Travel insurance and eating disorders

Freya62

Hi all, several questions. I'm in recovery from an eating disorder. I have finished all treatment, but this is fairly recent. I'm sure i need to declare it which is fine. However, lots of small print says i won't be covered for cancellation even if this is not related to my condition?! (the likelihood of me having to cancel due to my ED is zero)
Also, I'm going on holiday with friends, if one of them can't make it because they are ill or something so i cancel, would i be covered?….
Lastly, we are booking flights, hotel etc seperatly, so would the insurance cover each bit?!

MyRealNameToo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6681264/travel-insurance-and-eating-disorders

You simply need to answer the questions honestly and straight forwardly not to try and guess "what they meant". Most will ask for you to declare any condition that you have either seen a medical professional about, taken treatment for or suffered symptoms off in the last 3 years (some are longer or shorter) and in addition also declare some more major conditions no matter when it was (eg cancer).

So assuming "fairly recent" is less than the X years that they ask for then yes it needs to be declared.

Would need to read the exact small print and the context you are seeing it in. One guess, it could be something in the quote process that says if you fail to declare a condition then they can avoid any claims… if thats the case then its slightly more nuanced than that, it only bites if either its believed its reckless or intentional that you didnt declare it or if its careless then only if they wouldnt have insured you had you declared it.

The relevant legislation is CIDRA and they probably say "may not" rather than will not because if they accept it was careless and they would have insured you had you declared it then they have to pay out on the claim but can reduce the payment by the percentage difference the price would have been.

There is also a practical element… if you fail to declare you had cancer last year then they almost certainly would consider that to be reckless and so would look to void the policy however if your claim is for a lost suitcase they arent going to be asking your GP for a medical report to see that you have had cancer… of cause you could still drop yourself in it by explaining the reason you lost the suitcase was because the chemo is making you forgetful

Insurance will cover what it states it covers… most insurance will cover all prebooked non-refundable transportation and accommodation but cover for pre-booked events etc is a little more variable. Similarly if the claim is for missed departure then some will only cover your initial flight out and back but not cover a flight in the middle of the holiday. Again the terms will clear matters up

twopenny

"if one of them can't make it because they are ill or something so i cancel, would i be covered?….
To get cover for this you have to have it especially as part of the insurance.

If the flights and hotel are available and you can go then you aren't covered for someone else cancelling. That would have to be specified and paid for.

Congratulations on your recovery, well done 🙂