Travel insurance

[Yak]

[quote=sophie]The issue for MDS seems to be what "medical condition code" the insurance company uses. They don't seem to have one specific for MDS yet.
Has anyone had to claim cancellation of a trip so far for example and did it go smoothly?
What specific condition has your insurance company registered on the forms?

Thanks
Sophie[/quote]

I've just had to look again for travel insurance, and found that the company I used before had slightly changed their definitions (when I used them previously I was able to use the fact that I am monitored and not receiving treatment and didn't have to go through specific pre-existing condition questions). Having had to look again, by chance I found that Columbus has MDS listed as a condition (with no need to ring and be quizzed). I've no idea how competitive they are when you're actually receiving treatments, but the questions seemed appropriate to ascertain the reality of your condition - eg blood transfusions and frequency, type of drug being taken, frequency of appointments etc.

Kay

[Sophie]

Information sent by Ted:
You will be aware that people with condition such as MDS almost always find it difficult to get insurance for foreign holidays.

World First (0845 908 0161; www.world-first.co.uk) is a well respected family-run insurance company that has been trading for 35 years.
It has become something of a saviour for older people with stable, controlled medical conditions seeking travel insurance.
I checked them out this morning because my wife and I were planning to enjoy a 10-day trip to northern Norway next April.
I was quoted a one-trip price of £108 for me as an individual;
if the referral to King's does not find any further nasties in my medical woodshed, that fee will be reduced to £77.
=d>
I have no personal interest in World First I might add – my wife found this mention in the Daily Telegraph.

[Yak]

[quote=Yak]... I found that Columbus has MDS listed as a condition (with no need to ring and be quizzed). I've no idea how competitive they are when you're actually receiving treatments, but the questions seemed appropriate to ascertain the reality of your condition - eg blood transfusions and frequency, type of drug being taken, frequency of appointments etc.
Kay[/quote]

Just to update on this, I used Columbus Direct again today to take out insurance for a European trip. Adding and getting cover for MDS as a pre-existing medical condition [being monitored and without active treatment] pushed the premium for me from about £13 to £18 for an 8 day trip. I'm not sure of the premium levels when you use the 50+ age bracket and/or active treatment but I'm happy with the premium.

Kay

[Sophie]

Please see article on Travel Insurance for over 65 year olds and/or less healthy travellers - published in the Financial Times - 25/26 September 2010 - page 4.
Kindly sent in by one of our patients.
Attached document.

The article recommends you contact BIBA (British Insurance Brokers' Association) if you have been declined cover because of age of pre-existing medical conditions - they can recommend specialist brokers.
But please also go through the messages above and get 2 or 3 quotes - and compare - well worth it.
Biba - British Insurance Brokers' Association
Tel 0870 950 1790

Please post your own recommendation and share your own experiences on this forum -good and bad - it will be tremendously helpful for others.

Thank you.
Sophie

[Paul]

Hello

I am due to take a short trip to Berlin in March.

I have RCMD (Watch & Wait stage)and my travel insurance has been withdrawn

Does anyone know a company, that will provide insurance?

Thanks

Paul

[janetstanford]

hi paul
yes i had issues in 2010 when the company who insured me 2009 said no in 2010 but a company called " ALL CLEAR " insurered me in 2010 and this covered a 21 day visit to the u.s the cost was £194 which was reasonable compared to others
hope this helps
and enjoy the trip

janet

[chris]

Hi Paul

Hope you are keeping well at the moment? Sounds obvious but have you read through all the posts under the previous topic of Travel Insurance in Comments and Issues about MDS as there seem to be lots of advice and suggestions already there including a press release from Sophie who may also be able to give you help if you e-mail her directly.

I can't remember what your particular blood counts/ issues were but you may have to have your latest blood test results as I recall that is what I was asked when I tried to get insurance shortly after my diagnosis. I would have thought that being on "watch and wait" and not currently needing treatment should be in your favour? I do hope so as paying a lot in travel insurance takes the gilt off the gingerbread (which is very nice in Berlin I should think!!!)

Hope the trip goes well

Best wishes

Chris

[Sophie]

Hi Paul,

as Chris says - please see the folder called Travel insurance - just 2 messages below yours. I think you'll find all you need there.
I'll be moving your post there in a few days - and Janet's reply as well - so as to keep all information in one place.

Have a good trip!
Sophie

[janetstanford]

Hi Paul

Hope you are keeping well at the moment? Sounds obvious but have you read through all the posts under the previous topic of Travel Insurance in Comments and Issues about MDS as there seem to be lots of advice and suggestions already there including a press release from Sophie who may also be able to give you help if you e-mail her directly.

I can't remember what your particular blood counts/ issues were but you may have to have your latest blood test results as I recall that is what I was asked when I tried to get insurance shortly after my diagnosis. I would have thought that being on "watch and wait" and not currently needing treatment should be in your favour? I do hope so as paying a lot in travel insurance takes the gilt off the gingerbread (which is very nice in Berlin I should think!!!)

Hope the trip goes well

Best wishes

Chris

hi chris
watch and wait this helped me as i was having no medication and i will remember to check out sophies info as i am busy looking at hols for later in the year myself
thanks for that

[janetstanford]

hello sophie

yes most useful , i found "all clear" by accident it took me 4 hours searching the web key words / play on words into google ect which i did find frustrating but i see all clear are mentioned here several times ... and as i am looking at holidays for later in the year and i will most certainly use this info

thanks