Annual Travel Insurance - Pre Existing Conditions
Discussion
I was unsure whether to post this here, holidays, medical or the legal section so move as required mods.
I’ve had an annual policy through Lloyds Bank / Allianz for some years now. I just called them to review the cover as they stipulated that I inform them of any repeat prescriptions. I have repeat prescriptions for Quinine for cramp, Codeine for irritable bowel and recently statins for high cholesterol. They were happy with the codeine but wanted to charge extra for the conditions covered by quinine and the statin.
The call ended with me being told that my insurance won’t cover me if I get cramp (hardly a big deal) or high cholesterol. I’m confused about the ‘no cover for high cholesterol’. The statins are dealing with that and my cholesterol is now normal, so what are they not covering?
Any help/advice from anyone in the industry would be appreciated.
I’ve had an annual policy through Lloyds Bank / Allianz for some years now. I just called them to review the cover as they stipulated that I inform them of any repeat prescriptions. I have repeat prescriptions for Quinine for cramp, Codeine for irritable bowel and recently statins for high cholesterol. They were happy with the codeine but wanted to charge extra for the conditions covered by quinine and the statin.
The call ended with me being told that my insurance won’t cover me if I get cramp (hardly a big deal) or high cholesterol. I’m confused about the ‘no cover for high cholesterol’. The statins are dealing with that and my cholesterol is now normal, so what are they not covering?
Any help/advice from anyone in the industry would be appreciated.
I also received the recent changes letter from Lloyds and share your confusion.
High cholesterol and High Blood Pressure for example are already listed on the policy as non contentious / non advisable conditions.
The changes letter says to inform them of any changes to repeat prescriptions but says nothing about when from.
The letter talks also about any upgrades in policy you may have paid for - I haven’t.
As you say if you are on statins that presumably reduces the cholesterol down to where it should be ie not high.
However the policy states it would be covered in any event.
I was surmising that let’s assume you have been put on statins this year and previously were not on them so couldn’t let them know about a change in repeat prescription ?!
Sorry that’s not much help but I think a call back to the so called helpline may be in order.
High cholesterol and High Blood Pressure for example are already listed on the policy as non contentious / non advisable conditions.
The changes letter says to inform them of any changes to repeat prescriptions but says nothing about when from.
The letter talks also about any upgrades in policy you may have paid for - I haven’t.
As you say if you are on statins that presumably reduces the cholesterol down to where it should be ie not high.
However the policy states it would be covered in any event.
I was surmising that let’s assume you have been put on statins this year and previously were not on them so couldn’t let them know about a change in repeat prescription ?!
Sorry that’s not much help but I think a call back to the so called helpline may be in order.
alscar said:
Sorry that’s not much help but I think a call back to the so called helpline may be in order.
The woman on the helpline was just reading from a script, she was unable to clarify anything or answer my questions. I understand that I’m not covered for cramp but the cholesterol thing is unclear.I’ve paid upgrades for Mrs BC and to allow us longer trips.
I've been round this buoy several times with cover for my wife who has several pre-existing conditions. On the Nationwide Flex Plus policy you declare them, they decide to charge you more for doing so but then exclude them! She went somewhere else but it wasn't cheap for an annual policy!
My wife has/had high cholesterol but it is managed by statins and is way below the NHS guideline figure however despite taking medical intervention to reduce any risk, insurers tend to just look at the 'high cholesterol' headline. High cholesterol can put you at risk of potentially serious illness and I suspect they would look to add an additional premium to cover this. If you declare it and they confirm they're not bothered, happy days but ideally that needs to be confirmed. With Nationwide you can access the insurers site via a link and 'disclose' illnesses (drop downs for follow up questions etc) and it will tell you if there is an additional premium.
We've just tried to get medical cover for my 85yr old mother in law who has no significant illnesses and the cost for 10 days came in at over £650. We'll rely on the GHIC cover.
My wife has/had high cholesterol but it is managed by statins and is way below the NHS guideline figure however despite taking medical intervention to reduce any risk, insurers tend to just look at the 'high cholesterol' headline. High cholesterol can put you at risk of potentially serious illness and I suspect they would look to add an additional premium to cover this. If you declare it and they confirm they're not bothered, happy days but ideally that needs to be confirmed. With Nationwide you can access the insurers site via a link and 'disclose' illnesses (drop downs for follow up questions etc) and it will tell you if there is an additional premium.
We've just tried to get medical cover for my 85yr old mother in law who has no significant illnesses and the cost for 10 days came in at over £650. We'll rely on the GHIC cover.
Armitage.Shanks said:
I've been round this buoy several times with cover for my wife who has several pre-existing conditions. On the Nationwide Flex Plus policy you declare them, they decide to charge you more for doing so but then exclude them! She went somewhere else but it wasn't cheap for an annual policy!
My wife has/had high cholesterol but it is managed by statins and is way below the NHS guideline figure however despite taking medical intervention to reduce any risk, insurers tend to just look at the 'high cholesterol' headline. High cholesterol can put you at risk of potentially serious illness and I suspect they would look to add an additional premium to cover this. If you declare it and they confirm they're not bothered, happy days but ideally that needs to be confirmed. With Nationwide you can access the insurers site via a link and 'disclose' illnesses (drop downs for follow up questions etc) and it will tell you if there is an additional premium.
We've just tried to get medical cover for my 85yr old mother in law who has no significant illnesses and the cost for 10 days came in at over £650. We'll rely on the GHIC cover.
Fair enough but I was told that unless I paid more I wouldn’t be covered for high cholesterol. My cholesterol is now low due to the statins. I asked what would happen if I suffered a heart attack or stroke but no answer from the human robot on that.My wife has/had high cholesterol but it is managed by statins and is way below the NHS guideline figure however despite taking medical intervention to reduce any risk, insurers tend to just look at the 'high cholesterol' headline. High cholesterol can put you at risk of potentially serious illness and I suspect they would look to add an additional premium to cover this. If you declare it and they confirm they're not bothered, happy days but ideally that needs to be confirmed. With Nationwide you can access the insurers site via a link and 'disclose' illnesses (drop downs for follow up questions etc) and it will tell you if there is an additional premium.
We've just tried to get medical cover for my 85yr old mother in law who has no significant illnesses and the cost for 10 days came in at over £650. We'll rely on the GHIC cover.
bad company said:
Armitage.Shanks said:
I've been round this buoy several times with cover for my wife who has several pre-existing conditions. On the Nationwide Flex Plus policy you declare them, they decide to charge you more for doing so but then exclude them! She went somewhere else but it wasn't cheap for an annual policy!
My wife has/had high cholesterol but it is managed by statins and is way below the NHS guideline figure however despite taking medical intervention to reduce any risk, insurers tend to just look at the 'high cholesterol' headline. High cholesterol can put you at risk of potentially serious illness and I suspect they would look to add an additional premium to cover this. If you declare it and they confirm they're not bothered, happy days but ideally that needs to be confirmed. With Nationwide you can access the insurers site via a link and 'disclose' illnesses (drop downs for follow up questions etc) and it will tell you if there is an additional premium.
We've just tried to get medical cover for my 85yr old mother in law who has no significant illnesses and the cost for 10 days came in at over £650. We'll rely on the GHIC cover.
Fair enough but I was told that unless I paid more I wouldn’t be covered for high cholesterol. My cholesterol is now low due to the statins. I asked what would happen if I suffered a heart attack or stroke but no answer from the human robot on that.My wife has/had high cholesterol but it is managed by statins and is way below the NHS guideline figure however despite taking medical intervention to reduce any risk, insurers tend to just look at the 'high cholesterol' headline. High cholesterol can put you at risk of potentially serious illness and I suspect they would look to add an additional premium to cover this. If you declare it and they confirm they're not bothered, happy days but ideally that needs to be confirmed. With Nationwide you can access the insurers site via a link and 'disclose' illnesses (drop downs for follow up questions etc) and it will tell you if there is an additional premium.
We've just tried to get medical cover for my 85yr old mother in law who has no significant illnesses and the cost for 10 days came in at over £650. We'll rely on the GHIC cover.
The policy booklet says quite clearly that High cholesterol requires no pre screening and is an agreed condition that is included.
The infamous letter only mentions repeat prescription changes ( with no mention of when from etc ) and nothing about any specific conditions.
alscar said:
I guess this was my point made badly bc.
The policy booklet says quite clearly that High cholesterol requires no pre screening and is an agreed condition that is included.
The infamous letter only mentions repeat prescription changes ( with no mention of when from etc ) and nothing about any specific conditions.
Thanks, yes I just found that in the policy booklet, I’d missed it previously. I suppose that’s it then and I’m covered ok, wish it was clearer though.The policy booklet says quite clearly that High cholesterol requires no pre screening and is an agreed condition that is included.
The infamous letter only mentions repeat prescription changes ( with no mention of when from etc ) and nothing about any specific conditions.
bad company said:
alscar said:
I guess this was my point made badly bc.
The policy booklet says quite clearly that High cholesterol requires no pre screening and is an agreed condition that is included.
The infamous letter only mentions repeat prescription changes ( with no mention of when from etc ) and nothing about any specific conditions.
Thanks, yes I just found that in the policy booklet, I’d missed it previously. I suppose that’s it then and I’m covered ok, wish it was clearer though.The policy booklet says quite clearly that High cholesterol requires no pre screening and is an agreed condition that is included.
The infamous letter only mentions repeat prescription changes ( with no mention of when from etc ) and nothing about any specific conditions.
Do you have a local branch ?
I've got the following long-term conditions:
Heart attack in 2017 - one stent fitted, take beta blockers, statins and aspiring to keep things in check
Ulcerative colitis for 30yrs - maintained by an immunosuppressant called Azathioprine. Not had any flare ups for 7yrs.
Other than my hospital admittance for the heart incident (a couple of days) I've been symptom free, the meds are doing their job. I lead a normal life and am active, go to the gym, cycle lots etc etc.
I have been with Lloyds for 36 years and they blanket excluded me for both of above, which really annoyed me. Personally I don't trust any insurer not to try to wriggle off the hook wherever they can, so I went elsewhere. Staysure was the answer for me. They have a detailed questionnaire on all your meds and charge accordingly, annual or single trip.
I got it from a recommendation on PH 6yrs ago and have been with them since. I feel far more relaxed knowing everything is disclosed in black and white. Never had to claim, obviously
https://www.staysure.co.uk/
Heart attack in 2017 - one stent fitted, take beta blockers, statins and aspiring to keep things in check
Ulcerative colitis for 30yrs - maintained by an immunosuppressant called Azathioprine. Not had any flare ups for 7yrs.
Other than my hospital admittance for the heart incident (a couple of days) I've been symptom free, the meds are doing their job. I lead a normal life and am active, go to the gym, cycle lots etc etc.
I have been with Lloyds for 36 years and they blanket excluded me for both of above, which really annoyed me. Personally I don't trust any insurer not to try to wriggle off the hook wherever they can, so I went elsewhere. Staysure was the answer for me. They have a detailed questionnaire on all your meds and charge accordingly, annual or single trip.
I got it from a recommendation on PH 6yrs ago and have been with them since. I feel far more relaxed knowing everything is disclosed in black and white. Never had to claim, obviously
https://www.staysure.co.uk/
Edited by Shooter McGavin on Wednesday 19th February 09:57
alscar said:
Absolutely - it’s as clear as mud which is why if you are relying on the travel policy I think I would still want clarification from someone at Lloyds.
Do you have a local branch ?
The branch staff won’t be able to help. The annual policy is free of charge with my Gold account, I just pay the insurer Allianz for an upgrade. I’ll email Allianz asking for written clarification .Do you have a local branch ?
alscar said:
bad company said:
The branch staff won’t be able to help. The annual policy is free of charge with my Gold account, I just pay the insurer Allianz for an upgrade. I’ll email Allianz asking for written clarification .
Good idea - would like to know what they then say !My QUESTION:-
I have an annual travel policy with you through Lloyds Bank. I was informed by the bank that I should now inform you of any repeat prescriptions. Yesterday I telephoned your helpline as I couldn’t find the information I required on your website.
I was recently prescribed statins to reduce my cholesterol which was slightly high. My cholesterol is now within NHS guidelines but I need to keep taking the statins to maintain this. Your agent informed me that unless I paid a supplement I would ‘not be covered for high cholesterol’. What does that mean please? I no longer have high cholesterol. Also I note that your policy booklet lists high cholesterol under ‘no screen medical conditions’. I asked your agent for an explanation but she was unable or unwilling to do so.
REPONSE:-
To enable us to check your policy details, please send us 3 of the following for data protection:
Full name
Date of birth
Sort code AND account number
First line of address AND postcode
Once we receive this information, we will be able to look into your policy and assist with your queries.
If you'd rather speak to one of our representatives, you can contact us using your banking membership services number, Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8pm or Sundays from 9 to 5pm.
ME
Answered the security questions.
RESPONSE
In order to make any upgrades, updates, amendments, renewals or check medical conditions you will need to call us and speak to our service team to discuss this.
Upgrades are valid for a year, so if you need to renew it, or declare any pre-existing medical conditions then you will need to call us.
You can call us using your membership service number that is proved by the bank.
We are open Monday to Saturday 8am – 8pm and Sunday 9am – 5pm.
ME
Firstly what was the point of asking for the security information if you weren’t prepared to answer my question? You’ve just given a generic answer. Your email of 20 Feb:-
Once we receive this information, we will be able to look into your policy and assist with your queries.
Secondly I’ve tried calling but your agent was unable or unwilling to answer my questions as below:-
I was recently prescribed statins to reduce my cholesterol which was slightly high. My cholesterol is now within NHS guidelines but I need to keep taking the statins to maintain this. Your agent informed me that unless I paid a supplement I would ‘not be covered for high cholesterol’. What does that mean please? I no longer have high cholesterol. Also I note that your policy booklet lists high cholesterol under ‘no screen medical conditions’. I asked your agent for an explanation but she was unable or unwilling to do so.
I really would like clarification on this important issue, it’s not clear at all.
I have an annual travel policy with you through Lloyds Bank. I was informed by the bank that I should now inform you of any repeat prescriptions. Yesterday I telephoned your helpline as I couldn’t find the information I required on your website.
I was recently prescribed statins to reduce my cholesterol which was slightly high. My cholesterol is now within NHS guidelines but I need to keep taking the statins to maintain this. Your agent informed me that unless I paid a supplement I would ‘not be covered for high cholesterol’. What does that mean please? I no longer have high cholesterol. Also I note that your policy booklet lists high cholesterol under ‘no screen medical conditions’. I asked your agent for an explanation but she was unable or unwilling to do so.
REPONSE:-
To enable us to check your policy details, please send us 3 of the following for data protection:
Full name
Date of birth
Sort code AND account number
First line of address AND postcode
Once we receive this information, we will be able to look into your policy and assist with your queries.
If you'd rather speak to one of our representatives, you can contact us using your banking membership services number, Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8pm or Sundays from 9 to 5pm.
ME
Answered the security questions.
RESPONSE
In order to make any upgrades, updates, amendments, renewals or check medical conditions you will need to call us and speak to our service team to discuss this.
Upgrades are valid for a year, so if you need to renew it, or declare any pre-existing medical conditions then you will need to call us.
You can call us using your membership service number that is proved by the bank.
We are open Monday to Saturday 8am – 8pm and Sunday 9am – 5pm.
ME
Firstly what was the point of asking for the security information if you weren’t prepared to answer my question? You’ve just given a generic answer. Your email of 20 Feb:-
Once we receive this information, we will be able to look into your policy and assist with your queries.
Secondly I’ve tried calling but your agent was unable or unwilling to answer my questions as below:-
I was recently prescribed statins to reduce my cholesterol which was slightly high. My cholesterol is now within NHS guidelines but I need to keep taking the statins to maintain this. Your agent informed me that unless I paid a supplement I would ‘not be covered for high cholesterol’. What does that mean please? I no longer have high cholesterol. Also I note that your policy booklet lists high cholesterol under ‘no screen medical conditions’. I asked your agent for an explanation but she was unable or unwilling to do so.
I really would like clarification on this important issue, it’s not clear at all.
TownIdiot said:
Is that the policy document or a summary on the website?
The policyhttps://www.lloydsbank.com/assets/media/pdfs/curre...
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