Travel Insurance 86+

JEM55

My Mum is 86.  She had a lung cancer removed in November 22.  After 6 monthly CT scans since the op she got the “all clear” in December 23 - they just want to do annual checks now.  She is doing really well and wants to travel again but was horrified to find how much travel insurance companies charge when cancer is a precondition.  She has just been quoted £1200 for 11 days in Majorca - nearly as much than the holiday cost!!  What I don’t understand (and I guess what I am writing for is to ask if anyone else does) - is that if the cancer has been removed and the surgeons and her GP are all happy for her to travel - what risk is it to the insurance company?  Do they think that the cancer will suddenly come back and make her ill while she is away within 11 days?  They don’t seem to be able to offer insurance that will cover for people who have had conditions but no longer do - but you have to tell them about it because if you don’t and you go and fall over and break something or become ill from something unrelated - your insurance would be void as you didn’t declare the cancer condition.  I’m confused???   

lisyloo

It may not be just the medical costs, but the costs of cancellation if she is ill beforehand.
Have you shopped around widely?
Have you checked any cancer support groups for advice on companies?
How far away is the holiday? I'm think the further away it is the higher the chance of cancellation and hence the cost??

silvercar

You may find that an 86 year old without pre-existing cancer would have a high quote, the actual pre existing condition may not have increased the cost by very much.

If this is the cheapest you can find, there is no point taking out the policy until the amount you would lose by cancelling is greater than the cost of the insurance. (Though there is the risk that if a new health concern arises before you take out insurance, you may not be offered cover, whereas taking it out today would mean you are covered.)

mebu60

Have you checked out annual multi-trip policies? Can be restricted to Europe (ensure she has a GHIC/EHIC). 

I am with Staysure. Other providers are available (Saga etc). 

I feel your/her pain on being penalised for something you no longer have. My base premium is tripled yet I'm probably a lower risk than the average traveller. Such is life! 

mebu60

silvercar said:

You may find that an 86 year old without pre-existing cancer would have a high quote, the actual pre existing condition may not have increased the cost by very much.

If this is the cheapest you can find, there is no point taking out the policy until the amount you would lose by cancelling is greater than the cost of the insurance. (Though there is the risk that if a new health concern arises before you take out insurance, you may not be offered cover, whereas taking it out today would mean you are covered.)

Cancellation is only one aspect of travel insurance. Not taking out a policy means having no cover for a medical emergency whilst abroad which could prove expensive if repatriation was required for example.  

lisyloo

mebu60 said:

silvercar said:

You may find that an 86 year old without pre-existing cancer would have a high quote, the actual pre existing condition may not have increased the cost by very much.

If this is the cheapest you can find, there is no point taking out the policy until the amount you would lose by cancelling is greater than the cost of the insurance. (Though there is the risk that if a new health concern arises before you take out insurance, you may not be offered cover, whereas taking it out today would mean you are covered.)

Cancellation is only one aspect of travel insurance. Not taking out a policy means having no cover for a medical emergency whilst abroad which could prove expensive if repatriation was required for example.  

I don't think the suggestion was not having insurance.
The suggestion was waiting - does this reduce the cost of the cancellation part? - or at least delay the expense.

Insurance for people of this age is high.

Does anyone know cost decreases closer to travel (due to cancellation risk being lower) and if so is it significant?

DullGreyGuy

Unfortunately you have the compounding effect of major prior illness and old age. 

Similarly whilst this tumour may have been removed it doesn't change the fact you've had cancer and unfortunately she wouldn't be the first person ever to find that actually it had spread without the Drs realising/spotting it if she had that diagnosis. On other medical insurance I've been declined cover in the past for not having had a tumour removed, whilst a tumour is the cause of the problem in 99.9% of people its not mine and I've never had one. They said if I were to have a tumour removed I'd be able to be covered (so yes effectively if I grow a missing orgran, then grow a tumour on it, then have said tumour removed I'll then be insurable)

Would she consider Travel insurance that excludes pre-existing conditions? Because of the "and related conditions" it would effectively be excluding anything to do with cancer or lung issues. 

silvercar

mebu60 said:

silvercar said:

You may find that an 86 year old without pre-existing cancer would have a high quote, the actual pre existing condition may not have increased the cost by very much.

If this is the cheapest you can find, there is no point taking out the policy until the amount you would lose by cancelling is greater than the cost of the insurance. (Though there is the risk that if a new health concern arises before you take out insurance, you may not be offered cover, whereas taking it out today would mean you are covered.)

Cancellation is only one aspect of travel insurance. Not taking out a policy means having no cover for a medical emergency whilst abroad which could prove expensive if repatriation was required for example.  

I meant you delay taking out the policy until the costs you would want to be covered for outweigh the policy cost. Eg if you have only bought flights at £400, there is no point spending £1100 on the policy until you are about to travel or have paid out more money for your accommodation. Obviously you need to take the policy out before you start the holiday. There is always the risk that some other medical issue will occur and you wish you already had the policy or the price could change, but it is something to consider.