pre existing conditions

mr97

Is there anywhere I can find some definitive information re. pre-existing conditions for travel insurance?
Looking at a few companies and trying to answer the questions honestly - I don't want to jeopardize a policy - but I'm literally pulling my hair out! 
My thinking about 'conditions' are either chronic, congenital, or current with regards to pre-existing but I'm finding this is not the case. One question I answered, for example, asked "do you have high blood pressure or have ever suffered from high blood pressure" and "are you being treated for depression or anxiety; have you ever been treated for....etc  
I have suffered form a period of being mentally unwell and have made a full recovery. No diagnosis made but depressive episode hinted.   10 years ago I briefly took blood pressure medication.  This was for a short period of time (a few months) I lost weight and my blood pressure fell within the normal range.  It has remained like this for a decade.  People recover, from these things and there should not be factors anymore.  
Granted I've no medical background to make this claim and I'm feeling at tad vexed which may affect my ability to see the bigger picture regarding this matter but on the face of it, it seems quite unjust and restrictive.  I'm wondering, therefore,  if there is someone or someplace I can go to be assessed reviewed or just get information regarding this matter as it's vague as hell.  Travel insurance, medical ombudsman springs to mind, if that is even a thing. lol  I'm happy to pay for expensive cover if it really needed and ensures that I'm actually covered as getting caught out by some obscure technicality is my worst fear.  It seems to have gotten worse lately.  I've been getting insured for years but now I have all pre-existing conditions.  
Thank you for your time. 

davidmcn

Have you tried getting quotes? My experience is that more minor (or historic) conditions make minimal effect on the premiums, so you might be worrying unduly.

mr97

Davidmcn - I haven't actually. Having worked my way through a list of insurers I got myself quite upset by the questions. To be fair, I do get quite cynical at times and think the worst.  I just kept getting forced into the preexisting condition sub-group and started to view this as unjust.  Thank you, you are quite right, I think its a case of contempt prior to investigation on my part.  
I'm planning a trip to SE Asia at some point but I suspect it maybe next year, the way things are looking with this current situation, but I'll be sure to report back with my travel insurance findings. 

  

TELLIT01

From personal experience of these insurers, high blood pressure specifically adds very little to the premium.  For some it is even in the list of 'permitted' conditions although it does still have to be declared.

Jumblebumble

mr97 said:

Is there anywhere I can find some definitive information re. pre-existing conditions for travel insurance?
Looking at a few companies and trying to answer the questions honestly - I don't want to jeopardize a policy - but I'm literally pulling my hair out! 
My thinking about 'conditions' are either chronic, congenital, or current with regards to pre-existing but I'm finding this is not the case. One question I answered, for example, asked "do you have high blood pressure or have ever suffered from high blood pressure" and "are you being treated for depression or anxiety; have you ever been treated for....etc  
I have suffered form a period of being mentally unwell and have made a full recovery. No diagnosis made but depressive episode hinted.   10 years ago I briefly took blood pressure medication.  This was for a short period of time (a few months) I lost weight and my blood pressure fell within the normal range.  It has remained like this for a decade.  People recover, from these things and there should not be factors anymore.  
Granted I've no medical background to make this claim and I'm feeling at tad vexed which may affect my ability to see the bigger picture regarding this matter but on the face of it, it seems quite unjust and restrictive.  I'm wondering, therefore,  if there is someone or someplace I can go to be assessed reviewed or just get information regarding this matter as it's vague as hell.  Travel insurance, medical ombudsman springs to mind, if that is even a thing. lol  I'm happy to pay for expensive cover if it really needed and ensures that I'm actually covered as getting caught out by some obscure technicality is my worst fear.  It seems to have gotten worse lately.  I've been getting insured for years but now I have all pre-existing conditions.  
Thank you for your time. 

My advice to you is to obtain a copy of your medical records from your GP ( they can charge but will not if you obtain them online).as this will be what the insurers will want to see  if you make a claim. 
Pre existing conditions are a pain I had a kidney stone about 10 years ago which passed naturally. I was scanned the week before I went and was clear but guess what they still loaded the premium despite the fact that I definitely did not have a stone

mr97

Thanks guys.  They don't miss a trick these insurance companies.  Thanks for your input.  Very useful point re. obtaining records, I will do that   

Browntoa

Don't know about the others but staysure are pretty good talking you through the questions over the phone and offering guidance . Saves worrying about answering wrong online

mr97

Browmtoa - much appreciated.  I've added Staysure to my notebook. Wow guys, thanks.  So glad i asked for help.  When I eventually get to leave the UK, for my trip, I'll be sure to pass on any useful info I learn applying for insurance.  As my current health status puts me in a bit of a grey area re. semi-pre-existing conditions, I will perhaps call them rather than relying on online forms.  Or I may get a quote first (online) and see what I'm offered via a call. Thank you.    

TELLIT01

Before using Staysure, check the policy exclusions closely.  Even before Covid19, when I suspect most people simply assumed (and I know you shouldn't assume) that FCO advice against travel would be enough to be able to claim on the policy, only covered advise not to travel for 4 specific reasons and pandemic wasn't one of them.

rs65

mr97 said:

One question I answered, for example, asked "do you have high blood pressure or have ever suffered from high blood pressure" and "are you being treated for depression or anxiety; have you ever been treated for....etc  

Here's an example from Aviva.  It asks for 12 months

What we need to know about your health

You’ll need to tell us if you’re travelling with pre-existing medical conditions – or we might not be able to pay out for claims relating to them 1. We need to know if:

• You’ve received advice, medication or treatment for any serious illness, injury or disease in the last 12 months
• You’re waiting for test results for any diagnosed or undiagnosed condition
• You’re planning to stay with someone who has a serious illness, injury or disease

You don’t need to declare any minor illnesses that aren’t likely to need urgent medical treatment (like a cold).

mr97

Some great advice here guys. Thank you.  It certainly is a case of crossing the T's & dotting I's.  I get why it's so important too, especially those going to destinations like America - i wouldn't even like to think about the costs involved over there.  Not one of those situations you ever want to find yourself in, but if you are, the last thing you need is the added worry of a potentially worthless policy.