Travel Insurance and not being convered for Pre-Existing

[Daisy-J&D]

I'm hoping someone can help me understand what the worst case scenario will be (please be gentle with your words).

We have a trip booked for the first week of July (non-Disney) and due to a couple of recent issues my pre-existing conditions are no longer going to be insured.

They are:
Sleep Apnea - Just diagnosed in April
Hypertension - Had a bit of a blip of high readings but Doctor said I'm stable... and a prescription renewal for a medication I had been lax on taking

So, my insurance said they will not conver these. I spoke to a nurse with the company and tried to figure out exaclty what that meant. I asked her and said, if I had a heart attack, would you trace that back to my BP or apnea? She said no, they'd trace it back to my heart.. So I guess I'm just at a loss for what it means for what they can dig up out of my past to decline me coverage on... and if they do... what happens? If I can't pay a hospital bill what happens? My friend who is American explained a bunch of stuff about financial aid and how they can't force you to pay... etc.

I guess my question is two-fold: Has anyone had tricky pre-existing condition clause issues and two has anyone every gotten in a situation where they are declined and can't pay.

We're pretty much ready to cancel the trip... BUT am I over reacting? If I have insurance for everything thing else other than these 2 currently stable yet technically uninsurable conditions am I silly to travel?

 

[bdoyledimou]

don't have any advice, other than -- worrying is going to affect your HT -- and you sound like you could use a vacation -- stop worrying, go and have fun!

 

[KittyKat1978]

I concure.

I have had thyroid cancer (they removed my thyroid in early 2010 and have had no problems since) and they told me it wasn't covered either.

So......what is going to happen? I couldn't see anything happening except losing my thyroid medication, but I could just get my doctor to call the pharmacy for another prescription.

Go and enjoy.

 

[minnie56]

For the sleep apnea, do you have a CPAP? Once you are using that nightly no more apnea...it's a correctible condition

As for the BP..is that now under control with meds? If you are stable according to your Dr in the 90 days preceding your trip.. you should be fine.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Have you thought about getting an underwritten policy? (one where you disclose your medical issues, and where the insurance company charges you a higher rate but all of your pre-existing conditions are covered?)

This way, you could travel with the reassurance that, if anything should happen, you will be covered. I am with the other posters: its sounds like you could USE a vacation.

A general insurance broker OR your financial advisor ..... if they cannot quote an underwritten policy for you, they will be able to refer you to someone who can.

Our office sets up many policies for people who have pre-existing conditions (particularly seniors). It can be done. Good luck!

 

[Daisy-J&D]

YES I need a vacation!

In this scenario I took my sleep study at the beginning of April, received Diagnosis end of April and CPAP the first week of May. All within the 90 day, even 60 day, period for Pre-existing conditions to be waived.

For BP, I started and stopped a med within the 90 days.

I'm going to see if I can find an insurance broker to help because no travel insurance company will cover me. I was going to go with CSA because they have a pre-existing waiver but becuase I'm driving they won't cover me. They say that I have to fly or go by cruise ship.

 

[Daisy-J&D]

Gina - I've sent you a PM.

Thanks

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Gina - I've sent you a PM.

Thanks

Got it! Have replied back.

 

[bdoyledimou]

Hope it all goes well for you!! i hate these added stressors when we try to take vacation to relax..

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Just a small update with what I was able to determine with a little research (we sell travel insurance here where I work).....

The products offered by the companies we sell for *can* cover pre-existing conditions, but they have to be stable for 12 months. This doesn't help the OP, but maybe that info will be of use to someone else reading this thread.

To the OP.........I sincerely hope that you are able to get away on magical vacation with your family. Best of luck to you .

 

[Daisy-J&D]

Just a small update with what I was able to determine with a little research (we sell travel insurance here where I work).....

The products offered by the companies we sell for *can* cover pre-existing conditions, but they have to be stable for 12 months. This doesn't help the OP, but maybe that info will be of use to someone else reading this thread.

To the OP.........I sincerely hope that you are able to get away on magical vacation with your family. Best of luck to you .

I called an insurance broker and found a policy by Travelunderwriters.com that covers pre-existing under the following conditions:

1) 59 years old or younger
2) Travel less than 35 days
3) Stable within 7 days prior to vacation (obviously no outstanding tests etc, doctor says you are ok to travel).

Does that sound too good to be true? I haven't bought yet... just reading through the policy book. Seems ok??

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I called an insurance broker and found a policy by Travelunderwriters.com that covers pre-existing under the following conditions:

1) 59 years old or younger
2) Travel less than 35 days
3) Stable within 7 days prior to vacation (obviously no outstanding tests etc, doctor says you are ok to travel).

Does that sound too good to be true? I haven't bought yet... just reading through the policy book. Seems ok??

I don't personally have any experience with this company, but if you are dealing with a licensed broker, you should be in good hands . They can be a GREAT resource!