Travel Insurance questions regarding pre existing conditions

[Andrea1]

Hi everyone.

I have some questions about travel insurance. My wife and I are in our 60s, so have some medical issues. In the past, I have always filled in the online forms stating that I have Atrial Fobrillation. I have had this for many years and take tablets for it. However, I hav'nt had an episode in over 3 years. Also, when I do have an episode, it make my heart irregular and fast, but I can still carry on as normal.

My episodes come and go, but some people have this permanently.

My question is, do I still have to put this information down, because for some reason the quote for this year has doubled from last year.

I often wonder how these online forms are worded, because pretty much all of them say to declare if you have seen a doctor in the last 2 years, or had any illness EVER. Or are taking any medications.

I'm thinking that I should put down that I had an operation when I was 6 weeks old

Is it worded so that they can refuse a claim because you did'nt declare that you maybe you had your appendix out when you were in your teens. (Just an example)

I would really like your opinions on whether I really need to declare the Atrial Fibrillation?

Thanks
James

[nanu]

Originally Posted by Andrea1

Hi everyone.

I have some questions about travel insurance. My wife and I are in our 60s, so have some medical issues. In the past, I have always filled in the online forms stating that I have Atrial Fobrillation. I have had this for many years and take tablets for it. However, I hav'nt had an episode in over 3 years. Also, when I do have an episode, it make my heart irregular and fast, but I can still carry on as normal.

My episodes come and go, but some people have this permanently.

My question is, do I still have to put this information down, because for some reason the quote for this year has doubled from last year.

I often wonder how these online forms are worded, because pretty much all of them say to declare if you have seen a doctor in the last 2 years, or had any illness EVER. Or are taking any medications.

I'm thinking that I should put down that I had an operation when I was 6 weeks old

Is it worded so that they can refuse a claim because you did'nt declare that you maybe you had your appendix out when you were in your teens. (Just an example)

I would really like your opinions on whether I really need to declare the Atrial Fibrillation?

Thanks
James

See more...

You must answer whatever questions they ask openly and honestly. Some will say in the past 2 years and some will ask you to agree to a statement that you have never had any cancer/heart trouble/ circulation problems, etc. With atrial fibrillation, I would strongly suspect that this would need to be declared, it's a serious ailment. Best thing is to shop around, I've used Insurance With in the past. These were the best price for me when some insurance companies refused to even insure my ailments. My moto is, if i doubt, declare it.

[mick]

Joan and I are both 70+, both post-cancer and have other minor PEMCs.

As Nanu says the opening questions on any on-line application (apart from your name etc) are "have you ever had circulation, heart, cancer etc?" The questionnaire then goes on to more recent illnesses and hospitalisation.

Again as Nanu says you must declare it. If the absolute worst happens and you develop any illness over there that can be attributed to your PEMC and you haven't declared there's a serious chance that your insurance won't pay out.

As you may know even a brief spell in an American hospital can run to six figures.

We found Boots Platinum was the cheapest and it includes £10m medical cover. The web site questionnaire is very thorough but is very intuitive and easy to get through.

Mick

[Mortimer Mouse]

I had an episode of AF last year, so was dreading booking my travel insurance for this years trip. I went with Staysure, as it was the most reasonable quote and they are on the recommended list of Insurers by the British Heart Foundation.

Some quotes were ridiculous and some (Aviva) wouldn't insure the condition.

[mick]

Originally Posted by Mortimer Mouse

I had an episode of AF last year, so was dreading booking my travel insurance for this years trip. I went with Staysure, as it was the most reasonable quote and they are on the recommended list of Insurers by the British Heart Foundation.

Some quotes were ridiculous and some (Aviva) wouldn't insure the condition.

See more...

I tried a couple of price comparison websites first, spent (wasted :angry half an hour on each to be told at the end "sorry but our partners are not able to provide you with cover".

Mick

[Guest]

I agree. My son has a congenital heart condition but we've always declared even though he has had his surgeries . We also declare relatively minor things on myself and my husband eg he spent 2 nights in hospital with a heavy nosebleed which wouldn't stop. Most policies also state that if there isn't full disclosure for all insured then a claim could be invalidated even if it relates to someone else in the party. If they can wriggle out of paying they will!

We were advised by one insurer (at least in my son's case) that premiums were loaded where treatment, surgery still pending and the first two years post surgery. After that, provided there weren't any incidents the premium were reduced to near normal although it probably depends on the specific condition concerned.

[Guest]

Meant to say we've used and claimed with All clear and Free Spirit in the past with no problems. Premiums were a bit higher.

We've also insured with Post Office MS and AXA at reasonable cost but can't comment on how they'd be in claims situation as thankfully everything has been OK for a while.

[harber78]

Know how you feel my husband had Atrial Fibrillation but was cured over 12 years ago with ablation and most online travel insurance say you have to notify if you have ever had a heart issue so premiums are loaded despite my husband being fine for 12 years and no medication taken.

[Andrea1]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I will follow your advice and declare my condition. It certainly seems like the insurance companies have it well covered. I can probably understand why they do it. Its just that the company I went with last year (Explorer Travel) have doubled last years premium. Considering, nothing has changed except that I have gone another year without any problems, it seemed like they were ripping me off.

I'll head back to the internet and see what I can find. I notice that there are quite a few recommendations on another thread.

Thanks
James

[Greyfriars]

The questions used to drive me crazy but recently my wife joined an NHS retirement fellowship which allows us to get annual cover at a very reasonable cost.
The only stipulation is you must be fit to travel. No other questions are asked! 😎