will I struggle to get insurance if I travel abroad?

[NeurologicalNed]

I have recently been diagnosed with two debilitating illnesses of my Oesophagus. Diffuse Oesophageal spasm and Nutcracker spasm.

I suffer regular attacks where my Oesophagus contracts causing immense chest pain and collapses 3-4ttimes a day. Black outs 3-4 times a week.

Do you think I would struggle to get insurance if i were to holiday abroad?
My condition is a rare one and there is no known cure. I wouldn't just fit in some neat little box for them and I'm worried because they won't know much of my condition like they would with say, epilepsy, then they won't insure me.

[reddivine]

Try Freedom insurance, they specialise in insurance for folk with pre-existing medical conditions. My b/friend and i used them in 2013 and 2012. I have MS and epilepsy and he has CRF. So no you won't struggle, if you try a good insurance firm. You'll have to fill in a long form but hey whats new!

[mcclonk]

I would think that you would be able to get insurance from a specialist organisation - we got travel insurance from the Stroke Association for myself and my wife a couple of years ago for a 5 day trip to France beware though the cost can be quite high - we paid over £100 for insurance on that trip. It might also be worth looking at Fish insurance as they claim to be specialists in this area.

[TheFlyingKidney]

You will also need an up to date European Health Insurance Card (Free to get) to get any reciprocal care in the EU. This does not replace private travel insurance for pre exisiting medical conditions

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthc...-the-ehic.aspx

[beau]

The E111 is no longer accepted in Spain.

[Flymo]

The E111 is no longer accepted in Spain.

The E111 is no longer accepted anywhere - you need an in date European Health Insurance Card.

EHIC is accepted in Spain, but only in the state run health service, Many of the hospitals, ambulance services and other health facilities in Spain are private. There have also been some cases where a valid EHIC has been refused in Spain, but Spain cannot unilaterally refuse British EHICs without finding themselves in front of the Court of Justice of the European Union.


As TheFlyingKidney rightly says, an EHIC is no substitute for proper travel insurance. However, it is important to have one, as a private insurance policy may well exclude cover for anything that an EHIC would have covered.

[DizzyDee]

I've just insured myself and my OH both with medical problems to the Caribbean, which includes the USA, with Insure and Go, as long as you remember to tell them everything you will be OK.

We are on a cruise for 26 days, which is more expensive than land travel, but it only cost £141 for the 2 of us.

[beau]

My goodness that is good. Unfortunately for me most insurance companies will now not cover me for existing conditions, even Europe only. Say heart trouble amongst other things and they throw their arms up in horror. Last quote was £600 for a week in Greece. My travelling days are over I think. Glad I made the most of it whilst I could.

[barbiejane]

We are going to Spain and hubby has heart problems and I have MS.it cost us and extra £56 for me and £261 for hubby.I think it's AXA we took it out with as they are connected to the travel agents insurance.

[beau]

Unique is a good company for folk with heart problems. you ring them and speak to someone.