travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions

Here at gosimply we appreciate that everyone's unique. Finding good cover needn't be a hassle just because you have a pre-existing medical condition. We provide a simple online quotation and medical screening process to help you arrange your travel insurance coverage.

Travel insurance for Pre-existing Medical Conditions

If we can provide coverage for your specific medical condition, we'll give you an online quote and the opportunity to purchase your travel insurance in just a few minutes. Now that's simple.

Important Questions

Make the right decision and get the right cover by ensuring you declare any form of pre-existing medical condition.

• Declare any medical conditions for all members of your party
• Declare all your medical conditions - it's easy to forget. You may have been taking blood pressure or cholesterol tablets for the last ten years, in which case, this constitutes a pre-existing medical condition. If you do not declare it you will not be covered.
• Declare any medical conditions under review, even if you are not on medication
• Declare any injuries you have had in the last 12 months
• If you are pregnant, check the exclusions - some insurers will not cover claims if the holiday is in the last 16 weeks of pregnancy.

Cover for medical conditions varies from policy to policy and insurer to insurer. Some insurers operate blanket exclusions, for example stating that you will not be covered if you have received treatment, medication or advice from your doctor in the last 12 months.

Holidaying in Europe? Get an EHIC card

Anyone who has had a serious past medical condition or disability is likely to be quoted a high amount from most traditional insurers, these premiums can be very high for those who are also over 65. If you're a UK Citizen and heading out on holiday in Europe, be sure to apply for your European Health Insurance Card or EHIC Card - it's absolutely free and provides access to basic state medical treatment.

The EHIC card however doesn't mean you'll get everything you'd get in the UK for free. Due to variations between the various national health systems, you may have to contribute to the cost of any medical care.

You can apply for an EHIC Card online or alternatively, pick up a form at your local post office. A full break down of European Economic Area (EEA) countries, non EEA countries and the treatment available for EHIC Card holders at each can be found at the NHS Choices web site.

Although a valuable and worthwhile addition to take on your travels, an EHIC Card should not be considered as a replacement to travel insurance.

Helpful tips for healthy travel

Sometimes, it's the simple things we forget that can create the biggest problems, for that reason, here is a quick list of tips to keep you in tip top health for you holiday.

Pre-Trip

• Leave your destination phone number & address with a friends and family so you are easily contactable
• Get a doctors' note for any injectable or questionable medications that you may need to take on a train or airplane
• Keep all medications and prescriptions on you or in your carry case in the event that your luggage is lost
• Bring extra prescriptions in case some of your medication gets lost en-route
• Give yourself extra time to avoid unnecessary stress and fatigue
• Use luggage with wheels/long handles to avoid carrying it from place to place
• Use the bathroom right before boarding the plane or train (airlines make you sit with the seatbelt on for a while after take-off)

During Trip

• Keep hydrated to avoid fatigue
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure
• Keep medications with you in a convenient place such as a purse or backpack
• Find out where the nearest doctors surgery and hospitals are at your destination
• Wear ID bracelets that indicate medical conditions (example: epilepsy) in case of emergency

Post-Trip

• Repack early for less stress
• Do the same things that are listed for "pre-trip"
• If you have mobility difficulties pre-plan your journey to the airport to find the nearest airport car parks if you're driving
• If you are being picked up from the airport by taxi, friends or family, have them arrive early to reduce stress
• If there are luggage porters, use them

Plan ahead before travelling and you'll have a fantastic time. Just because you have a pre existing medical condition, you don't have to miss out on the fun and adventures of travelling. Give yourself extra time, know the information about your destination, and use any assistive help and devices to make your journey easier.