Travel insurance when on vaccine trial

MyRealNameToo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81928090#Comment_81928090

Its bitter sweet to be honest, it is clearer though that if its a factor they have to explicitly ask but the old ABI rules were arguably better if you were found in breach.

Now under CIDRA if the insurer can substantiate that the wrong declaration was intentional or reckless they can now void the policy and avoid the claim even if its totally irrelevant to the claim and they would have insured you had you given the correct answer. Under the prior regime as long as it wasnt intentional you then consider its impact on premiums and if it's relevant to the claim and ultimately if you would have been insured then you'd get the claim at least partially paid.

twopenny

So rock and a hard place then 🙄

MyRealNameToo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81929300#Comment_81929300

More give and take, you can no longer be punished for not realising you should tell them about a big tree in your garden because they didnt ask about trees within 10 meters of the house but if you forget to declare the major flood but when the loss adjuster visits to discuss a burglary and he sees the memorial plaque in your living room showing the height the flood waters got to now your claim would now be declined for non-disclosure.

twopenny

That's pretty much what I understood from when I had a leg sports injury and I could be covered for everything but leave that out.

However I could forsee almost everything could be blamed on that short of illness.

I've also found out from my experience and travellers online that some online travel companies offer 'experiences' and day trips that aren't covered by their own travel insurance. Ditto any trips out not organised by them.

I digress but may come in useful.

My favourite was covering me for a safari trip but the written details showed not covered for jeep transport!

Gloseeker

I’d probably double check directly with the insurer just to be safe, as it’s quite a grey area.

From what I’ve seen, if something isn’t specifically asked during the quote then it’s usually not something you’re expected to declare, but policies can vary a lot depending on wording.

With anything medical-related it’s probably worth getting it confirmed in writing so there’s no issues if you ever needed to claim.

silvercar

https://www.aomrc.org.uk/publication/academy-statement-clinical-trials-and-travel-insurance-2024-update/

Academy statement: Clinical trials and travel insurance (2024 update)

The Association of British Insurers have updated the original statement first published in 2019. 

“When individuals apply for travel insurance, insurers will typically ask questions about an individual’s health in order to make an accurate risk assessment. This risk assessment takes into consideration the health of the individual and the insurer will typically ask questions about any preexisting health conditions and medical treatments for those conditions.    ​

Travel insurers do not typically ask about clinical research trials. In the instance where an insurer does ask an individual about their participation in clinical research trials, the insurer must ensure the question is clear and the individual should answer it accurately and honestly.​

Typically, participation in a clinical trial is not something that of itself would be expected to lead to increased premiums or insurance refusal, as it may not carry increased risk above that associated with the condition under trial. However, this may depend on the trial itself, particularly for those in the very early stages. Where appropriate, travel insurers will assess the risk of early trials on a case-by-case basis. If insurers are unable to provide cover, they will sign-post customers with pre-existing conditions to a specialist provider.​

The vast majority of those participating in clinical trials are not asked about it by their insurer and do not face challenges obtaining travel insurance.”