Whether you’re an individual who enjoys holidays overseas, or a business that regularly sends employees abroad, the chances are that you’ve had to invest in Travel Insurance in the past and may well need to do so again in the future.
But how confident are you that any such policy will pay out in the event of a claim?
The Financial Ombudsman Service regularly receives complaints from customers whose claims have been rejected, with the most common reason for rejection being failure to disclose pre-existing medical conditions.
So, what is deemed a pre-existing condition?
This can be anything that you have symptoms of, have received advice on, or are receiving treatment for. Most insurers have their own specific list of conditions that they need to be advised of (and we would always recommend that you check this list before purchasing a policy), but the most common conditions include the following:
• Heart conditions (which usually includes high blood pressure)
• Cancer
• Breathing conditions (including asthma)
• Joint and bone conditions
• Diabetes
• Gastrointestinal conditions (problems with your stomach)
High blood pressure is one of the most common conditions omitted from health declarations, despite it being a prevalent health issue in the UK. Many people fall into the trap of thinking that they don’t need to declare it if it’s controlled by medication, but it’s vital insurers are made aware to ensure you are protected in the event of a claim.
Simon Gubbins, Managing Director at Robison & Co, said: “Travel Insurance is designed to protect you against unforeseen circumstances and when it comes to medical claims, a pre-existing condition does add an inherent level of risk. Many insurers will want to know associated illnesses that could be linked to your condition, and in the case of high blood pressure, the list could be quite extensive.
Unfortunately, many people believe that by declaring any pre-existing conditions, the cost of their premium will rocket, making this already inconvenient expense a major outlay on top of the cost of a holiday. This is not however always the case. There is specialist cover available for pre-existing conditions and a good Broker will ensure you get an adequate level of protection that won’t break the bank.”
For further information on travel insurance, or to discuss a new or existing policy, contact Robison & Co on 01730 265500. We’d be happy to discuss your requirements with a view to sourcing the most cost-effective and appropriate coverage for your needs.
