Travel insurance - what is/isn't classed as a pre-existing condition?

tallbird_2

Hi all, I'm getting quotes currently, and the definition of pre-existing condition seems in some ways a bit unclear. I have declared my cancer (thankfully long gone) but I have a worn-out knee which I've just had a steroid injection for, and am awaiting the same in my heel for plantar faciitis. Initially I didn't state those but now I'm thinking I should, even though they're only worn out bits of my poor ageing carcass and not exactly "conditions". How does anyone else see it? 

comeandgo

I see them as pre existing conditions.  

zagfles

You should probably declare them but they might not make a difference. Insurers will be looking for the chances of a claim, so if it's something that's not likely to need emergency medical treatment it might not make a difference.

sheramber

You need to answer all the questions in the medical section accurately.

Is there not a question about anything you have consulted  doctor about  or had treatment for in the last X number of years?

Any condition that you are receiving treatment for?

Any condition that you are awaiting treatment for?

youth_leader

I'd phone and speak to customer services.  I hadn't 'declared' I had viral labyrinthitis last September and a friend recommended I tell them.  I wasn't charged for the 'change' to the policy and received my updated documents the same day. 

onashoestring

tallbird_2 said:

Hi all, I'm getting quotes currently, and the definition of pre-existing condition seems in some ways a bit unclear. I have declared my cancer (thankfully long gone) but I have a worn-out knee which I've just had a steroid injection for, and am awaiting the same in my heel for plantar faciitis. Initially I didn't state those but now I'm thinking I should, even though they're only worn out bits of my poor ageing carcass and not exactly "conditions". How does anyone else see it? 

Something requiring medical treatment would be a medical condition that needs to be declared .
This would include something  you’ve had medical treatment for in the past 

“ I have a worn-out knee which I've just had a steroid injection for”

and something requiring medical treatment in the future:
“awaiting the same in my heel for plantar faciitis.” 

You'll need to tell your insurer about these . Your insurance policy won't always cost more to cover these conditions, but if you don't tell your insurer about them any claim you make could be rejected (even if it’s not related to your knee or foot ) 

DullGreyGuy

tallbird_2 said:

Hi all, I'm getting quotes currently, and the definition of pre-existing condition seems in some ways a bit unclear. I have declared my cancer (thankfully long gone) but I have a worn-out knee which I've just had a steroid injection for, and am awaiting the same in my heel for plantar faciitis. Initially I didn't state those but now I'm thinking I should, even though they're only worn out bits of my poor ageing carcass and not exactly "conditions". How does anyone else see it? 

If you want the literal definition, look in the policybook of the company you are getting a quote from. 

More generally, just answer the questions they ask. Most will ask about any condition you've suffered the symptoms of, seen a doctor about and/or taken medicines for in the last 3-5 years. In addition to those they will ask if you have ever suffered some of the bigger medical issues like cancer or heart issues.

A steroid injection is medicinal treatment and therefore that condition should  have been declared, similarly it sounds like you have the symptoms of plantar faciitis and so also declarable. 

tallbird_2

Thanks all, you've confirmed my second thoughts and I'm very aware that many insurance companies will use anything they can to avoid paying out for a claim. I'll re-do the quotes with the whole lot included and see if I can still afford to go on holiday!

TELLIT01

Simplisticly, a pre-existing condition is anything you have consulted your GP about. 

DullGreyGuy

TELLIT01 said:

Simplisticly, a pre-existing condition is anything you have consulted your GP about. 

All for simplicity but thats easiest defined as just answer the questions they ask you honestly.

Unfortunately the "anything you've consulted your GP about" leaves gaps and overstates the requirement... pre-existing includes anything you've had symptoms of, taken medication for or seen a medical professional (its wider than just GPs given you can self refer for several types of conditions)

On the flip side, most have a time limit for minor aliments too... they dont want to hear about the colic you had 45 years ago as a 4 month old baby even if you were taken to the GP