UK holidaymakers with pre-existing medical conditions are encountering substantially increased travel insurance premiums, leading some to consider travelling abroad without cover. This trend raises concerns among consumer advocates, who highlight the significant financial risks associated with being uninsured for medical emergencies overseas.
Bernie Lawrence, a 77-year-old from Fleet, Hampshire, experienced a sharp rise in his annual travel insurance costs after developing heart problems. Having undergone quadruple bypass surgery in 2018, Mr Lawrence saw his annual European policy, previously under £100, climb to £302 in 2022. Following a brief bout of atrial fibrillation and a wait for an NHS echocardiogram, he was quoted an initial £1,200. After paying privately for the scan to receive an all-clear, the quote reduced to £584, with the couple eventually paying £1,009 this year for annual cover for a Mediterranean cruise. Mr Lawrence expressed frustration, noting that while he believes older individuals are seen as a "cash cow," the necessity of cover remains undeniable.
Despite the rising costs, the importance of comprehensive travel insurance cannot be overstated. Insurers paid out a staggering £262 billion two years ago for medical expenses incurred by UK travellers needing emergency care abroad. James Daley, founder of Fairer Finance, a research and rating agency, emphasised the critical need for appropriate cover, particularly when visiting countries like the United States where medical treatment costs can run into hundreds of thousands of pounds without a reciprocal health agreement with the UK.
The cost of a policy is typically determined by factors such as age, the specific medical condition, travel destination, and duration of the trip. While mainstream comparison websites can be a starting point, it is crucial for individuals with pre-existing conditions to meticulously check the policy's small print to ensure all declared conditions are covered. For those struggling to find suitable options through traditional channels, specialist insurers like AllClear, Medical Travel Compared, and PayingTooMuch, or a broker via the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (biba.org.uk), may offer tailored solutions.
When applying for cover, insurers generally ask for details of medical issues over a specific period, often the last five years, though this can vary depending on the provider and the nature of the condition. Full and accurate disclosure is paramount, as failure to declare relevant medical history could invalidate a policy, leaving travellers exposed to the full cost of any emergency treatment.
Source: Fairer Finance, AllClear