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Travellers warned to declare pre-existing medical conditions

Travellers warned to declare pre-existing medical conditions

The peak season for booking travel starts this month and the Insurance Council warns travellers to ensure they take out travel insurance and tell their insurer everything they need to know to assess the risk.

Travel insurance can provide protection from medical treatment costs, cancellation and loss of deposits, costs for returning home in certain emergencies, loss of luggage and personal items.

Non-disclosure of pre-existing medical conditions remains the area where problems are most likely to arise. “While we always promote the need for people to be open and upfront with disclosing information to their insurer, pre-existing medical conditions are a particular area for travellers to be aware of” says Insurance Council Chief Executive Tim Grafton.

To avoid getting a nasty surprise at claim time, the Insurance Council advises travellers to tell their insurer about any medical conditions or symptoms they, or close relatives, have before they travel, so the insurer can factor that information into its decision about covering the risk. Disclosing pre-existing conditions does not mean travellers won’t get insurance cover, but it will avoid having a claim declined.

Grafton says “to check your policy carefully as each insurer defines pre-existing medical conditions differently and if in any doubt contact the insurer”.

See http://www.icnz.org.nz/for-consumers/domestic-insurance/travel-insurance/ for travel insurance tips.

ENDS


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