Travel journalist Simon Calder is urging holidaymakers to carefully check new email reminders being rolled out by Admiral Travel Insurance, as research reveals nearly six million people have intentionally failed to declare a medical condition when applying for cover.
The study found that nearly a third of travellers have been ill or faced a medical emergency abroad, yet many are unclear on what constitutes a pre-existing condition. For instance, nearly a third would not list weight-loss jabs prescribed by a GP, 17% are unaware that anti-depressants need declaring, and 16% would not mention ADHD medication. Admiral warns that failing to disclose such conditions could result in reduced payouts or invalidated cover.
Admiral requires customers to declare any medical consultations, prescribed medication, or treatment received in the last two years, and sometimes up to five years depending on the condition. Of those who admitted non-disclosure, over a quarter feared it would increase policy costs, while 16% did not think the condition was serious enough.
Simon Calder said: “The UK has a thriving and competitive travel insurance market, delivering great value. Yet cover is only effective if you are open and transparent about your state of health.” Admiral’s Head of Travel Insurance, Cosmin Sarbu, added: “Thinking it ‘won’t happen to me’ is a big risk. Many people worry that declaring a medical condition will make insurance unaffordable, but that is not always the case.”
Admiral is introducing email reminders to customers it identifies might not have declared everything, set to go live in the coming weeks. The insurer currently provides cover for over 3,600 different medical conditions.
