Recommended Insurance Companies for Pre existing medical conditions
This is one of our most frequently asked questions on the Facebook Group, so below are our members recommendations for Insurance companies that will cover pre-existing medical conditions. Travel Insurance existing conditions.
Brexit and insurance
For people visiting the EU, we recommend buying travel insurance to ensure you can travel safely. You should make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy, and that the policy is sufficient to cover possible disruption. The FCO has guidance on what your travel insurance policy should cover.
If you already have travel insurance to cover your trip, your insurer should let you know if there will be any changes to the way your policy is serviced that will affect you after the UK leaves the EU. If you have questions about what your travel insurance policy covers, or whether the policy is sufficient to cover possible disruption, you may wish to contact your insurer.
You may need extra travel cover if you’re over 65 or if you have a pre-existing medical condition.
Please note all the companies below also do "normal" travel insurance policies.
What is a ‘pre-existing medical condition’?
Travel insurance existing conditions
This term covers a lot – from allergies to broken bones.
Different insurance companies have different definitions, but your insurer is likely to consider any of the following as a pre-existing medical condition:
- Any condition you are waiting for an operation on
- Any condition that you’re currently awaiting test results for
- Any condition, even a minor one, that you’ve seen a doctor about in the last year
- Any serious condition – cancer, heart trouble, respiratory problems – you have ever had
They will also want to know if you’re currently taking any medication.
You might also be asked whether any of your relatives or close business colleagues have medical conditions – even if they are not travelling.
(If they do and you have to cancel your trip because of their condition, you will probably not be covered.)
You’ll need to declare all pre-existing medical conditions when buying travel insurance.
If you’re not sure whether to declare, don’t assume it’s covered, always ask your insurance company.
Otherwise you risk having your claim rejected.
Some policies will not cover your medical condition.
Others will give you cover but charge extra for it.
What to watch out for when buying travel insurance covering your medical condition
If you’re buying online, most insurers will ask you to call a number or fill out a form giving your medical history.
Always call if you are unsure about anything.
- Check whether any medical equipment you’re taking with you is covered.
- Make sure you get a 24-hour helpline to call in case of a medical emergency abroad.
How to get the best deal on travel insurance for over 65s
- Depending on how often you travel you might want to consider a multi-trip ‘annual’ travel policy as these policies could work out cheaper in the long run.
- If you’re taking a cruise, a cruise policy might work out cheaper than a single trip policy – and can have higher age limits than standard insurance.
- If you’re having trouble finding a policy you might get cover if you have a premium bank account that offers free travel insurance. Check the age limit and that it covers pre-existing medical conditions. Just make sure the annual charges on the bank account don’t add up to more than the cost of a travel insurance policy.
- Do some thorough research online – don’t just head to comparison sites as many travel insurers don’t use them and you might not be able to get quotes if you have existing medical conditions.
For more information on taking out the right type of insurance also read this page "Choosing the right travel insurance"
Many people think just having an EHIC card is enough cover, this is far from the case, find out exactly what the EHIC card covers you for HERE
CORONAVIRUS UPDATES AND INSURANCE
Many travel insurers have now suspended the sale of new policies entirely.
Only a limited number of insurers are offering policies that cover COVID-19 check out:-
Rush Insurance Underwritten by Travel Insurance Facilities Group
Staysure (no travel disruption extension for new customers, but emergency medical treatment for coronavirus is covered)
Trailfinders (cover for some coronavirus-related cancellation and medical expenses)
Santander (cover for some coronavirus-related cancellation and medical expenses)
Battleface Insurance ( new policy will give travellers the peace of mind they have been looking for. including to countries currently advised against traveling to by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) for travellers up to and including age 59, includes cover for medical expenses caused by or resulting from COVID-19)
SAGA (emergency medical cover) are among providers who do.
Nationwide - cover if your destination restricts its borders before you travel for reasons relating to the pandemic
AllClear - If the FCO changes its advice before you travel
Allianz Assistance - worth checking out
Hays Travel - The new cover, which will be offered as standard to customers through Rush Insurance Services and Allianz Insurance, will include provisions for cancellation or curtailment of holidays, emergency medical expenses and repatriation due to Covid-19 or other epidemics and pandemics. The insurance will also cover cruise holidays when clients are confined to their cabins or if they miss port calls and pre-paid excursions.
If you have a trip booked for later in the year but do not have insurance, you might consider looking for a policy to provide cancellation cover for a reason other than a coronavirus-related issue, such as bereavement or divorce.
However, you would need to scrutinise the policy wording to check what cover was provided and confirm your understanding with the insurer before buying. You would also have to consider the fact that you might not be able to undertake the trip anyway because of the pandemic restrictions, in which case you would not be able to claim.
If you’re diagnosed with coronavirus before you are able to get home to the UK, you will need to seek medical treatment first. If you fall ill, tell your insurer immediately and they will advise you of your options.
As far as travel insurance is concerned, your situation will depend on where you are, what treatment you receive and your medical prognosis.
Insurers are responding differently to the situation as it develops, so you’ll need to ask them for advice and support.
What if I contract Coronavirus whilst abroad?
If you fall ill in Europe, your European Health Insurance Card/GHIC will entitle you to treatment on the same terms as a local citizen (this will remain the case at least until the end of the Brexit transition period, which runs until 31 December 2020).
If you are further afield, your travel insurance should meet any medical expenses you incur, provided you did not ignore government travel advice. You may also be able to claim for additional expenses incurred because of your prolonged stay overseas, such as bed and board for other members of your party.
If you are placed into quarantine abroad, you may also be able to claim for out-of-pocket expenses, but as ever, you’ll need to check with your insurer.
Travel insurance existing conditions