Thousands fail to tell insurers of medical conditions

Nearly half a million British tourists risk invalidating their travel insurance policies.

Travel Insurance News - 08/07/2010

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As many as half a million British holidaymakers may be at risk of invalidating their travel insurance by failing to let their insurers know they have long-term medical conditions. Amidst several campaigns urging travellers to ensure they carry adequate protection when heading abroad, the latest research indicates even those who do take out travel insurance may be jeopardising any claims they make.

On the basis of its recent survey, Sainsbury’s Finance estimates that 245,000 Brits went on holiday without telling their insurer they had chronic back pain. Another 110,000 are thought to have neglected to let insurance companies know about existing respiratory conditions when they went on holiday last year.

A lot of insurance companies will give customers a chance to cover existing conditions. In many cases, failing to inform a insurance company could invalidate the coverage, leaving a traveller without any protection, should an existing condition flare up while they’re abroad.

About 22 per cent of holidaymakers surveyed thought their existing condition was not relevant to their insurance. Others were embarrassed about discussing their condition on the telephone. However, some 345,000 people are thought to have travelled without any insurance, despite having existing medical conditions.

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