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Insurance Cover

Good medical insurance is important wherever you go in the world and for however long you are away.

Some countries have agreements with the UK but this might not cover all the expenses involved in medical care abroad.

• If you are a resident of the UK, UK national, part of an EEA state or a refugee resident in any of the above 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.

• If you have an EHIC form you will still need insurance to cover repatriation in the event of illness or death in some cases.

• 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 insurance papers with you…don't leave them in the hotel - you never know when you might need them!

• Always carry your identity papers on you -- in many countries it's required by law.

• If you are allergic to any medications, put a note to that effect in with your identity papers -- don't assume you'll be conscious to give the doctor any details!

Special Insurance Policies

For most travellers, getting an insurance policy involves a few phone calls, search on the web or a visit to their local travel agent. However for those who do not meet the common criteria because of age or pre-existing medical conditions, finding an affordable insurance quote that also offers reassurance and a suitable level of cover, can often be a problem.

At TravelHealth.co.uk we receive many e-mails each week from people looking for such cover. We have put together a list of insurance companies who from our limited research offer a range of cover for travellers with special insurance requirements. While we are unable to recommend a particular company, we hope the information below will help those travellers who need just a little more cover than the conventional policy is able to offer them.

Age Concern Travel Insurance

Age Concern provides travel insurance cover without any age limitations. They are also able to provide cover for travellers with pre-existing conditions.

JD Consultants Travel Insurance

JD Consultants provides a friendly individual insurance service for those travelling with any kind of disease or existing condition. They cover all destinations and conditions with the only exception of a terminal prognosis of less than 4 months. They have screening health lines, which make an individual assessment of each caller.

Travelbility

Telephone: 0845 338 1638
Web: www.travelbility.co.uk

Travelbility, a service offered by J&M Insurance Services (UK) plc, offers travel insurance for the disabled or those with pre-existing medical conditions and their carers. Travelbility is backed by AXA Insurance, one of the UK’s leading travel insurers, for complete peace of mind. It is available as single trip or annual cover and for additional protection, winter sports cover is an optional extra.

All Clear Travel Insurance

Telephone: 08712 088 579
E-mail: info@allcleartravel.co.uk
Web: www.allcleartravel.co.uk

Insurance especially designed for travellers with medical conditions. Cancer and other serious conditions are all considered even if a terminal prognosis has been given. No age limits and usually no doctors certificate is needed. Cover can be arranged in one phone call or online. Nearly all applicants covered. No proposal form required.

Leisurecare

Telephone: 01793750150

This company provides insurance for those travellers with illness or disability travelling to EU countries under the age of 64.

Free Spirit Travel insurance

Telephone: 0845 230 5000
(opening hours Call Centre: Mon-Fri; 9am-5pm)
Website: www.free-spirit.com
E-mail: freespirit@pjhayman.com
(for general enquiries and requests for further information)

Specialist travel insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions. To apply for a quotation, please telephone Free Spirit or visit the website. You can also buy online from this site.

Cystic Fibrosis

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust has been working with insurance brokers to facilitate travel insurance for people with CF.

Insurance for Charitable Organisations

We recommend the Banner Group for those requiring insurance when travelling with a charitable organisation. (insurance is not available for non-charitable travel or organisations)