One in six holidaymakers confess to not being entirely truthful about their health when securing travel insurance. The study reveals that a quarter of holidaymakers have travelled without insurance all together, while a fifth have knowingly travelled without full coverage from their policy.
The report indicates that a quarter of holidaymakers believe it’s acceptable to withhold information about a non-serious health condition to obtain a cheaper policy. Some felt the need to reduce holiday expenses, while others omitted health details because they only wanted basic cover for cancellations or luggage.
A spokesperson from Staysure, the company behind the research, said: “This survey paints a worrying picture.”
“When buying a travel insurance policy, you want to know you’ll be in safe hands if the worst should happen so be as honest and detailed as possible about your current health.”
Most travellers were unaware that weight loss medications and HRT, a drug used to alleviate menopause symptoms, must be disclosed.
Furthermore, a quarter of holidaymakers do not think it is necessary to disclose high blood pressure, recent surgery, or past severe organ conditions or heart attacks.
“Many people don’t realise that their NHS medical records are checked when they make a medical claim to verify their policy against their current health,” said the spokesperson.
“Any undeclared medical conditions, or recent GP and hospital visits that are not covered on their policy could invalidate their cover – leaving them high and dry to foot a medical bill alone.”
Seven in ten said their biggest fear was having their claim declined and being stuck abroad with a medical bill they can’t afford, with some even aware of someone who had a medical claim declined because they had not disclosed a health condition beforehand.
The spokesperson added: “Declaring all your medical conditions ensures you are financially protected if you need medical treatment abroad or repatriating home – last year the average cost of an air ambulance from Spain alone was £45,136.”
Of those polled 81 percent agreed that their travel insurance was worth the money with 26 percent having had to make a claim in the past.
“We urge people to tell their insurer if they’ve recently seen a medical professional as not all heath changes will increase the price of their policy but may just save them thousands of pounds in unexpected medical costs.”
TOP 10 CONDITIONS TRAVELLERS DIDN’T REALISE YOU HAVE TO DECLARE:
- Menopause/HRT
- Weight loss drugs
- Hearing problems
- Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Recent GP or hospital visits
- Chronic back pain
- Thyroid Issues
- Changes in health/medication alterations
- Mental health conditions
