Travel Insurance - Pending Health Issue

[shivvy]

I need to get new worldwide travel insurance for myself and my husband. I phoned a company today and when asked I declared any existing medical conditions. They then asked about any undiagnosed conditions and I mentioned that his GP has recently referred my husband to a dermatologist as he might have excema or something similar. But the company said that they couldn't provide cover for him until he has received a diagnosis. We have no idea how long it will take for a non-urgent dermatology appointment but with current waiting lists I'm sure it could take up to or over a year!
So before I phone anyone else I need to know if all companies are likely to say the same thing?
If so then it renders him uninsurable - unless we lie which renders the policy void.

[Samuraisan]

Maybe you could go to a private dermotologist to get a diagnosis as well as waiting for the NHS to get round to seeing you. Don't lie on your insurance, you know how they try to wriggle out of any claims.

[Flonska]

Some Companies may take a similar line but there others who might not be that strict.

e.g. https://www.staysure.co.uk/travel-insurance/medical/awaiting-surgery/

You could also ask your GP to refer you as a "private patient."

[bhg481]

We had a similar problem with my wife, who has a "bite" on her leg which is taking a long time to heal and is being investigted. When we told our travel insurance company they wanted silly money to cover it, so we asked if it could be exempt from cover and they agreed. Since eczema is hardly life-threatening maybe you can find a company who will cover you for everything except that.

[EDDIE51]

^ Agree ,eczema is hardly going to cause much of a problem.
Or just declare he has eczema anyway ,I can't see it increasing the premium.

[ubasses]

The problem is the lack of diagnosis. Until the Dermatologist confirms that it is eczema, the Insurance Company will take the view that it could be one of the more serious illnesses that can minic the symptoms. In the unlikely event that something like that is confirmed and you go ahead either declaring eczema or omitting to say anything about it, you will not have any cover.

[shivvy]

I asked if it could be excluded from the policy but they said that they don't do that.
It didn't make a difference if it was private or NHS either.
Sounds like I just need to start phoning around. I will try staysure Flonska - thanks.
As I said to them on the phone, he is hardly likely to need a medical airlift from some foreign clime due to a spot of eczema!

[bhg481]

If it helps, out Travel Insurance is done by Nationwide through our bank account but the underwriter is UKInsurance. You should be able to go to them direct.

[237SJ]

Insure and Go let you exempt some conditions - maybe you could try them

[Buenchico]

Try this specialist broker (which has helped several ABers):
http://www.able2travel.com/

[shivvy]

I got sorted through Stay Sure.
Thanks for all you various advice.
Much appreciated.