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Original poster

I fear I’ve messed our holiday up and feel sick at the thought

112 replies

theferry · 15/06/2023 19:47

We’re due to go to the US next month (5th). It’s our first ‘big’ holiday. DD1 is 16 and DD2 is 13. A couple of weeks ago I got in touch with our GP as DD1 has been getting stomach ache. She’s sent her to paediatrics for a blood test to check for gluten intolerance (& thyroid) but thinks it’s IBS. The blood test is on Tuesday .

I went to purchase travel insurance today but they wouldn’t cover DD1 because she’s waiting on a blood test. Now I’m worried sick that she’ll be sent another appointment/referred, meaning we won’t get travel insurance so will have to cancel the whole holiday. (I would never go without insurance).

Does anyone have suggestions of what to do? I feel sick at the thought of what I’ve done. It could have waited until we got back—it’s not really bad for her. Just gets stomach ache now and then.

OP posts:
CloudySky82 · 15/06/2023 19:48

Surely you just wouldn’t put on the insurance that she might be intolerant? Especially as it’s not something you will need covered by treatment while you’re away

OnsenBurner · 15/06/2023 19:49

She’s not got a diagnosis so it’s not a pre existing condition

YouveGotAFastCar · 15/06/2023 19:49

Just try other travel insurance companies. You might need to pay more; as some might consider it a pre-existing condition, but you'll find somewhere that will cover her. You can get cover for holidays even if you've got terminal diseases.

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YouveGotAFastCar · 15/06/2023 19:50

OnsenBurner · 15/06/2023 19:49

She’s not got a diagnosis so it’s not a pre existing condition

That's not necessarily true; a lot of insurance providers require you to declare if you're undergoing tests.

jellyminelli · 15/06/2023 19:50

Just apply with another company after the blood test and tick no 🤷🏽‍♀️

AmITooOldToDoThis · 15/06/2023 19:50

Why have you left it so long to get insurance? It’s always advised to get it at the time of booking.

jellyminelli · 15/06/2023 19:51

"Why have you left it so long to get insurance? It’s always advised to get it at the time of booking."

Yeah OP, go back in time 🙄🤣

PurplePear7 · 15/06/2023 19:52

You can get specialist travel insurance. I used AllClear when waiting for investigation - although was travelling in Europe so might make a difference.

IMustDoMoreExercise · 15/06/2023 19:53

AmITooOldToDoThis · 15/06/2023 19:50

Why have you left it so long to get insurance? It’s always advised to get it at the time of booking.

Yes. It doesn't help you but it might others.

Hairbrushhandle · 15/06/2023 19:55

IMustDoMoreExercise · 15/06/2023 19:53

Yes. It doesn't help you but it might others.

Show quote history

Would you not need to declare the change of circumstances anyway?

Deathbyfluffy · 15/06/2023 19:56

jellyminelli · 15/06/2023 19:51

"Why have you left it so long to get insurance? It’s always advised to get it at the time of booking."

Yeah OP, go back in time 🙄🤣

It’s a valid question - it’s very much travel 101.

PuffinsRocks · 15/06/2023 19:57

Would you genuinely risk missing a holiday instead of just ticking "no" on "are you waiting for tests" (if they even ask that)?

TheFairyCaravan · 15/06/2023 19:59

Someone will insure her.

I am awaiting tests on my heart, was last year too, but I’ve still managed to get travel insurance.

Original poster
theferry · 15/06/2023 19:59

I have to get insurance for pre existing conditions anyway for myself and DH. This was one of the companies who I spoke with today. They said it would be fine with a diagnosis but they won’t cover somebody who js waiting for tests. It might all come
back clear and we can get on with the holiday, but they could refer her on to do more tests? If they do, we’re stuffed.

We didn’t get insurance any earlier as DH was undergoing tests for cancer—all cleared a couple of weeks ago. I should have done it back then.

im so annoyed with myself for creating this problem. I should have known better after DH, but it’s something pretty minor so just didn’t think it through.

OP posts:
MBappse · 15/06/2023 20:01

If it is IBS as you suspect. She would still be covered, but just not for IBS?

Original poster
theferry · 15/06/2023 20:01

PuffinsRocks · 15/06/2023 19:57

Would you genuinely risk missing a holiday instead of just ticking "no" on "are you waiting for tests" (if they even ask that)?

Doing that would invalidate the entire cover, even if it was a claim for something completely unrelated. And insurance companies will do anything to get out of paying.

OP posts:
scratchyfannyofcocklane · 15/06/2023 20:02

I had similar last year as I was waiting for a minorish hospital procedure and couldn't find an insurers that would be willing to even give a quote via a online search /comparison site. In the end I phoned one that specialised in pre existing conditions, spoke to an actual human being rather than an online form and got insured no problem - cost about £10 more iirc.
Can't remember who it was but try ringing around a few of the more specialist companies...

mynameiscalypso · 15/06/2023 20:02

Can't you just say she has a diagnosis of IBS? She pretty much does.

Original poster
theferry · 15/06/2023 20:03

MBappse · 15/06/2023 20:01

If it is IBS as you suspect. She would still be covered, but just not for IBS?

IBS wouldn’t be a problem. It’s the fact we’re stuck in no-man’s land waiting for tests that’s the problem for the insurance company. Mo

OP posts:
Original poster
theferry · 15/06/2023 20:08

@scratchyfannyofcocklane thanks for that.

I’ll just have to cross my fingers that nothing comes back on the blood test. I just can’t believe how daft I was, especially after knowing about this with DH.

OP posts:
scratchyfannyofcocklane · 15/06/2023 20:08

Just found my policy and it was 'staysure' that I used.
Don't lie or say its ibs as someone suggested - if you do that you risk them not paying out if you have any sort of emergency - even something totally unrelated like a broken leg which could cost 1000's in the usa

Original poster
theferry · 15/06/2023 20:10

scratchyfannyofcocklane · 15/06/2023 20:08

Just found my policy and it was 'staysure' that I used.
Don't lie or say its ibs as someone suggested - if you do that you risk them not paying out if you have any sort of emergency - even something totally unrelated like a broken leg which could cost 1000's in the usa

Thank you! I’ll keep that in mind.

OP posts:
NoPrivateSpy · 15/06/2023 20:10

Can't you use a separate cover for your DD? Then that wouldn't invalidate the rest of the insurance?

Clafoutie · 15/06/2023 20:18

I don’t see why you should eat yourself up over this OP. You just did the right thing at the time by your daughter’s health. I hope it all works out ok.

NoPrivateSpy · 15/06/2023 20:25

Yeah, I'm not much of a risk taker but I think the risk here is pretty low. You can get insurance on the day you go for your DD separately if you have to. Get everyone else covered and then see where you land with her appointments.