Travel Insurance Claim for existing medical condition.

[stormrogue]

I have recently been on a trip to Florida and had the misfortune of losing my medication (Insulin for type Diabetes) which I had declared and took out insurance covering my condition. Due to losing my Insulin I had to visit a hospital and see a doctor who would then provide me with a prescription for new insulin which I could then get from a pharmacy. Whilst at the hospital I called the number on my insurance form rgarding making a claim and passed on al relevant info to them. When I got back from the holiday I had a letter from the insurers claims settlement agency who have rejected my claim because as I lost my medication they say this then comes under valuables and not as a medical emergency. As I didnt have valuables covered they have rejected the claim. I have appealed twice back to them and both times they just refer to my medication is classified as valuables as per my policy ( this is news to me) and surely if this is the case then surely I should have had valuables on the policy I was sold. My last chance is going to the finacial ombudsman to see if I can get my claim paid. If they are correct then the policy I took out was not worth the paper it was printed on. As yet I have paid $100 (�70) deposit ($582 for consultation to get prescription) and $215 (�151) for my medication at the pharmacy and the hospital is now asking me for the remainder of the consultation charge. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[TopKat]

Keep on with your claim. As your diabetes was a declared medical condition and needing to get a new prescription for insulin was medical treatment, the insurance company should pay. In my opinion, they are just trying to avoid paying and the ombudsman will find in your favour. If I were you, I would write the insurance company a letter restating your claim and say that unless they refund your medical expenses in full within seven days, you will be taking your case to the ombudsman. The threat should get them to pay up and if it doesn't you should go ahead and refer your claim on. Insurance companies often try to fob claimants off with this kind of tactic. Don't let them get away with it. Hope this helps!

[stormrogue]

Thanks TopKat I have spoken to the the insurance company (Columbus Direct) and he found the part of the policy that the agency are using , obviously small print and under the section of valuables the very last item is prescribed medication. He did however agree with me that as they have a set list of questions that they run through when you enquire about pre existing medical conditions the one question missing from their list is that your medication is classed as valuables. he is going to passs on my complaint and gave me the address to send in and see what they say.

[bednobs]

from what you say you do not havea leg to stand on. On your copy of the papers, which you were able to read before you went ahead with the policy it clearly staes that the medication is not covered. Presumably you chose not to have valuables cover, and medication is listed is valuables in the policy. It was up to you to read it. If it is too small for you to read, you can ask for the papers in large print