Travel Insurance and new condition.

I would ask the insurance company.

I'm in a similar position as I am going to Rome for a few days mid September but have recently gone on the waitlist for an echocardiograph and an AV Node ablation ( waitlist of 8 months) . I used Staysure for my last trip to Paris having just been discharged from hospital and was relieved to be able to speak to someone and get advice. I'm expecting to get an increase in cost and perhaps some exclusions like not being covered if I cancel at short notice because I've been given an appointment. tbh what I really want cover for is repatriation, I'm happy to pay for medical costs in Italy should I need them and I'm confident I won't have to cancel because I've got an appointment but repatriation can be very costly. I'll let you know how I get on, I don't have annual travel insurance so your experience might differ to mine.

I’m sorry to tell you this Nandalot, but we have an annual travel policy with Staysure and a few weeks ago they told my DH that they were suspending my insurance because I’m waiting for an audiology assessment of all things. They wouldn’t insure me for everything except audiology either.
I couldn’t believe it but apparently it’s the underwriters, not the insurers, who apply these rules.

So my advice to you would be to get your insurance position clarified as soon as you can. If you’re going to Europe you’re probably covered by the EHIC, but we’re going to America so can’t possibly go without insurance.

We aren’t with Staysure but recently had to tell our provider that my husband was waiting for an investigation for a heart valve issue. We have an annual worldwide policy through our paid-for bank account, and last year we paid an additional £70 for a pre-existing condition. That additional payment jumped by £250 - it may increase still further depending on the echocardiogram results which are, bother it, due before our next trips.

In our experience, if you are waiting for an investigation, insurance companies are likely not to want to insure you. Once you have a diagnosis, though, they should be prepared to give you a quote. I think there are companies which will discuss things with you even if you have an investigation pending. I can’t remember details, but if you search for something like ‘holiday insurance while waiting for an investigation’ you might find something to help.

I was waiting for a non urgent appointment with cardiology following a referral from GP, and notified my travel insurers (annual policy) who refused to provide cover for an undiagnosed condition. They also refused to continue to cover me for any limb or bone related issues which they had previously covered. I had fallen and dislocated my shoulder in the previous year, and was fully recovered. In order to not lose my holiday I paid for a private cardiology consultation and was declared fit and healthy. The insurers then agreed to reinstate full cover. I have a GHIC card but was not prepared to rely solely on that.

If you already booked you should be able to cancel with the insurance, or pay extra to go, as it is only an investigation that’s booked, if I felt OK I would go on a European trip and accept the exclusion.

This all sounds very depressing! It is a holiday with DD and DGCs in Minorca. I think we will have to bite the bullet and phone tomorrow.

Just Travel refused to continue my existing cover on any health issues because I was waiting hernia surgery. I tried several companies, they all refused cover, refused to exclude the hernia problem

I haven't booked yet but I think I'll contact Staysure before I do as I don't want to travel without at least the repatriation cover.

As the result of a brain scan earlier this year I discovered I had experienced a TIA at some point in the past although it wasn't recognised as such at the time by me or the GP (in a telephone consultation!)

We were due to go on a cruise shortly afterwards so I contacted Staysure online and had to pay an extra premium. I hope you are able to resolve this so that you can fully enjoy your holiday, Nandalot.

It’s getting very precarious with travel insurance.
6 days before we were due due to fly to Hawaii with our daughter Virgin asked for a certificate to fly from her.
Her Dr was on holiday. They wouldn’t accept any other.
She has flown to the states with Virgin 6 times.
She flew with Virgin every month for 2 years.
She has had this condition since she was 19.
The reason Virgin gave was to do with her breathing.
My daughter is a diver. She has a PADI certificate which allows her to dive to a depth where the pressure far exceeds that which a plane would ever experience.
I’ve put this before but it’s worth saying again.
If you have a condition on your insurance policy, get a certificate to fly from your own Dr

"If you have a condition on your insurance policy, get a certificate to fly from your own Dr"

Is there a similar certificate for those who travel by rail or road?

The ‘fit to fly’ letter can be a real problem. Getting health insurance as we develop conditions that have to be declared can be another challenge.
My impression is every condition that has to be declared incurs an additional premium of £50

Last time we upgraded our " free" travel insurance to cover all our medical problems it cost us over £400 for the year. We paid it as used to take a lot of holidays but covid stopped thst so it was an expensive add on .

My upgrade was £250 this year

Iam64

Just Travel refused to continue my existing cover on any health issues because I was waiting hernia surgery. I tried several companies, they all refused cover, refused to exclude the hernia problem

That happened to me with Staysure. Our local GP surgery's paramedic diagnosed a hernia. Because if the NHS waiting time I paid for a private consultation and scan which proved the diagnosis entirely wrong and Staysure then continued my insurance cover for the US. Paramedics are not an adequate substitute for a real GP.

Grantanow
Do you mean a paramedic or one if the new physician associates? There’s a big difference.
Paramedics are specially trained in emergency medicine & mainly work in the ambulance service.

Years ago, Staysure cancelled my annual policy, when I called to tell them I was awaiting an angiogram.
They said I had too many conditions and would have to take out a new single use policy.
You rely need to call them sooner than later.

What a relief, called them today and they have updated medical conditions with quite a reasonable charge so we can go on holiday with peace of mind!

janeainsworth we have a paramedic at our surgery too.

Phone & ask

Sorry, just seen you have!

Nandalot

What a relief, called them today and they have updated medical conditions with quite a reasonable charge so we can go on holiday with peace of mind!

So pleased to hear that, have a lovely holiday.