Travel Insurance!

[JulesLules66]

Hi,

I'm new here, although I was diagnosed almost twenty years ago with mitral valve prolapse.

I'm 51 and have now been diagnosed with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, which wasn't a surprise to me as I knew what I feel isn't just palpitations! My doctor is not worried about it , he says I don't need anti-coags as I'm low risk. I have been prescribed Bisoprolol 2.5mg.

I am off to USA in the summer and obviously need to put something on my travel insurance (last time I just put the mitral valve but as I hadn't had any check ups for a long time it wasn't too much more money..). I presume I tick yes for 'heart condition'?? Although I know my risk of anything happening isn't raised any more than it was before (I think!) I don't suppose the insurance companies will think the same..

Are the beta blockers classed as 'treatment'? I'm not sure what I need to put for that.

Thanks in advance for any replies that will help me decide what I need to do

[stevejb1810]

You have to be totally honest otherwise the insurance company can, and probably will, refuse to payout should the worst happen - and you really do not need that to happen when you are in the US. Any regular meds you take are classed as 'treatment'. So, yes, your mitral valve AND your paroxysmal atrial fibrillation will need to be declared.

I suspect you will be paying more than you have done in the past.

Steve

[JulesLules66 in reply to stevejb1810]

Hi Steve,

Thanks for your reply.

I will make sure I declare it all (hiatal hernia too!)

I will put my beta blockers in too, unfortunately the list seems to be getting longer and, as you say, I will be paying more this time...

It won't put me off though (yet)

Jules

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi if you look to the right on this page at the pinned post you will see one for travel insurance, contains not just companies but tips on how to fill in

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

[JulesLules66 in reply to skid112]

Hi,

That's great, thank you

Jules

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Staysure have a good reputation. You must as mentioned be totally honest. Twenty years ago a friend's father suffered unexpected heart problems while on holiday in the US. He needed surgery and by the time he came home the total bill was in excess of £75,000. The company paid up but if a untruth had been told would probably withhold payment and it is not a small sum to find unless you are a lottery winner!

[JulesLules66 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks for your reply.

Yes, I will be honest, I think going to the US I might regret it if I'm not!

Just waiting for that lottery win...

Jules

[sturon]

Hi there.

The best thing is to check with your GP what they would put on any insurance medical certificate in the unlikely event that you had a problem and had to claim. That way you can make sure you only declare what you need too. My partner and I had to make a claim on our insurance for a cancelation. I was so please we check with our GP and the insurance paid out in full. As others have said honesty is a must.

We love the USA and have travelled many times there. Have a great holiday.

Ron.

[JulesLules66 in reply to sturon]

Hi Ron,

Thanks for your reply. I will get on to the GP then - he did tell me I would have to declare it but didn't go into detail (and I forgot to ask..).

He was so blase, like everyone has it (really?!...), would be nice if the insurance companies thought the same thing!

We went to California three years ago and I can't wait to go back, just a shame it will cost a little bit more this time..

Jules

[sturon]

Hi Jules,

We found our GP to be very good at explaining what he would put on any insurance claim. My partner has long QT syndrome and had a cardiac arrest he needed a implanted defibrillator. We though insurance would be difficult but found a couple of companies that offered insurance. USA insurance was astronomically expensive compared with previous premiums but if you want to travel it is a must.

We have travelled in the US a number of times. The parks and canyons in the west were spectacular. We have also driven the pacific coastal road from LA to Vancouver. Last year we did the mad coast to coast, part of the route 66 (Started in LA) across the southern states to the Atlantic side ending in NYC - 5,500 miles! Think this year we will stick to Europe as he only had the implant in January.

Good luck and hope you can get insured without it costing you a small mortgage.

Ron.

[JulesLules66 in reply to sturon]

Your trip sounds fantastic Ron! We did the PCH last time and then down to San Diego and then Palm Springs - amazing..

Doing similar this time but more of L.A plus Joshua Tree..

I have looked up several quotes, mainly in the region of £250 - £300!

Boots Silver has come up cheaper and the questions were more tailored I thought. I saw someone else on here had used them and seeing as I've put my conditions and medications in and it's not much over £100, I may go with them.

I already got regular cover for myself, my husband and daughter when I booked the flights but didn't want to put my medical stuff in until I was sure of my diagnosis, so I am paying more really, but just want to be covered so not going to worry about it this time.

Jules

[Numberone1]

I’m in the US at the moment. I own a house here in Vermont. So the idea of never being able to get here horrified me. I have moderate to severe aortic stenosis. I’m due to go on a waiting list for heart surgery but I don’t know when. My case is currently being discussed by a multi disciplinary team. I have also been prescribed some anti anxiety meds because the shock of it got to me in the end. It was only diagnosed at the beginning of this year. I’m 59 and it’s been decided I was probably been born with it. So how do you put all that on an online form?! Our bank gives travel insurance with our account and so I rang them. I was able to explain everything. In the end all I have had to do is pay an extra 200 for an annual policy. They know everything and I feel I am covered safely.

[JulesLules66 in reply to Numberone1]

Hi,

I can understand what you mean about not being able to get to your house in Vermont!

The £200 doesn't sound too bad for your health issues does it..

You would think with me having 'just' AF that it wouldn't cost too much, I'm obviously low risk so I am surprised by some of the quotes I've been given.

I am looking at a single trip policy, not even annual so I want to get it as low as I can whilst being covered as much as possible (same as anyone).

Unfortunately I don't have cover included in my bank account.

I think I am going with the Boots Silver, even though I feel I need to check I've filled it in properly as it's quite a bit lower!

Jules