Travel insurance Insurance

Travel insurance is essential when going abroad. It is often worth shopping around to make sure you get best value for money.

You need to check that the travel insurance covers medical treatment and does not exclude “a pre-existing medical condition”.

Make sure your travel insurance covers cancellations and loss or damage of property, including any equipment. (Equipment can sometimes be covered through your home insurance.)

If you are travelling within the European Economic Area and Switzerland you need to get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The Department of Health, working with the NHS Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA), provides the EHIC free of charge. This card replaces the older E111, which is not valid from 1 January 2006. You can apply for a card over the phone on 0844 496 8899, on-line on www.ehic.org.uk or get an application form from the Post Office.

The insurance providers listed below specialise in catering for disabled people or people with a pre-existing medical condition.

Chartwell Insurance

Provides low-cost travel insurance for people with a pre-existing medical condition.

Tel: 0800 089 0146

Email: info@chartwellinsurance.co.uk

Web: www.chartwellinsurance.co.uk

En Route Insurance

Provides low-cost travel insurance for people with a pre-existing medical condition. Sometimes it refers cases to a medical screening line for assessment.

Tel: 0800 783 7245

Email: info@enrouteinsurance.co.uk

Web: www.enrouteinsurance.co.uk

Freedom Insurance Services Ltd

Offers travel insurance advice for people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Tel: 01223 446914

Web: www.freedominsure.co.uk

Freespirit

Provides low-cost travel insurance for people with a pre-existing medical condition as long as you are fit to travel. A doctor’s letter is required. You also have to be clear of hospital waiting lists for treatment or medical investigation.

Tel: 0800 170 7704

Email: contact@freespirittravelinsurance.com

Web: www.freespirittravelinsurance.com

Insurancewith

Provides travel insurance to people with pre-existing medical conditions. They also donate £1 to charity for every insurance policy purchased.

Tel: 0845 2307159

Email: insurancewith@infinityinsurance.co.uk

Web: www.insurancewith.com

The Insurance Helpline

Provides travel insurance for people with a pre-existing medical condition.

Tel: 0800 377 7763

Email: webenquiry@totallyinsuredgroup.co.uk

Web: www.theinsurancehelpline.co.uk

Website with insurers listed: www.the-insurance-surgery.co.uk