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Travel Insurance - definition of a terminal prognosis?

Markv
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I have stage 4 Prostate cancer but I'm currently in remission (since Aug 25). My prognosis is 4-5 years

Nationwide/Aviva travel insurance says the following under the "What is not covered" part of the policy document - "

"Any insured person booking a trip or travelling when they have received a terminal

prognosis"

They do not define what a terminal prognosis is despite the fact that their document is 50 pages long!

I had a look on Google AI and this is what I found 

"Aviva Nationwide FlexPlus travel insurance generally excludes coverage for trips booked or undertaken after receiving a terminal prognosis. A terminal prognosis is typically defined in this context as an incurable condition with a life expectancy of less than 12 months, or as advised by a medical professional"

I think it's irresponsible for them not to include a definition.

Has anyone investigated this?

  • Hi Mark

    Unless you get free or heavily discounted travel insurance with Nationwide give these a try.

    www.medicaltravelcompared.co.uk/

    www.allcleartravel.co.uk/

    https://www.insurancewith.com/

    Ed

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    Hi Mark,  I have stage 4 breast cancer.  My oncologist said it is not terminal as my life expectancy is longer than 12 months.  I used Insurancewith and they were very reasonable.

  • Hi Mark

    Im interested to know what the outcome was in your case with Aviva and life expectancy rule.

    Ed

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    Hi, 

    I’ve been down this path before. 

    The problem is that there is no formal definition of a terminal diagnosis. The nearest I’ve found is “death is imminent - expected within six weeks”. I wouldn’t trust AI for this task as it often hallucinates.


    I always answer NO to this question and expand on both my diagnosis and my prognosis later in the process. My stage 4 diagnosis was classed as incurable and my worst prognosis was before treatment at between 2 and 12 months. I unexpectedly survived, but I still need to disclose my cancer history, otherwise the insurance would be invalid. 

    My most recent travel insurance was with The Post Office. I found it through the medicaltravelcompared.co.uk comparison website. 

    Good luck!

    Dave

  • in reply to davek

    Hi Dave

    Thanks for the link to medical travel compared you cited several months ago, it is a very useful site. Ive been refused travel insurance recently and travelled with just the GHIC card and a fresh credit card. The Post Office and Admiral frequently have best quotes although they dont seem to advertise the fact that they quote for cancer and other illnesses. None will insure if the prognosis is less than 6 months. Like you my prognosis is incurable, plus I'm receiving palliative care (not end of life care). The words incurable and palliative care are to be avoided, and as no time scale has been given to me I can answer all details of treatment and health questions truthfully. I've found that speaking on the phone gets better results as the online forms are too generic and often cut short to early refusal. Good to see you still contributing to the forum. Hope you are getting on Ok, 

    Ed

  • in reply to leelaloo

    Hi Lee

    Saw your post and just wanted to say hello and hope you are doing well. Had my scans now awaiting results, you know the fun part. Are you still having the Denosumab for your bones? I have a problem of a gum infection and may have to temporarily discontinue it while a tooth is removed to lower risk of osteonecrosis of jaw, one of the possible side effects of Denosumab. When this episode has settled down were off for a break abroad, meanwhile a city break to Bath. Your Iceland trip and the visit to the Blue Lagoon must be getting near. 

    Ed

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