Are you covered if you fall ill on your hols?

Monday 13 June 2016

You might have your bags packed and your passport ready but if you're not fully covered and you get sick on your hols you could end up stranded overseas with huge medical bills.

Rossborough Insurance is urging you to make sure you are disclosing all your medical conditions to your insurer after a criticially-ill British pensioner reportedly racked up a £40K hospital bill in Mexico last month.

His insurers refused to pay out because he hadn’t declared his high blood pressure when he took out his policy with another company.

Rossborough Insurance Director Rob Hewlett said: “It’s essential that people ensure they are able to agree to the policy medical declaration when taking out travel insurance. If they are unable to agree to the declaration, then they should call the medical declaration number.

“Ahead of the summer holidays, it’s a popular time for islanders to take out policies and for whatever reason, we are aware that people don’t always give all the relevant information for every person covered by that policy.

“If people haven’t disclosed their history and then need medical care, then the insurance company can legally refuse to cover any costs or pay any claims.

Mr Hewlett said it's important to make sure you're covered all the way back home.

He said: “An important detail to check is that any repatriation is to the Channel Islands as some policies may only cover travel back to the UK.

“Using a reputable and experienced broker based in the Channel Islands will help ensure that islanders have the cover they need and are there to help should a claim be needed.

“That can make an enormous difference as it can be incredibly stressful when a loved one falls ill away from the island. As the recent media coverage has shown, medical care can quickly reach tens of thousands of pounds and so having the right travel insurance policy should be considered as important as remembering your passport.”