British holidaymakers are facing a multi-million pound nightmare as a shocking number of travel insurance claims are being rejected for one simple, yet costly, reason. New data reveals that thousands of Brits are left stranded abroad or facing enormous medical bills due to a critical oversight when purchasing insurance.
The Staggering Cost of Non-Disclosure
Insurance experts have identified failure to declare pre-existing medical conditions as the primary culprit behind rejected claims. This isn't just about major illnesses – common conditions like high blood pressure, asthma, or even mental health medications can invalidate your policy if not properly declared.
"Travellers often assume that because they manage a condition well in daily life, it doesn't need declaring," explains Sarah Appleton, insurance analyst at Compare the Market. "This misconception is costing families their life savings when medical emergencies occur overseas."
Why Insurers Are Saying No
Insurance providers aren't being difficult – they're managing risk. When you fail to disclose relevant medical information, you fundamentally alter the risk assessment they based your premium on. This non-disclosure, whether intentional or accidental, gives them grounds to reject claims entirely.
Common conditions travellers forget to declare include:
- High cholesterol or blood pressure
- Mental health conditions and medications
- Previous surgeries, even if fully recovered
- Sports injuries or ongoing physiotherapy
- Changes to pre-existing conditions
How to Protect Yourself and Your Holiday
Ensuring your claim isn't rejected comes down to thorough disclosure and understanding your policy. Follow these essential steps:
- Declare everything: When in doubt, declare it. Better to pay slightly more for comprehensive cover than risk having no cover at all.
- Update annually: Conditions change. What wasn't relevant last year might be crucial this year.
- Read the small print: Understand what your policy requires regarding medical disclosures.
- Use comparison sites carefully: While convenient, they may not capture all medical nuances. Consider speaking directly with specialists for complex conditions.
- Keep records: Document all disclosures and keep copies of medical documents.
The True Cost of Cutting Corners
With medical bills abroad potentially running into hundreds of thousands of pounds, adequate insurance isn't a luxury – it's a necessity. The few minutes saved by not properly declaring medical conditions could result in financial ruin.
"We've seen cases where families have had to remortgage homes to cover medical expenses," warns travel insurance specialist David Carter. "No holiday savings are worth that risk."
As travel resumes post-pandemic, experts urge travellers to review their insurance needs carefully. Your health – and your wallet – depend on it.
