Travel Insurance for the terminally ill.

[Pepsi]

I’ve had a look through past travel insurance threads but can’t see anything specific to this topic. If I’ve missed one, I apologise.

So quite simply I’m looking for cover for a U.K. holiday where no dangerous sports will be undertaken, they’ll be no shark diving, tornado chasing or big game hunting etc but we just need something to provide cover in case the wife’s condition deteriorates while we’re away and we either have to cancel, return home or she ends up in hospital etc.

Even the obvious policies through the likes of McMillan don’t look too reassuring.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[Greg Masters]

Yours is a very sad situation.

But, even more sadly, I don't think that you'll find any insurer willing to take on preexisting conditions.

My 2d - just take the risk!

 

[Wicker]

Have you tried contacting one of the Maggies Centres for advice.The Larbert (Falkirk) branch that I visit has a list of insurers who can offer cover for those with cancer or who are post treatment.
As ever, you may need to shop around to find one who will cover you without asking for a kings ransom.
I use AllClear as an insurer, online health declaration and quote. I think uou can also limit cover to the UK region.

 

[GrinningGSer]

Why the need for travel insurance in the U.K. ?
I am thinking that you foresee the need for intensive care need during long distance transport ?
Otherwise it is a d.i.y transport to your home hospital?

 

[Davey B]

You didn't perchance remain a member of WYPolFED scheme ?

 

[wessie]

Why the need for travel insurance in the U.K. ?

I am assuming a prebooked package holiday costing a packet.

If this is the case, I would approach the holiday provider to see if they will offer a concession to have cancellation terms for a premium on the standard rate. A bit like you have with hotel booking sites where you pay a higher rate to have better cancellation terms.

 

[GrinningGSer]

Oh yes , I hadn’t considered holiday cancellation costs ; my brain was overwhelmed with medical complications .

 

[siddo]

I’ve had a look through past travel insurance threads but can’t see anything specific to this topic. If I’ve missed one, I apologise.

So quite simply I’m looking for cover for a U.K. holiday where no dangerous sports will be undertaken, they’ll be no shark diving, tornado chasing or big game hunting etc but we just need something to provide cover in case the wife’s condition deteriorates while we’re away and we either have to cancel, return home or she ends up in hospital etc.

Even the obvious policies through the likes of McMillan don’t look too reassuring.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

If you live here, don't take out any cover. The NHS is free and if they can treat all those that have never contributed, they'll treat you too.

 

[Pepsi]

Yours is a very sad situation.

But, even more sadly, I don't think that you'll find any insurer willing to take on preexisting conditions.

My 2d - just take the risk!

It's certainly looking like that is the case unfortunately.

 

[Pepsi]

Have you tried contacting one of the Maggies Centres for advice.The Larbert (Falkirk) branch that I visit has a list of insurers who can offer cover for those with cancer or who are post treatment.
As ever, you may need to shop around to find one who will cover you without asking for a kings ransom.
I use AllClear as an insurer, online health declaration and quote. I think uou can also limit cover to the UK region.

I'll make some enquiries with them thanks. I'm finding the issue is not if you have cancer but if it's terminal then nobody wants to get involved.

 

[Pepsi]

Why the need for travel insurance in the U.K. ?
I am thinking that you foresee the need for intensive care need during long distance transport ?
Otherwise it is a d.i.y transport to your home hospital?

It's just that where we stay in the UK, (Scotland) is pretty expensive and for reassurance it would be good to know that if the unexpected happened we could at least claim some funds back rather than lose every penny of the holiday. The wife's words not mine before you call me a tight bugger

 

[Pepsi]

I am assuming a prebooked package holiday costing a packet.

If this is the case, I would approach the holiday provider to see if they will offer a concession to have cancellation terms for a premium on the standard rate. A bit like you have with hotel booking sites where you pay a higher rate to have better cancellation terms.

No not a package holiday, just an expensive hire of a property up in Bonny Scotland.

 

[Pepsi]

You didn't perchance remain a member of WYPolFED scheme ?

When I left, I wanted nothing else to do with them. The only link I have to anything Forces related is my Bluelight Card.

 

[Orinoco]

If still looking, I came across an advert for goodtogoinsurance.com in the RAFA magazine which specifically states no age or medical condition limits. No idea about them, other than spotting the ad.

 

[EPG_19]

I'll make some enquiries with them thanks. I'm finding the issue is not if you have cancer but if it's terminal then nobody wants to get involved.

It’s sad and not a position I can ever fathom having to be in.

Taking the personal stuff out of it, not many insurers accept the risk if there is a high likelihood of payout.
I have a new Aston Martin I am very likely to right off in the next 12 months, can I have insurance please.

Saying that I do hope you can reach an agreement with some one. Hope you enjoy your holiday.

 

[Snow White]

Not insurance in the true word, but...if you book your accommodation through Booking.com (others are available) whilst they aren't the cheapest, they do allow on most bookings to cancel up to about 48 hrs (each booking does tend to vary, so read carefully) but it might be a work around?

But best of luck

 

[Wapping]

It's just that where we stay in the UK, (Scotland) is pretty expensive and for reassurance it would be good to know that if the unexpected happened we could at least claim some funds back rather than lose every penny of the holiday. The wife's words not mine before you call me a tight bugger

I think you’ll struggle to find any ‘off the shelf’ travel insurances that include serious (in very crude terms) end of life pre-existing medical conditions.

Of course there are lots of insurers who’ll include (subject to terms) pre-existing conditions, declared the the insurer prior to the inception of the policy. Several corespondents to these pages have provided details of their own pretty good experiences, all around buying cover. My own mother, aged 89 has a list of pills longer than her arm but bought pretty good Travel insurance.

But…. There is a world of difference between my aged mother and / or bikermate Bob, with his high blood pressure and diabetes or just “My dodgy knees” and, to be blunt, someone with a confirmed terminal illness.

But…. The exclusion of the terminal illness might well not stop an insurer covering everything else.

What you probably need is one of the specialist broker / insurers who deal with these cases. None of us want to pry into your wife’s condition, nor are the public pages of UKGSer necessarily the place to do it.

What would I do? I’d start with one of the associations / patients’ groups / charities most closely associated with your wife’s condition. Seek their advice, as they might well know what to do.

I’d then Google, using simple phrases, to see what insurers / brokers turned up.

If insurance of some sort became possible, great. If it didn’t or the terms / premium were too onerous, I’d think again, up to and including maybe going away uninsured. The latter might well depend on the destination, as much as anything else.

 

[Northern jock]

No not a package holiday, just an expensive hire of a property up in Bonny Scotland.

Have you asked the property owner or agent letting it if they can offer a late cancellation cover in the circumstances?

 

[snelly]

I would work out the time between hospital appointments as something that's set; that will tell you how much time you have for a treat;; book everthing on your flexible friend; that may cover loss if it goes wrong; and just get off;; that's if it's overhere;;

 

[Pepsi]

Thanks for all the suggestions and advice.