The subject of travel insurance is forever hitting the headlines with Brits travelling abroad only to find themselves stranded and out of pocket for failing to inform their insurer of any disabilities or pre-existing medical conditions.
So what measures should you take to ensure you have sufficient cover? Disability Holidays Guide's very own Director has worked in the specialist travel insurance market since 2005, so who better to provide some guidance on the matter: "In my experience, knowing what constitutes as a pre-existing medical condition generates a lot of confusion among holidaymakers.
Many people are of the opinion, if their disability and medical conditions are well managed, this will be of low importance to the insurer and therefore, neglect to mention them unless prompted.
The reality is most travel insurance policies will have exclusions in relation to medical conditions and it's always wise to check the insurer's medical declaration to know exactly how you stand.
There is a selection of sympathetic specialist providers who will offer tailored disabled travel insurance packages and unlike the 'standard' policies obtained from travel agents, banks and building societies, they will be able to take into consideration your individual insurance needs and advise you of the best available cover options.
It may be that you require a policy that covers your wheelchair or perhaps the trip depends on a Carer? Apart from having security in the event your disability or medical condition causes trip complications, you will want to retrieve the cost of the holiday if you have to cancel because your Carer is unable to travel.
You can acquire travel insurance online but be aware; the onus falls completely on the applicant to declare all the material facts and can be a little contentious.
It may be easier to arrange disabled travel insurance over the telephone and speak to a professional adviser, who will be responsible for informing you of the cover limits and your rights.
Tell your insurance provider if you take prescribed medication, require continuing medical supervision or have ever suffered from any strokes, respiratory, heart or cancerous conditions.
If you don't declare medical conditions prior to travelling, you will not be able to claim for any incurred medical expenses if they are in any way related to past or present conditions.
My best advice is not to base the decision to purchase a policy on price alone, but the level of cover you are actually getting for your money.
Travel wisely folks, buy adequate insurance and hopefully you will never have to use it!"
So what measures should you take to ensure you have sufficient cover? Disability Holidays Guide's very own Director has worked in the specialist travel insurance market since 2005, so who better to provide some guidance on the matter: "In my experience, knowing what constitutes as a pre-existing medical condition generates a lot of confusion among holidaymakers.
Many people are of the opinion, if their disability and medical conditions are well managed, this will be of low importance to the insurer and therefore, neglect to mention them unless prompted.
The reality is most travel insurance policies will have exclusions in relation to medical conditions and it's always wise to check the insurer's medical declaration to know exactly how you stand.
There is a selection of sympathetic specialist providers who will offer tailored disabled travel insurance packages and unlike the 'standard' policies obtained from travel agents, banks and building societies, they will be able to take into consideration your individual insurance needs and advise you of the best available cover options.
It may be that you require a policy that covers your wheelchair or perhaps the trip depends on a Carer? Apart from having security in the event your disability or medical condition causes trip complications, you will want to retrieve the cost of the holiday if you have to cancel because your Carer is unable to travel.
You can acquire travel insurance online but be aware; the onus falls completely on the applicant to declare all the material facts and can be a little contentious.
It may be easier to arrange disabled travel insurance over the telephone and speak to a professional adviser, who will be responsible for informing you of the cover limits and your rights.
Tell your insurance provider if you take prescribed medication, require continuing medical supervision or have ever suffered from any strokes, respiratory, heart or cancerous conditions.
If you don't declare medical conditions prior to travelling, you will not be able to claim for any incurred medical expenses if they are in any way related to past or present conditions.
My best advice is not to base the decision to purchase a policy on price alone, but the level of cover you are actually getting for your money.
Travel wisely folks, buy adequate insurance and hopefully you will never have to use it!"
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