Over-55s risk huge medical bills

[UkinSpain]

Over-55s risk huge medical bills by failing to take out comprehensive holiday insurance


Visitors to Spain could face a bill for thousands of pounds for medical treatment if they are taken ill or injured whilst staying with friends and family, the Foreign Office has warned. Yet one in ten over 55-year-olds admit that they sometimes fail to take out travel insurance before going on holiday - even though more than half suffer from a medical condition.

Research1 for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office reveals that a third (35%) of over-55s who sometimes fail to take out travel insurance do so because they are ‘only going on a short break’. A quarter (27%) claim it’s too expensive, whilst nearly one in five (18%) think they don’t need insurance because they are visiting friends or family. Many also think they can avoid buying a policy because they are covered by their bank.

Equally concerning is that one in five (21%) who do have travel insurance then risk invalidating it by failing to declare an existing condition because they are on medication to manage it. Some 15% admit they wouldn’t update their insurance policy if they developed a medical condition or were prescribed new drugs for an existing condition.

Every year around 5000 British nationals2, including over-55s who have failed to take out insurance cover or have invalidated their policies, find themselves seeking assistance from consular staff in Spain. Some end up with life-changing bills of many thousands of pounds for expensive medical treatment or specialist repatriation to the UK.

Mark Simmonds, Minister for Consular Policy, said: “‘It won’t happen to me’ or ‘I’ll be fine’ are risky assumptions to make when deciding whether or not to take out comprehensive travel insurance. Our consular staff around the world deal with thousands of cases each year that prove that things can and do go wrong.

“Being prepared can mean the difference between the holiday of a lifetime and a holiday from hell. Being unwell abroad is stressful enough without the added pressure of having to find thousands of pounds to pay for treatment.”

Dave Thomas, Consular Regional Director for Spain, added: “If you have over-55s visiting you this year, tell them to get insurance before they travel. Taking out a comprehensive policy and declaring any medical condition may be an added expense but it’s a small investment compared to what you could end up paying if something goes wrong.”

A spokesperson for the Association of British Insurers said: “Travel insurance is a must for all holidaymakers. Policies are widely available for people of all ages, but the insurance industry recognises that some older people need help finding cover. Under the Age Agreement which we developed with the Government and British Insurance Brokers’ Association, older people who are unable to find cover at the first firm they approach should be directed to an alternative provider who will be able to offer insurance, or to a signposting service.”
A British Embassy spokesman added:
• “All British visitors to Spain, including over-55s, also need a European Health Insurance Card, known as an EHIC. It is free and you can apply on the NHS website or by calling 0845 606 2030. If you then have an accident or become ill, you can get the necessary state-provided medical healthcare at reduced cost or sometimes free. But it is very important to realise that an EHIC does NOT cover all your medical costs, private treatment or repatriation to the UK. You still need travel insurance to ensure you are fully covered for all eventualities.
“Many people think an EHIC is enough and don’t take out insurance. They will greatly regret it when they are forced to pay thousands of pounds for an air ambulance back to the UK or have to pay for extra accommodation to stay in Spain to look after a hospitalised family member or friend they are travelling with.”


British Consulates can:
• Provide information about transferring money
• Give you a list of local doctors, lawyers, interpreters or funeral directors
• Contact friends and family back home for you if you wish
• Issue you with replacement travel documents British Consulates are unable to:
• Get you better treatment in hospital than is given to local people
• Provide medical repatriation or cover the costs of medical bills or repatriation
• Pay any other bills or give you money
• Make travel arrangements for you

Details of how the Foreign Office can provide support to British nationals when things go wrong are outlined in Support for British nationals abroad: A guide: www.fco.gov.uk/travel

[sundownersvince]

Sell insurance do you? Please also note all you other holidaymakers who cannot be bothered to apply for your E111 or indeed how to USE it: If you have had a little drink or two when you fall over and break something or walk into a window or under the buses because you looked the wrong way you will find that insurance will refuse to pay. Just noticed a Wonga.com ad on the right, lily-whites they are compared to insurance companies. Oops nearly forgot. If you get robbed or burgled the first thing the Police do is threaten YOU with arrest cos they will assume you are on the make.

[slodgedad]

Sell insurance do you? Please also note all you other holidaymakers who cannot be bothered to apply for your E111 or indeed how to USE it: If you have had a little drink or two when you fall over and break something or walk into a window or under the buses because you looked the wrong way you will find that insurance will refuse to pay. Just noticed a Wonga.com ad on the right, lily-whites they are compared to insurance companies. Oops nearly forgot. If you get robbed or burgled the first thing the Police do is threaten YOU with arrest cos they will assume you are on the make.

Ithink you'll find that the OP is connected to the British Embassy and has nothing to gain.

It is purely an in formational post.

[sundownersvince]

Hmmm, me and you know ten times what he does then. Perhaps we should apply for a position. Four hours a day each. 6pm til 10 pm suits me.......

[TOTO 99]

We know when we're being wound up Vince...........

[bulldog]

Over-55s risk huge medical bills by failing to take out comprehensive holiday insurance


Visitors to Spain could face a bill for thousands of pounds for medical treatment if they are taken ill or injured whilst staying with friends and family, the Foreign Office has warned. Yet one in ten over 55-year-olds admit that they sometimes fail to take out travel insurance before going on holiday - even though more than half suffer from a medical condition.

Research1 for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office reveals that a third (35%) of over-55s who sometimes fail to take out travel insurance do so because they are ‘only going on a short break’. A quarter (27%) claim it’s too expensive, whilst nearly one in five (18%) think they don’t need insurance because they are visiting friends or family. Many also think they can avoid buying a policy because they are covered by their bank.

Equally concerning is that one in five (21%) who do have travel insurance then risk invalidating it by failing to declare an existing condition because they are on medication to manage it. Some 15% admit they wouldn’t update their insurance policy if they developed a medical condition or were prescribed new drugs for an existing condition.

Every year around 5000 British nationals2, including over-55s who have failed to take out insurance cover or have invalidated their policies, find themselves seeking assistance from consular staff in Spain. Some end up with life-changing bills of many thousands of pounds for expensive medical treatment or specialist repatriation to the UK.

Mark Simmonds, Minister for Consular Policy, said: “‘It won’t happen to me’ or ‘I’ll be fine’ are risky assumptions to make when deciding whether or not to take out comprehensive travel insurance. Our consular staff around the world deal with thousands of cases each year that prove that things can and do go wrong.

“Being prepared can mean the difference between the holiday of a lifetime and a holiday from hell. Being unwell abroad is stressful enough without the added pressure of having to find thousands of pounds to pay for treatment.”

Dave Thomas, Consular Regional Director for Spain, added: “If you have over-55s visiting you this year, tell them to get insurance before they travel. Taking out a comprehensive policy and declaring any medical condition may be an added expense but it’s a small investment compared to what you could end up paying if something goes wrong.”

A spokesperson for the Association of British Insurers said: “Travel insurance is a must for all holidaymakers. Policies are widely available for people of all ages, but the insurance industry recognises that some older people need help finding cover. Under the Age Agreement which we developed with the Government and British Insurance Brokers’ Association, older people who are unable to find cover at the first firm they approach should be directed to an alternative provider who will be able to offer insurance, or to a signposting service.”
A British Embassy spokesman added:
• “All British visitors to Spain, including over-55s, also need a European Health Insurance Card, known as an EHIC. It is free and you can apply on the NHS website or by calling 0845 606 2030. If you then have an accident or become ill, you can get the necessary state-provided medical healthcare at reduced cost or sometimes free. But it is very important to realise that an EHIC does NOT cover all your medical costs, private treatment or repatriation to the UK. You still need travel insurance to ensure you are fully covered for all eventualities.
“Many people think an EHIC is enough and don’t take out insurance. They will greatly regret it when they are forced to pay thousands of pounds for an air ambulance back to the UK or have to pay for extra accommodation to stay in Spain to look after a hospitalised family member or friend they are travelling with.”


British Consulates can:
• Provide information about transferring money
• Give you a list of local doctors, lawyers, interpreters or funeral directors
• Contact friends and family back home for you if you wish
• Issue you with replacement travel documents British Consulates are unable to:
• Get you better treatment in hospital than is given to local people
• Provide medical repatriation or cover the costs of medical bills or repatriation
• Pay any other bills or give you money
• Make travel arrangements for you

Details of how the Foreign Office can provide support to British nationals when things go wrong are outlined in Support for British nationals abroad: A guide: www.fco.gov.uk/travel
you say travel insurance provided by your bank is not valid cover?
I have insurance as a perk from Lloyds Bank for keeping a balance over a certain amount
can you confirm this is no good ,as I will need to speak to the bank if they,re ripping me off!

[maxbaby]

Hi, Would be grateful for advice please: we are 'young' pensioners and are staying in tenerife for approx. 5 months, we have tyaken out private insurance (rather expensive!) and have declared any medication etc. The question is if we have to visit the doctor or hospital for tests or anything whilst still in the u.k. do we have to declare this to the insurers BEFORE we go to tenerife???
They make it so complicated!!! by the way we also have EHIC's.
We're due to fly to tenerife in a few days and would be really grateful if someone could let us know.
best wishes.

[junglejim]

you say travel insurance provided by your bank is not valid cover?
I have insurance as a perk from Lloyds Bank for keeping a balance over a certain amount
can you confirm this is no good ,as I will need to speak to the bank if they,re ripping me off!
We use our Royalties Gold Cover from RBS for our extended stay in Tenerife , we pay for an extension over the normal 30days to around 120 days more, although it has gone up in price (we have preexisting issues that we declare).
A hospital stay here starts at around €1000 per day!
We have successfully claimed on this in past for injury and illness .
Normally if you develop a condition prior to travelling it would be wise to contact your insurer for advice as they are very quick to look for Kop-outs when claims are made -best to be sure!

[Susief]

We use our Royalties Gold Cover from RBS for our extended stay in Tenerife , we pay for an extension over the normal 30days to around 120 days more, although it has gone up in price (we have preexisting issues that we declare).
A hospital stay here starts at around €1000 per day!
We have successfully claimed on this in past for injury and illness .
Normally if you develop a condition prior to travelling it would be wise to contact your insurer for advice as they are very quick to look for Kop-outs when claims are made -best to be sure!

We use the Royalties Gold too! Never had to claim on it but good to know you can extend it

[penelope pitstop]

I can only re-iterate what I said on a similar thread on Travel Insurance: If we had not had any during our 2 visits to Tenerife last year, we would have been in trouble.

As a lot of you know, I broke my ankle in Las Am whilst on holiday last May. Had an op. & soent 2 nights in the Adeje Hospital thanks to my Travel Insurance. I cannot fault the treatment or service.

In November my OH was knocked over whilst being mugged on the Geranium walk, it wasn't until a few days later that what was thought to be a pulled muscle was causing so much pain, we went to the Adeje Hospital on our Insurance to discover he had a broken rib.

I had to pay an extra £400 on my travel insurance a few years ago for just a week on holiday. Simply because I had been diagnosed with Gall stones & was awaiting an op. for the removal of my Gallbladder. So I was a risk in case I had a flare up whilst away. I had to pay or the rest of the policy would be invalid!

I would NEVER travel without insurance as even the healthiest of people can have accidents & end up in hospital. It isn't worth the risk. I know it gets costlier with age, but you need to be protected in case you have an accident or are taken ill!

[Balcony]

Anyone with pre-existing conditions, generally, can't get covered by mainstream travel insurance policies, but there are plenty of people offering cover. Don't be afraid to declare pre-existing conditions at all and cover doesn't cost the earth.

Go to our website http://www.diamantes1.com/links.htm and towards the end of the page is a list of people offering cover. Sorry for the 'weather report' midway through page, but we are in the process of closing the site.

[penelope pitstop]

Anyone with pre-existing conditions, generally, can't get covered by mainstream travel insurance policies, but there are plenty of people offering cover. Don't be afraid to declare pre-existing conditions at all and cover doesn't cost the earth.

Go to our website http://www.diamantes1.com/links.htm and towards the end of the page is a list of people offering cover. Sorry for the 'weather report' midway through page, but we are in the process of closing the site.

I forgot to mention the pre- existing conditions in my post above. You are right, they must be declared or a claim could be refused. It doesn't matter that they may not relate to your claim, but it is still important that they are declared.

I am dreading renewing this year, we will have to really shop around as our claims will no doubt go against us.

[karinagal]

My hubby and I both have pre-existing conditions. We use EHIC Plus travel insurance - you then only pay for the extra cover that you don't get from your EHIC card. We found them to be the cheapest for us. Worth a try..

[kingbaker]

Pity about the discriminatory heading, as this advice

applies to everybody going abroad to any country ---

from any country.

[seanocelt]

My hubby and I both have pre-existing conditions. We use EHIC Plus travel insurance - you then only pay for the extra cover that you don't get from your EHIC card. We found them to be the cheapest for us. Worth a try..

Ever had cause to use it in Tenerife Karina?

[penelope pitstop]

My hubby and I both have pre-existing conditions. We use EHIC Plus travel insurance - you then only pay for the extra cover that you don't get from your EHIC card. We found them to be the cheapest for us. Worth a try..

Sounds interesting, will need to investigate that. I must admit though being in a private hospital through the insurance was extremely comfortable, with free TV & wi fi, room cleaned twice a day, clean sheets every day.............

[ribuck]

I have always taken out no insurance, or the minimum possible. Instead, I've saved the money that I would have spent on the insurance. Over the decades, these savings have built up to a substantial amount. If something went wrong I would pay for it out of those savings rather than through insurance.

I figure why pay money to the insurance companies when only part of that money ever gets paid out. The rest goes to the company's administration costs, their marketing costs, their taxes, and the costs of insurance fraud.

[penelope pitstop]

I have always taken out no insurance, or the minimum possible. Instead, I've saved the money that I would have spent on the insurance. Over the decades, these savings have built up to a substantial amount. If something went wrong I would pay for it out of those savings rather than through insurance.

I figure why pay money to the insurance companies when only part of that money ever gets paid out. The rest goes to the company's administration costs, their marketing costs, their taxes, and the costs of insurance fraud.

You have been very lucky. What if you had an accident or were taken ill during the first few times you had started saving? You would not have saved enough as it can cost thousands. I wonder if you have saved enough now, as if u needed repatriation &/or ops. they all run in to a large amount of money. People who have travelled without insurance have sometimes had to take out a loan or their families have, using their homes as collateral. They have to add it onto mortgages, not a pleasant thought.
Both our claims last year were paid in full, + I was also paid a few ounds extra for spending 2 nights in hospital

[karinagal]

Ever had cause to use it in Tenerife Karina?

I've been very fortunate Sean, I've never had any illness or accidents outside the UK..

Having a list of pre existing conditions, travel insurance has been really pricey for me in the past. My annual policy this year set me back about £30..

[karinagal]

Sounds interesting, will need to investigate that. I must admit though being in a private hospital through the insurance was extremely comfortable, with free TV & wi fi, room cleaned twice a day, clean sheets every day.............

I'm not sure if the care would be any different with EHIC Plus - I'm presuming that the way it works is that they will be able to reclaim from the hospital any charges which would be covered by the EHIC entitlement, then your policy covers the rest? Like I said, I've never had to use it (yet) but it was recommended to me by someone else who had been quoted ridiculous prices to cover existing conditions and I've always found it really reasonable.

[seanocelt]

Karina , i mentioned usage as a tourist i met was in a right state about them being hard to pin down and not helpful when claiming(aint they all). A wee trip advisor story and another elswhere made me think they may be cheap for good reason, although with pre-existings its a mine field anyway. Good luck pal.

[Balcony]

You're right about the minefield. I would say to anyone who has diabetes, particularly, either T1 or T2 to be especially careful as diabetes can be a root cause of other problems and a fine 'out' for many insurers, including our own UK private mediacal insurance. They wants your money, but will not always assist.

On Tenerife, the one thing I think that is very apparent is the number of people walking with legs and arms strapped up. It's pretty clear from the way things are built that there are so many changes of level that it can make people stumble very easity and they will land on hard surfaces. And thats bad if they are sober. Many do indulge - nothing wrong with that - but it adds to the wobbles!

The EHIC is fine, though there is anecdotal evidence of poor reception for English people at public hospitals, especially is you do not speak the language and the advantage of insurance is you can go to a hospital/clinic where English IS spoken and be seen quickly. If you're on holiday its bad enough having a fall, but you want a fuss free solution!

If you're young, then most times you'll probably be free of health problems/injury. So, is private insurance a waste of money? Who knows. As you get older the consequences of relatively minor initial injuries can be magnified. There is also more chance of medical problems arising out of the blue, so to speak. I have known people spend a lot of time sick in Tenerife, when they knew they had a problem before they went and IMHO should not have travelled.

For me, I would not wish to travel without insurance. Yes, I have my ticket home and can always buy another one is my stay gets cut short, but what if I am hospitalised? I just want to be home. Hopefully, my insurance will cover me for a medical flight home.


Karina , i mentioned usage as a tourist i met was in a right state about them being hard to pin down and not helpful when claiming(aint they all). A wee trip advisor story and another elswhere made me think they may be cheap for good reason, although with pre-existings its a mine field anyway. Good luck pal.