HELP! Can’t find travel insurance to cover ds

[Beeloux]

Hi all,

Looking for some advice. I know I’ve left it very late but I’ve had flu the last few weeks so it’s been on the back of my mind.

Have a ferry crossing European trip (2 days) booked for next week for my dc and I.

Ds2 has had recurrent tonsillitis and has been admitted twice in the last 7 months. Once for IV antibiotics and the other time for low oxygen requiring nebulisers and oxygen. He had his ENT appointment last week and has been referred to paediatrics and is having an immunology panel blood test tomorrow.

Went to book travel insurance today and no one will cover him due to his referrals. I’ve rang 4 different companies who all said they could not cover him.

It’s our first abroad trip (my first in 4 years) and I ordered passports specially for it but I won’t take the risk of going without insurance, especially with him being ill so often.

Has anyone been in a similar situation and could recommend a travel insurance company which approves children with referrals?

Any advice greatly appreciated!

Try AllClear - it maybe expensive.

I use staysure. I have an autoimmune disease with ongoing treatment and they will cover me no problem.

Fab thank you both will ring them tomorrow x

https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/insurance/travel-insurance-directory#

Try this. Ive used both stay sure and all clear.

I got cover for my multiple hospitals admissions toddler through Coverwise. She was (and is) under paeds, but didn't have any tests pending at the time.

No one will cover under investigation but you’ll find one who will cover him for anything except what he’s being investigated for.

I had 6 rounds of tonsillitis in as many months, one requiring hospital admission. I got holiday insurance through bupa but it was expensive.

If you can pin down what is being investigated for it’ll help with getting cover for everything else.

You might have letters from the referral that help with that.

Also look at what the UKIC covers for where you’re going. Between that and insurance with some exclusions you might feel you can get sufficient cover.

Thanks all!

He’s had 9 bouts of tonsillitis (mostly bacterial) since may and 2 chest infections 😫The reason he’s been referred for this blood test is as he gets a petechial rash whenever he gets it and the ENT thinks it may be related to his immune system.

If they won’t cover anything under investigation I’m wondering if it’s worth it. I only paid £50 for the ferry crossing on sale. He normally gets it at least once a month and the last time was last week (he also ended up in A&E with sucking in under ribs a few weeks ago).

I’ll have a call around tomorrow and see. Thanks again everyone :)

Most companies won't touch you for any cover if you're awaiting treatment, tests etc.
I have found that All Clear and Aviva will still provide cover but excluding the condition in question. This might be enough for you but if his condition is something that might flare up and need treatment abroad you would have to rely on GHIC.

Another vote for staysure - my child is immune suppressed and has frequent hospital admissions. Also under investigation for something , but with one identical condition probably causing the illnesses. We are going on holiday soon for the first time and her consultant had provided details of what to say for insurance purposes and we did get cover but it was expensive. It may cost you more than the trip. Once you have a diagnosis that would probably reduce the cost (and uncertainty of the insurer) a long way.

If he is having recurring bacterial infections, they may consider prophylaxis antibiotics? My child has been on there for over a year and it has been a game changer in terms of number and length of admissions.

Thanks all for your advice! I’ve rang all recommend but unfortunatley none will cover him. 😭

One did say they would cover for things not related to his medical history I declared or the investigations.

I’ve decided to cancel the trip. Very disappointed but I can’t take the risk especially as he’s had two hospital admissions in the last 6 months (and many A&E trips for non blanching rashes).

Going to try and book a last minute UK day trip.

@Mmr224 I’m glad your dc is doing better after the prophylaxis antibiotics! The consultant did mention them or possibly another immunisation. He has massive tonsils in general (grade 3) so I’m hoping if they remove them it will also ease the infections.

Can't you get one of those EHIC cards? That covers necessary healthcare within the European Economic Area, presumably you are going to France or somewhere still in the EEA, so could access medical help without spiralling costs? Honestly never used one of those cards, but it's definitely a thing. Does the GP always give the same medication when he gets tonsillitis? Could you get a course of antibiotics to take with you just in case. It is only £50 loss on the ferry, but it's disappointing for your child to miss out.

EHIC would cover you for treatment in most European countries well for his bouts of illness.
But insurance is often as much about cancellation, delays, extra cost and big accidents as it is foundational health care.

As you found out OP, no insurer will cover investigations or something that kicks off so regularly...

Thanks both! I’ve got the GHIC cards and have spoke to all clear who said they will cover his tonsillitis/chest infections.

Im just worried that as the ENT believes the recurrent infections are immune related (which is why he’s had this blood test), the insurance could point and say that it’s related to his immune system and won’t cover them.

Kicking myself I haven’t sorted this out earlier!!

GHIC is excellent and would work well for any emergency in the EU. Even if you had insurance, most likely you wouldn't use it if you have GHIC. A&E in most European countries is much more efficient with shorter waiting times than in England at the moment.

Your son's GHIC (everyone needs their own) will cover him for all medical treatment in the public system wherever you are in Europe. It doesn't cover repatriation or the costs of someone staying with him, but it doesn't sound like that is especially likely to be necessary. If he's well enough to travel then you're not taking a huge risk by relying on the GHIC here.

If he doesn't yet have a GHIC, look up "NHS Overseas Healthcare Services" and give them a call on Monday morning.