I, like most of you, love to travel. And probably like most of you, don’t do nearly enough. It was, therefore, a rather exciting prospect last month, to embark on a two week trip to Vietnam – a beau- tiful country and well worth putting on your list of future visits.
Being an infrequent traveller, the concept of taking travel insurance was important but certainly lagged well behind in the priority stakes for trip necessities. In fact, I think I had mosquito repellent higher up on my to-do list! I certainly understood the importance of personal insurance, but failed miserably to fully appreciate travel insurance.
Fortunately, after much prompting from my wife, I finally made contact with a travel insurance provider for what I believed would be a rather simple and effortless process. And in a way, it was, except for one particularly important issue – the pre-existing ailment.
No doubt you probably haven’t navigated through this life without picking up some form of a med- ical issue along the way. From a gammy knee to a stent in the ‘old ticker’, the human body will have at times failed us. And according to Murphy’s Law – it will usually reoccur just before or during your much-anticipated trip of a lifetime!
Well a word of warning, if you don’t notify your travel insurer of your pre-existing medical issues, you will be on your own if they suddenly contribute to you seeking medical advice whilst overseas.
Travel insurance policies, unless otherwise stated, exclude any cover for pre-existing ailments. It is up to the traveler to inform the insurer of all pre-existing issues and apply for extra cover. So if you have any, (and I mean any) previous health issues that may be a problem, you need to get on the phone to your travel insurer and ask to have them included in your policy.
The insurance company will need to underwrite your policy, that is, they will decide if they want to cover you. To do this, you’ll be required to provide detailed medical information regarding the ailments. It could even require the insurer contacting your doctors.
Don’t underestimate insurance companies when it comes to non-disclosure. Take a look at this link for the most extreme example of an insurer withholding payment for treatment because the client failed to disclose a previous ailment. It is a real eye-opener!
Oh, and that complimentary travel insurance that you have with your credit card may not be the answer. These policies are about as ‘bare bone’ as you could get. Remember, they give them away! So, if you’re relying on this type of cover, make sure you contact the insurer prior to departure and get to know what is and isn’t covered by your policy.
By the way, you will, of course, pay more for your cover as a result of adding any pre-existing ailments. But I assure you it will be well worth it. Particularly if you wake from a three-week coma, in a private suite at the Mayo clinic surrounded by a group of eminent heart physicians. All of whom are waving their extravagant bills in your face!
Oh, and don’t forget your personal insurance covers, always be prepared for risk! Here’s a post to give you some detailed insurance information.
Postscript 12/09/18 Here’s another very sad story about a traveller who was refused help by their travel insurer as a result of a pre-existing issue. The article just shows the very serious consequences that can result from misunderstandings of your travel insurance policy. Make sure you read this.
Postscript 17/09/18 And not only does a traveller have to contend with tight policy requirements but it now also appears that insurance companies are just making it all up anyway. Check out what Allianz Insurance has admitted in regards their travel policies! Make sure you read this
Postscript 21/8/19 And another thing. Who would have known this about cruising and Medicare coverage. I certainly didn’t! Read this article.
Thank you for reading, see you next time. Homepage
