Mental health illness - travel insurance

[Mammyofonlyone]

I was after some advice for a friend. It is possible that her husband could be diagnosed with bipolar disorder/some type of manic episode tomorrow. They are due to fly abroad in a few days' time.

Does anyone know if their travel insurance would cover them for any issues that could potentially arise if he has been diagnosed?

It's a hypothetical situation at the moment but I am trying to help her evaluate her options. TY

I'd think it would depend on what they declared when they took out the insurance. Did he already have MH issues, had he been to the GP about them, was he being investigated at the time of taking out the insurance? If the answer to any of these is yes, was it declared?

if he already had symptoms but hadnt declared them then no, he isnt covered. If he declared them, or hadnt started symptoms when they took out insurance, he probably is covered. In doubt, contact the insurance company and discuss. There might be an extra premuim, or they might need to cancel and take out new cover with a different company

If the DH is currently or has recently had a manic ep I’d question how wise it would be for him to be going off abroad imminently.
Bipolar episodes can be extremely serious and take some getting over. As someone with bipolar myself I can’t think of any good that could come of jetting off abroad during a period of mood instability. Not only could it trigger more cycling, I’d hate to be stuck in a foreign mental health unit.

You make a relevant point @MuckyPlucky, I quite agree.

It's part of another complex situation that would take a looooong time to explain here hence me asking this specifically.

At this point I am just helping understand potential options.

Thank you everyone for your advice.

I work in Insurance and am reasonably familiar with Health policies as well.

Unless the condition is declared (and accepted by the insurer) by the time of travel, he is not covered for issues arising from it.

Mental health complications can cost a lot overseas so it’s best to call it in and either get it excluded (in which case at least you know, and you have the option to change insurer) or covered. X

We declared DH's but they said unless he had been hospitalised, it would make no difference to our cover. They weren't even interested in his meds. Obviously, different insurers may have other thoughts

@Hadalifeonce sorry for the interruption to the thread, but can you say which insurance company you used? So far the best price I can get for a holiday to the US is £590. Some companies have quoted £2k.

Although it's not for mental health, I have insurance for medical issues. There's small print on insurance. You must declare any changes. If you don't then you aren't covered. You need to speak to them.

@theferry We use Aviva multi trip, but it doesn't cover the US for us.

@theferry try AllClear travel insurers, they are an online broker & do their own cover as well, especially for those with medical conditions.
I have Schizoaffective disorder, epilepsy & osteopenia & always get cover for £100 or less.