Travel Insurance query following a new pre-existing medical condition

Salkian

I have a cruise holiday coming up from the UK, but have recently had a new medical condition diagnosed (and experienced). That being sciatica nerve impingement likely from a herniated disk. I have informed my single trip insurer who have told me, thank you, but that changes our cover. I can either:

• go on Holiday but they won't cover anything that might happen related to the condition.
• Cancel the holiday and try and claim from them (must cancel first and they would then look at if cancelling for this reason is claimable against the insurance)
• Try and get a different insurance policy with someone else that will cover the condition and the old insurer would then cancel my policy and refund me a percentage of what I paid them (I think about 65%-70% is what they offered as I have had the insurance in place for a year.)

If I was not able to get alternative insurance for an affordable/reasonable cost, what would I likely need to be able to cancel the holiday and make a successful claim for a refund from the insurance company. I feel that since they have told me that they won't cover my condition that it would reasonable that all I would need to prove is that I have the condition recently diagnosed, that they felt it was not insurable and therefore a risk and prove that I would then have cancelled the holiday.

Any comments or suggestions welcome. Thank you.

katejo

Surely there is no such thing as a 'new' 'pre existing' condition because a pre existing condition is one which starts before you buy the policy/book the trip? How badly is it affecting you? Would it stop you moving around the cruise boat safely and doing organised activities?

Salkian

For myself the sciatica has been creating a large amount of pain down my leg when the nerve gets aggravated. I have issues being able to sit down. When I transition from standing to sitting and to lying down and vice versa the pain kicks in and stops me moving around much.

I am currently using ice packs and paracetamol to get me on my feet after sleeping (takes about 15 minutes). After that I have no pain for general walking (though I am not able to stretch down and need my other half to help me fully dress as I cannot reach down to my feet etc.

So in answer to your question Katejo, I have a concern, however small, that something could happen to my back that could stop me being able to get around or could result in me being bedbound. For example when my back went recently and first trapped the nerve I could barely walk with 2 walking sticks while being in immense pain. I imagine that would be a big issue on a ship.

silvercar

Salkian said:

For myself the sciatica has been creating a large amount of pain down my leg when the nerve gets aggravated. I have issues being able to sit down. When I transition from standing to sitting and to lying down and vice versa the pain kicks in and stops me moving around much.

I am currently using ice packs and paracetamol to get me on my feet after sleeping (takes about 15 minutes). After that I have no pain for general walking (though I am not able to stretch down and need my other half to help me fully dress as I cannot reach down to my feet etc.

So in answer to your question Katejo, I have a concern, however small, that something could happen to my back that could stop me being able to get around or could result in me being bedbound. For example when my back went recently and first trapped the nerve I could barely walk with 2 walking sticks while being in immense pain. I imagine that would be a big issue on a ship.

Ouch! I hope you recover soon.

Arguably a cruise ship is somewhere where the immobile can manage quite well. Food can be delivered to your room and if a wheelchair would suit, they have spares on board. They also have fairly well equiped medical facilities. You will need to decide for yourself if you want to face this scenario.

Alfrescodave

How soon is your cruise? and are you undergoing treatment to alleviate the symptons?

If cruise is soon, I would be requesting medical confirmation that you are not "fit" to travel and claim from your insurance company.