written by DimeBar1969 on 19/07/2016
This policy was/still is recommended on several comparison websites. The price is competitive and the cover sufficient for our needs. THAT WAS THE GOOD PART? ITS ALL GOING DOWN HILL FROM NOW ON.........
Beware the Declaration form for "pre-existing medical condition" I've copied and pasted the section below.
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What is a pre-existing condition?
You should tell us if you:
a. have any medical conditions for which in the past 2 years:
i. you have had or are waiting for any consultations, investigations or follow-ups;
ii. you are having or have had treatment or prescription medication;
iii. you have been on a waiting list, or knew you needed surgery, inpatient treatment or tests at a hospital or clinic at the date you bought the policy or the booking date of your trip;
b. have had treatment for cancer in the last five years; or
c. have EVER been diagnosed with or treated for any of the following:
i. heart attack, angina, chest pain(s), or any other heart condition
ii. high blood pressure, blood clots, raised cholesterol, aneurysm or circulatory disease
iii. any form of stroke, TIA (Transient Ischaemic Attack), or brain haemorrhage
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ALL CLEAR SO FAR? The key phrase is the "2 years" timescale.
I suffered from severe back pain in 2012. Because it happened over 2 years ago, I never declared this as a pre-existing condition as a requirement clearly stated in their own declaration form.
Unfortunately, my back spasmed a day before my holiday and my GP declared me Unfit to travel. I therefore had to cancel my holiday. I claimed off my Holiday insurance and after what seemed a pre longed wait, was declined payment. The reason they gave was my "failure to declare a pre-existing medical condition".
I felt aggreaved by their decision so I complained by letter informing them their own conditions are unclear and misleading. They were asked to reconsider my claim and reminded they had eight weeks to investigate my complaint otherwise I would escalate my grievance to the Insurance Ombudsman.
Four working days later, I had a cheque for full settlement of my claim.
The moral of this long winded story is - SOD 'EM!!!!!
If you're not happy with the service - complain