Insurance

Travel insurance

Most travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes. It is essential when arranging the policy that you fully disclose to the insurance company your medical conditions including diabetes even if they do not ask. Failure to do so could lead to them rejecting a claim and then it is too late.

It is important to remember that when you are travelling with your family or in a group it is wise to travel under the same policy. If you have an individual policy it will cover the individual’s medical needs and cost of repatriation but not the costs of their loved ones staying with them.

If they are insured under a different policy it will probably not cover the costs of accompanying someone who needs repatriation. Being ill abroad is a stressful time and you need your friends and family around you. By being insured under the same policy you can make sure that you all stay together.
 

How is it best to buy travel insurance?


A recent Which survey found:

  • Buying on line was best for value and you can download the policy wordings.
  • Buying over the phone was done responsibly by insurers.
  • Travel agents ‘failed our selling tests miserably’. They are not regulated by the Financial Services Authority, seldom give proper advice about the policy and often provide the worst value in terms of premium and cover.
  • Diabetes UK has arranged specially designed travel insurance for people with diabetes, through Diabetes UK Insurance Services (their phone number is at the back of this leaflet).

Summary

  • Do proper research and don’t leave arranging the travel insurance to the last minute.
  • Get your travel insurance quote before booking your travel arrangements because the cost of some destinations may be high.
  •  Read the small print.
  • Keep your policy details and emergency contact numbers with you.
  • Keep all receipts for items you may need to make a claim for.
  • Make full disclosures of your medical conditions when taking out your policy – if in doubt tell the insurer at the time of purchasing the policy.
  • Don’t just buy on price buy the cover you need.
  • Make sure you have the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you are travelling to a European Union member country, but remember that this is not a substitute for travel insurance.