Travel Insurance - a salutary lesson

[Clickem]

We have annual travel insurance through the Nationwide Plus current account, and I have frequently recommended it to others. It costs £13 a month for the account fees, plus £65, as we are over a certain age, plus £239 for my health miseries (total of £460). The account does also give cover for other things, such as phones and breakdown cover, so not all costs can be attributed to travel insurance

My wife has Osteoporosis, which is declared, and does not attract any additional cost. 10 days ago she tripped on a raised stone in a pedestrian area in the town, and broke a finger and her collarbone. Arm in a sling for 6-8 weeks and finger in a splint for about 10 weeks, and lots of painkillers. We have no trips planned until mid March 2022, but I know that the insurance companies like/needs to be notified of any medical changes/events, to maintain the cover

I was very surprised to discover that this incident attracts an additional premium of £161.32/annum, apparently because she now has two things declared. As the policy was renewed in September 2021 the pro rata payment is for £132.56, but would then attract the full £161.32, next September, as these things stay on the books for 12 months

At the moment I have not paid the additional premium, but will wait until nearer the time that we are travelling, to reduce the pro rata cost. Was I a mug to report the incident to the insurance company? Should I be using a firm of ambulance chasers to pursue the council for my money back?

 

[chaser]

We have annual travel insurance through the Nationwide Plus current account, and I have frequently recommended it to others. It costs £13 a month for the account fees, plus £65, as we are over a certain age, plus £239 for my health miseries (total of £460). The account does also give cover for other things, such as phones and breakdown cover, so not all costs can be attributed to travel insurance

My wife has Osteoporosis, which is declared, and does not attract any additional cost. 10 days ago she tripped on a raised stone in a pedestrian area in the town, and broke a finger and her collarbone. Arm in a sling for 6-8 weeks and finger in a splint for about 10 weeks, and lots of painkillers. We have no trips planned until mid March 2022, but I know that the insurance companies like/needs to be notified of any medical changes/events, to maintain the cover

I was very surprised to discover that this incident attracts an additional premium of £161.32/annum, apparently because she now has two things declared. As the policy was renewed in September 2021 the pro rata payment is for £132.56, but would then attract the full £161.32, next September, as these things stay on the books for 12 months

At the moment I have not paid the additional premium, but will wait until nearer the time that we are travelling, to reduce the pro rata cost. Was I a mug to report the incident to the insurance company? Should I be using a firm of ambulance chasers to pursue the council for my money back?

Can't see how broken bones has anything to do with a raise in insurance.

 

[stevewagner]

We have annual travel insurance through the Nationwide Plus current account, and I have frequently recommended it to others. It costs £13 a month for the account fees, plus £65, as we are over a certain age, plus £239 for my health miseries (total of £460). The account does also give cover for other things, such as phones and breakdown cover, so not all costs can be attributed to travel insurance

My wife has Osteoporosis, which is declared, and does not attract any additional cost. 10 days ago she tripped on a raised stone in a pedestrian area in the town, and broke a finger and her collarbone. Arm in a sling for 6-8 weeks and finger in a splint for about 10 weeks, and lots of painkillers. We have no trips planned until mid March 2022, but I know that the insurance companies like/needs to be notified of any medical changes/events, to maintain the cover

I was very surprised to discover that this incident attracts an additional premium of £161.32/annum, apparently because she now has two things declared. As the policy was renewed in September 2021 the pro rata payment is for £132.56, but would then attract the full £161.32, next September, as these things stay on the books for 12 months

At the moment I have not paid the additional premium, but will wait until nearer the time that we are travelling, to reduce the pro rata cost. Was I a mug to report the incident to the insurance company? Should I be using a firm of ambulance chasers to pursue the council for my money back?

Definitely speak to a claims specialist in respect of the trip if it was down to poorly maintained pedestrian area.

 

[Phill D]

I am sorry to hear about your wife's fall.

But as to your question of should you have informed the insurance company, the answer is a resounding yes.

If you had not and you made a subsequent claim you would undoubtedly not been covered at all for any form of medical claim. It is likely the policy would be void for both of you.

 

[TinaLes]

Hi Clickem
Sorry to hear of your wife's recent fall, and the resulting injuries, 10 weeks for a finger splint is a long time in anyone's book.
If I understand it properly, your annual insurance premium will rise from £460 plus another loading of £161.32 = £621.32
I hope you dont mind me asking but where & for how long to you intend to travel net year?
I hope its somewhere nice & warm, for a few weeks at least, as if this was our situation, I would certainly want to get my monies worth, but would consider cancelling foreign touring next year if it was only for a one off fortnight.
You did the right thing of letting the insurance company know of your wife's recent accident, although as Chaser has mentioned I dont see how by then mended bones should affect the premium or risk as her existing conditions are already declared and the policy has been loaded to reflect this.
Get well soon.
LES

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[Rapido925M]

I am a NW FlexPlus holder and have been pleased with the benefits: last week I had the MH recovered to my local garage (30 miles?) when the gearbox refused to respond. However, I have never claimed on the personal cover, despite "happily" paying the old-age upgrade.

Is it worth looking at alternative providers to see what they would charge (possibly just for the period you are out of the country) for your current situation?

Gordon

 

[Clickem]

[snip]
Get well soon.
LES

Thank you for the kind thoughts

We have already been to Spain for 3-4 weeks this autumn and were planning another 3 and1/2 week trip to Spain in March, a couple of weeks in Italy (by train) and a 2 week trip (flying) to Greece, so was hoping to get my monies worth. Your understanding of the total costs is correct. Part of my annoyance is that having paid out £460 I now have to pay out more, that was not foreseen when the contract was initially taken out

The increase seems to be attributed to the fact that my wife now has two declared things, whereas before she only had one, for which there was no charge

 

[Lenny HB]

I thought I was going to get caught when we went away at the end of September having spent a week in a German hospital in October last year. When I checked our Lloyds bank policy they only require you to declare anything in the previous 6 months before travel.

 

[TinaLes]

Thank you for the kind thoughts

We have already been to Spain for 3-4 weeks this autumn and were planning another 3 and1/2 week trip to Spain in March, a couple of weeks in Italy (by train) and a 2 week trip (flying) to Greece, so was hoping to get my monies worth. Your understanding of the total costs is correct. Part of my annoyance is that having paid out £460 I now have to pay out more, that was not foreseen when the contract was initially taken out

The increase seems to be attributed to the fact that my wife now has two declared things, whereas before she only had one, for which there was no charge

Great to hear you will be getting towards your monies worth with your intended travels for next year.
Two weeks in Italy by train sounds interesting also, I hear The Orient Express to Venice is very nice,
Best wishes, have fun.
LES

 

[chaser]

So if you break any bones or stub your toe you have to tell your insurers is this correct? How far does this go? If you have a cold or some other thing do you have to tell them or your insurance is void?

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[philann]

So if you break any bones or stub your toe you have to tell your insurers is this correct? How far does this go? If you have a cold or some other thing do you have to tell them or your insurance is void?

It’s usually anything you have had to see a doctor or hospital about. With ours (Barclays) If you don’t you may not be covered for any claims related to that ailment

 

[TinaLes]

So if you break any bones or stub your toe you have to tell your insurers is this correct? How far does this go? If you have a cold or some other thing do you have to tell them or your insurance is void?

On the other hand, I wonder if they have a "nuisance clause loading" for hypochondriacs.
LES

 

[The Coops]

I rang the NW about my health cover and still get it for both of us but no cover or extra premium for declared conditions. give them a call at the insurance centre.

 

[Clickem]

I rang the NW about my health cover and still get it for both of us but no cover or extra premium for declared conditions. give them a call at the insurance centre.

I have spoken to them before about this. I would still have to pay the £65 age supplement and could save the £239 that I currently pay out for a heart condition - and not be covered for anything heart related - not a risk that I am prepared to take. The prospect of the situation that could occur, for me and for my wife, is not in my opinion, worth it

 

[carolyn]

Can't see how broken bones has anything to do with a raise in insurance.

In this case it may be because they might link the osteoporosis to an increased risk of fractures so their actuaries are worried about costs of things like hip fractures. I don’t know how they do their sums but it’s a logical connection.

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[PhilandMena]

The great thing about Nationwide Flexi Plus travel insurance is, it's multi trip cover. We too have it and it works out less than £120 per trip for the two of us as we plan to do Spain (twice) and Greece before the policy runs out.

 

[nicholsong]

We have annual travel insurance through the Nationwide Plus current account, and I have frequently recommended it to others. It costs £13 a month for the account fees, plus £65, as we are over a certain age, plus £239 for my health miseries (total of £460). The account does also give cover for other things, such as phones and breakdown cover, so not all costs can be attributed to travel insurance

My wife has Osteoporosis, which is declared, and does not attract any additional cost. 10 days ago she tripped on a raised stone in a pedestrian area in the town, and broke a finger and her collarbone. Arm in a sling for 6-8 weeks and finger in a splint for about 10 weeks, and lots of painkillers. We have no trips planned until mid March 2022, but I know that the insurance companies like/needs to be notified of any medical changes/events, to maintain the cover

I was very surprised to discover that this incident attracts an additional premium of £161.32/annum, apparently because she now has two things declared. As the policy was renewed in September 2021 the pro rata payment is for £132.56, but would then attract the full £161.32, next September, as these things stay on the books for 12 months

At the moment I have not paid the additional premium, but will wait until nearer the time that we are travelling, to reduce the pro rata cost. Was I a mug to report the incident to the insurance company? Should I be using a firm of ambulance chasers to pursue the council for my money back?

Sorry had to have a giggle - hope you can see it too.

Geoff

 

[ramsthom]

We have annual travel insurance through the Nationwide Plus current account, and I have frequently recommended it to others. It costs £13 a month for the account fees, plus £65, as we are over a certain age, plus £239 for my health miseries (total of £460). The account does also give cover for other things, such as phones and breakdown cover, so not all costs can be attributed to travel insurance

My wife has Osteoporosis, which is declared, and does not attract any additional cost. 10 days ago she tripped on a raised stone in a pedestrian area in the town, and broke a finger and her collarbone. Arm in a sling for 6-8 weeks and finger in a splint for about 10 weeks, and lots of painkillers. We have no trips planned until mid March 2022, but I know that the insurance companies like/needs to be notified of any medical changes/events, to maintain the cover

I was very surprised to discover that this incident attracts an additional premium of £161.32/annum, apparently because she now has two things declared. As the policy was renewed in September 2021 the pro rata payment is for £132.56, but would then attract the full £161.32, next September, as these things stay on the books for 12 months

At the moment I have not paid the additional premium, but will wait until nearer the time that we are travelling, to reduce the pro rata cost. Was I a mug to report the incident to the insurance company? Should I be using a firm of ambulance chasers to pursue the council for my money back?

I found the same but to a lesser degree. Ive recently been advised to go on statins which l declared when renewing with Nationwide. As it was one item it was accepted without a surcharge. I then remembered l use a prescription cream for a small area of eczema which then made two and a resulting surcharge of £40. Gave them a ring and they said the system is set up to recognize that entering two medical conditions you are a higher risk and a surcharge is added. Seems the system cannot accept that a minor condition like eczema would not affect a holiday.

 

[gus-lopez]

Should I be using a firm of ambulance chasers to pursue the council for my money back?

Yes, but before you get on to the council go back & take photo's with a dated paper alongside as as soon as you contact them they will repair it & deny it all. They tried it with me years ago bt I was holding the photo's .As soon as they realised they put me in touch with there solicitors-

So if you break any bones or stub your toe you have to tell your insurers is this correct? How far does this go? If you have a cold or some other thing do you have to tell them or your insurance is void?

doctor or hospital. Contact neither then you are ok

 

[Clickem]

Sorry had to have a giggle - hope you can see it too.

Geoff

I can confirm that it was an unplanned trip

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[pete4x4]

My wife broke her ankle and it added a £100 to the annual policy for 2 years I think, she was in her forties when it happened so yes you have to declare anything that you are being treated for by a doctor or hospital.

 

[PhilandMena]

I found the same but to a lesser degree. Ive recently been advised to go on statins which l declared when renewing with Nationwide. As it was one item it was accepted without a surcharge. I then remembered l use a prescription cream for a small area of eczema which then made two and a resulting surcharge of £40. Gave them a ring and they said the system is set up to recognize that entering two medical conditions you are a higher risk and a surcharge is added. Seems the system cannot accept that a minor condition like eczema would not affect a holiday.

Are you aware you can remove this condition from your policy but then not covered for claims against said or related conditions.

 

[Glynbo]

We to are covered my Nationwide Flex plus for insurance but I have found it cheaper and a better policy with Staysure,

 

[PhilandMena]

Guy visits hospital where his wife is going through a complicated lsbour. (I'm on the red wine and can't be bothered posting in the correct section, so there). Surgical team eventually come out coverd in sweat and approach waiting guy. It's been a difficult birth and we have some good news and bad news. The good news is your newborn is alive and well aa is your wife and you can now come into the delivery room. Guy enters the delivery room and there next to his wife in a baby cot and in the middle is an eye!!! The doctor says this is your new offspring. The guy looks at him and says and this is the good news Oh Please!! What's the bad news then, the doctor says I'm sorry to tell you it's blind.

 

[Larrynwin]

Our Lloyds travel policy came up trumps three years ago when I dislocated my ankle and broke my leg in the aircraft on the way to Tenerife , Hospital wouldn’t accept E115 and underwriters paid up almost every penny including taxis and holiday curtailment with no hesitation .

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[rod_vw]

I'm interested in all of your comments above and would ask those with knowledge about the following...

We are both over 70.
Me - no medical conditions (yet).
Wife - One condition.
We intend to spend at least five weeks in Europe in 2022, maybe two five week trips (no pun intended).
Hopefully taking two vehicles on the first trip, one 1940s car to a show and the other a new camper. The show car will be stored in Europe for most of the first trip.

So both medical, travel and vehicle cover required.

From your collective experience which insurer would you suggest please?

 

[carolyn]

Our Lloyds travel policy came up trumps three years ago when I dislocated my ankle and broke my leg in the aircraft on the way to Tenerife , Hospital wouldn’t accept E115 and underwriters paid up almost every penny including taxis and holiday curtailment with no hesitation .

We have the Lloyds travel insurance with our bank account as well. It’s a pity the new underwriters are only covering up to 31 days. Our first trip over that isn’t until next year so won’t find out about increased premiums until then. There are so few exclusions. We both take a few pills for things and they don’t have to be notified. We didn’t used to even have to notify them of our son’s epipen.

We used it once when we broke down on the way to the ferry, by the time the van was repaired it wasn’t worth going. Back in the days when we worked. The ferry money was back in our account in 72 hours. We didn’t send any proof, they must have checked Brittany ferries themselves.

 

[Larrynwin]

We have the Lloyds travel insurance with our bank account as well. It’s a pity the new underwriters are only covering up to 31 days. Our first trip over that isn’t until next year so won’t find out about increased premiums until then. There are so few exclusions. We both take a few pills for things and they don’t have to be notified. We didn’t used to even have to notify them of our son’s epipen.

We used it once when we broke down on the way to the ferry, by the time the van was repaired it wasn’t worth going. Back in the days when we worked. The ferry money was back in our account in 72 hours. We didn’t send any proof, they must have checked Brittany ferries themselves.

I’m now considering downgrading the account as I’m not sure if we get adequate benefit for the monthly fee. The travel insurance has been good but we travel so little and the any car rescue is also handy but will weigh up pros and cons before deciding.

 

[carolyn]

I’m now considering downgrading the account as I’m not sure if we get adequate benefit for the monthly fee. The travel insurance has been good but we travel so little and the any car rescue is also handy but will weigh up pros and cons before deciding.

I know what you mean, fingers crossed we will actually get to visit our daughter in Bangladesh in March so we don’t want to change anything before that. Her posting ends in June/July and then our long holiday is in Aug/September. If the quote is high we might downgrade. The extras have gradually been chipped away and the breakdown is UK only but we have used it at least once a year for cars. It’s such a gamble. AXA has always been so good. Allianz Assistance is the new one.

 

[Lenny HB]

We have the Lloyds travel insurance with our bank account as well. It’s a pity the new underwriters are only covering up to 31 days. Our first trip over that isn’t until next year so won’t find out about increased premiums until then. There are so few exclusions. We both take a few pills for things and they don’t have to be notified. We didn’t used to even have to notify them of our son’s epipen.

We used it once when we broke down on the way to the ferry, by the time the van was repaired it wasn’t worth going. Back in the days when we worked. The ferry money was back in our account in 72 hours. We didn’t send any proof, they must have checked Brittany ferries themselves.

Lloyds works for us as we have a staff account and only pay 50% of the monthly fee, also they cover you up to 80 years old.
Agree when you have a claim they are brilliant, did an online claim they didn't even ask for receipts.

When the underwriters change next week I will ring them to find out how much to increase the 31 days, hopefully not too much.

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