Top 10 tips for buying travel insurance when you have MPS, Fabry or a related disease

Finding the right travel insurance can be a challenge; making sure that you have covered all bases and taken all the unexpected eventualities into consideration. For individuals and families affected by MPS, Fabry or a related disease it can be an even bigger challenge to find the right cover.

As a starting point, we have put together our top 10 tips which we hope will provide you with the information you need to find the right travel insurance policy to suit you and your individual needs.

1. Don't accept the first quote

Do not automatically accept the first quote you receive. Different companies may offer you the same level of cover at a different price.

2. Quotes for disabled people are low

Quotes for disabled people have fallen in recent years as companies view them as less likely to take risks than able-bodied people.

3. Declare any pre-existing medical conditions

You will have to declare any pre-existing medical condition since failure to do so may result in the policy being declared invalid in the event of a claim being made.

4. Be prepared to be transferred to a medical screening line

When you ring up for your quote, you are likely to be referred to a medical screening line if you have more than one of the following:

High blood pressure
Gallstones
Gout
Cataracts
A hernia
benign lumps
If you have been a hospital inpatient in the last 12 months
If you have been under the care of a specialist consultant in the last 12 months.
This also applies if you have been referred to a consultant or if you are waiting to have an operation.

5. Some illnesses may increase your excess if you make a claim

The medical screening line has a list of thousands of illnesses, some of which may not affect your premium but which may increase the excess that you have to pay if any claim is made.

The insurer will also want to know if you have ever been treated for a heart or breathing problem and are still taking medication.

6. Rules don't just apply to you

The above rules also apply to anyone who is involved in looking after the affected person including close family and carers.

7. Ask for available discounts

Discounts may be made available although the company may not advise you of them. Discounts can apply if, for example, you have an ‘all risks’ household insurance policy, including cover for personal possessions (for example, a wheelchair) when away from home.

8. Search for family cover

If you are travelling as a family, you may not need to pay for each child separately. Some insurers offer family cover including children up to the age of 19 (or 23 if in full-time education).

9. Check for treatment availability

Ensure that medical insurance provides cover for all the treatment you or members of your family may need.

10. Get a Global Health Insurance Card

The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) has replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Once your EHIC has expired, you’ll be able to replace it with a GHIC. It gives access to the same health care that residents of the country you are visiting receive. However, this does not necessarily mean that treatment is free and there will be elements that it will not cover for example medications and this can be costly.

It is important to note that the GHIC does not cover the costs of returning you home should that be required. Therefore it is still important to get appropriate travel insurance.

Recommended companies

We have put together a list of companies recommended by our members. The MPS Society cannot endorse or recommend any of these companies specifically and has no direct experience of them. Please do remember when contacting these companies that you must specify any pre-existing medical conditions and remember to check that the policy you take out covers both your and your family’s specific needs. Medical screening may be required before insurance is approved.

Insurance with

0333 999 2679

Boots Travel Insurance

0333 999 2683

The AA Travel Insurance 0808 169 1195

Direct Travel

0333 300 0029

Tesco Travel Insurance

0845 293 9474

Churchill

0800 032 7140

Orbis