Alyssa Lane
If you have a medical condition, you may be concerned about the cost of travel insurance and whether you'll be covered in the event of a medical emergency. The good news is that almost all travel insurers will cover some medical conditions, and there are specialist providers that focus on covering people with medical conditions. However, it's important to be forthcoming about your medical conditions when purchasing travel insurance, as failing to disclose them could invalidate your policy. In this article, we'll explore the best travel insurance options for people with medical conditions, including comprehensive travel insurance plans and medical-specific policies, and provide tips on how to get the right cover for your needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Survey Results | 36% of 2,458 travel insurance policyholders with a medical condition reported problems buying cover because of the condition(s). |
| Directories | The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has created a directory of insurance companies that specialize in covering people with medical conditions. The British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) has a similar directory. |
| Surveyed Directories | Nine out of ten surveyed policyholders found better prices through the directories. |
| Tips | Declare your condition when buying your policy. If you don't, your insurer may not cover all or some of the costs. |
| Insurers | IMG, Nationwide, WorldTrips, Seven Corners, iTravelInsured Travel LX, Travelex, All Clear, Avanti, Explorer, Free Spirit, Good2Go, Good to Go, Holiday Extras, Insurancewith, Insure and Go, Rothwell & Towler Ltd, Saga Services Ltd, Staysure, and Travel 4 Medical. |
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What You'll Learn
Declaring your medical condition
Be Forthcoming with Information
When your insurer asks about your medical conditions, it is imperative to provide honest and complete information. Withholding requested information or failing to disclose relevant details may result in your claim being denied or your policy being invalidated. Transparency is essential to ensure you receive the appropriate coverage and protection.
Understand the Impact on Premiums and Coverage
Declaring a medical condition may result in a higher premium, as insurers consider your health status when determining the cost of coverage. Additionally, an exclusion may be added to the policy, meaning you cannot make claims directly related to the disclosed condition. This exclusion helps reduce the premium but could leave you with inadequate coverage for your needs.
Explore Specialist Insurers
If you have a medical condition, consider exploring specialist insurers that focus on covering individuals with health issues. These specialist providers may offer more competitive prices and tailored coverage options. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) maintain directories of insurance companies specialising in covering people with medical conditions, including specific conditions such as cancer.
Single-Trip vs. Annual Policies
It is worth noting that some insurers offer single-trip insurance to customers with medical conditions, even if they do not provide annual policies for the same circumstances. Therefore, it is beneficial to compare prices and options for both single-trip and annual policies to find the most suitable coverage for your needs.
Complex Conditions May Require Additional Information
If you have a complex medical condition, consider calling the insurer to provide more detailed information about your circumstances. Online questionnaires may not always capture the full extent of your health status, and a phone conversation can help the insurer make a more comprehensive evaluation.
Declare Changes in Health Status
If your health status changes after purchasing travel insurance, be sure to update your insurer. For example, if you are diagnosed with a new medical condition or experience a change in your existing condition, inform your insurer promptly. This proactive approach ensures that your coverage remains valid and that you are adequately protected during your trip.
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Specialist providers
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has created a directory of insurance companies that have a proven specialism in covering people with medical conditions. The British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) has its own directory, which the FCA endorses. Some of these firms specialise in a specific condition, such as cancer, while others specialise in various conditions. Nine out of ten people who used these directories said they found better prices through them than elsewhere.
If you are refused insurance from other providers because of a medical condition, you can use the MoneyHelper directory to find a specialist insurer who might be able to cover you. Some insurers will allow you not to declare conditions on the understanding that these conditions are automatically excluded. This may reduce your premium but could leave you with far less cover than you need.
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Comprehensive travel insurance plans
When purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, it is important to declare any pre-existing medical conditions. While this may result in a higher premium, failing to disclose a condition can invalidate your policy. Some insurers will allow you not to declare conditions, but this may leave you with insufficient cover. It is also important to note that comprehensive travel insurance may not cover you if a medical professional advises against travelling or if you do not take the necessary medication for your condition.
When choosing a comprehensive travel insurance plan, consider the benefits offered by different providers. For example, IMG, Nationwide, WorldTrips, and Seven Corners are rated highly by Forbes Advisor for their travel insurance offerings. Travelex, the top-rated provider by US News, offers generous medical expense limits, a pre-existing conditions exclusion waiver, and the option to upgrade to additional medical coverage. Additionally, some insurers specialize in covering people with medical conditions and can sometimes provide better prices than more mainstream brands.
To find the best comprehensive travel insurance plan for your needs, it is important to research and compare the benefits, coverage limits, and exclusions of different policies. This will ensure that you have adequate protection in case of a medical emergency during your travels.
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Fixed benefit plans
When choosing between a fixed benefit plan and a comprehensive plan, it's important to consider individual needs and preferences. If you prefer a cheaper plan, a fixed benefit plan might be suitable. However, if you want a more versatile solution that covers various aspects, a comprehensive plan could be better. Comprehensive plans have higher premiums because they cover a wider range of risks and are more flexible.
It's worth noting that fixed benefit plans often have deductibles, which is the amount the insured must pay before the insurance plan starts covering expenses. By choosing a higher deductible, you can save money on the premium. However, this means that you'll have to pay out of pocket for minor complaints, such as a doctor's visit for the flu.
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Medical evacuation
When purchasing travel insurance, it is important to carefully review the medical evacuation coverage offered by different providers. Some policies may include this coverage as a standard benefit, while others may offer it as an optional add-on at an additional cost. The scope and limitations of medical evacuation coverage can vary significantly between insurance companies and plans.
Comprehensive travel insurance plans typically provide more extensive coverage for medical emergencies and evacuation. They usually offer higher coverage limits, sometimes reaching millions of dollars, providing greater financial protection in the event of a serious medical issue. These plans often include benefits such as emergency medical transportation, hospitalisation, and even the option to choose your hospital for continuing care after being evacuated to an adequate treatment centre.
On the other hand, fixed or limited benefit plans tend to have lower coverage amounts for medical services, including evacuation. While these plans are more affordable, they may not provide sufficient coverage in the event of a major medical emergency. It is crucial to assess your specific needs and the potential costs associated with medical evacuation when deciding between comprehensive and limited coverage.
When considering travel insurance, it is essential to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions. While some insurers may offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, there are often coverage caps or exclusions. Failing to disclose such conditions may result in denied claims or invalidated policies. Some insurers may require additional information or a detailed evaluation to assess the risk associated with your condition.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can get travel insurance with a medical condition, but you must declare your condition when buying your policy. There may be an additional premium charged to cover your condition.
If you don't declare your medical condition and need to claim for any medical expenses caused by it while travelling, your insurer may not cover all or some of the costs.
Some of the best travel insurance companies for those with medical conditions include IMG, Nationwide, WorldTrips, and Seven Corners. There are also specialist insurers that focus on covering people with medical conditions, such as All Clear, Avanti, Explorer, and Free Spirit.
You may want to consider a comprehensive travel insurance plan, as these typically offer better coverage for pre-existing medical conditions and emergency medical situations. However, if you don't want maximum coverage, a travel medical-specific plan may be a more affordable option.
