Travel Insurance - Pre Existing Conditions - Anyone Had to Claim?

Lluckls on 06/09/2017 - 11:40
Last edited 06/09/2017 - 14:01

Hey legends,

I'm taking my dad overseas soon for 6 weeks and he's 76.

I'm thinking worse case scenario here, and was hoping to hear from anyone who has had to make a claim on a pre-exisiting condition and what companies were good to you, and also if any of them were dicks to you.

I've been looking around and reading reviews of different travel insurance companies, and have been seeing a lot of ' i declared my pre-existing condition and they said it was fine then lied and didn't give me my money back'.

My dad has a few pre-existing conditions, nothing wild, but it's better to be safe and declare them. He has notes from the doctor saying hes all fine and can fly.

We also dont have a credit card to get insurance through that.

I've looked through the forum already and if I missed a similar topic I'm sorry.

Thanks for helping me!

*update we are going to Europe

Travel

Comments

  • Choc0 on 06/09/2017 - 11:46

    I did mine as a part of my insurance on my CBA credit card. They do a pre-existing condition questionnaire and based on that they make an adjustment to your premium and detail it on your policy.

    • luckls on 06/09/2017 - 11:49

      Thanks for the reply, but we don't have a credit card (which ive now added onto my message). Thanks though!

      • Choc0 on 06/09/2017 - 11:49

        have a look at Allianz online and follow the pre existing conditions links

  • altomic on 06/09/2017 - 12:34

    Where are you going? I'm thinking in terms of reciprocal health care agreements that aust has with other countries.

    • luckls on 06/09/2017 - 14:00

      We are going to a few countries Europe but mostly Italy

      • Halo375 on 06/09/2017 - 14:15

        Italy is covered - https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/medica…. What this means is as an Australian (if you're Aussie) you would be treated like an Italian citizen in terms of healthcare. Check the website carefully for any steps you need to take but it's meant to be a pretty good safety net for Aussie travellers.

        • Randxyz123 on 06/09/2017 - 15:50

          I wouldn't be relying on that. Having top tier travel insurance is essential. There are plenty of companies that cater for those in elderly travellers.

          I think covermore is one of them.

          Also getting a credit card for travelling is pretty smart. You don't know what expenses you'll have and a lot of hotels take deposits.

        • Halo375 on 06/09/2017 - 15:56

          @knick007: Totally agree - you still need travel insurance to cover everything else, the health agreement is just an extra safety barrier on top of that.

        • boomramada on 07/09/2017 - 08:44

          Reciprocal health don't usually cover GP visits, Ambulance covers etc.

  • hasselbladsnapper on 06/09/2017 - 15:48

    I travel quite often to Europe and use Covermore Insurance, I'm not a youngster but they cover me for pre-existing conditions.
    Some other Travel insurance groups offer pre-existing coverage, but will go back quite a number of years in your health records ..the small print in the acceptance forms give them the ok to contact your doctors in the event of a claim!. I asked my Dr about this aspect, and she confirmed it.

    I also had a discussion at a travel show with a high level representitive from Covermore about this particular aspect, and was told their medical history countback was 2 years in most cases. You should also note, their claims are centred around MEDICAL issues and not so much over luggage etc, their cover is high on medical, but low on other aspects of cover.

    I have so far have been lucky regarding not having to claim for medical, but I was assured by Covermore as to the quality of their cover. I also covered having credit card cover with the Covermore rep, and she outlined a number of instances where the cover was non existant or very limited. They are not cheap, but IF something happens I feel confident they will stand by me.

    As for the free cover in Italy, I understand it is just at a very basic level, and you still have to pay for X-Rays, tests and other such things. Others on this site may have more information on this. Have a great trip.

    • Peck on 07/09/2017 - 17:36

      Covermore - Yikes! $444 for an 80 year old for a month to Thailand. Not that I am 80, but I plan on being one day :) But then again maybe I only need 1 night in Bangkok, and then it will all be over.

  • [Deactivated] on 06/09/2017 - 16:08
    -2

    Be weary of the biggest CON in history - Travel Insurance.

    We were insured by AAMI for our travels to Europe. Whilst over there a family member of our's passed away and we had to return home suddenly. The family member was my fiance's Dad. He was not on the trip with us, he was at home in Australia. We rang AAMI and asked what our options are and they said we can fly home and the flights should be covered along with any lost booked accommodation. note: 'SHOULD'….

    6 months later we were with the Ombudsmen disputing their claim that the Dad died of a pre-existing medical condition (as they request all medical records). Pay Out = $0. We lost $9k worth of scheduled travel accommodation.

    My advice: try Southern Cross Travel Insurance - and mention any pre-exisitings.

    Cheers

    • mbck on 06/09/2017 - 19:25

      That's interesting. I'm just reading the pds for

      1)amex Explorer
      2) southern cross
      3) aami

      Amex does say if your family member has pre existing condition then, it's a no go.

      Southern Cross does not say any pre existing condition means they will not pay

      Aami also doesn't say that.

      That's weird. I'm surprised you got knocked back.

      How long ago was your case?

      • [Deactivated] on 11/09/2017 - 10:03
        +1

        Page 36 of AAMI International Travel Insurance PDS.

        https://www.aami.com.au/aami/documents/personal/travel/pds-t…

        Not sure what you're reading mate….

        "You are not covered under any
        section of the policy for damage, loss,
        cost or liability caused by or arising
        from or involving:
        a pre-existing medical condition suffered by you, the
        persons named as travellers on the insurance schedule,
        or your or their relative or business partner,"

  • Almost Banned on 06/09/2017 - 16:39

    I just did a quote with this: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/327612
    If you declare non-included pre-existings they just seem to adjust the premium.
    I've used these guys before but never had to claim so don't know how good they are - I just know the price seems pretty good with the discount.

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