Any ideas for travel insurance for those with PMR

[Sukian]

I have been taking Prednisolone for PMR about 18 months now. Have tried hard to taper but following flares have now been told by Rheumy to go back to my original dose of 15 mg and start again from there. Today has been my first day back on the 15 and suddenly I am pain free and feel almost like before the PMR started!!

Anyway, what I am actually posting about is that my husband and I are flying to Canada shortly as a close family member there is very ill and we want to see her. We have tried to find reasonable travel insurance to cover my PMR but it seems very expensive and I wonder if anyone has found a good company.

I am 74 and obviously with PMR but have no other long term health problems. Any advice would be grateful received.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Most find it’s unusual for insurance companies to add a lot for PMR… I had GCA when I flew to New Zealand - and they were more interested in my osteoarthritis.

Mine was with Liverpool Victoria… I recently had a look at comparison sites for another trip, and LV still seem to be reasonable so they might be worth looking at.

[Sukian in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks I am just going to look at them

[Downtime]

I use Staysure. I have rheumatoid arthritis, PMR and have had a malignant melanoma . Most travel insurers arent that interested in the RA and PMR and don’t make any extra charge as neither of them are likely to give reason for hospitalisation or treatment. Staysure give you the option of travelling without cover for your disclosed conditions too which is useful if you are ok with that.

[Daffodilia in reply to Downtime]

I think the small print says they won’t use private hospitals

[Downtime in reply to Daffodilia]

I’m don’t think that’s a problem . Insurance is there to help should the worst happen while you are away. The private hospitals often overcharge and don’t provide the best care. Often if it’s something serious you’ll be sent to the public hospital anyway.

[Daffodilia in reply to Downtime]

My husband had heart attack in Lanzarote - was sent to the private hospital which I believe was much better than public - then flown by air to Gran Canaria - another private hospital (not so good) and taken to public hospital for angiogram - poor treatment there - make sure you get good cover - I don't think Staysure is much cheaper than Saga

[Downtime in reply to Daffodilia]

Oh dear so sorry to hear that. I hope is now recovered .x

[Daffodilia in reply to Downtime]

Still here after12 years - well but also well medicated

[Daffodilia]

Saga added about £1.50 for PMR - expensive but all insurance will be over 70 I think - they use private facilities where appropriate - not all companies do - I believe

[Carathedog]

Staysure are excellent

[dphu in reply to Carathedog]

Yes ~ Try Staysure

[Broseley]

Yes I used Staysure.

[Decsgran]

Staysure

[Pixix]

Staysure were no good for me, but we used them for years! All Clear are offering discounts. I have 12 conditions, no, 13 after last week, & was refused by 40 companies this year. Try medical Travel compared, if you think it’s PMR that’s making your quotes high. They came up with our best solution. But 3 years ago, when I was diagnosed with PMR we had annual insurance policy, & I phoned them to add PMR as we were off to the States for 3 weeks. They said they’d make a note, but it wouldn’t change the cost or the cover, & they said it’s not a disease that should make a difference to a quote. Try compare the market.com? They do the hard work of comparing for you!

[howtotaperdown]

I took out Saga insurance last year and put PMR down. About £370 annual contract. 71 years old

[Mazxstitch]

All Clear are excellent. Have been using them since 2015 when my husband had a heart attack, DVT and cancer, all in the same year.There is no problem re PMR and they are very helpful.

[herdysheep]

I have stayed with LV on similar basis to what Dorset Lady said re cost. Premiums have roared up lately but perversely, annual was cheaper than single trip!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to herdysheep]

Yes - agree on the annual v single trip costs as well…. always has been with LV….

On another subject, motor insurance was bonkers this year, but again LV came out best option looking at comparison sites.

[LemonZest11]

In Australia I use Covermore. Travelling to Greece next year and they did not add anything for PMR/LVV.

[LCfan]

Used Staysure for a few years and happy with them. It's more age and more serious conditions which will bump up the cost

[Koalajane]

I used All Clear, they were very reasonable and discussed things over the phone to help with what was necessary

[nissemor]

after trawling through the comparison sites I came across Paying Too Much, which was lest than half other quotes. Same cover. I’m going to try them again when going to New Zealand next year. My main diagnosis is metastatic BR Ca. You can hear the KATC HING! When you mention the Ca word.

[LWNE]

I also suggest LV no extra charge for PMR. Annoyingly as I am 65, I am now in a more expensive "bracket" for all insurance! Its so perverse to up the cost just based on age when many of us are, in general, fit and well!