Travel Insurance with medial issues

[Bertie]

I was unfortunate to have had a heart attack in September 2016, I had to have stents but I am now ok but on medication. Does anyone have experience of obtaining travel insurance when taking a biking holiday in Europe with a similar condition?

[ds99]

https://boughtbymany.com/news/article/t ... ty-stents/


https://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/liv ... /insurance

[Sleuth]

Currently (or at least until Brexit bites) you are entitled to the same Healthcare as residents of that country you are visiting. (This is of course it is part of the EU.) This means you don't need travel insurance to cover your medical problems. The only time you would need it, is if you have to be repatriated (either for medical or death.)
When I return to the UK, or go anywhere within the EU - I don't bother with Travel Insurance as it doubles what is available for free.
Where are you heading?
Best regards
Sleuth

Addendum:

I have looked at the sites, and they recommend Travel Insurance.

However they recommend taking out Travel Insurance as certain costs are not covered.  According to http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcare ... -ehic.aspx What is not covered on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are:
Private Medical Costs such as mountain rescue in ski resorts, being flown back to the UK, or lost or stolen property
The EHIC will not cover your medical expenses if you are going abroad specifically to have treatment (including giving birth).

The only one which might tip the balance is the repatriation.

[Bertie]

Hi Sleuth and ds99 thanks for your help. Obviously one of my problems is finding a company that covers motorcycling as well as medical issues. I am considering a tour to either Spain or Germany/Italy at present.
I have always taken my European medical card but it only covers medical care at a basic level, so for example if I had a accident on the bike and was hospitalised, there would be no help for my Wife if she was uninjured and left stranded, or if I tripped in the street and broke my leg who would get us home?

[guest2360]

Your quite right but.  In Europe you will get hospital care but if you don't have Travel Insurance your care stops at the Exit door of the hospital.  Not useful if you have your arm or leg in plaster.

[mhr43]

Bertie.      I have a similar history.  Try "Holidaysafe"  my premium was halved.

[gogs01]

Insurance gets expensive with age, medical history and daring to ride a motorbike larger than 125cc.
Snowcard are worth a look as they cover all sorts of "adventure" sports much more dangerous than motorcycling and they take a reasonable view of medical conditions which are under control.
I was put on to them when planning a trip around the Baltic. I didn't think my E111 would get me repatriated from Russia in the event of a disaster. :alas: I've kept it up since, although I have a feeling that everything will become more difficult next year when I hit 70 (years, not mph !).

[guest2360]

I have used Coverwise for a few years now.  They don't mind bikes and are happy with old gits.  Very reasonable prices.

[Our Gee]

Hello Bertie,

We have an annual policy with Navigator Travel Insurance. We both have existing medical "issues" so we have to undergo a "Health Check" as part of the original buying process and we are now in our 5th year of insurance. We have found that Navigator are great to deal with and do understand motorcyclist's requirements. Through experience we have found that all insurance companies are different, as are clients individual personal and health details so to recommend one company over another is not really practical. However, I would include Navigator in your search. Speak to Richard Would at Navigator Travel Insurance on 0161 9736435.
Regarding those who rely on the E.U. type cover and do not take out Travel Insurance I personally would not go down that route. A few weeks ago we where in Cyprus and a fellow hotel guest contracted Pneumonia which required 5 days in hospital. The ladies husband had to present his credit card before any treatment could begin, The final bill (put on his card) was over 3000 euros. Not worth the risk IMHO, especially when you take into consideration all of the extra possible events which a motorcycling holiday entails. For instance a few years back two good friends of ours where in the middle of a three week tour of France on their K1200LT when Tom became ill requiring hospitalisation. To cut a long story, short June was flown home, the bike was repatriated by a
specialist bike recovery company and Tom was flown home two weeks later. They dread to think what the bill would have been had they not had good Travel Insurance.