Insurance and Health

[MBNAvictim]

When I suffered a heart attack ten years ago I reported the fact to my motor insurance company. My motorcycle was recently stolen and if I buy a replacement I will be looking for cheaper insurance through one of the specialist motorcycle insurance brokers.

 

Question: Do I need to declare that I had a heart attack ten years ago? I know that as far as travel insurance is concerned the "offence" is "spent" after two years but does this apply to motor insurance? I have been in good health since.

[crem]

I'm not aware that the insurance companies ask questions regarding health whentaking out a motor policy. It would seem logicla that the people most interested in your health would be the DVLA when issuing your licence and presumably the insurers take it in good faith that if you are medically fit to drive, then you are medically fit to hold a motor policy.

[MBNAvictim]

I'm not aware that the insurance companies ask questions regarding health whentaking out a motor policy.

 

They do on all the online application forms I have seen. They all ask whether you have suffered or are still suffering from any serious illness.

 

 

It would seem logicla that the people most interested in your health would be the DVLA when issuing your licence and presumably the insurers take it in good faith that if you are medically fit to drive, then you are medically fit to hold a motor policy.

 

My licence was issued back in 1968, long before any health problems. As to fitness to drive the DVLA's rules are much clearer. They go on a measure of the heart's pumping ability and mine after my MI was above the cut-off point so I did not have to report to DVLA. I did, however have to report the fact to my insurer.

[ploddertom]

1999 I had 4 x heart bypass, when ready to drive I asked my insurer if premiums would go up. They told me to report it DVLA who were fine and as no restrictions imposed no penalties imposed by the insurer. Each year since it has followed me round as records do and has never made any difference to date, since that time I have also developed Diabetes & yet again no penalties imposed. The thinking is if you are honest and declare it all and something untoward does happen then you are covered, if you decide not to tell and something happens and they find out afterwards then they will void your insurance.

 

When it comes to travel insurance however, don't get me started.

 

PT