Holiday Insurance/Pre-Existing Conditions

[Angela Claisse]

Should I declare my son's nystagmus (congenital, idiopathic) as a 'pre-existing condition' when booking holiday insurance? Since nystagmus doesn't detiorate or need treatment I don't really think of it in terms of a medical condition which, I think, is what insurers are looking for. I'm concerned that if I don't declare it I'd be in breach of the terms and conditions, but if I do declare it there will be complications. I'm interested in hearing the experiences of other members on this. Thanks!

[John Sanders]

Hi Angela,

Your analysis is quite right. Based on reports I've heard, if you declare nystagmus your son may well be refused holiday insurance or charged a very high premium. If you don't declare it and you are unlucky enough to need to claim, the insurer may use nystagmus as a reason to dispute the claim.

However, in my opinion as a journalist who has written for many years about insurance, an insurer refusing a claim would have to prove that nystagmus led to the reason for the claim. However, that may not be much consolation to you if the claim is disputed.

I've never declared nystagmus when taking out holiday insurance, because I agree with you that in most cases it is not relevant. Insurers of course may disagree.

One option open to you is to contact the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and ask their opinion. I cannot say how helpful or otherwise they would be.

I'd like to hear other people's experiences of insurance and nystagmus. If we can gather enough evidence, then I would be happy to contact the ABI and write an article for NN's Focus newsletter.

John

[Angela Claisse]

Thank you for that, John. I'm reassured that your thinking is the same as mine. Today we were out shopping when my son took a tumble down some steps. He was walking down the middle of a wide staircase (instead of using the handrail at the side), and when he lost his footing he was more interested in saving his iPod than anything else. This could have happened to anybody who wasn't taking care, and had more to do with being a 9 year old boy than with his visual impairment. However, let's say this had taken place abroad on holiday and he was unlucky enough to break a leg. I have no doubt that an insurer would argue that his visual impairment was a major contributory factor (and I'm realistic enough to understand why), and we'd have a disputed claim on our hands... Ouch! in more ways than one. Angela

[Helen]

Hi

I've had some problems with holiday insurance but mostly because of other conditions. Whenever I've said I've got nystagmus they seem to not like not knowing what it is so dismiss it. As long as you ask them to note that you've told them and they then issue the insurance you would hopefully be OK.

There are some companies who will insure people with pre-existing conditions. The RNIB might have some info. A friend who is a consultant in cancer gave me a list she gives to her patients. I don't think I've paid over the odds for anything. In fact, sometimes they've been cheaper than the insurance offered as part of a package deal.

Helen

[Angela Claisse]

I took the plunge today and called an insurance company to declare my son's pre-existing condition. After having to spell 'nystagmus' to the operator, he looked it up and the computer at his end said 'yes' they would cover him - albeit for an additional £9.50. This top-up policy, although separate, will correlate with the main family policy. Whether the extra charge is fair or not, I suppose there are arguments both ways which would make for an interesting debate. At least I have the peace of mind that my son is covered and the insurance people won't be able to use his nystagmus against him should anything untoward happen.

Angela

[paul white]

Hi Angela,

A very brave move. I've never had the courage to mention nystagmus when travelling with my kids many years ago. Although a £9.50 surcharge is a bit of a con (an ingrowing toenail could be a contributing factor in an accident and I don't suppose anybody has ever declared that particular condition) it is not too high a price for peace of mind. Paul