travel insurance dilemma

[Sprietgemeente]

I am trying to get travel insurance to the US. I have been on Ibrutinib for 4 and a half years. Their computer question is : Is there any further treatment planned. If I answer that I am on permanent treatment, they will not insure me. If you put street on FURTHER, I could say no, although I will be on it until it stops working. Should I say yes, or no. Sorry to put my dilemma on here.

[Newdawn Administrator]

This is where the unusualness of the chronic cancer throws out the insurance algorithms I’m afraid. Ongoing treatment (which suggests something is unresolved) or pending treatment can elicit misunderstanding and insurance refusal. They refused me travel insurance because I was untreated but was seeking a second specialist opinion before considering a clinical trial. Ludicrously, this was viewed as unresolved or even an undiagnosed condition!

Throw in an age over 70 and a trip to the States (expensive private treatment) and they simply don’t want to know. However, I feel sure there must be an insurance company who will insure. Maybe try through a broker who will do the legwork. I’d honestly advise against trying to get around direct questions because it could prove costly if treatment or repatriation was ever necessary. It must be a typo because I’m not sure what you mean by ‘street on further’.

Good luck. It may be a case of trying a number of companies before you come across one that actually understands the oddities of CLL.

Edit; here’s a list of possible insurers I posted on the site 7 yrs ago. I’ve noticed it’s the one the CLL Support Association then used in their newsletter;

healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

Newdawn

[Sprietgemeente in reply to Newdawn]

Thank you very much for your prompt reply, and the list of insurers. I apologise for using the CCL site, but because I am on Ibrutinib, like many CLL patients, and having got to know your excellent care and advice. I did. I meant “ if you put the stress on FUTURE, the question could be interpreted differently.

I rang several companies and ended up with Insurancewith, who were happy with Ibrutinib being classed as “regular routine treatment”. About £800 for cover for a week.

At least I can go !

[Newdawn Administrator in reply to Sprietgemeente]

Wow, that is expensive but from what I’m hearing, insurance seems to be increasingly expensive for our members especially the over 75’s who seem unfairly discriminated against.

Absolutely no reason to apologise for posting your insurance question on here. It’s of great importance to many.

Enjoy your trip! 😊

Newdawn

[Sprietgemeente in reply to Newdawn]

It is worth it to see family ! Again thanks so much for your help !

[Oleboyredw-uk in reply to Sprietgemeente]

Once you get to those amount it is worth checking all options. I travelled at the start of 2024 which needed all world and cruise extras. After messing around for days I found a policy and full year was £17 cheaper than one trip.

I learnt to always be honest but do check all options you can, even if it seems illogical. It may have been a fluke of the combination I had but glad I checked.

[Sprietgemeente in reply to Oleboyredw-uk]

Thanks for your reply. I did try several recommended companies. Three would not cover me at all, and two wanted 3 and 4000 pounds ! ( for a week ) and like you , I had to spend ages on the phone.

[RosettaClapp in reply to Sprietgemeente]

Wow expensive.. Did you try payingtoomuch. Com they gave us very good deal last year.For a annual policy.. Round about £400 for a 10 week stay in france. Also if you had a parent or a child or were yourself ever in the services the service Pensions Society do medical travel insurance no medical questions asked

[MovingForward4423]

You can get cover. Try AllClear, or PayingToMuch.com. I was on Ibrutinib and had no issues getting cover world wide. Don't use compare websites with CLL, you will get rejected everytime.

[olyocl in reply to MovingForward4423]

Some insurance companies have World Wide or World Wide Including America policies I assumed World wide would include every country.

[TruthJunkie in reply to MovingForward4423]

Do you mean to say that they do not ask you if you have CLL, or any other type of Leukemia? Many thanks.

[MovingForward4423 in reply to TruthJunkie]

AllClear and Payingtoomuch are specialised to accept cancer. Compare sites will simply bounce any complex conditions. You can get full cover for CLL with or without treatment for WorldWide and USA

[Sprietgemeente]

thanks for your reply, I have been offered cover by Insurewith.

[Dawson21]

I'm not an agent for them (!) but have used Trinity for a number of years as a member offer through the Forces Pension Society (which you can join if you or a family member have a connection). Once accepted onto the scheme (up to age 79) they will keep you on forever. Best part is that they insure on a fit to travel basis, so as long as your medics are not advising against travel then you are covered for anything. This year the total premium for a year worldwide for a couple was £600.

[Sprietgemeente in reply to Dawson21]

Thank you for your reply, but I don’t qualify. No military connections, and nearly 81. But a useful reply for others maybe.

[Jujy]

We use GeoBlue. No health questions though I don’t know if they kick in at different ages. I (the healthy older spouse - 72) cost more than my husband (66, CLL).

[J1015]

How would a diabetic who is insulin dependent answer that question? That’s a question that’s hard to answer with a flat yes or a no.

[RosettaClapp in reply to J1015]

The questionnaire for payingtoomuch doesn't ask the question yes or no for diabetes

[Sprietgemeente]

I can’t answer that for you . But they may be happy with ‘long term routine medication’