Need Advice on Travel Insurance: One of my Pension... - Ataxia UK

Ataxia UK

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Need Advice on Travel Insurance

Wyndham profile image
11 Replies

One of my Pension Policies is due to pay out soon and I am planning to visit my elderly parents in South Africa before it's too late.

Can anyone give me some recommendations about getting travel insurance, as I had a bad experience with the company that provides travel insurance as part of my bank account benefits? I thought I was doing the right thing advising them of my Ataxia, but the conversation went downhill as the agent simply didn't understand at all about Ataxia (although he claimed he did). He thought I might have an 'attack' while travelling, and at the end of the conversation declined to give me cover.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

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Wyndham profile image
Wyndham
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11 Replies
wobblybee profile image
wobblybee

Hi Wyndham:-)

It's so hard to know what to do for the best isn't it? You want to be frank

and upfront in case non- disclosure effects your cover. But, sometimes

too much information can work against you.

I heard a Neurologist advise against giving too much information to people

who didn't understand the situation. I know to my cost how much impact

this sort of thing can have.

I recall previous discussions about travel insurance, and there were some

positive comments about cover :-) xBeryl

gossy profile image
gossy

Hi Wyndham I have used fish travel insurance before and for this years hols they have ataxia listed so know about it hope that helps enjoy your trip x

Wyndham profile image
Wyndham in reply togossy

Thank you gossy - I insure my mobility scooter through fish, so I'll give them a call

Nigel-2112 profile image
Nigel-2112

I use direct line, they paid out last year when I fell and broke my leg so I was unable to travel, I half expect them to say you have Ataxia (noted on my policy) you fell over so it was related to Ataxia.............. or try the MS Society for their travel insurance

jonbon profile image
jonbon

Hi Wyndham, I travelled to America this year, the first time I've travelled since diagnosis. I took out a Thomas Cook insurance, had to speak to them but Ataxia is on their list and I just had to pay £16 premium. I hope you get sorted and enjoy your trip.

Take care

Nicky x

PeteW profile image
PeteW

I have CA and use allcleartravel.com . Good price too.

Piero profile image
Piero

I just logged on to a comparison site in order to take out an annual policy and found no problem. I suspect that being 70 cost me more than having SCA.

Wyndham profile image
Wyndham

Thanks all for your suggestions

Marygate profile image
Marygate

Thought I would share my experience. A couple of yeas ago after discussion on the phone the insurance came back saying I had Ttourettes!!

Mary

Wyndham profile image
Wyndham in reply toMarygate

I guess this will remain an on-going battle while ataxia remains a rare condition. Part of me would like it to be better known, but the bigger part is glad that it only affects a relatively small number of people - still too many of course.

Ginger1 profile image
Ginger1

Hi. I always use Travelbility when I go abroad. (Formerly Orbis Travel). Cater for disabled and Ataxia is listed. Easy peasy. I even recommended it to my mum who always has trouble with insurers due to her ailments.

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