Travellers With Medical Conditions 'Should Not Feel Hampered'

Travellers with medical complaints should not necessarily feel they should not travel, according to new claims. People with medical issues can often find gaining travel insurance a laborious or expensive problem, as some companies are unlikely to cover people in countries with particularly high healthcare costs.

The newspaper who carried out the research claims that one way of getting around this is to shop around for travel insurance deals.

The chairwoman of an alliance for long term sufferers remarked: "Travel insurance is a big issue for people with long-term medical conditions."

"However, no one should be hampered by their conditions and there should be opportunities for them to do the same things as everyone else," she added.

Many travel insurance providers require customers to inform them of any pre-existing medical conditions. This makes it important to check to check the terms and conditions of individual policies. In addition, make sure you check that all the activities you are planning to do while away are covered.

Top tips for travel insurance:

•    If you are a resident of the UK collect an EHIC form from your post office before you travel abroad. This will allow you reduced or free cover in any of the EEA states as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Remember you still need insurance.
•    Shop around…and always read the small print…especially if you suffer from an existing medical condition or are pregnant.
•    Make sure the insurance is adequate if you intend to take part in any sports or activities you would not ordinarily take part in at home.
•    If travelling to a developing country with less adequate medical services ensure that your insurance covers repatriation to fly you home if you need medical treatment.
•    Always carry your papers with you. This includes insurance, identity documents (in some countries it is required by law) and any allergy or medication details.

If you would like to know more about travel insurance why not ask AnswerBank Insurance.