Hallo everybody,

does anybody have any experience with this?

I am luckily not affected but would value practical tips.

Would one be covered in the EU anyway (via E111/European health insurance card - without special travel insurance that is)? If so - what would be covered?

If needed: Are some insurances better than others?

Many thanks for any help/advise.

koniva

I believe that you would be covered with the E111 for emergency treatment, or if you need to see a doctor (flu like symptioms for example). Travel insurance though would also cover you for your baggage, any delays in getting there, and most importantly repatriation costs as well for serious illnesses or even if you are dead).

RAC are having a lot of tv coverage so they might cheap. Also try the usual suspects Direct Line, Norwich Union, More Than and get a feel for the price. Make sure you discolse any previous medical conditions that you may have.

Also, are you doing any sports while you are abroad? Check that those are covered.

The Ehic (E111, as was) cover will depend on the agreement with each individual country policy. In some countries, it will be 100%, in some, it will be far less. It might even depend on what the problem is, and cover will be from partial to total, dependong on the gravity/emergency of the case.

Also worth remembering that in a lot of the touristy countries, the tour operators will whizz you to the private clinics rather then the state operated ones. And that additional transport like ambulances and such are usually not covered.

In what way do you say you're not affected, yet want tips? It seems like an odd query... :-?

Remember that the E111 will not cover Hotel costs or bringing you back home if you have been kept in hospital etc. Its only emergency costs and not associated costs.

Just notice you mention heart disease as well, has this been diagnosed in the last 12 months and have you been hospitalised for it? If you have then an insurance company will not cover you for the condition.

If you have any pre existing condition you should always disclose it/them at the time of application. If you dont and something happens abroad, then you may not get all associated costs recovered. Remember, it's not just hospital treatment/medical care to worry about, there are all the extras such as getting someone back home again to consider.

There are specialists companies who will provide travel insurance for people with medical conditions, my wife and I have such a policy. By and large these companies do not advertise on TV. Remember, telly advertising costs a fortune and who do you think ultimately foots the bill? We do, it's built into the premiums; so, as ever, shop around or find a good broker to do it for you.

Well,

first of all many thanks to all for the advise.

Bookworm: i was enquiring on someone's behalve as i happen to have internet. thats why it may be a bit odd.

Kizan: i would be most grateful for further direction as to what company/ies for example you have identified.

koniva

Well,

 

first of all many thanks to all for the advise.

 

Bookworm: i was enquiring on someone's behalve as i happen to have internet. thats why it may be a bit odd.

 

Kizan: i would be most grateful for further direction as to what company/ies for example you have identified.

 

koniva

Thanks for visiting my website and your subsequent e mail. I will contact you again by email as I dont wish to appear to be touting for business on the forum.

The majority of travel insurers use a system called Helix to determine whether they want to accept a risk. It's a condition of most policies that you disclose any serious, chronic or recurring medical condition esp. if you have recieved treatment, consultation or medication in the past 12 months. You must also disclose medical conditions of any close relatives even if they're not travelling. Helix gives points for certain medical conditions and some conditions, esp recent cardiac or cancer, may be excluded. If you have already booked a trip before diagnosis, they may provide cover for cancellation but not for any abandonment of the hol or medical expenses incurred.

Your EHIC (E111) will only cover medical costs. A travel policy will cover cancellation, emergency repatriation to UK, and related expenses such as travel and accomodation near the hospital. Check your policy cover carefully before you set off.

Anybody would think I was a travel claims handler......!