Travel Insurance

A major drawback of having an ongoing illness is that it can be very difficult to obtain travel insurance at an affordable price.  Often pre-existing conditions are excluded, and if cover is offered the fees that need to be paid if you do get ill whilst abroad can run into thousands.

However a few companies do specialise and one that has been recommended in the Sunday Times is PHA (Private Health Associates) based in Sidcup.  They are specialist health insurance brokers and claim to offer a comprehensive annual travel policy for anyone up to 65 who has any medical condition (excluding HIV or AIDS).  It covers medical treatment or the flight home should the person require attention while on a trip anywhere in the world. 

However, there are a few things to bear in mind.  If you are medically retired you can automatically get cover if you are under 65.  If you are married with one partner sick, you can only be covered if your spouse is working.  If you are single, you must be working or medically retired to be eligible.  If you are unemployed you can't get cover.  If it is a child who is ill, they can be covered automatically under their parents policy.  The only proviso is that the person is not travelling against medical advice or travelling to seek medical treatment.

As independent brokers they are also able to place clients over 65 with other insurers and at Lloyds of London.  Such a policy is invaluable to anyone with medical conditions as the standard travel policy, as has already been mentioned, excludes cover for pre-existing conditions, and applies substantial loadings for minor conditions let alone serious ones.

For further information call 0800 85 41 72