Mum just had new onset AF - she had SVT as a pre-existing condition: is insurance likely to cover it?

[katiescarlett78]

My mum is visiting me in the US (from the UK). She had declared SVT as a pre-existing condition, and her insurer listed it as an "exclusion" i.e. she wasn't covered for it. Today she went to hospital with AF (which she has never had before). She's really anxious about whether all the costs will be covered (which, with an ambulance, x-ray and ultrasound, will be considerable), because AF is so closely related to SVT... I know no-one can answer this for sure, as it depends on her policy (they won't comment until the hospital invoices, which won't be for a week or two) - but if anyone has a similar experience, I'd love know (especially if it's positive, so I can help her to stop stressing out!)

[BobD Volunteer]

Sorry but this is such a complex question only the insurance company will be able to answer. SVT and AF are quite different but both are cardiac arrhythmias and I think it will depend on how the policy is written and just exactly how the exclusion has been defined. Prior experience is seldom useful in such circumstances as it is likely unique to each company.

[meadfoot]

My travel insurers covered me for af and svt which was deemed stable at the time and had been a while since an episode at the time. That was only cover for Europe though. USA may be more tricky.

It all depends on her current condition and the individual insurer and can be a minefield. I hope things can work out for you. Best wishes.

[Ianc2]

I hope you sort your situation out successfully. If you look at insurance companies such as Goodtogo or Staysure they will often cover pre existing conditions. Not much use at present but may help you with future trips

[Fastbeat]

I use Just Travel find them good they cover most pre existing conditions also no age limit

[Hidden]

This is a tricky one and very much up to your insurance company s interpretation. Some people put AF under the umbrella of SVT s. Hope this is sorted out successfully for you. Do let us know how things turn out.

Sandra

[katiescarlett78]

Thanks everyone! I will definitely have her look at Good2go and Staysure and others, and get comprehensive cover... This has all been quite a shock to her, but I fear the size of the hospital bill will be even more of a shock. American healthcare...

[katiescarlett78]

Just thought I would update this post: it's been a while, but my mum's insurance company finally agreed to pay for her treatment! At first they said no, so we argued back, and they changed their minds

[CDreamer in reply to katiescarlett78]

Always worth challenging....