Travel insurance- latest loophole wriggle

[Ruffledduck]

https://www.lancs.live/news/real-life/pub-landlord-67-paralysed-held-31466777

I feel quite shocked by the reasons that have apparently been given to the family by the insurance company.

Anyone else surprised by OTC medication being used as an argument?
There are other concerns, like they don't want to pay the specific hospital he was taken to.
Changing the word 'collapsed' to 'a fall'. His spine gave way!
Alcohol in his system (totally unrelated to his health issue).

Interesting to note it's only the latter point the company has refuted. No denial of the other points raised. The daughter must have got the information from somewhere because, seriously, who would think of the issues she has mentioned as affecting her dad's cover?
Does anyone else disclose the painkillers you can pick up when doing your shopping? Cough mixture? Cold and flu remedy? Pain relief gel for a sore thumb?

Isn't it time insurers make it crystal clear what amount of information they require about medication?

Is it just me that didn't think I had to mention the OTC headache tablets I take when needed?

I was aware of this, but then I go through a screening service every time for pre existing conditions. I have to declare POM and OTC meds and what conditions they are taken for.

A lot of OTC meds used to be POMs until a few years ago, so it makes sense that you need to declare them. In fact some meds are available either way and you are advised to get them OTC as it is cheaper than paying a prescription charge.

It won’t be that - looking at him he looks like an alcoholic & I imagine he has not properly disclosed his previous medical history including prescribed medication. In order for an insurer to decline to cover his claim they would have had to done their investigations correctly. Everything is highly regulated by the FOS. Also, having alcohol in the system is allowed, it’s just if you’ve drunk so much your judgment is impaired as you then put yourself at risk of harm. I imagine the family are only telling half the story to the press.

Non-disclosure means just that. You have to declare EVERYTHING. If in doubt, mention it.

That seems ridiculous - I don't think the screening questions have ever made me think about OTC medication. But on the other hand I'm so distrustful of travel insurance now so anyway, it doesn't massively surprise me.

On a practical level how are you meant to ensure you're covered? I have no conditions that I'd say are ongoing but like most people I've visited the doctor for symptoms over the odd few decades that have come to nothing and not needed a follow up - e.g. headaches that came and went.

However, a recent poster was having a hard time getting her insurance provider to pay out for appendicitis when she'd had some mild stomach pain long in the past that the doctor had put down to possible IBS (I think just written that in her records and not even told her). Are you meant to get a full copy of your medical records and see what conditions have ever been mentioned? And in her case, try to get it corrected to say she now doesn't have IBS?

It's a bit strange. I think that the story is worded in such a way that the facts are being skirted around by the family.
My annual insurance (I declare medical conditions) doesn't ask me for details of the medication I take, it does ask me about the effects of the conditions though.
I wonder if he has failed to fully disclose that he has a new or worsening condition or has attended his Dr in the past year. He seems to have a mobility scooter so he is obviously not in robust health.

People often take paracetamol and flu remedies for minor sniffles, aches and pains, these are bought from supermarkets so how would they even know you had taken them. I remember reading about this, didn't he have wine with his meal, I don't drink so wouldn't fall foul of this but I have had the odd ibuprofen or paracetamol for minor aches and pains in the past.

So you declare paracetamol and Lemsip