Hi Ladies, 
(I assume you all read this post hence I have not replied to separately )
Thank you for your responses. So far I have only two companies that will cover my wife.  Columbus and insureandgo.  The first is the cheapest at $930 the other is $1300.  Covermore won't cover, but will check this out.  Apparently they changed hands in Jan 2014 and now take a much harder line. Disappointingly Seniors would not cover neither.  Also tried Needabroker who were helpless.  I would risk not covering however going to States I have heard of to many horror stories plus insurance companies will look for any excuse not to pay. I would never forgive myself if anything happened and my wife could not get treated because we were not insured.
Cheers