top of page

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

Updated: Jul 4

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

0845 338 1638


World First

0845 9080 121


Esure

0845 600 3949


All Clear

0845 250 5350


Free Spirit

0845 230 5000


It’s so Easy

0844 357 1315


Freedom

0870 7743 760


Lloyds Bank

0800 731 4044


Virgin Travel

0844 888 3900


Insure and Go

0844 888 2787


Latitude

0800 781 4083


Barclays Travel Insurance

0800 015 4751


Goodtogoinsurance.com

0844 334 0160


Leisurecare

0844 225 2042


Explorer Insurance

0800 043 4003


M&S Travel Insurance

0800 0683918

Staysure (over 50s)

0800 033 4902


Natwest Travel Insurance

0800 0515401


Nowicantravel

0845 2 307 155


Post Office

0800 1699 999


Saga

0800 0565 464


Compare the Market


Factsheet

Read and download our factsheet on Tips for buying travel insurance below:

Buying Travel Insurance
.pdf
Download PDF • 3.16MB
 

If you have found this information helpful, please consider making a donation to support our work www.mpssociety.org.uk/donate-now


bottom of page