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Travel insurance provider Insurancewith has advice for prospective policyholders with long-term medical conditions: do not count on price comparison websites.
In fact, the insurer is pretty straightforward in saying these travellers should consider specialist medical travel insurance providers – particularly those that do not appear on such portals – when looking for cover “to avoid disappointment.” It cited comparison websites’ “blanket-style” approach to medical screening as the potential cause of trouble.
Insurancewith explained how using these sites might not be the best fit for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions, noting the inability to accurately assess the real risk of becoming ill while on holiday. People with the likes of cancer and heart problems could end up paying exorbitant premiums or, worse, not getting insured at all.
“Official figures show how millions of British adults with a medical condition have experienced difficulty getting travel insurance,” said Insurancewith brand manager Sarah Page. “Those that do get cover are often charged prohibitive fees or pigeon-holed into a product that does not cover their individual needs and circumstances.
“Consumers need to be aware that comparison sites don’t always represent the entire travel insurance market and may not always be the best solution for those living with and managing a medical condition.”
Meanwhile the provider has launched a tool that gathers case studies from its client base, in order to share their stories and highlight how skipping comparison websites and going straight to a specialist medical travel insurer could translate to as much as 98% savings on the total policy cost.
Policies are underwritten by Travel Insurance Facilities plc on behalf of Union Reiseversicherung AG. Founded in 2007, Insurancewith is the brainchild of Fiona Macrae – who herself was diagnosed with cancer and had travel insurance woes.
