Travel insurance - pre-existing medical condition

Olive8585

I want to buy travel insurance. I'm a relatively healthy person - have had some bowel issues over the last few years which were investigated and not attributed to anything (was told it 'might' be IBS but not on any medication) and last year had a few physio sessions on my hip. I stopped attending and AFAIK was discharged. It's fine now. I was going to declare that I have no pre-existing conditions but the terms and conditions are a bit scary - one says if you have 'been treated by a physio' you have to say so, but doesn't specify the time. Surely if it's in the past and sorted now, you shouldn't have to put it down?

Any help appreciated.

coylemj

The rule is: 'if in doubt, declare it'. They will do their damnedest to worm out of any claim on any pretext and non-declaration of a pre-existing condition is the one they look for first.

galwayjohn89

If you have private health insurance with overseas cover VHI Multi Trip will cover pre existing conditions although I can't really recommend them. Had a few issues with them. I use https://www.worldwideinsure.com/ they are a little more expensive for single trips (and a lot more for multi trip) but can't fault them at all. On one trip I had to claim 3 times and they couldn't have been more friendly and helpful, especially helping me deal with the hospital when the hospital was trying to pull a fast one.

I would always declare any pre existing conditions, you don't want to give them a get out clause. Although I was refused cover as I had appendicitis and an appendectomy -they said because I had appendicitis once I was likely to have it again. Unfortunately explaining that I don't have an appendix any more didn't help

killbillvol2

Vuzuggu wrote: »

If you have private health insurance with overseas cover VHI Multi Trip will cover pre existing conditions although I can't really recommend them. Had a few issues with them. I use https://www.worldwideinsure.com/ they are a little more expensive for single trips (and a lot more for multi trip) but can't fault them at all. On one trip I had to claim 3 times and they couldn't have been more friendly and helpful, especially helping me deal with the hospital when the hospital was trying to pull a fast one.

I would always declare any pre existing conditions, you don't want to give them a get out clause. Although I was refused cover as I had appendicitis and an appendectomy -they said because I had appendicitis once I was likely to have it again. Unfortunately explaining that I don't have an appendix any more didn't help

Name and shame!

galwayjohn89

killbillvol2 wrote: »

Name and shame!

Wish I could but pretty sure it's against boards policy. I found it hilarious if not slightly worrying. I'm never really that loyal to insurance companies especially car/home but for travel insurance I'm pretty loyal. At least I know that a) they have common sense and b) their emergency assistance couldn't have been more helpful.

Olive8585

Vuzuggu wrote: »

If you have private health insurance with overseas cover VHI Multi Trip will cover pre existing conditions although I can't really recommend them. Had a few issues with them. I use https://www.worldwideinsure.com/ they are a little more expensive for single trips (and a lot more for multi trip) but can't fault them at all. On one trip I had to claim 3 times and they couldn't have been more friendly and helpful, especially helping me deal with the hospital when the hospital was trying to pull a fast one.

I would always declare any pre existing conditions, you don't want to give them a get out clause. Although I was refused cover as I had appendicitis and an appendectomy -they said because I had appendicitis once I was likely to have it again. Unfortunately explaining that I don't have an appendix any more didn't help

My issue is it's not really 'pre-existing'. Am I going to have to pay more for travel insurance for the rest of my life because I had a bit of physio (amounting to a few exercises) on my hip a couple of times?

coylemj

coylemj wrote: »

They will do their damnedest to worm out of any claim on any pretext...

Vuzuggu wrote: »

.... I was refused cover as I had appendicitis and an appendectomy -they said because I had appendicitis once I was likely to have it again.

Q.E.D.

Olive8585

I've been at the GP for all sorts of niggling little things over the past few years...wouldn't even remember them all. Do they look at your medical notes etc?

Miaireland

Olive8585 wrote: »

I've been at the GP for all sorts of niggling little things over the past few years...wouldn't even remember them all. Do they look at your medical notes etc?

Not at your notes but if you make a claim on your insurance they will ask you to sign a form allowing them send a form to your GP to fill in. They will ask about your medical history in that.

For example if you got a heart attack they would be interested if you had attended your gp for chest pain or had be referred to a heart specialist etc or was on heart medication etc.

Olive8585

Miaireland wrote: »

Not at your notes but if you make a claim on your insurance they will ask you to sign a form allowing them send a form to your GP to fill in. They will ask about your medical history in that.

For example if you got a heart attack they would be interested if you had attended your gp for chest pain or had be referred to a heart specialist etc or was on heart medication etc.

There's no way I can even remember all that. I did go to the GP about chest pain a few years ago but nothing came of it. I wouldn't even have remembered that if you hadn't written it.

Overwhelmed here by all the different policies and options. I usually go with the AA travel insurance and just get the basic cover but there's so much to think about.

Miaireland

It is worth reading the terms and conditions of your policy alright. I got stuck with a 13 hour flight delay once and had the booklet that came with my travel insurance with my travel documents. Out of sheer boredom I read it. It was scary in a way what was not covered and equally what was amazing what they did cover.

Fred Swanson

This post has been deleted.

Olive8585

Fred Swanson wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Do they? I didn't see that when I was looking. If that's the case, why was the policy I wanted quoted at 15 quid higher once I put down one pre-existing condition? I wouldn't mind if the pre-existing conditions weren't covered. Rather that than pay extra.