Travel insurance

[vivavida]

Hi everyone- I have Churg Strauss syndrome and am seeking good worldwide travel insurance . I have just turned 66 and Virgin Money (which was an excellent deal) have more than doubled the premium. Can anyone recommend other insurers that are happy with!? I realise it may be same age problem but worth exploring!

Many thanks

[Suzym2u Moderator Vasculitis UK]

You will have to shop around but this page from the VUK website is a good starting point. vasculitis.org.uk/living-wi...

[vivavida in reply to Suzym2u]

Thanks Suzy- very useful- ploughing my way through the suggestions!

[jgold]

I recently had to get travel insurance for a single trip to Australia, with cover required for vasculitis and consequent renal and for cardiac.

Shopping around was absolutely essential, with a huge range of premia for the medical conditions.

I concluded with Blue Bear bluebeartravelinsurance.co.uk/ as the cheapest (but not cheap) of a bad bunch. They are a bit complicated in that they issue the basic insurance and the medical cover as two separate transactions - but that does give clarity as to what one is paying for.

[jgold in reply to jgold]

Just to add, if of interest -

Whilst away a vasculitic rash flared up. However local medical attention was unecessary because I simply e-mailed a photo to my friendly consultant in London and got advice by return to resume a dose of prednisolone and then attend her clinic when I got back to London.

I had taken spare supplies of prednisolone and azathioprine for just such an eventuality.

The need for additional medical insurance when modern technology makes this sort of thing so easy is a bit vexing.

I concede I would still need cover for the cardiac as that can cause an immediate emergency. However in my case at least I have the good fortune that the vasculitis / renal would not be an emergency provided I can jump on it quickly with additional medication - and it's really this that pushes the premium so high.

[vivavida in reply to jgold]

Thanks so much for replying jgold! I am calling them today. Also you make a really good point. As long as I always have pred with me and my consultant's email, I'm sure I'll be fine. But, there is always the risk of medical emergency.

[Suzym2u Moderator Vasculitis UK in reply to vivavida]

Always take your consultants contact details and extra medication.

[pwc51]

This is a challenge ... for short term insurance I find the premium can be several multiples of the standard insurance. A recent check on annual premiums suggests the medical cover is an additional 1.5 times the basic premium on top. Certainly need to check the cover provided too!

[vivavida in reply to pwc51]

Thanks for replying pwc51- it's certainly expensive to be unwell and travel!

[nanaC]

Hi I too have Churg Strauss, and am 69 years of age.I booked travel insurance for my husband and I in November for a short 4 day cruise to be taken this year, with Staysure travel . I think they are mentioned on this site as one of the insurers to try . Had to go through quite a lengthy questionnaire, but no problems getting insured, and for what I consider to be a reasonable price.

[vivavida in reply to nanaC]

Thank you nanaC- appreciate reply and am busy checking out many providers. Have a lovely cruise!

[Greenkit]

I had to get travel insurance last year for a 24 day cruise. some of the ones i looked at were just as dear as the cruise. I found allcleartravel.co.uk/ to be fantastic it only cost me £188.19.

A lot i know but, a lot better than some of the others out there. I have Wegeners (12 years) which affects my lungs, plus i had a DVT last April, and breast cancer nearly 2 years ago.

This was for Worldwide Travel.

Enjoy your holiday X

[vivavida in reply to Greenkit]

Sounds good Greenkit, I'll certainly check it out. Hope you have a wonderful cruise!