Can't get travel insurance

leitmotif

Hi all,


I've booked a holiday for the end of October and have just spent half an hour on the phone with Debenhams Travel Insurance and been given a shock. I wanted a quote for travel insurance and cover for pre-existing medical conditions. When it comes to the question 'are you waiting to be seen for any condition that hasn't yet been diagnosed?', I answered 'yes' because I've been referred to a sleep clinic to see whether I have sleep problems. That appointment won't be until the week after my holiday.


Debenhams say that they can't offer any insurance at all if there's a condition for which you're being referred but haven't yet had a diagnosis or official explanation of some sort.


My main priority is to be covered in case I fall over and break my neck (for example) and then have a huge hospital bill and/or repatriation costs. Can it really be that I won't be able to get travel insurance because I might have insomnia and that won't become clear until the week after my holiday?


Has anyone else had experience of this?

[Deleted User]

leitmotif wrote: »

Hi all,


I've booked a holiday for the end of October and have just spent half an hour on the phone with Debenhams Travel Insurance and been given a shock. I wanted a quote for travel insurance and cover for pre-existing medical conditions. When it comes to the question 'are you waiting to be seen for any condition that hasn't yet been diagnosed?', I answered 'yes' because I've been referred to a sleep clinic to see whether I have sleep problems. That appointment won't be until the week after my holiday.


Debenhams say that they can't offer any insurance at all if there's a condition for which you're being referred but haven't yet had a diagnosis or official explanation of some sort.


My main priority is to be covered in case I fall over and break my neck (for example) and then have a huge hospital bill and/or repatriation costs. Can it really be that I won't be able to get travel insurance because I might have insomnia and that won't become clear until the week after my holiday?


Has anyone else had experience of this?

Have you tried anyone else? I got insurance with the post office with multiple health conditions and under investigation for another.

AstroTurtle

Plenty of insurers will cover pre-existing or under investigation conditions.

Debenhams probably only has access to a very basic package from an insurer that they can't tweak or amend and is just a little side money maker for them.

Look online and have a browse MoneySuperMarket has a searcher just for pre-existing conditions.

trailingspouse

I can get insurance for my OH with hypertension, a history of cancer (although now in the clear), AF, and depression. He's always under investigation for something.



So don't give up - keep trying! We use Saga and have an annual policy - might be worth a try if you're old enough (I think one of you has to be 50).

sheramber

Have you discussed it with the insurance company.

My husband got cover when he had an appointment for after our holiday. After explaining what it was for the company were happy to cover him.

System

Another vote for the Post office they covered my daughters multiple conditions and were very good when she had her accident in Africa . We will always go to them first .

angharad

Hi, Mind you, saying that.... it makes sense in a way that they will do that because the condition is already 'diagnosed' . I've been looking up companies who will insure for strokes and there were quite a few specialist companies. Better safe than sorry but it would be bad news if you were to be penalised for your honesty. I hope you find something and that you have a lovely, healthy holiday.

sheramber

Many companies will not cover you i you are awaiting a hospital appointment as they cannot assess the risk without a confirmed diagnosis. If you take ill they don't know if it could be connected to the non diagnosed condition.

However, they might consider cover if they know the purpose of the appointment and can assess the potential risk.

A pre existing condition is different as there is a confirmed diagnosis and the company can assess what they consider the risk is and charge accordingly.

quietheart

I've always found LV really good for pre existing conditions. Good price and no drama.