Travel Insurance with pre-existing health conditions

Nosmo_King_2

Just looking for an opinion really. In the past I have tended to take out insurance around the same time as booking a holiday, last time taking out an annual policy as I intended taking more than one holiday, however, I had to inform the company of a change in medication which meant that they wanted an additional fee, which to an extent negated any saving by taking out an annual policy. So I am wondering if there is really any benefit in taking out an annual policy. I am also wondering, particularly for short/low cost holidays whether it may be better to take out insurance nearer to the time of the holiday (when there is less chance of medication changes etc) which I know goes against Martin's advice.

martindow

I think it depends how much you would be on the hook for if you couldn't travel. If it is ultra cheap flights and hotels that you can cancel at the last minute without penalty it is worth delaying. Doing this means that when you do take out insurance, an annual policy could cover another future holiday.

On the other hand if it is expensive long haul travel and non-refundable hotels you are taking a big gamble not taking out insurance as soon as you book. The cost of making an amendment is small compared with your potential loss.

Woodstok2000

If you dont have insurance you are on the hook for any non-flexible/refundable bookings if you need to reschedule or cancel.

MyRealNameToo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6684902/travel-insurance-with-pre-existing-health-conditions

Delaying buying the insurance puts you at risk that you are taken ill or injured before you have bought the insurance and therefore lose the cost of the holiday. It comes down to a combination of what the holiday costs, what the insurance costs and your appetite for risk on if to buy later or buy at the time of booking.

luci

Insurance covers you for anything that happens before travel that may result in cancellation of the holiday. Even if you had only taken out single trip insurance, you would still have been required to declare a change in medication and pay any increase in premium.

If you have only made a small outlay, that you are happy to sacrifice, delaying taking out a policy might suit your needs.

TELLIT01

If considering delaying the purchase of insurance it's important to be absolutely sure what you are 'on the hook' for if you do have to cancel. That amount may well increase the closer you get to the holiday date.