Travel Insurance

Upbeat strongly suggests that you consult with your GP before purchasing health insurance over the phone or via the internet.

The health declarations required by insurance companies are in extreme detail and require information on conditions and medications going back years. These details will all be checked if you later try to make a claim. Any omissions or mistakes you make can be used as grounds to refuse your claim. This is equally true for conditions other than heart disease.

The following list of insurance companies has been compiled from the feedback received from heart patients. You may find that the type and cost of the cover offered will vary depending on your individual condition and where you will be travelling to. When you contact the companies, you may be asked to call a medical screening number who will then give you a reference to quote back to the insurance company. It is always important to read any small print on any policy you are offered.

Upbeat does not endorse or work with any of the companies on this list. Upbeat does not recommend any of the companies on the list. There is no guarantee that the companies on the list will be able to offer insurance to every individual. Please note that companies may change their underwriters and this may affect the cover they are able to offer.

European Health Insurance Cards

It's important to have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when you're travelling in most European countries. The EHIC is not a substitute for insurance - ideally you should have both. The card can entitle UK citizens to free or reduced-cost medical treatment in those countries.

You can apply for an EHIC online, phone or using a form you can get from the Post Office.

• To apply online now Click Here.
• To apply by phone, call 0845 606 2030.
• To apply by post, get a form from your local post office. Send the completed form to EHIC Applications, PO Box 1114, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE99 2TL.

Your card will then be sent to you by the central agency that deals with the EHIC.

The EHIC is normally valid for three to five years and covers any medical treatment that becomes necessary during your trip, because of either illness or an accident. The card gives access to state-provided medical treatment only. This might not cover all the things you'd expect to get free of charge from the NHS in the UK. You may have to make a contribution to the cost of your care.

The EHIC also covers any treatment you need for a chronic disease or pre-existing illness. You need to make arrangements in advance for kidney dialysis and oxygen therapy. To arrange for kidney dialysis while you're away, contact your NHS renal unit in the UK before you travel. For limited information on oxygen supply services in the EEA countries and Switzerland, call the Department of Health's Customer Service Centre on 020 7210 4850.

The EHIC won't cover you if getting medical treatment is the main purpose of your trip. You are advised to take out comprehensive private insurance for visits to all countries, regardless of whether you are covered by your EHIC.

For further information contact the Department of Health, Customer Service Centre on 020 7210 4850, email dhmail@dh.gsi.gov.uk or go online at www.dh.gov.uk.

E112

An E112 may give you the option of undergoing medical or surgical treatment in other EU countries. In the booklet “Health Advice for Travellers” you will find information about how to apply for funding. Your consultant should write a letter explaining your condition and your need for treatment. The trust or health authority must confirm its agreement to fund the treatment. You will also need to have a completed a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Source - bhf

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