Holiday Insurance & Possible Gallstones

[scottish mama]

When I was diagnosed with gallstones in June 2012 my appointment for surgery wasn't till November, but ended up in hospital with flare ups a few times ad having it removed earlier, so I'd definitely get insured now. It cost me an extra £360 but was worth it as although I didn't end up having hospital treatment in the US, I did have quite a bad flare up as we were landing in Miami.

[crazydecorator]

I was diagnosed in May 2017 in advance of our trip in August 2017 and had an operation booked in for 1 November 2017. We already had insurance through our current account and it was just over £100 to cover the gallbladder during the holiday.

If they do try to schedule the op before you go I would give yourself at least 6 weeks to recover, I got an infection and so it took a few months before I felt right again.

Good luck you will get through it fine x

[DisneyF1rstT1me]

Try different insurers specialising in medical conditions. We got ours last year and this year via money saving expert site. There's a tool for searching only insurers who'll cover for these things and because they're specialists they're not stupidly over cautious as some insurers are.

DH is currently undergoing investigations re knee issue for which he's previously has surgery a couple of years ago and more recently has an mri scan which we're waiting for the result of. We were quoted £66 for annual multi trip policy covering Europe for 2a2c, covering all declared pre-existing issues. Last year's worldwide policy with more declarations cost £88, also found with money saving expert tool.

[ERICSMUM]

I agree with everything said so far, especially Mick’s recommendation to call the insurance company and speak to someone. That person will probably have direct access to an underwriter who will assess the risk from what you tell them.

Good luck with your health. I had a bad time with my gall bladder and needed a couple of months to recover but it’s been 15 years since the op and I’ve never had a minute’s trouble.

[thefergies]

Agree with the observation that there will be occasions where the online medical screening questions and all those algorithm doo-das won't have the answer as they focus on known diagnosed conditions and yes or no answers. There will be instances you need to speak to a human underwriter.

[whenyouwish...]

My issue though is we don't currently have any insurance booked.

I am just in a quandary as to what to do. I haven't had the ultrasound or seen a consultant yet (US is next week and I have an urgent referral for a consultant) but my doctor has basically said he's 100% sure it's gallstones and the way I've been I am also thinking I have.

So do I:

1) Hold off getting insurance until I have actual proof and confirmation it is in fact gallstones?

2) Get insurance now but not put anything down for medical issues but phone and update them if it is and pay the extra?

I'm not saying I won't be honest and would hold back information, I just couldn't do that in case I needed treatment over there. I'd be mad to do otherwise.

It does seem from talking to people that they don't seem to be in a rush to book surgery in, we go in 4 months, chances are, anything would be booked for afterwards I'm guessing.

[mick]

Originally Posted by whenyouwish...

My issue though is we don't currently have any insurance booked.

I am just in a quandary as to what to do. I haven't had the ultrasound or seen a consultant yet (US is next week and I have an urgent referral for a consultant) but my doctor has basically said he's 100% sure it's gallstones and the way I've been I am also thinking I have.

So do I:

1) Hold off getting insurance until I have actual proof and confirmation it is in fact gallstones?

2) Get insurance now but not put anything down for medical issues but phone and update them if it is and pay the extra?

I'm not saying I won't be honest and would hold back information, I just couldn't do that in case I needed treatment over there. I'd be mad to do otherwise.

It does seem from talking to people that they don't seem to be in a rush to book surgery in, we go in 4 months, chances are, anything would be booked for afterwards I'm guessing.

See more...

I'm not an expert on gall bladder issues since neither of us owns one now. Therefore I don't know anything about travelling post treatment. No experience but don't they zap gall stones these days as a day patient.

You can't really lose anything by ringing a reliable company and talking through the options. I can recommend Staysure after my experiences over the weekend. Tell them where you are now and what the near future might change.


Mick

[thefergies]

Originally Posted by whenyouwish...

My issue though is we don't currently have any insurance booked.

I am just in a quandary as to what to do. I haven't had the ultrasound or seen a consultant yet (US is next week and I have an urgent referral for a consultant) but my doctor has basically said he's 100% sure it's gallstones and the way I've been I am also thinking I have.

So do I:

1) Hold off getting insurance until I have actual proof and confirmation it is in fact gallstones?

2) Get insurance now but not put anything down for medical issues but phone and update them if it is and pay the extra?

I'm not saying I won't be honest and would hold back information, I just couldn't do that in case I needed treatment over there. I'd be mad to do otherwise.

It does seem from talking to people that they don't seem to be in a rush to book surgery in, we go in 4 months, chances are, anything would be booked for afterwards I'm guessing.

See more...

For me it's option 3. Call an insurer and explain the full and current situation. Under option 1, God forbid something totally unrelated happens later this week and you have to cancel? You lose the whole holiday. Option 2 means you are effectively misleading the insurer if you mention nothing as more than likely the questions will include either diagnosis or being under investigation and you would have to say yes to the latter. Best option is talk to a prospective insurer and be guided by them. I can't tell you what they will say but for me it's better than either option 1 or 2.

[whenyouwish...]

Yes, that's a good idea. I'll ring and have a chat with someone.

Thanks for the recommendation, Mick.

Thanks, everyone for your help and advice.

[lottiesmum0]

I had gallstones a few years ago.
I had the scan and was told by the insurance that I had to have the surgery more than 10 weeks from my departure date - within 10 weeks I was not insured. However, I was also insured with them if I did not have surgery.
I ended up having surgery just outside the 10 weeks. My insurance is with my bank so I cant remember if I paid any extra?