What is pre-existing ?

[ashleyn]

Hi all, I hope someone can clarify my situation.

At the start of the year I purchased an annual policy with no pre-existing conditions. A month or so ago, I had a retina tear that resulted in 2 operations. My specialist says I'm good to fly and the chance of a recurrence is very small. How do I stand with my insurance ? Do I need to declare this to be covered in the unlikely event of a problem during upcoming European trip ? Will they charge me more premiums ?

My experience of insurance companies is they have you by the proverbials every which way you go so I want to make sure I'm covered.

 

[straitman]

Hi all, I hope someone can clarify my situation.

At the start of the year I purchased an annual policy with no pre-existing conditions. A month or so ago, I had a retina tear that resulted in 2 operations. My specialist says I'm good to fly and the chance of a recurrence is very small. How do I stand with my insurance ? Do I need to declare this to be covered in the unlikely event of a problem during upcoming European trip ? Will they charge me more premiums ?

My experience of insurance companies is they have you by the proverbials every which way you go so I want to make sure I'm covered.

Surely if you already have the policy in place it cannot be seen as pre-existing? It certainly was not when you took out the policy.

 

[ashleyn]

Surely if you already have the policy in place it cannot be seen as pre-existing? It certainly was not when you took out the policy.

That's what their FAQ would suggest.

 

[Cynicor]

As long as you had cover already, it is not pre-existing. You should be fine.

 

[Pushka]

It is covered as not being pre existing if you needed to cancel. But I wonder if there is something in the T&C's where you have to notify them if an event occurs before you travel.

 

[turtlemichael]

At the very least it is worth checking the terms and conditions to see if there is a clause which says you need to notify them of a significant change in your circumstances. In a dim part of my brain I seem to recall that this is a standard part of most insurance policies or even of insurance law principles. I stand to be corrected on that.

 

[Hvr]

Knowing the insurance industry they'll find a way to deny cover if you travel and exacerbate the injury. But if you needed to cancel your next trip then surely you should be fine?

But!!!!! Don't rely on what we've speculated, get written confirmation from your insurance company as to what their opinion is and if you're covered should you travel.

 

[Deleted member]

Generally speaking you should be fine , but it can't hurt to advise the insurer. A lot of people don't realize that ALL yearly renewable policies have a clause relating to this. Your car insurer requires that when you renew your policy you "must" inform them of any changes. This includes ( but is not limited to) "moving violations" ( speeding tickets). Failure to go so is a breach, and can compromise any potential claim

 

[ashleyn]

Thanks all, a close read of the T&C today I think.