Following last week’s blog looking at reoccurring medical conditions, this week we take a look at how customers have fallen ill whilst on holiday due to new medical conditions.
Insurers also see numerous travel insurance claims for ‘new’ conditions. This just goes to show that the unexpected does happen and it’s best to buy an insurance policy which will fully cover in all circumstances.
For example, earlier this year Mr A 68 travelled to Egypt. His insurers paid out £33,000 to cover medical expenses and repatriation when he suffered an injury to his knee after a fall.
Mr A had declared a colourful medical history, including a lung transplant, heart bypass following a heart attack, arrhythmia and various preventative medications, yet had to claim for a substantial sum of money after a simple accident. This could have happened to anyone, regardless of his or her medical history.
Failure to disclose pre-existing medical conditions could lead to a policy being invalid and a claim not being paid. In some instances ‘new’ conditions could be related to a pre-existing condition, so honesty is always the best policy to ensure you are adequately covered.
In 2013, Mrs B, 75, travelled to Norway and unfortunately suffered a stroke, something she had no history of, meaning her insurers had to cover a medical bill of £18,000, which included repatriation.
Although she had not suffered a stroke before, Mrs B, amongst other conditions, had declared an irregular heartbeat – which can commonly be associated with an increased risk of stroke. Luckily, because she had declared the pre-existing condition, she was fully covered for any ‘new’ condition relating to it.
If help and assistance in buying travel insurance, see our website or call our travel team on 01243 784000.
