Issues with travel insurance

[mear1957]

Apologies for the long post. In 2014 I was diagnosed with a hole in the heart, this was repaired December 2014, after a couple of months started with heart rate and rhythm issues, AF, flutter and AVNRT, these were finally sorted with a. Ablation in 2016, very few episodes for the last 7 years, took Bisoprolol as pill in the pocket, always went back into NSR. Declared all this each year for travel insurance, paid an increase premium, all sorted. Did the same this year, then following flu jab October 2023 ( which I have had before), heart went haywire, went toA&E with rate over 180 bpm an d feeling unwell, it was not “my” usual arrithmia. Offered cardio version December 2023, it worked for 5 days then back in AF, which felt different again. GPreferred me back to Glenfield adult congenital heart clinic, got a letter on Friday saying the want to do a TOE transoesophageL echocardiogram at some point no indication when. Rang and informed insurance company and they said they may not be able to cover heart issues AF and they need to contact the under writers. Is it possible that they can withdraw cover? It’s an annual policy, due to fly to Australia to visit our son in a couple of weeks for 6 weeks first time since covid restrictions. I will be beyond devastated if I can’t go, has anyone has this kind of experience? I have no idea what they will say when they ring back hopefully tomorrow? Trying to stay calm ,chilled and relaxed but failing miserably. Thanks for listening

[Buzby62]

My annual policy clearly says I do not need to update existing declared conditions until renewal but new investigations and conditions need to be declared. You have to read the policy wording. I guess the issue may be how they interpret what you’ve told them. If it’s investigating for a new condition yet to be diagnosed then that’s when insurers may refuse or withdraw cover.

Just my thoughts from what I’ve read. Good luck.

[mear1957 in reply to Buzby62]

Thank you for your response

[BobD Volunteer]

Few insurnce companies will cover you for any condition whilst waiting for any tests or procedures which I suspect is what you have found. You can still get cover but not for those health issues.

[mjames1]

I don't know your individual situation, but many of us are able to safely travel with afib as long as we have a plan in place should an episode occur. The plan might be to take a rate control drug and/or a rhythm drug at the onset of the episode, so we can safely go about our business. Everyone should really have such a plan, whether or not they travel. Going to the A&E with each episode is not a great plan.

Jim

[Murphy10]

Perhaps if you get a letter from your doctor advising that it is safe for you to travel and send it to your insurance company that may do the trick. I reside in Australia and we have a very good health system and you are not travelling to an underdeveloped country which your insurance company should be aware of.