Travel Insurance

[LilyInTheSun]

Hi, does anyone have any recommendations for getting travel insurance?

The company I've previously been using has now added a question asking if l've confirmed with my dr that I'm fit to travel and the policy is void if I can't answer yes to that. However, I contacted my GP and they no longer provide a 'fit to travel' service, and won't comment on whether I'm fit to travel.

I've tried getting other quotes, but most companies (for people with medical conditions) say they can't cover me. One that would cover me was incredibly expensive (initial quote was over £1,100). Most companies won't provide cover if you are on a waiting list for treatment, but that's pretty much my whole life with NHS waiting lists! (Currently on a list for a couple of things, including Botox in my hands for Raynaud's, but have been on the list for a year already.)

I have scleroderma (with mild ILD), Raynaud's, and Sjogren's. Generally fairly stable now, as I've had scleroderma for over 14 years.

I feel like scleroderma has taken so much away from me, and being able to have a holiday once or twice a year somewhere hot really helps me, especially with my Raynaud's. I'm finding this really frustrating. I'd appreciate advice from anyone with experience finding affordable travel insurance. Thanks very much!

[LadyTrundle]

I got cover with Staysure earlier this year. I don’t remember them asking that question. Are you under rheumatologist? Would that provide a fit to travel ststent?

[pinkcat26]

I too use staysure and have done for a few years

[Halfwayuphill]

I got mine through Paying Too Much as I found Staysure a bit expensive. A friend recommended it to me who has the same as me but is worse. I tried to time applying for when I wasn’t waiting for results and I got a yearly policy but just for Europe.

[FreezingFingers]

Hi, the SRUK site has a list of Insurance companies that have been useful for scleroderma sufferers in the past, and some will make a donation to SRUK if you mention them when getting a quote. Go into Managing Scleroderma then scroll down to the Travel section.

I’ve used Freedom to Travel last couple of years - they were a lot less expensive than Staysure and seem good - but luckily I haven’t had to find out how they are when you need them!

You still have to run through endless questions over the phone (it will reject you on-line) but once you have done it once it’s easier to renew the next year (probably the same for all of them). Good luck - it is a right pain but worth the peace of mind.

[Pomoc]

My wife got a year's travel insurance with Avanti, much cheaper than Staysure, no requirement of fit to fly or other nonsense. Their chat line is slow, though, you haver to ring them up.

[HJP7]

I found All Clear is also very good.

[Clangerscat]

Hi Lily I got mine with all clear but didn’t have any waiting list appointments to declare. Shouldn’t have thought hand Botox would have made any difference, seems a bit daft that it would prevent you getting insurance. Hope you have better luck soon.

[Midgebite21]

Stay Sure is who I’ve been using too. Very reasonable rates.

[Legend08]

hi, I know where you’re coming from with this question. I got my fit to fly letter from the hospital rheumatologist. She arranged with the respiratory team to do breathing tests & isue a fit to fly letter. I to have ILD with my SSC along with pulmonary hypertension. The cost of holiday insurance is ridiculous averaging £400 a month and because of my condition I can’t get an annual policy!

[Ciaran34]

perhaps a really good credit card? Some of them cover 15 days travel no questions asked

[Halfwayuphill]

Hello again,

I thought I ought to clarify at the time I got my insurance my diagnosis was UCTD with Systemic Sclerosis gut problems. Mild scleroderma was mentioned due to my lack of ulcers and specific scleroderma antibodies (I was high U1RNP for many years). I have been diagnosed with SIBO, Erythromelalgia, some gastroparisis, osteoporosis and Raynaud’s of course. I’ve had this condition over 20 years but much worse recently. On the advice of my friend I did declare everything including scleroderma as if I had a problem I may not be covered. It may be I don’t have lung or heart problems and wasn’t waiting for results that meant I got cover easily. The annual policy was £309 for myself and my husband. He is healthy though apart from long term Barrett’s which is treated. My friend (diagnosed MCTD same antibody as me) has to have short policies as she has pleural infusion and has taken prednisolone for years as well as some RA in the past which has made her disabled.

I’ve gone on a bit here! Thought it shows though that we are all different and maybe worth a try for you.