Travel Insurance

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

Today I've been online booking flights to the US for 13 days next April. Visiting son, DIL and new grandson.

I've been trying to get reasonable travel insurance and with pre-existing conditions the costs seem to be exorbitant. Particularly annoyed about how much hubby costs. He got a tentative dx of 'suspected angina' about 3 years ago and has been taking beta blockers and statins ever since. He has had no chest pain since then and thinks nothing of cycling 80 miles in a day. In other words - he seems to be pretty fit.  The word 'angina' appears to put travel insurance up by over ?200, whereas my pre-existing conditions add ?96 which is bad enough!!

Anyone any ideas for insurance companies?

Take care - Scottie 

[genko_b]

We use Travel Guard and there are no questions about health conditions. It is never cheap, though, for us it is worth it. They charge as a percentage of the total cost and at a rate that depends on your destination.

Genko

[Joe S.]

Do your credit cards offer travel insurance?

[Katybarstool]

Scottie

I've found the post office inusrance pretty good - although they won't cover you if you have had surgery within the past 12 months. I'm told that Insure and Go are worth checking too.

I bet you are sooo excited to be making your plans to visit your little grandson.

Kathyx

[irish]

Has the doctor ever told you to take an aspirin before flying those long flights??? Also, doing passive exercise while sitting to keep the blood flow in your legs moving.

There seems to be more awareness of getting blood clots in the calves which can become deadly if they break loose and become a pulmonary embolism. Not trying to scare you---just something we all should be aware of. Also, long trips in the car require doing the exercises, getting out and walking. Also, need to keep fluid intake up.

Sound like a good deal that you get to visit the son again. YOu are so lucky to be able to do that. Irish

[Bucky]

Scottie,

When you say "travel insurance" - do you mean insurance that will cover the cost of your ticket should you need to cancel it?  It used to be years ago, you could book your flight and then cancel with no penalty fees . . now, lots of airlines offer no refunds if you cancel - and charge you if you change your reservations.

I don't think I've heard of travel insurance that is based on your health.  Not saying there isn't that - I've just never heard of it.

Thank your lucky stars you didn't fly right now . . . you would be stuck somewhere in your journey with all the bad weather there and here.

Bucky

[genko_b]

Hi Bucky:

We always get travel insurance which includes cancellation, cutting trip short, and medical costs and evacuation costs among other things. Also covers costs of lost passports and luggage. It gives us real piece of mind. Travel Guard is the company we use.

Genko

[Bucky]

Genko -  just wondering - what would happen in the situation that many cities find themselves in right now . . flights canceled due to the weather.   Does this insurance cover costs of hotels, meals, etc. until another flight can be booked?  (which in some cases, can be days yet)  Or, is it chalked up to "an act of God" and they don't cover anything and you are left to fend for yourselves?

It seems there are so many loopholes in things - just curious if you know.

Bucky

[Scottietottie]

Hi Bucky - I mean insurance that if I sprain my ankle in the US or need antibiotics for anything (unlikely in 13 days but it did happen once) I don't have to pay an arm and a leg for going to a doctor. If I have the insurance - it will cover it.

US citizens coming to the UK don't have the same problem. If they get ill here - they will get treated and not charged. Obviously its different when we go to the US. If I go anywhere in Europe the NHS here will still cover me but not for going to the States.

It's extremely unlikely either of us will need anything medical while we are over (unless a suitcase gets lost with medication in it) but I think being covered 'in case' is a good idea because your medical system is so expensive.

Travel insurance will also cover bags getting lost in transit and in certain circumstances, cancelled filghts.

Looked at the post office one Kathy and it didn't seem to ask awkward questions. ?97 definitely better than nearly ?300!!!!  Thanks.

Take care - Scottie 

[genko_b]

Here's the UK website for Travel Guard:

http://www.travel-guard.co.uk/homepage_738_256781.html

Yes, Bucky, depending on the level of coverage you buy, it will pay for some or all of the delay costs. If I were traveling this time of year I would definitely buy this kind of coverage. But I'm kind of chicken in this regard - I'm always afraid I won't be able to make the trip.

Genko

[Scottietottie]

THANKS Genko!!!