Neil battes

[Monty68]

I had a bad covid in 2020I was in hospital on oxygen for ten days.

Long covid followed with my health and mind not back to normal.

I started to feel breathless around 2 years ago and contacted Barts through my doctor.

I was told I have AF and had an Ablation in early August.

This seems to be successful but my follow up appointment isn't till Jan 25 over a phone call.

We have not been on a foreign holiday for 2 years and would love to get away.

The insurance is so more expensive on what I have told them about my condition.

I wonder who long it takes for this to reduce.

A yearly cover to the States is over 4K and Europe 2k.

Does anyone know of the best insurance to ask.

How good is the European health card?

Thanks

[Gigi70]

hi

Yes I’ve looked into this as my son lived in Los Angeles. The best prices are with your bank with accounts offering extras. There will be a levy but nothing like the quotes you’ve had.

Some of those heavily advertised travel insurance companies are astronomical.

Some banks have a lower age cut off than others - my friend in mid 70’s is with Barclays because the cut off is 80……..check it out, you may need to shift your accounts.

The European card is great - I visit family in Switzerland so you are fully covered with reciprocal EU agreements.

Let me know what you find?

Michele

[Happyrosie]

the European health card does not cover everything. It just covers whatever the citizen of that country would pay for medical treatment. So if repatriation is required it is not covered nor, of course, cancellation.

Personally I get my travel insurance through my bank as it’s the cheapest FOR ME. The only way to find the best for YOU is to apply. To many companies perhaps. A couple of yours spent on your computer or phone could save you money..The prices vary depending on age, actual health etc etc and what’s good for one isn’t good for another, and each individual insurer has its own statistics.

See the websites of Moneyhelper UK and Moneysavingexpert

[Monty68 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you Rosie for your help.

[Lezzers]

I personally wouldn't rely on the health card, it's limited in what it covers plus you'll possibly have to pay some of the medical bills, such as ambulance, blood tests etc & then reclaim the money when you're back in the UK.

A good reason to take out insurance! My SIL had a fall last year whilst holidaying in Europe. She was taken to the hospital and they kept her in. Whilst in there she developed pneumonia and was transferred to ICU, she continued to worsen and she was put on life support. Unfortunately her heart failed, they switched the life support off & she passed away. The insurance covered all her hospital costs, it paid for her husband to stay with her for the 2 weeks she was in the hospital, it paid for him to be flown home & it paid for her body to be repatriated 2 weeks later after being at the funeral home until they could arrange a flight!

All that because of a simple fall, but the cost run into thousands of pounds. Having insurance took the away the stress of worrying about costs.

Also bear in mind that the cheapest insurance isn't necessarily a good insurance, they're usually cheap for a reason. I would always check the reviews on how the insurer deals with claims, payouts etc, before taking out cover.

Good luck 🤞

[Monty68 in reply to Lezzers]

Thank you Les.I will take all that on board and so sorry for your family loss.

[Lezzers in reply to Monty68]

Thank you.

[Ladytako]

Do not use a bank insurance go with a specialist health conditions insurer like Staysure list all your health issues and get the best cover.