Osteopenia and travel insurance

[Starsearcher]

Hi

I'm hoping someone can help me! I had a DEXA scan in 2020 and was recommended by GP to take alendronic acid due to osteopenia in my spine. I did some research and declined. Instead, improved my diet, working on exercising more, use a Marodyne Low Intensity Vibration machine and take some supplements too. I am 67 female. I then went for a REMS scan in June of this year when I was told I did not need alendronic acid and the consultant believed my DEXA scan was probably inaccurate (he said 90% are inaccurate which is very worrying!) I now have to see him again in 2 years to get two reliable scans for comparison and to see whether I am still on the right track. He advised me above all "not to let myself get frail".

I have now booked a holiday and am looking at travel insurance. A friend who also was diagnosed with osteopenia told me we have to declare it. I realise that if I were to break a bone on holiday the insurance company may not pay out if I don't declare. My results from the DEXA scan are on my NHS records, not the REMS (in fact the consultant advised me not to talk again with the GP about anything to do with bones!) so the insurance company would only go on what they see on my records. Apart from the fact that the insurance company I am looking at automatically double the premium for over 67s (isn't that ageism?) I am being quoted £300 upwards for a 9 day holiday. My big question though is if something did happen and they looked back at my records and found I had declined the official Big Pharma medication would they make that the excuse not to pay out? Or is the fact that you declare the condition sufficient?

I know this is a bit of an odd question but hoping someone has experience of this kind of thing?!

Thank you all very much

[dcdream]

I buy travel insurance, have osteoporosis and refused meds (which it states on my health records). Travel insurance policies state conditions they will not cover and ask if you have any conditions. Often, they will ask if you've had any medical issues 6 months (some ask for longer) prior from the policy start date. I always state the truth and if said policy feels my conditions are a risk factor, they will charge a higher premium. I would rather pay a higher premium than be refused payment for lying on the application. This way I am covered if I should have a medical emergency while on vacation. Always carefully read the policy, especially the area that states uncovered or exemptions for coverage. it spells out exactly won't they won't cover.

[Starsearcher in reply to dcdream]

Thank you! I know I have to bite the bullet now. By DEXA results most women postmenopausal will have osteopenia (and also high cholesterol which is the other one I have been told I have) so all this is ageist and against women. Makes my blood boil! However, you have to cover all eventualities with travel insurance so I will declare all. Many thanks again.

[wellness1 in reply to Starsearcher]

This article provides some interesting context on the diagnosis of osteopoenia and osteoporosis.

npr.org/2009/12/21/12160981...

[Starsearcher in reply to wellness1]

Thank you. I have read quite a lot about the drug side of things and how it all evolved. Basically, we've all been "had" good and proper with this drug and many others. I won't take Alendronic Acid ever. It all makes me so angry!

I have checked with the travel insurance company and as long as I have declared my medical conditions and paid the premium I'm covered. For those in the UK it seems cheaper to take out an annual policy than a single one. Feel more reassured now and realise that's it - gonna have to stump up the ££££s from now on.