European travel insurance costs - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

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European travel insurance costs

LadyLynda profile image
31 Replies

My husband 85 has deen diagnosed with cardiomyopathy recently, he also has irregular heartbeat, high cholesterol, bronchiectasis and type 2 diabetes. The quotes so far have been astronomic and will restrict our plans to travel abroad regularly. Has anyone advice on buying single trip cover or annual cover (annual cover with Insure and go was £1886!) Thanks.

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LadyLynda profile image
LadyLynda
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31 Replies
Hanibil profile image
Hanibil

Try Avanti I find them very good

LadyLynda profile image
LadyLynda in reply toHanibil

Thanks, will do. 🤞

I suggest you try a comparison site for travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions and go from there. We all different with different medical conditions and personal circumstances and insurance companies assess the risk differently it seems, since not only do the quotes vary but some companies will decline to cover, as in my case last year where Staysure wouldn't cover me but Allclear would at a reasonable premium compared to other quotes I had from other providers

LadyLynda profile image
LadyLynda in reply to

Thanks very much, staysure wouldn't cover him. Will try comparison sites for single trip and multi trip prices, going to be a long tedious job for tomorrow. Appreciate your suggestions, thanks.

Chappychap profile image
Chappychap

It's worth shopping around amongst specialist medical travel insurers like Staysure or Aventi. However, the fact is that the number one risk factor for heart attacks and strokes is simply age. Consequently, insurance rates tick up with every year we get older, but after about 70 or 75 they really start to shoot up. I often say to people on this forum, if you're thinking of a world cruise or some spectacular vacation then go as soon as practical after retirement.

However, it would be the greatest folly to ever risk travelling uninsured. If the costs become too great then think about holidaying in the UK, but it's worth remembering that medical insurance is also needed for Jersey and Guernsey.

Good luck!

LadyLynda profile image
LadyLynda in reply toChappychap

Thanks for your comments. It's ironic he's never shown any signs of heart attack/stroke or TIA but following examinations they have shown he's had a heart attack at some point. Fortunately we have travelled extensively but want to continue as he does appear fit and healthy outwardly and still has the desire to do so. Appreciate your comments, thanks.

Semb profile image
Semb

Have you tried Insure With. Their premiums seem very reasonable.

LadyLynda profile image
LadyLynda in reply toSemb

Thanks will try them.

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

After StaySure I usually recommend AllClear. Sadly since Brexit European travel insurance has rocketed!

Heythrop51 profile image
Heythrop51 in reply toMichaelJH

Yeah, it was akin to turkeys voting for Christmas! But the BoJo, Truss and Sunak all are! :)

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply toHeythrop51

One can but agree but HU may put you on the "Naughty Stool"!

AuntyEdna profile image
AuntyEdna

Hi there , I spent two days doing the same as you looking for insurance cover using several comparison sites and others with the same results. Some wouldn't cover me cheapest one found £1700 + for a single trip, the top end £5000! It was USA so not surprised really. We all have different multiple conditions so don't give up. But maybe think about closer to home , we're now planning city visits in the UK . Hope you find something but remember keeping safe is more important than going away with no or substandard cover. Take care and keep safe.

Heythrop51 profile image
Heythrop51 in reply toAuntyEdna

I have heard of uninsured heart surgery in US costing a family their home! A risk too far!

LadyLynda profile image
LadyLynda in reply toAuntyEdna

Thanks very much

ParrotLover22 profile image
ParrotLover22 in reply toAuntyEdna

Hi. I've tried different Companies all day and now I just feel deflated. Think I'll just stick to the UK after hearing the Prices!!

LadyLynda profile image
LadyLynda in reply toParrotLover22

I know exactly how you feel. 10 days in Europe, £1000+, ridiculous.

ParrotLover22 profile image
ParrotLover22 in reply toLadyLynda

Yes the prices they quoted me were a lot more than the Holiday itself. Ridiculous!!

NannyPat1 profile image
NannyPat1

we use Staysure which are reasonable provided you have had no recent episodes eg I’ve got stents but all ok for eighteen months now.

LadyLynda profile image
LadyLynda in reply toNannyPat1

Thanks, but Staysure won't cover him. Got a busy day searching....

Xbowie profile image
Xbowie

I have hyperthropic cardiomyopathy and AF and was hospitalised for internal bleeding in the summer. I was also waiting for ablation. I got annual insurance with AllClear for under £300. Single trip insurance was only £15 less so it was a no brainer. I would say that, if you can afford it, the benefits of a good holiday to one's well being & state of mind are worth it.Best of luck

Efka profile image
Efka

We struggled too and many mentioned above were rather expensive for us. We ended up with an annual insurance for the two of us with FreedomInsure.co.uk for all of Europe for £450 . Lovely people to talk to too on the phone. I found FreedomInsure from old BHF threads on here. Absolutely look around. Good luck!

LadyLynda profile image
LadyLynda in reply toEfka

Thanks, tried them, helpfull but were somewhat more expensive than others. Think my husbands age is also playing a major part in the prices.

Efka profile image
Efka in reply toLadyLynda

Oh bless, I am sorry, I do hope you can get something sorted, travel can feed the soul. Hugs

kingsnorth profile image
kingsnorth

can you not just use your GHIC card ?

LadyLynda profile image
LadyLynda in reply tokingsnorth

We are considering that having used it occasionally in Europe found it a great asset. Would only rely on it in countries with a reputable health service however. Also ensuring there are enough funds available should we need to extend our stay. Thanks

kingsnorth profile image
kingsnorth in reply toLadyLynda

lm in Spain at the moment and only ever use my GHIC whilst I’m here l find it absolutely fine. Last week l used it at the local health centre (uk equivalent of GP) I had an infection in my gum. I was in and out within half an hour and prescribed antibiotics it didn’t cost me anything. As you say make sure you have enough funds should you need to have to stay on and of course if you need to be flown back to the UK you would have to pay that yourself. I have been here since December and l do this every year. I have also used it when l sprained my foot and the X-rays and painkiller were also free using my GHIC card. If you decide to use your card make sure you have an updated GHIC and not EHIC

LadyLynda profile image
LadyLynda in reply tokingsnorth

We experienced same in Holland, excellent service. Its Spain we are planning to visit and we are seriously considering only taking our GHIC. Thanks for your comments.

kingsnorth profile image
kingsnorth in reply toLadyLynda

good luck x

Thanksnhs profile image
Thanksnhs

Try insurancewith.com I have always found them reasonable char

Weeps24 profile image
Weeps24

We found saga were around £1000 cheaper than some others. My partner has copd, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and high cholesterol. I have high BP, we are going to Thailand for 6 weeks and it cost £633.x

LadyLynda profile image
LadyLynda

That's interesting, I'll try them today. Thanks enjoy your holiday.

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