Travelers Urged to Confirm Insurance Policies Amid Medical Disclosure Risks
As summer vacation season approaches, travel experts are issuing a critical call to action for holidaymakers: verify your insurance disclosures. Prominent travel journalist Simon Calder is cautioning travelers to conduct a thorough review of their medical history and insurance documentation as firms roll out updated digital communication systems to address a growing crisis of non-disclosure.
New research indicates that approximately six million people have intentionally failed to declare medical conditions when applying for travel insurance. This trend persists despite figures showing that nearly a third of travelers have encountered illness or medical emergencies while abroad. Admiral Travel Insurance reports that nearly half of its travel claims now involve a medical component, underscoring the risks associated with incomplete documentation.
A significant portion of the issue stems from widespread confusion regarding what constitutes a “pre-existing condition.” Many travelers incorrectly believe they only need to declare chronic diseases like diabetes or heart conditions. However, many insurers, including Admiral, require applicants to disclose any medical consultations, treatments, or prescriptions received within the previous two to five years.
Key statistics regarding disclosure failures include:
- Nearly one-third of travelers fail to mention weight-loss jabs prescribed by a GP.
- 17% of travelers are unaware that anti-depressants require formal declaration.
- 16% of travelers neglect to disclose prescriptions for ADHD medication.
Providing inaccurate information can have severe financial consequences, ranging from reduced claim payouts to the total invalidation of a policy. Of those who admitted to withholding health information, over one-quarter cited concerns that disclosing the condition would drive up the cost of their policy, while 16% simply labeled their conditions as “not serious enough” to warrant mention.
“Like everyone else, from the moment I book a trip, I simply want to look forward to it. Anticipation is a priceless element of any holiday. Equally, every traveller deserves peace of mind – and so you just need to make sure you are covered by travel insurance from day one.”
— Simon Calder, Travel Journalist
Industry experts emphasize that insurance markets remain competitive and capable of offering value, provided applicants are transparent. Admiral’s Head of Travel Insurance, Cosmin Sarbu, notes that the “it won’t happen to me” mentality is a dangerous gamble. He clarifies that many travelers erroneously assume a disclosed medical condition will automatically result in an unaffordable premium, when in reality, suitable coverage can often be arranged at a reasonable cost if the insurer has an accurate risk profile.
“The UK has a thriving and competitive travel insurance market, delivering great value. Yet cover is only effective if you are open and transparent about your state of health. Insurers are keen to protect travellers – but they need to be able to assess your particular situation and offer the right policy at the right price.”
— Simon Calder, Travel Journalist
Travelers are encouraged to scrutinize their policy documentation today to ensure that all requirements are met before their departure date, particularly as new verification emails and checklists begin to arrive in their inboxes.
