European travel insurance costs

[LadyLynda]

My husband 85 has deen diagnosed with cardiomyopathy recently, he also has irregular heartbeat, high cholesterol, bronchiectasis and type 2 diabetes. The quotes so far have been astronomic and will restrict our plans to travel abroad regularly. Has anyone advice on buying single trip cover or annual cover (annual cover with Insure and go was £1886!) Thanks.

[Hanibil]

Try Avanti I find them very good

[LadyLynda in reply to Hanibil]

Thanks, will do. 🤞

[Hidden]

I suggest you try a comparison site for travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions and go from there. We all different with different medical conditions and personal circumstances and insurance companies assess the risk differently it seems, since not only do the quotes vary but some companies will decline to cover, as in my case last year where Staysure wouldn't cover me but Allclear would at a reasonable premium compared to other quotes I had from other providers

[LadyLynda in reply to Hidden]

Thanks very much, staysure wouldn't cover him. Will try comparison sites for single trip and multi trip prices, going to be a long tedious job for tomorrow. Appreciate your suggestions, thanks.

[Chappychap]

It's worth shopping around amongst specialist medical travel insurers like Staysure or Aventi. However, the fact is that the number one risk factor for heart attacks and strokes is simply age. Consequently, insurance rates tick up with every year we get older, but after about 70 or 75 they really start to shoot up. I often say to people on this forum, if you're thinking of a world cruise or some spectacular vacation then go as soon as practical after retirement.

However, it would be the greatest folly to ever risk travelling uninsured. If the costs become too great then think about holidaying in the UK, but it's worth remembering that medical insurance is also needed for Jersey and Guernsey.

Good luck!

[LadyLynda in reply to Chappychap]

Thanks for your comments. It's ironic he's never shown any signs of heart attack/stroke or TIA but following examinations they have shown he's had a heart attack at some point. Fortunately we have travelled extensively but want to continue as he does appear fit and healthy outwardly and still has the desire to do so. Appreciate your comments, thanks.

[Semb]

Have you tried Insure With. Their premiums seem very reasonable.

[LadyLynda in reply to Semb]

Thanks will try them.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

After StaySure I usually recommend AllClear. Sadly since Brexit European travel insurance has rocketed!

[Heythrop51 in reply to MichaelJH]

Yeah, it was akin to turkeys voting for Christmas! But the BoJo, Truss and Sunak all are!

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Heythrop51]

One can but agree but HU may put you on the "Naughty Stool"!

[AuntyEdna]

Hi there , I spent two days doing the same as you looking for insurance cover using several comparison sites and others with the same results. Some wouldn't cover me cheapest one found £1700 + for a single trip, the top end £5000! It was USA so not surprised really. We all have different multiple conditions so don't give up. But maybe think about closer to home , we're now planning city visits in the UK . Hope you find something but remember keeping safe is more important than going away with no or substandard cover. Take care and keep safe.

[Heythrop51 in reply to AuntyEdna]

I have heard of uninsured heart surgery in US costing a family their home! A risk too far!

[LadyLynda in reply to AuntyEdna]

Thanks very much

[ParrotLover22 in reply to AuntyEdna]

Hi. I've tried different Companies all day and now I just feel deflated. Think I'll just stick to the UK after hearing the Prices!!

[LadyLynda in reply to ParrotLover22]

I know exactly how you feel. 10 days in Europe, £1000+, ridiculous.

[ParrotLover22 in reply to LadyLynda]

Yes the prices they quoted me were a lot more than the Holiday itself. Ridiculous!!

[NannyPat1]

we use Staysure which are reasonable provided you have had no recent episodes eg I’ve got stents but all ok for eighteen months now.

[LadyLynda in reply to NannyPat1]

Thanks, but Staysure won't cover him. Got a busy day searching....

[Xbowie]

I have hyperthropic cardiomyopathy and AF and was hospitalised for internal bleeding in the summer. I was also waiting for ablation. I got annual insurance with AllClear for under £300. Single trip insurance was only £15 less so it was a no brainer. I would say that, if you can afford it, the benefits of a good holiday to one's well being & state of mind are worth it.Best of luck

[Efka]

We struggled too and many mentioned above were rather expensive for us. We ended up with an annual insurance for the two of us with FreedomInsure.co.uk for all of Europe for £450 . Lovely people to talk to too on the phone. I found FreedomInsure from old BHF threads on here. Absolutely look around. Good luck!

[LadyLynda in reply to Efka]

Thanks, tried them, helpfull but were somewhat more expensive than others. Think my husbands age is also playing a major part in the prices.

[Efka in reply to LadyLynda]

Oh bless, I am sorry, I do hope you can get something sorted, travel can feed the soul. Hugs

[kingsnorth]

can you not just use your GHIC card ?

[LadyLynda in reply to kingsnorth]

We are considering that having used it occasionally in Europe found it a great asset. Would only rely on it in countries with a reputable health service however. Also ensuring there are enough funds available should we need to extend our stay. Thanks

[kingsnorth in reply to LadyLynda]

lm in Spain at the moment and only ever use my GHIC whilst I’m here l find it absolutely fine. Last week l used it at the local health centre (uk equivalent of GP) I had an infection in my gum. I was in and out within half an hour and prescribed antibiotics it didn’t cost me anything. As you say make sure you have enough funds should you need to have to stay on and of course if you need to be flown back to the UK you would have to pay that yourself. I have been here since December and l do this every year. I have also used it when l sprained my foot and the X-rays and painkiller were also free using my GHIC card. If you decide to use your card make sure you have an updated GHIC and not EHIC

[LadyLynda in reply to kingsnorth]

We experienced same in Holland, excellent service. Its Spain we are planning to visit and we are seriously considering only taking our GHIC. Thanks for your comments.

[kingsnorth in reply to LadyLynda]

good luck x

[Thanksnhs]

Try insurancewith.com I have always found them reasonable char

[Weeps24]

We found saga were around £1000 cheaper than some others. My partner has copd, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and high cholesterol. I have high BP, we are going to Thailand for 6 weeks and it cost £633.x

[LadyLynda]

That's interesting, I'll try them today. Thanks enjoy your holiday.