Hi Everyone,

I'm quite new here and finding it difficult to find my way around. I took out Halifax Mortgage Repayments Insurance 10 years ago when I bought my house. Reading the Conditions booklet it seems I that if I am unable to work through accident, sickness or disability for at least 30 days I can make a claim on this policy and they will pay a sum equal to my mortgage payment + 25% provided this is supported by a doctors note. I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and will be off work for at least 12 weeks, probably more. I have asked them to send me a claim form and am hoping that they will allow the claim. I live alone and don't have any support really so I am going to need extra cash for hospital appointments and household help. To have my mortgage paid would relieve some of the stress and worry about financial issues. Having read some of the posts on Critical Illness cover and the way that Insurance Co's try their best to wriggle out of paying up I am seriously worried. I know this isn't a critical illness policy but perhaps it is the same procedure when you make a claim. I don't remember being asked about illness when I took it out and I don't think they contacted my GP for medical records. If I was asked about illness I probably said no because I would have assumed they meant big things like heart disease, diabetes, cancer etc. I have noticed that claims have been refused because of things like viral illness and I am sure that I will have had something like that (most people do!). The last thing I need right now is a battle with the Halifax; I have enough fighting to do to regain my health. Perhaps I shouldn't bother to fill in the claim form? Or if I decide to do so does anyone have any practical tips to help me? Maybe someone has this same insurance and can give me their experience of making a claim. Thanks in advance for your help.

Suzie

Hi Suzie. I'm very sorry you're having a tough time.

I claimed on a similar policy a while back for mental ill-health [and was paid out]. In my humble opinion, the first thing is to read the policy document thoroughly if you're up to it. Otherwise you could post it here, scanned or typed by you.

You're right, it's not a critical illness policy and your problem is exactly the sort of thing I'd expect you to be covered for. Can you tell us any more please?

HB x

Hi HB

The certificate of insurance says nothing at all about pre existing medical conditions nor does the booklet. I wondered if there might be a schedule but the cert and booklet is the only paperwork I have relating to the policy. I have searched high and low but have nothing else at all. Hopefully this is a good thing rather than a bad?

Suzie

Suzie

I take it you have a good relationship with your GP.

I would have a confidential word with your doctor about this and stress the fact you are worried about it.

As you have checked the policy, you don't have anything to worry about.

You don't need the worry about that when the priority is your health and focusing on that and your return to fighting fitness.

Very best of luck to you. Please keep us up to date.

Hello again. I'm not sure why you're worried about pre-existing conditions from 10 years ago. Are you able to tell us any more please?

HB x

I got myself worried when I read other posts about claims not being paid out because people failed to declare minor health conditions. I went to the doctor with suspected asthma for which I was given an inhaler (but have had no recurrence since so don't really think it was asthma) and I'm sure I also discussed anxiety/depression with him during my divorce but I don't remember being given any medication. Would these things cause them to disallow my claim if it turns out that they were before 2000? My GP is a bit of a control freak and not very approachable so I don't suppose he would help me in any way with my records if that's what you're meaning Kenny. I guess I'm just going to have to fill in the form and then just wait and see what happens. If they say no, then I'll just have to accept that. I haven't any fight left in me. Thanks for your good wishes HB & Kenny.

Hello again. A pre-existing condition means one you had before you took out the policy as far as I'm aware and what you've mentioned certainly isn't related to breast cancer. Have you checked out the Halifax website if your documentation doesn't help? I understand that you would like to be forearmed on this.

You might consider a phone call to the FSA/fos because they might be able to advise you at this stage. I know some of the insurance gurus here advise that when it gets a bit sticky.

Kenny is right, you shouldn't be worrying at this stage and we're here to back you up whenever you need it.

HB x