Travel insurance - pre existing medical - Any suggestions?

ITtim

Hi All, We're embarking on our first trip abroad for 5 years in May, my wife has some pre-existing medical conditions that mean our premium is expensive.

We went to the USA 5 years ago and that was about £500 in travel insurance. Not much has changed for her but its still a good £500 for a trip to Spain. Does anyone have any recomendations on who we should try?

Also, is there any benefit to my son and I taking out our own insurance and getting my wife insured with a specialist on her own?

Many Thanks in advance.

twopenny

Your second question, I think this is something where you need to make comparisons. You can use online sites to do this without going to buy. Just use them for getting an idea of the price.

One thing you do need to consider is that you need the insurance to cover for one of you to stay (hotel, flights etc) should anything happen to either of you. It maybe that your son could take a seperate insurance but you will need that cover and if you're not all on the policy together you may need to admit that you are travelling with someone with health conditions.

It is complicated, must be millions in the same positon so should be made easier but perhaps that's not to the benefit of the business.

Have a lovely time when you get there. I haven't been for nearly 5yrs and am desperate for some sun and stimulation.

ITtim

Thank you, my gut feeling is we should all be on the same policy so there can be no issues if we need to make a claim. Its just irritating that on one quote my son and I add £100 on to an already expensive premium. If I search for just my son and I then its about £20.

MarthaM

I came on here to ask the same. I have a long list of pre-existing conditions and last year paid about £450  for a week in Spain. I'm after an annual policy this time.

What makes it difficult is that review sites are full of reviews about how helpful the sales people are (of course they are they want your money), but thin on reviews about the claims experience. We all hope we won't need to claim but that's the main reason for buying insurance.

I've had quotes from StaySure who are specialists and Holiday Extras who are not but will quote for pre-existing conditions.

The cover and cost for the "gold" level is similar but HE do a much better "silver" option.

I wonder whether anyone has had claims experience of either?

youth_leader

I've just insured with Staysure again, I've used them for years.  Annual multirip worldwide.  I declared my recently diagnosed 'raised cholesterol'.  Original quote was £545, when I hesitated the service agent immediately said he could ask his manager if I could have a 20% discount - which I accepted.  It does have a Covid clause, and I increased my cancellation amount to cover the cost of my tour.

youth_leader

This site might be of use.

Travel insurance directory | MoneyHelper

ITtim

Staysure are currently the front runner for us, currently the best price we've had (using an online quote) might call them to see if they can do anything for us

youth_leader

Having had a terribly stressful time 'claiming' from a 'cheap' home insurance policy I did my research carefully ITtim, and I think you get what you pay for.

My late husband became seriously ill on a golfing holiday in Portugal in 2012 and was hospitalised with HSBC's insurance - they wouldn't pay for my flight out to collect him until they'd received a medical report.  HSBC's working contact hours were very limited, communication was terrible, the hospital number just rang and rang, I was helpless.  I didn't even have a passport or a credit card at the time, and couldn't borrow the money from anywhere, it was so very stressful waiting.  One of the doctors he'd been golfing with that phoned me with the news warned me he 'might not make it'. It was touch and go.

kinsae112

In response to the original poster re pre-existing medical conditions, “Insurance With” seem to offer us best value for same level of cover as others. Of course, I dont know the details of your medical history so only responding based on our experience 

ITtim

Thanks everyone, sorry I missed the reply email so didn't see these last few.

Spoke to Staysure and it became obvious that we need to speak with my wifes consultant to see what exactly needs to be declared on the insurance form as its quite complex. I'm worried this will mean its going to be more expensive than the holiday itself but we shall see.....

IvanOpinion

Have you tried Aviva?  They have been very competitive for us.