Hi all,
We have modified our Existing Medical Condition coverage during 2012 but we feel that this is to try and provide a much fairer medical assessment process across the broad range of medical conditions that the general community may have. Previously we used a generic form that tried to capture information about hundreds of conditions on this one form. Now we are able to provide an online assessment that actually asks specific questions in relation to that specific medical condition and get a much greater level of detail about that condition. We believe this actually provides a better assessment on risk and provides more coverage for a lot of conditions, although there are certainly going to be circusmtances where some conditions we may not be able to cover as often (this is subject to each persons specific circumstances). It is also important to note that destination of travel also plays a part in the assessment and someone travelling to New Zealand (where there is a recipricol health agreement) for example may get a different answer on coverage when travelling to the USA (where medical costs are obviously much higher). So each journey is actually assessed on risk seperately, where risk is usually seen as 'insurance risk' (ie, large claims costs risk).
In regards to breast cancer specifically, we have not changed what we cover automatically free of charge which is: "Breast / Prostate / Kidney / Bowel / Colon Cancer – If You were diagnosed over 6 months ago, have not had any chemotherapy or radiotherapy in the last 6 months, Your cancer has not spread beyond the primary site at any time and Your journey is less than 6 months. In respect of prostate cancer You must also have a PSA of 10 or less."
Whilst we try and deal with the 'insurance company'' perception as best we can, I can assure you we do try and be fair and reasonable with all assessments whilst still trying to be able provide an affordable high quality product to the general public.
I hope this clarifies a little that each assessment for each journey takes into account the information (including destination of travel) at that tiem and your assessment outcome may change on future assessments. We recommend to all customers to research their options when assessing the travel isurance coverage to find a policy that suits their individual needs.
If any questions though, please do not hesitate to call our Customer Service team on 1300 72 88 22.
Kind Regards, Cover-More Travel Insurance