As summer approaches, many Britons are finalising their holiday plans, but a significant number are doing so without travel insurance—a risky decision, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Recent surveys indicate that approximately 18% of tourists intend to travel abroad uninsured, exposing themselves to potentially crippling medical expenses should an emergency arise.
The Rising Cost of Coverage
Bernie Lawrence, a 77-year-old retiree from Fleet, Hampshire, is among those grappling with the escalating costs of travel insurance due to health issues. After developing heart problems, Lawrence’s quotes surged dramatically. In 2022, he and his wife paid £302 for their usual annual coverage, but the price skyrocketed to £1,200 following a brief episode of atrial fibrillation and a subsequent wait for an echocardiogram.
“I just couldn’t believe it,” Lawrence remarked, reflecting on the staggering increase in premiums. “All I was waiting for was for them to tell me something I already knew.” After paying for a private scan to expedite the process, his quote settled at £584, yet subsequent years saw further hikes, culminating in a £1,009 fee for coverage before a planned Mediterranean cruise this year.
Lawrence’s experience highlights a broader trend: insurance companies often perceive older individuals with health histories as high-risk, which translates into substantially higher premiums.
The Risks of Going Uninsured
The stakes are high for those who opt to travel without insurance. A report by the Association of British Insurers revealed that insurers disbursed £262 million for medical expenses incurred by UK travellers requiring emergency care abroad in the past two years. The costs can be astronomical in countries such as the United States, where hospital bills can reach hundreds of thousands of pounds.
James Daley, founder of Fairer Finance, emphasises the critical need for adequate coverage, especially for those with pre-existing conditions. “Travel insurance can become very costly if you have a medical history,” Daley cautioned, “but failing to secure appropriate insurance could lead to financial ruin in the event of a medical emergency.”
Finding Suitable Insurance
Navigating the insurance landscape can be particularly daunting for individuals with pre-existing conditions. When searching for coverage, it is essential to declare any health issues accurately, as failing to do so can invalidate the policy. Insurers typically inquire about medical history over the past five years, although this timeframe may vary depending on the provider or the severity of the condition.
For those struggling to find suitable policies through conventional comparison websites, specialist providers such as AllClear, Medical Travel Compared, and PayingTooMuch can offer tailored solutions. It may also be beneficial to consult a broker from the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) to assist in navigating the options available.
Tommy Lloyd, managing director of Medical Travel Compared, recommends that all members of a travel party be covered under the same policy. This approach ensures consistency in cancellation and curtailment coverage, protecting all travellers if a medical condition unexpectedly worsens.
The Impact of Specific Conditions
The effects of pre-existing conditions on travel insurance quotes can vary significantly. For example, common ailments such as anxiety, high blood pressure, or asthma may only marginally increase premiums. In contrast, a diagnosis of angina or a history of heart attack can inflate costs by approximately 50%. Notably, if an individual has fully recovered and hasn’t received treatment for a condition in years, they may not need to disclose it.
For instance, Ian Wardle, a 68-year-old parish clerk from Essex, faced insurance quotes as high as £6,000 following a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. After undergoing treatment, he was shocked to find exorbitant premiums when seeking insurance for a solo trip to visit his brother in South Carolina. “I was just thinking: ‘No, I’m not paying that. It’s just ridiculous,’” he said.
Fortunately, Wardle eventually secured a more reasonable annual policy through AllClear, highlighting the importance of persistence and thorough research.
Why it Matters
The implications of inadequate travel insurance extend far beyond individual financial loss; they can lead to significant public health concerns. With millions of travellers forgoing coverage, the potential for increased demand on healthcare systems abroad grows, particularly in nations where treatment costs can be exorbitant. Ensuring that those with pre-existing conditions can access affordable and comprehensive insurance not only protects their financial well-being but also promotes a more responsible approach to international travel, safeguarding both individual health and public resources.
