Had a Heart Attack 5 Years Ago? Why Your Travel Insurance Paid £0 for Your US Hospital Bill
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| Had a Heart Attack 5 Years Ago? |
You are planning a dream holiday to Florida or a cruise around the Caribbean. You go to a comparison site, buy the cheapest travel insurance for £20, and think you are covered.
During the trip, you suffer chest pains and are rushed to a hospital. The doctors save your life, but the bill is astronomical: $150,000 (£115,000).
You call your UK insurer. They check your GP records and say: "We see you were prescribed statins for high cholesterol 3 years ago. You didn't declare this on the form. Your claim is denied."
This is the harsh reality of "Pre-existing Medical Conditions."
The "Stable and Controlled" Myth
The biggest misconception among British travelers is this: "If my condition is stable and I'm taking medication, I don't need to tell the insurer."
Wrong. To an insurer, the fact that you take medication proves you have a condition. Even if you haven't seen a doctor in years, if you are on a repeat prescription (e.g., Statins, Blood Pressure meds), you MUST declare it.
⚠️ What counts as a "Pre-existing Condition"?
It is broader than you think. You generally must declare if, in the last 2-5 years (or sometimes EVER for heart/stroke issues), you have:
- Taken any prescribed medication (even for mild asthma or high blood pressure).
- Seen a GP or specialist for any reason other than a routine check-up.
- Been admitted to a hospital or had surgery.
- Been diagnosed with any heart, respiratory, cancerous, or psychological condition (including anxiety/depression).
The "Medical Screening" Process
When buying insurance, you will be asked: "Have you or anyone in your party had any medical conditions?"
If you answer YES, you will go through a Medical Screening (usually an online questionnaire). They will ask:
- "How many medications do you take?"
- "Have you had any unplanned hospital admissions in the last year?"
- "Do you have any shortness of breath?"
The Result: They might increase your premium. PAY IT. Paying an extra £100 to protect against a £100,000 bill is the best investment you will ever make.
The "Under Investigation" Trap (Waiting Lists)
This is a specific clause that catches many people out, especially with long NHS waiting lists.
- The Rule: You generally cannot get travel insurance if you are currently "Under Investigation" or awaiting test results.
- Scenario: The GP sent you for a scan for headaches, but the appointment is months away. You go on holiday.
- The Risk: If you fall ill, the insurer will argue you traveled with an undiagnosed condition. The policy is void. You must have a confirmed diagnosis (or a clear "all clear") before you travel.
Standard vs. Specialist Insurers
If you have a serious history (e.g., cancer survivor, recent stroke), standard insurers (like those on supermarkets or banks) might decline you.
Don't give up. The UK has a robust market of Specialist Medical Travel Insurers (e.g., AllClear, Staysure, Avanti). Under FCA rules, if a firm cannot cover you, they must signpost you to the MoneyHelper directory (provided by the government) to find a specialist provider.
💰 The Cost of Care (Why You Risk It)
Why are insurers so strict? Look at the average cost of emergency treatment abroad in 2026:
- USA (Heart Attack + ICU): £100,000+
- Spain (Broken Hip): £15,000
- Air Ambulance (Repatriation from USA): £50,000+
Warning: Your GHIC card only covers basic state healthcare in the EU. It does NOT pay for private clinics, cruises, or the flight home (repatriation). Without insurance, you are liable for everything.
Conclusion
Honesty is not just the best policy; it is the only policy that pays out.
Do not hide your high blood pressure or your anxiety meds to save money. If you have ever seen a doctor for it, declare it. A travel insurance policy with a medical exclusion is as useful as a parachute with holes in it.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Insurance terms vary by provider. Always read the Product Information Document (IPID) and Policy Wording carefully. If you have serious medical conditions, refer to the MoneyHelper directory or the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) for specialist advice.
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