Preexisting conditions annulled

Urmston_Linda

My husband and I have a joint annual European travel policy with Staysure. We pay around £500 to cover our pre-existing conditions.

I called them last week to inform them of some tests we were both having. They informed me that, because of these tests being ongoing,  NONE of our pr-existing conditions were covered. This seems completely bonkers to me. I would understand it if it were related conditions but not all of them. I even checked out a possible scenario: if I have a problem with the leg I broke last year  I will not be covered because I have some pre-cancerous cells on my face. Similarly my husband who is being investigated for memory problems is not covered if he has a problem with his heart.(He has a pacemaker.) 

Is this normal practice? I have never hear of this before.

katejo

Urmston_Linda said:

My husband and I have a joint annual European travel policy with Staysure. We pay around £500 to cover our pre-existing conditions.

I called them last week to inform them of some tests we were both having. They informed me that, because of these tests being ongoing,  NONE of our pr-existing conditions were covered. This seems completely bonkers to me. I would understand it if it were related conditions but not all of them. I even checked out a possible scenario: if I have a problem with the leg I broke last year  I will not be covered because I have some pre-cancerous cells on my face. Similarly my husband who is being investigated for memory problems is not covered if he has a problem with his heart.(He has a pacemaker.) 

Is this normal practice? I have never hear of this before.

It's quite common. My insurer does the same. In fact I think they don't offer ANY health cover at all, not just pre existing conditions, if you have any pending tests/non diagnosed conditions. I read of someone recently who responsibly went for a routine bowel scan (no symptoms) and mentioned that to their insurer. They were told that they wouldn't be covered until a clear result was available. 

michele-p

We had the same issue with Staysure, but I've not tried anywhere else yet. My husband has an ongoing pre existing condition which would put a 2 week US holiday at £1700 for insurance for us. If we exclude that condition, wer have exclude all of is conditions (there's a few!) to bring it down to around £250. We looking at the insurance first, but haven't booked a holiday so got no further with prices than that.

TELLIT01

I used Staysure once but would try to avoid them in the future.  We informed them that my wife had been for breast screening which was clear (they say on the policy that they must be advised of all medical consultatations/treatment) and was advised that they would note it, there was no change in policy costs, but by the way we will charge you £20 for updating the records.  Nice little earner.

sheramber

Ax’s do the same with my husband when the date for a test was after our holiday, but they did agree to cover when advised what the test was

Bicycleman22

Add to that almost certainly staysure are like most insurers these days in saying you MUST use GHIC in Europe. So in effect only in rare circumstances do they actually pay out for medical care in Europe. They will cover other costs associated with serious illness abroad and they will get you home if needed, of course GHIC wont do this. I doubt many people realise they will only get the free treatment available to locals in Europe from their insurance. 

bigfer

Probably not the best place to post, but I was told to take statins as I had an elevated cholesterol level. I advised insurance company and took out enhanced cover. Now my level is no longer elevated, but continue to take statins. What are my options going forwards?

sheramber

bigfer said:

Probably not the best place to post, but I was told to take statins as I had an elevated cholesterol level. I advised insurance company and took out enhanced cover. Now my level is no longer elevated, but continue to take statins. What are my options going forwards?

You MUST answer the question asked.

Does it ask if you have EVER had high cholesterol?   Then  the answer is yes.

Normally you have to list medication you take and  your risk will be assessed on your answers.

One person reported that their insurance company did not charge extra as the condition was controlled.

Whatever you report you must be truthful as if you make a claim the insurance company will ask for a medical history from your GP. If they find you have omitted some information your claim will be refused.

katejo

bigfer said:

Probably not the best place to post, but I was told to take statins as I had an elevated cholesterol level. I advised insurance company and took out enhanced cover. Now my level is no longer elevated, but continue to take statins. What are my options going forwards?

My insurer still requires this to be declared. Your level isn't elevated anymore because you are taking statins.