Notes

Travel Insurance: Reminder to Declare All Health Problems
Travellers with health issues sometimes inadvertently, and even deliberately, don't declare pre-existing medical conditions when purchasing travel insurance. For individuals who are new to travel cover it is a very important matter and worth taking the time to analyze and understand.

When you purchase travel insurance, that is often done online these days, you will end up asked to declare any pre-existing medical problems. Obviously, check here as for example cardiovascular disease and cancer must be declared. However, it may or may possibly not be obvious that pre-existing medical problems also include many more common ailments and conditions such as for example asthma, raised blood pressure, diabetes, and also any recent investigations, diagnosis or hospital stay.

Younger people going on gap-year adventures or round the world trips may not think that this section pertains to them because they are young and in good health. However, whatever age the traveller the rules will be the same. Declaring pre-existing medical conditions applies to everyone, no matter how healthy they might be at that time they book travel and buy insurance. A good basic backpacker policy should also include cover for medical expenses, air ambulance and medical repatriation - but all pre-existing conditions must be declared.

The bottom line is that if you fail to declare a medical condition and then experience a medical problem linked to that condition while overseas your insurance provider is very more likely to refuse to cover your claim - which could become very costly indeed. Some people may decide never to declare a condition if they purchase insurance because they fear it will make the premium too expensive, but that is false economy.

In some cases there might be a rise in the premium to get travel insurance to cover a pre-existing condition, but it is better to be honest and pay a little more than face having to pay for hospital treatment abroad if the worst should happen. Paying a little more for the policy and getting the peace of mind of knowing you are covered is crucial, and could save you a lot of money if you experience a problem. Wouldn't in addition, it be nice to know that with insurance you have a lifeline to call if disaster strikes, and a helpful voice to reassure and show you.

It is essential that you declare all pre-existing conditions, and not just the ones that you imagine tend to be more serious. Less serious medical conditions may not seem to be important but sometimes if they are present in conjunction with other conditions an insurer considers the risk greater and extra payment may be required.

Should you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and are travelling to another EU country you may falsely believe that travel cover isn't necessary, or that the embassy will pay your bills. While a valid EHIC should cover the majority of your hospital expenses, this can vary from country to country and the EHIC will not cover treatment for non-urgent or ongoing treatment, nor does it cover medical repatriation.

If you become seriously ill abroad, or go skiing and sustain a personal injury for instance a broken leg, your return home could be delayed or you might require medical repatriation - perhaps with purchase of an additional seat on the plane and a medical escort. The EHIC does not cover expenses of this type, but a good travel insurance policy should. If your medical problem is found to be linked to a previous illness or condition that you did not declare you run the risk of having claims on your insurance denied. Wanting to hide or ignore pre-existing medical conditions is simply not worthwhile.

Before you're tempted to purchase an extremely cheap travel insurance policy, or select the first policy that comes up on a comparison site, or purchase any policy for that matter, always check that it offers adequate cover for medical expenses and includes air ambulance and medical repatriation.

Double-check the policy conditions and terms to ensure that all of your planned activities are covered. For anyone who is unsure or confused about any facet of the insurance it is best to contact the company for clarification rather than leave what to chance.

Your travel destination should be taken into consideration, particularly if you are travelling to an undeveloped country or remote area where medical facilities may be limited or inadequate. There's always the possibility that you could have to be transferred by air ambulance to a neighbouring country for treatment. This might obviously entail enormous expense and without travel insurance you or your loved ones would be left alone to foot the bill.

In case you are unsure whether you need to declare any medical condition the best option is always to declare it - or ask for advice. Usually do not leave this important matter to chance or luck and risk ruining your trip. It could be a costly and unnecessary mistake.

Jean Andrews is an employee of TRAVEL COVER Agencies Ltd (TIA Ltd). Jean regularly contributes informative articles about travel cover and travel related matters.
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