Travel Insurance with a Stent

[bizzy55]

I'm getting a stent soon.

Just wondering - will this make travel insurance a lot more costly or difficult to obtain?

[Chappychap]

Yes it's more expensive. Of course it's how long's a piece of string, but many on here report paying about three or four times as much as before their health issues. But it can go up quite high, I pay four figures for annual global cover that includes cruises, water sports, and yacht charter options, and that's despite not having any co-morbidities. If you want to keep costs down stick to "fly and flop" holidays in the main European destinations, and just get cover for the specific trip that you're planning..

No it's not particularly difficult to find cover, run a search on here (click the little magnifying glass at the top towards the right) and you'll find quite a few options.

But there's a third issue that doesn't get talked about on here as much as it should, and that's the inherent hassle and uncertainty of ill-health travel insurance.

Let's say a few days before your holiday you decide to contact your GP on a minor, non heart related matter. For instance a cut that's become infected, or persistent indigestion or a headache. If your GP schedules tests for after your return, then there's every chance you'll have to cancel your holiday.

That's because each time we contact the medical services we must inform our insurers, and if there are any outstanding treatments or tests then they'll refuse or suspend cover. Even if this is all resolved well before their holiday, say something innocuous like a course of antibiotics, we still have to inform the insurer and might still get stung with an admin charge that can be £50-100.

The moral of the story is, as well as medical cover, make sure you've also got copper bottomed cancellation cover.

Welcome to the club no one wanted to join!

[Barre01 in reply to Chappychap]

I will be speaking to my gp next week to get results of an ecg. I will look to manage the conversation so that I don’t get scheduled for further tests, unless really necessary. This is so I can get travel insurance and go on holiday.

[Lowerfield_no_more]

Try this

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

But, in short, the answer to your question is 'highly likely', but you wont know what you are going to pay (assuming you can get cover) until you start shopping around.

[Golfgirl3]

Good morning. It's not difficult to obtain insurance but yes, it can be expensive particularly if you go outside Europe. If you're going away soon have a fabulous time!

[DaleMarch4HA2023]

I had a HA and 3 stents. I also delcared broken collar bone, ankle, abdomon problem and had 27 insurers offer. Took a year policy with Admiral... gold standard... £150. Age 50. But... had to be clear of all tests/investigations.. nothing ongoing... and 6 weeks after Stents.

[Dino40]

Insurance companies have really cracked down so it is very difficult to get travel insurance if you're awaiting tests or surgery.

It did use to be possible that you could remove the condition you were awaiting treatment or tests for and they would cover your other conditions but even the likes of Staysure have removed that option now.

You just have to be honest about everything and see what they say but yes costs can be prohibitive.

[Thanksnhs]

Hi I use insurancewith.com they specialise in people with pre existing conditions, I only go to Europe now as I don't like long flights and it keeps the insurance costs down. I hope you get cover and have a fab holiday. Char

[bludnut]

Good morning, from our recent experience, Travel Insurance has become a nightmare. Because of being diagnosed with angina, my original insurer Staysure will not now give me a quote. All Clear have quoted, but at Over £4,400 it is unafordable, a massive jump from last year's mid hundreds. Try your Bank, they may have advice and may even have their own insurance cover.

bludnut

[Beekite]

I have 3 stents and premium went up about £20 with staysure

[Swalecliffe88]

Hi buzzy. I understand I can be a bit of a minefield, although not tried to get cover yet for myself. But apart from all the previous comments which is as I know very helpful advice. I feel there is a third concern. With obtaining the cheapest insurance you can find. I would want to research their customer care reviews first, in case they do not perform well should you be taken ill while aboard.

[bizzy55 in reply to Swalecliffe88]

A very good point. I shall check reviews.

[bizzy55]

I presume that it can't be hugely expensive for single trips otherwise the cruise companies relying on UK pensioners would go bust.

[Swalecliffe88 in reply to bizzy55]

Equally I hear cruise insurances are one of the most expensive. But then it is only the well off pensioner, with very good occupational pensions or savings can afford a cruise anyway. It’s something to do with having to get helicopters to get them off ships. 🤣🤣