UK holidaymakers warned over 'one simple mistake' that could cost 150,000
The Foreign Office (FCDO) has issued a warning to British holidaymakers, urging them to declare any pre-existing medical conditions when purchasing travel insurance or risk being left with a hefty bill
The Foreign Office has warned Brits to disclose a vital piece of information on their travel insurance or face potentially crippling bills of more than £150,000.
Securing travel insurance forms a critical component of holiday preparations, offering financial safeguards should difficulties arise during your time overseas. The cover is designed to handle unforeseen medical expenses, misplaced or pilfered items, holiday cancellations and even urgent transportation needs.
Without such protection, these costs can prove astronomically high whilst in foreign territories. Nevertheless, when seeking coverage, concealing any existing medical issues could entirely invalidate your policy.
The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated: "If you travel internationally you should buy appropriate travel insurance before you go, covering you for existing physical or mental health conditions (including those currently under investigation) and any activities you will be doing whilst you are away.
"If you do not have appropriate insurance before you travel, you could be liable for emergency expenses, including medical treatment, which may cost thousands of pounds."
More precisely, officials explained: "Declare existing conditions or pending treatment or tests so that you are covered if there are related complications during your trip; failing to declare something may invalidate your travel insurance."
The FCDO offered illustrations of the potential financial devastation should your insurance become void:
- Fall and break your leg in Spain, you will need hospital treatment and possibly medical evacuation/repatriation - £25,000+
- Quad bike accident in Greece, and you need surgery and medical evacuation/repatriation - £80,000+
- Stomach bug or infection treated in a hospital in the USA and possibly medical evacuation/repatriation - £150,000+
However, the definition of a pre-existing condition can vary greatly.
Money Saving Expert (MSE), the platform established by Martin Lewis, explains that some insurance companies may require information about medical conditions going back several years.
The site advises: "It's important to carefully read the questions asked by the insurer – they may want to know of medical conditions or visits for medical attention within the last three, four or five years, and some insurers may even want to know your medical history even further back, as you're usually considered to be more likely to make a claim."
You should also be aware that you'll need to disclose details of:
- Epilepsy
- Heart conditions (including high blood pressure or cholesterol)
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Mental health conditions (including depression, eating disorders, anxiety)
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Crohn's disease
- Treated broken limbs
- Any surgery
- Any ongoing treatment (including if you’re waiting for an operation or investigation)
- Any condition where you’re awaiting test results
MSE adds: "It may sound like a daunting task but it will help you to find the right policy for you. If you do not share this information with the insurer, it is very likely to invalidate your policy and any cover."
Price comparison website Money Supermarket points out that travel insurance for those with pre-existing conditions may be more expensive.
The site clarifies: "Yes, you can get travel insurance if you have a pre-existing medical condition, although it might be more expensive than standard travel insurance. This is because an insurer sees you as a higher risk of making a claim on the policy.
"However, there are still lots of policies to choose from for those with pre-existing conditions. They cover a wide range of health problems and there are also specialist insurers who can help."
Before setting off, the FCDO recommends having your insurance policy details on hand, including the policy number and your insurer's emergency assistance telephone number.
"Share your policy details with people you're travelling with and friends or family at home, in case they need to contact your insurance company on your behalf," it adds.