Chelsea14Ian Posted March 22, 2023 Share Posted March 22, 2023 Marina and I have been thinking about a trip to Italy this Autumn and perhaps back to Berlin.The problem is I've had Cancer. I did some phoning today.One companyoffered for the both of us one £1.300 plus for two trips.I phoned the Macmillan help line.The chap I spoke with was very helpful and sent me lots of info. Okay I have a cocktail of conditions,but is thet any worse then we all face in life.Each year many people sadly drop dead without any pre existing medical conditions. I think my condition is no worse then anyone else.In fact my Cancer and other ills are under control. It would be great to get away after a few bad years,but I won't pack my bags yet! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HEM Posted March 22, 2023 Share Posted March 22, 2023 3 minutes ago, Chelsea14Ian said: I think my condition is no worse then anyone else. The trouble is that insurance companies don't think the same way as their customers. Although its no help I assume that pre-Brexit there would have been no problem - at least some level of cover would have been automatic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExSurveyor Posted March 22, 2023 Share Posted March 22, 2023 Agreements are in place for medical care in Europe, this is still not a replacement for travel insurance, the same as the pre Brexit scheme. Search GOV.UK Home Travel abroad Apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelsea14Ian Posted March 22, 2023 Author Share Posted March 22, 2023 Yes Macmillan told me about the card.Also I could perhaps get a fit to travel letter from Consultant . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAVIDH Posted March 22, 2023 Share Posted March 22, 2023 The problem with the GHIC card is that it offers free (mostly) medical treatment in state hospitals only. I'm sure the treatment is every bit as comprehensive as private ones, but they tend to be mostly in larger cities. For instance, a few years ago, my late wife and I were in Tenerife... Playa De Las Americas to be precise. She fell and broke her wrist. There was a hospital within walking distance, which we attended. Having called the insurance emergency number (as required), we were told that as an operation may be necessary to align the bones, we would need to relocate to the state hospital in the island capital - Santa Cruz... 47 miles away. In the end it wasn't necessary, but had it been something more serious, we would have had to find a hotel for me to stay in also due to the distance. Also, it doesn't provide pre-departure cover for cancellation, or indeed baggage loss etc. I would think carefully before travelling without insurance. Have to say though, that premium is scandalous. It's not easy, but shopping around should help lower that. Edited to add, not all travel insurance policies offer treatment in private hospitals. You would need to look into the conditions. The cheaper premiums will most likely have the state hospital provision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExSurveyor Posted March 22, 2023 Share Posted March 22, 2023 Some travel insurance policies will insist you use the GHIC scheme if you have one and then only pick up the tab for anything over and above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelsea14Ian Posted March 22, 2023 Author Share Posted March 22, 2023 As yet I've not checked all the info Macmillan sent me.I will,I fully understand it will cost me more then I've paid before. I won't pay silly money however. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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