MSE News
New rules set to help travellers with medical conditions access insurance
Travel insurance firms may have to direct customers with medical conditions to providers that can cover them, under new rules proposed by the financial regulator.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) estimates that up to 14.1 million consumers with pre-existing medical conditions look to buy travel insurance every year. It says that 0.7% of these consumers are denied cover, and 11% buy a policy that excludes their condition.
Some travellers are also cancelling trips or paying over the odds for their policies, according to the FCA, and it wants consumers to be offered a directory of providers that cover those with existing medical conditions.
It also wants to improve understanding of travel insurance for those with medical conditions, including the implications of travelling with exclusions and the cost of medical care in different countries.
See our Travel insurance for those with pre-existing conditions guide for more info on how to find affordable cover.
What are the proposals?
Under the proposed rules, firms will need to point consumers to a directory of travel insurance providers that are able to offer cover to those with more serious existing medical conditions.
Firms would need to direct consumers in the following situations:
- When a consumer is refused or not offered cover, or their cover is cancelled during their insurance term, as a result of an existing condition.
- When a consumer is offered cover that excludes their condition, and the exclusion can't be removed.
- When a consumer is offered cover that has an extra charge due to their condition, on top of their premium.
The FCA will consult on these proposals until Sunday 15 September.
Tip Email
FREE Weekly MoneySaving email
For all the latest deals, guides and loopholes simply sign up today - it’s spam free!
Join the MSE Forum discussion
Related Articles
-
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland pay out £13.6m in compensation over misleading home insurance renewal letters
9 July 2021![]()
About 350,000 Halifax, Lloyds and Bank of Scotland home insurance customers who had a policy between 2009 and 2017 have been paid an average of £38 each in compensation -
Car insurance premiums expected to fall by up to £35/yr as whiplash reforms take force
1 June 2021![]()
Drivers could save up to £35 a year on their car insurance, the Ministry of Justice has said, as major reforms to the claims process for whiplash injury come into effect this week. -
Cheapest car insurance prices since 2014 - many can save large NOW even if not at renewal
10 May 2021![]()
In a rare bit of good news, car insurance is at a seven-year low at an average £420/yr (£160 less than at its height). Part of the drop, according to the source, MoneySupermarket, is that fewer people driving in lockdown has meant fewer claims. -
Started driving to work during the pandemic and not updated your insurance? You may need to tell your insurer TODAY
30 April 2021![]()
A temporary extension of cover organised by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) trade body ends at 11.59pm tonight, and if you don't have the correct insurance in place you could be fined and left unable to claim.
22 September 2021
-
Martin's energy crisis emergency help
His nine latest need-to-knows
-
Best balance transfer deals in 2yrs+
Get up to 31mths 0%
-
How to thrive on a student budget
As the new academic year starts
-
£100+ off via grocery codes
Incl £10 off Sainsbury's
-
Ending. Covid self-employment grant
Last chance to apply
-
50+ beauty lookalikes
Eg, £14 No7 powder vs £35 Charlotte Tilbury
-
Top easy access savings 0.6%
Min £1,000
-
Read the full email
For all the latest deals, guides and loopholes simply sign up today - it’s spam free!
-
Martin Lewis: Take weekly screen grabs of your online energy account in case your supplier goes bust
28 September 2021![]()
In the first episode of a new series of his live ITV show, MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis has urged households across the country to take a screenshot of their energy account incase their provider goes bust. In the past couple of weeks alone, five energy providers have gone bust with households expecting a significant rise in energy bills this winter. -
TalkTalk launches free broadband for six months for jobseekers – here's how to sign up
28 September 2021![]()
Jobseekers may be able to get six months' worth of free broadband from TalkTalk under a new partnership with the Government and Jobcentre Plus. -
Coronavirus Self-Employed & Small Limited Company Help
28 September 2021![]()
If you're worried about work during the coronavirus crisis, this guide looks at your rights if you're self employed, including what help's there for limited company directors. -
Martin: Student loan costs may rise £400/yr
27 September 2021![]()
Martin Lewis has AGAIN warned the Government against possible retrospective changes to the terms and conditions of existing student loan contracts. In a new video, the MoneySavingExpert.com founder responds to reports of a possible shake-up to student loans, which could see the earnings threshold you start repaying at cut, costing many £400/yr more. -
Avro Energy and Green cease trading – here's what it means for your gas and electricity
27 September 2021![]()
Energy suppliers Avro Energy and Green have become the latest firms to cease trading, affecting more than 800,000 households. If you're with either firm, your energy supply will continue and credit balances are protected. But DON'T switch now – sit tight and wait until your new supplier has contacted you.
-
Five things EVERYONE should know about student finance
21 September 2021![]()
There are more myths and misunderstandings about student finance than any other subject. So in this blog is my updated 2021/22 version of the must knows, with links to far more info. -
Is it time to ban Christmas presents?
14 September 2021![]()
Update September 2017: It’s eight years since I first braved this subject, expecting a snowstorm of protest. Instead, year after year more join in, like Julia who recently tweeted me, “@MartinSLewis, finally took your advice and told my family I can’t afford Christmas presents. What a weight off my mind. Thank you.” One year even the Archbishop of...
Clever ways to calculate your finances
Have your say
This is an open discussion and the comments do not represent the views of MSE. We want everyone to enjoy using our site but spam, bullying and offensive comments will not be tolerated. Posts may be deleted and repeat offenders blocked at our discretion. Please contact fbteam@moneysavingexpert.com if you wish to report any comments.