New Travel Insurance discussion area

Vikki_74

Apologies if this has been asked previously but I have searched a few times and haven't come up with anything...

Basically we are travelling to the USA in September and I'm currently trying to sort out the travel insurance. Previously I've never really thought about pre-existing conditions as neither of us have had any serious health problems, but in December I broke my leg so this might now be an issue. It was quite a bad break - I fractured my fibula in 2 places and have had to have it pinned - and although I'm no longer having to go back to the hospital for outpatient check-ups I won't be fully discharged for 12 months as they leave you with an open appointment in case of any problems.

I'm assuming that the injury should be disclosed, but if so this makes me ineligable for many travel insurance policies, at least if applying online. The specialist companies giving cover for pre-existing conditions are expensive (£150+ for our 3 week trip, about the same for an annual policy) and seem to be targeted at people with more serious conditions e.g. heart problems, cancer rather than a broken bone which has now healed so I feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place!

I suppose what I'm asking is (a) whether I do need to declare the broken bone and (b) whether there are certain of the more mainstream companies who I should approach for a quote? AXA for example will quote for pre-existing conditions and declaring a broken leg made no difference to the price but I know they don't have a great reputation on here for claims handling so I'm a bit wary.

I don't mind ringing a few companies if it will get us a decent price & level of cover but can't call every insurance company out there so was hoping for some recommendations - can anyone help?

FH_Brit

TRAVELLER - no real comment on Columbus - I don't think I have had any major problems but they also do stand ou above the rest. = Average company!

FH_Brit

VIKKI - Stay away from Axa and White Horse. Just search above using Axa in the search and see how many people complain/post here.

As a golden rule you should disclose any PEMC (IC's use the word condition to cover anything - where illness/disease/injury can all be too specific) - Technically a "snotty nose" is a medical condition! If you do not ask them you always risk being turned down later if the worst happen and you need to claim.

No one here or anywhere (including some Brokers and ALL travel Agents) know your policy (or policy you are thinking about buying) better than the IC themselves - on the whole they are honest and will not misslead you intentinally. If you ask "Is ABC condition covered" or "Do I need to disclose XYZ condition" they will tell you.

I advise if you have to ask on here then you should be asking your IC.

martina123

trying to get online quotes for insurance in Turkey. They haven't joined the EU so do i need to get worldwide cover?

wallbash

No , for some reason , for insurance purposes Turkey is in Europe
Turkey uses?? the Euro

World is sometimes mad!

folkestonelisa

I am going to be really thick here.

We have a holiday booked for end of june, booked with fleetway travel.

Have paid the deposit on the credit card and will be paying the balance of on the credit card.
so i need to take out insurance.
If i took out a single trip insurance today for the holiday. does the cover start from today or from the date of the holiday.
And also my husband has gout and has tablets for it, i take it that i mention this to the insurer as well.

thanks

Having one of those days.

Incapuppy

folkestonelisa wrote: »

If i took out a single trip insurance today for the holiday. does the cover start from today or from the date of the holiday.
And also my husband has gout and has tablets for it, i take it that i mention this to the insurer as well.

Cancellation cover will start from the day you take out the policy.

You need to declare any pre-existing medical conditions for anyone travelling and also for any close relatives for whom you may need to cancel or curtail the trip. The insurers (or rather their medical screening agencies) will assess the risk and may decide to charge you extra for this cover.

As an aside, travel insurance really should be taken out (or already be in place, re: an annual policy) at the same time that a trip is booked.

FH_Brit

martina123 wrote: »

trying to get online quotes for insurance in Turkey. They haven't joined the EU so do i need to get worldwide cover?

Surely they mean geographical Europe and not Political (Members of the EU)?

FH_Brit

FOLKESTONELISA - Cancellation cover is not always covered in every policy, you need to check the T&C's of the individual policy. PEMC's depend also on the policy, any DECENT policy probably won't worry about gout.

ADVICE - Do not book travel insurance at the Travel Agent.
Do Not buy Travel Insurance from Axa or White Horse.
Do as INCAPUPPY stated - declare PEMC of all who travel and close relatives. (This is in case you need to cancel or return home sooner because of family medical condition)

Recommend - Post Office (Fortis) - Tesco - RBS - Direct Line

Incapuppy

FH_Brit wrote: »

FOLKESTONELISA - Cancellation cover is not always covered in every policy, you need to check the T&C's of the individual policy.

Really? I didn't know that; every policy that I have ever requested a quote for covered cancellation as standard.