The moment a medical emergency strikes during a holiday, the first call you make should be to your travel insurer. But if you omitted something on your application, that call could be the beginning of a financial nightmare rather than a lifeline. Travel insurance is a contract based on good faith, and hiding information from your insurer is not just unwise. It can invalidate your entire policy, leaving you responsible for costs that can run into hundreds of thousands of pounds. European healthcare systems may provide emergency treatment, but repatriation, extended hospital stays, and cancellation costs are not covered without valid insurance.
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When you buy travel insurance, it may be tempting to leave out certain details that you think could be unsavoury. But while this seems like a good idea to try and save yourself a few pounds, it could end up costing you a lot more in the long run.
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In This Article
Read the small print
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Some insurers will have very specific terms and conditions, so make sure you are aware of all the elements of the policy. Check through all the small print before you purchase because if you have a long-standing medical condition, there’s a chance that your chosen insurer won’t cover you. In these circumstances, there are specific companies that cover people with certain health issues so this may be worth looking into.
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\nPhoto by Elliott Brown
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If you have epilepsy, for example, and you have a fit while on holiday, your insurer may not cover you for any medical treatment incurred as a result of the fit. Check to see if any pre-existing medical conditions are excluded from the policy, and then check to see under what circumstances you are covered. If you are not covered, at least you will have discovered this before leaving for your holiday. It’ll give you chance to shop around elsewhere to find an insurer that will cover you under all the circumstances you need.
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Small changes
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If you have had the holiday booked for a while, you need to make sure you keep your insurance company informed of any changes in your health between the time of booking and leaving for your holiday. If you don’t notify them of any changes, they may not cover you in the event of needing any treatment when you’re away. If you have to visit the doctor and further tests are needed to determine a definite diagnosis, inform the insurance company after the first visit. Employ the attitude ‘better to be safe than sorry’ and you’ll be sure to have covered your back. The insurance company may say that going for tests isn’t grounds to change anything in the policy but if you keep them informed of each development, it may save you time in the event of having to make a claim at some point.
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If you have to cancel your holiday due to medical grounds, some insurers will not cover the cancellation costs if they are unaware of the changes in your health. If you visit the doctor and a medical condition is discovered, it’s essential to tell your insurer straight away. It may not make any difference, but if you don’t inform them and it affects your policy, you could find yourself considerably out of pocket in the event of having to cancel the booking. If you are confused or in any doubt, contact the insurance company and ask them. Make a list of any queries you have before you call to ensure you don’t forget to ask them something important.
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Legal implications
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Travel insurance companies are monitored by various official bodies weather they are an online offering or not to ensure that they conduct their business in a fair and legal way. Because of this, a detailed and often word-heavy contract will be given to you to sign. Although it’s tempting to just fill in the details and forget about it, make sure you read everything through carefully. It’s a lot easier to walk away from something before you’ve signed it. If you’re in any doubt about something, you can contact the Financial Ombudsman Service to try and answer any of your queries, or even get a lawyer to look over the contract, although this is extreme.
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If you ensure you take the time to find the right insurer and the right policy for you, then you should be covered under all circumstances, whatever the outcome of your holiday. If you have to cancel and the tour operator won’t refund you, the insurance company can arrange a reimbursement if this is included in your policy. Similarly, it can cover medical bills and any other unexpected costs that can arise from taking a holiday. Just be sure to read through the policy first.
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About the Author: Travel writer and brand journalist Elizabeth Smythe writes this post on behalf of cheap travel insurance providers 24/7.
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This is such a helpful guide on travel insurance. I think a lot of travellers overlook this aspect of trip planning and end up learning the hard way. Your advice is practical and easy to follow.