresh quote to buy when you are ready (with your real details of course).

Finally, don't forget to buy as soon after you book your trip as possible to get cancellation cover.

Good luck.

katejo

I'd never actually book a trip until I had the insurance sorted. If I do a fake/test quote, I change the date of birth by a few days. I wish I could see their medical questions before entering any personal details. I intensely dislike the wording of some questions/ answer options because they make an accurate reply impossible.