I recently had a medical emergency while abroad.
I was so glad my insurance was in place and up to date and that I had paid the necessary premium for my pre-existing conditions.
Can I just remind everyone:
Arrange your insurance either just before, or on the day that you book your holiday.
If you have insurance through your bank, or an annual policy, you still have to tell them you are travelling and check that all your medical information is correct and that your level of cover has not changed.
You must tell them if you have had any medical investigations or treatment in the last 3 years and what, if any, medication you are on.
Be honest and pay any extra for existing conditions if necessary.
If you have an emergency abroad, the first thing your insurers will do is scrutinise your GP records.
If they find anything you haven't told them, even if it is nothing to do with your current situation, your policy will be invalid.
Since my return, in conversations with friends, I have realised that many of them didn't know the above information, one is travelling long haul this week and hasn't told her insurers about a recent operation. She is phoning them today.
I hope this is helpful and useful information for someone.