Valentine’s Day is upon us, and with February being National Heart Month, it seems to be all about the heart at the moment. But if you’re one of the 2.6 million people in the UK living with Coronary Heart Disease, your health condition could be causing you more of a headache than anything else – especially when it comes to finances. So we thought we would take a look at how having a heart condition can affect your ability to get insurance.
Can I get insured with a heart condition?
Many people who have a diagnosed heart condition, wrongly believe they won’t be able to get travel or life insurance. But this is not necessarily the case. There are travel insurance firms who cover all types of heart conditions, and there are also some life insurers who will provide cover, albeit at a higher rate than for people in full health.
Do I really need to be insured?
If you have a pre-existing heart condition, it’s even more important to be insured when you’re travelling. Treatment for heart conditions, and any kind of emergency situation, are very expensive abroad. You should also make sure you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), as this can cover you for some treatments, although it does not replace travel insurance.
Depending on how old you are, and the age and situation of any dependents, life insurance can also be a very good idea. Even if the monthly cost seems high, you should weigh up that cost versus the worry of leaving any dependents without financial support.
What if I’m awaiting an operation?
Be aware that you may find it difficult to get life and travel insurance if you’re awaiting heart surgery, such as a heart bypass, or fitting of a pacemaker. The best thing to do is to wait for six months after your operation before seeking cover, as by then you will be lower risk.
What questions will they ask me?
The health declarations that insurance companies ask for can be very detailed, particularly about your past and present health conditions and medications. You may want to talk to your GP before answering these questions, as it’s important that you don’t leave out any important information otherwise you may not be covered in the event of a claim.
Get specialist help
At PayingTooMuch.com, we can help you source the best providers, with the best cover for your condition. We can also help you prepare for the types of questions you might get asked, as well as help you complete the application forms. We don’t charge you any extra for this service, and we’re confident we can find you the best solution on the market.
