Inform insurers of medical conditions before heading for the sun
Personal insurance
30th July 2010
Those jetting off on summer sunshine breaks should be sure to tell their insurer about any pre-existing medical conditions they may have before travelling overseas, as failure to do so could invalidate policies.
This is the advice provided to holidaymakers by Giles Insurance Brokers Ltd., which has emphasised the importance of acquiring good cover and of ensuring that providers are made aware of any issues that could affect the protection they receive.
It comes in the wake of a recent study by Sainsbury's, which showed that thousands of people are going to other countries each year with conditions their insurers are unaware of. According to the research, 110,000 people went abroad with a respiratory problem they had not admitted to and 245,000 with back pain that was undeclared.
The study estimated half a million policyholders travelled from Britain to destinations abroad with a medical condition they had failed to tell their insurer about, with 22 per cent assuming that it was not relevant to their policy.
However, such illnesses should be documented before setting off on a break and those concerned that their medical complaints could rule them out of securing an insurance policy are advised that there are many dedicated products available for those with pre-existing conditions.
Susan Young, Group Personal Lines Director of Giles Insurance, said: "Failure to take out travel insurance before setting off on trips abroad can result in costs totalling thousands of pounds, in addition to substantial difficulties at what may already be a stressful time.
"However, policies can be invalidated if conditions that are known to the customer are not divulged to an insurer, whether this is an innocent mistake or the information has been deliberately withheld.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office recommends that UK travellers take out at least £1 million worth of medical cover when visiting destinations in Europe and £2 million when going to locations in the rest of the world. Selected products should also offer a 24-hour emergency service so that companies offer help and advice to those suffering serious accidents or medical problems.
Any conditions and exclusions relating to insurance documentation should be carefully read through and concerns that may arise should be discussed with a broker or the provider before leaving Britain.
In addition, all holidaymakers should have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when going to relevant countries, as this will provide basic levels of cover in case of illness or injury. It is free to apply for if one is not already held and the expiry date should be checked on any existing cards to make sure they are still valid.
The EHIC offers access to reduced-cost medical treatment but does not cover certain costs that can be incurred in relation to incidents abroad such as paying for relatives to fly out and return or their accommodation, repatriation, mountain rescue and treatment in any countries that do not currently hold a mutual agreement with the UK.
Checking insurance documents, making brokers and providers aware of pre-existing medical conditions and being sure that the portable EHIC is in place before going on holiday can save huge sums of money and a lot of unnecessary upset for travellers.
