My Heart Can't Take It Your Insure Baby

Travel insurance with a heart or circulatory condition

Buying travel insurance with a heart and circulatory condition can be difficult and expensive. Our advice can help you find the best insurance for your situation.

How will my health affect buying travel insurance?

Insurance companies will ask you some personal questions about things like your age, your travel destination and your health, including any 'pre-existing' medical conditions. This means you will have to declare:

• any health condition that you currently live with
• any health condition you have had in the past few years (the exact number of years can vary between different insurers), and
• any past health 'events', like a heart attack or stroke.

Insurers will also ask about:

• any medicines that you currently take
• if you have had a device fitted, such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), or
• any other treatments, like heart surgery or a stent.

Once insurers have this information, they will decide if they have a policy which is suitable for you, and how much it will cost you to buy.

It's really important to declare all of your past and present health conditions, any medicines that you take or treatments you've had, and whether you have a device implanted. If you leave out important information, it could result in a claim being refused.

It is a good idea to talk to your GP before purchasing an insurance policy, as they will be able to help you answer the medical questions.

Can I buy travel insurance with a terminal illness?

If you've been diagnosed with a terminal condition, it's important to check the terms and conditions of any travel insurance policy closely, as many insurers don't offer cover to people with a terminal illness. This includes some insurers who otherwise specialise in covering people with health problems.

But there are insurers available who offer policies for people with terminal illnesses. So if you shop around, you may be able to find cover for your situation.

Covering family and friends with health conditions

If you are planning a trip with somebody – for example a partner, family member or colleague - who has a heart or circulatory condition, you may have to declare this on your own travel insurance for your trip.

This is in case you have to cancel your trip because of health problems for the person you were planning to travel with. Your travel insurance may not let you to claim money back for your cancellation if this person's health condition was not declared when you bought your insurance.

Will the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) cover my condition?

The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) has replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The GHIC ensures UK citizens still have access to emergency and medically necessary care while travelling in the EU. This includes medically necessary treatment for a pre-existing or chronic condition.

Current EHIC cards are still valid as long as they're in date, but you'll need to apply for a GHIC when your EHIC expires. The GHIC is free of charge and you can apply via the NHS website.

It's important to note that the Government always advises that anyone travelling overseas, whether to the EU or elsewhere in the world, should also take out comprehensive travel insurance.

Can I have a planned medical treatment in Europe?

In some cases, you may need to have medical treatment in another EU country. For example, it may be quicker to give you the treatment you need in another country, if there is a long waiting period in the UK.

If you need a planned treatment in Europe, you may be able to apply for NHS funding to cover the cost of your treatment. The most common ways to do this are called the 'S2 route' (previously called E112) and the 'EU Directive route'.

You can find more information about this from the Department of Health, including whether you may be eligible for funding.

I can't find the right insurance. Who can help?

Insurance brokers are professional insurance experts who can answer your questions about finding different types of insurance, and provide quotes for suitable insurance policies.

Some insurance brokers may charge a fee for their service, but many will help you for free. And if they find the right policy for you, their service could help you save money overall, and avoid any complications from taking the wrong type of policy.

If you want to find an insurance broker in your local area, the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) offers a 'Find a broker' service.

Who can I contact with a complaint about my insurance?

If you are unhappy with your insurance service or a policy claim, the quickest and simplest option is to try to sort your complaint directly with your insurer.

But if you have tried this and you want further help, or you think you have been treated unfairly as a result of a policy claim, the Financial Ombudsman Service is an unbiased public organisation that helps people sort out problems with financial service providers. You can contact them on 0800 023 4 567 (Freephone) or visit the Financial Ombudsman Service website.

Where can I go for further support?

• The Money Advice Service, an independent body which promotes awareness of financial matters, has lots of useful information about insurance. This includes information about buying travel insurance with a medical condition, and using insurance brokers.
• The Association of British Insurers also has extensive information about finding the right insurance for you.
• Our online community has a helpful discussion covering frequently asked questions about travel and life insurance.

Insurance is a popular talking point on our online community -sign up today to find information and support from people who are going through similar situations to your own.

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We want your feedback

We welcome your feedback about insurance. You can contact us online or write to us:

British Heart Foundation
Heart Helpline
Greater London House
180 Hampstead Road
London
NW1 7AW

My Heart Can't Take It Your Insure Baby

Source: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/practical-support/travel-insurance

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