P&O LATERAL FLOW -BEFORE YOU GO

[davecttr]

The length they will go to to avoid paying are incredible. 

 

A number of years ago a family man took out a mortgage protection policy with a well known national insurance company. Some time later he had heart trouble and made a claim as he could not work. The claim was refused, why?

 

The claim was refused because his deceased father had an hereditary kidney problem

His father had never told him of this problem

The insurance company had searched his fathers medical records

etc etc

 

When the situation hit the local BBC television news the company backed down and paid the claim!

 

The insurance company no longer exists.

 

I used to joke that if while walking along the pavement in Funchal i was hit by a taxi which mounted the pavement because the cabbie had a heart attack the insurance would not pay

 

Maybe that is not a joke any more

[Megabear2]

27 minutes ago, davecttr said:

The length they will go to to avoid paying are incredible.

And the moral of the story is remember this and think like an underwriter when declaring.  No matter how small or irrelevant you think it is declare it. Why give them wriggle room?

[P&O SUE]

Like Megabear says it will be interesting to see if passengers will need to have the extra booster vaccine they’re offering for over 50’s this Autumn.

 

Regarding insurance I always have to declare my stent I had in 2018 obviously. It’s interesting the questions I have to answer about it as one is ‘have you 1 2 3 or 4’ and I only have one. Also I didn’t have a heart attack it was discovered before I got to that stage. I can tell from my answers I’m at the lower end of the risk if you see what I mean.

Annoys me a bit when I have to declare high cholesterol as it’s very low now and probably a lot lower than some people have and are walking around not knowing!  But at least it’s all declared so hopefully I’m fully covered.

[davecttr]

2 hours ago, Trevor Fountain said:

To be honest, all this is putting me off going away at all. I have tried to be honest in my declarations, but now I'm not sure.

I think if insurers need so much detail, then what they should be asking is for permission to view your medical records, and then decide if to insure you and at what costs.

It seems to me they are relying on people omitting something in order to not pay out.

I don't think they need your permission

[jeanlyon]

15 hours ago, Megabear2 said:

I'm afraid the insurers are not just interested in chronic illnesses or injuries. They want chapter and verse on any illness no matter how minor you have consulted a doctor or medical establishment on in a set number of years they define. This includes minor conditions which have been cleared up and will not return. Basically if you've talked about it to someone at the surgery or been prescribed medication for it, that's a pre existing condition. Silly things like ear infections if you are prescribed ear drops or antibiotics are declarable. Try thinking of a something like that and fo a mock quote. These conditions are there. You don't get charged for declaration of them as the premium won't alter but they are declarable, hence some companies wanting covid declared.

Sorry, I'm not with you there.  When you do the quote, it asks certain questions, like any heart, circulatory conditions, whether you have been in hospital in 2 years.  It certainly doesn't ask if you have seen a doctor in the last 2 years, because most of the world has.

 

I can't see where you would declare something trivial like an ear infection.  I have just done 2 quotes , one with Avanti and one with Free Spirit, and they were both exactly the same.  Also the quote for a friend with Staysure was identical.

[Trevor Fountain]

2 hours ago, davecttr said:

I don't think they need your permission

They do if there is no claim.

[Trevor Fountain]

4 hours ago, Fionboard said:

Spoke to P&O. Usual, and expected, response. "Nothing can be done about it. Prices go up and down. They never compensate for price reductions". Etc. Just have to soak it up. Would not mind if it was a matter of a few pounds, but this is practically half price, and it is my seventh cruise with them in 12 months. Hope it is a good one!

That's bad. Should be like cafe nero , buy 9 coffees get the 10th free.

Then again, you're still two cruises short. Better book another couple whilst their cheap, just in case.

[yorkshirephil]

2 hours ago, Fionboard said:

True. Price more important than cabin now though. It is a gamble isn't it?!

It is and has always been a gamble, you win some you lose some. We have had good deals over the years both booking at launch and booking late. Covid has thrown a curved ball and altered the dynamics. We went on a river cruise 6 weeks ago that was £800 pp cheaper a few weeks before we sailed, then a week later on a 3 week cruise that was over £1000 pp cheaper. Some ships/cruises are popular and fill up quickly so booking early may be your only chance. We booked Aurora for Greek isles next Oct and the web site shows only inside cabins available, that is one of the most expensive cruises we have ever booked on a cost per night basis, we booked early because we know it is a popular cruise on a nice ship.

[ShelaghL]

On 7/21/2022 at 10:25 AM, MX-Drew said:

I fear these maybe "old" T&Cs as these have been published for sometime but the big question is, will P&O update them when they hope this subject has been forgotten?

This was copied from just underneath the new guidance on testing, so FCC is still in place.

[Megabear2]

3 hours ago, jeanlyon said:

Sorry, I'm not with you there.  When you do the quote, it asks certain questions, like any heart, circulatory conditions, whether you have been in hospital in 2 years.  It certainly doesn't ask if you have seen a doctor in the last 2 years, because most of the world has.

 

I can't see where you would declare something trivial like an ear infection.  I have just done 2 quotes , one with Avanti and one with Free Spirit, and they were both exactly the same.  Also the quote for a friend with Staysure was identical.

This is from Staysure online quote page:

 

Quote

For each traveller named on this policy, please select Yes if they:

1. have, in the last two years, suffered from any medical or psychological conditions and for which they've received treatment, been prescribed medication, attended any consultations, investigations or check-ups.
2. have ever suffered from or received treatment, investigations or tests for:
   • heart attack, angina, chest pain(s) or any other heart condition
   • high blood pressure, blood clots, raised cholesterol, aneurysm or any circulatory disease
   • any form of stroke, transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke) or brain haemorrhage.

Section a is the relevant part for minor problems.  You will see it refers to treatment, medication, consultations, investigations and check ups.  This is the catch all for my ear infection example. If you click you have pre existing conditions you will find very minor illnesses etc there.  For example you might have had antibiotics prescribed for the ear infection by a nurse over the phone. It will be declarable as it's on your medical record.  That is therefore an existing condition for the underwriter if it's in Staysure's two year area.

 

Ludicrous as it is ear wax will come up, colds, ingrown toenails etc.  They are there with no questions as they clearly aren't relevant for much but if they are on your recordd - say you had a cold that didn't clear up and you mentioned it in passing - the underwriter will look at it in the event of a claim.

 

Cheaper policies such as Staysure and Avanti (same owners, same rules) do not publish a list of automatically included minor illnesses so they are declarable.  Bigger companies like AXA, LV, Prudential etc publish a list at the quote point.  They cost more but don't pass the buck back to the customer and generally as a rule the insured person gets a quicker and easier resolution to their claim as the records are not inspected in minute detail for missed declarations.

[ShelaghL]

15 minutes ago, Megabear2 said:

This is from Staysure online quote page:

 

Quote

For each traveller named on this policy, please select Yes if they:

1. have, in the last two years, suffered from any medical or psychological conditions and for which they've received treatment, been prescribed medication, attended any consultations, investigations or check-ups.
2. have ever suffered from or received treatment, investigations or tests for:
   • heart attack, angina, chest pain(s) or any other heart condition
   • high blood pressure, blood clots, raised cholesterol, aneurysm or any circulatory disease
   • any form of stroke, transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke) or brain haemorrhage.

Section a is the relevant part for minor problems.  You will see it refers to treatment, medication, consultations, investigations and check ups.  This is the catch all for my ear infection example. If you click you have pre existing conditions you will find very minor illnesses etc there.  For example you might have had antibiotics prescribed for the ear infection by a nurse over the phone. It will be declarable as it's on your medical record.  That is therefore an existing condition for the underwriter if it's in Staysure's two year area.

 

Ludicrous as it is ear wax will come up, colds, ingrown toenails etc.  They are there with no questions as they clearly aren't relevant for much but if they are on your recordd - say you had a cold that didn't clear up and you mentioned it in passing - the underwriter will look at it in the event of a claim.

 

Cheaper policies such as Staysure and Avanti (same owners, same rules) do not publish a list of automatically included minor illnesses so they are declarable.  Bigger companies like AXA, LV, Prudential etc publish a list at the quote point.  They cost more but don't pass the buck back to the customer and generally as a rule the insured person gets a quicker and easier resolution to their claim as the records are not inspected in minute detail for missed declarations.

Oh dear - you say Avanti is a cheap policy?  We are now paying around £1000 with Avanti.  My husband had a knee replacement last year - didn't affect the price of the policy.  When I renewed, he was waiting for the second knee replacement -- didn't affect the price of the policy.  When I phoned to tell them he'd had the second op, policy increased by a third.  I was going to shop around when we have to renew next year, but maybe I won't given your comment!

[jeanlyon]

18 minutes ago, Megabear2 said:

This is from Staysure online quote page:

 

Quote

For each traveller named on this policy, please select Yes if they:

1. have, in the last two years, suffered from any medical or psychological conditions and for which they've received treatment, been prescribed medication, attended any consultations, investigations or check-ups.
2. have ever suffered from or received treatment, investigations or tests for:
   • heart attack, angina, chest pain(s) or any other heart condition
   • high blood pressure, blood clots, raised cholesterol, aneurysm or any circulatory disease
   • any form of stroke, transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke) or brain haemorrhage.

Section a is the relevant part for minor problems.  You will see it refers to treatment, medication, consultations, investigations and check ups.  This is the catch all for my ear infection example. If you click you have pre existing conditions you will find very minor illnesses etc there.  For example you might have had antibiotics prescribed for the ear infection by a nurse over the phone. It will be declarable as it's on your medical record.  That is therefore an existing condition for the underwriter if it's in Staysure's two year area.

 

Ludicrous as it is ear wax will come up, colds, ingrown toenails etc.  They are there with no questions as they clearly aren't relevant for much but if they are on your recordd - say you had a cold that didn't clear up and you mentioned it in passing - the underwriter will look at it in the event of a claim.

 

Cheaper policies such as Staysure and Avanti (same owners, same rules) do not publish a list of automatically included minor illnesses so they are declarable.  Bigger companies like AXA, LV, Prudential etc publish a list at the quote point.  They cost more but don't pass the buck back to the customer and generally as a rule the insured person gets a quicker and easier resolution to their claim as the records are not inspected in minute detail for missed declarations.

Well I see what you mean.  It would never have occurred to me that any medical treatment, like earrache would have to be declared, but when you put in a condition, say "labrynthitis", it says, there are no questions for this condition.  Also, after my husband's visit to A&E they have discharged him back to the doctor for blood pressure which he is already taking meds for, so I don't know how to declare the hospital visit as they found nothing.

[jeanlyon]

1 minute ago, ShelaghL said:

Oh dear - you say Avanti is a cheap policy?  We are now paying around £1000 with Avanti.  My husband had a knee replacement last year - didn't affect the price of the policy.  When I renewed, he was waiting for the second knee replacement -- didn't affect the price of the policy.  When I phoned to tell them he'd had the second op, policy increased by a third.  I was going to shop around when we have to renew next year, but maybe I won't given your comment!

Interesting my quote from Avanti was £630 for both of us.  Both of us have 2 conditions each.  Mind you that is Europe only annual.

[Trevor Fountain]

1 minute ago, ShelaghL said:

Oh dear - you say Avanti is a cheap policy?  We are now paying around £1000 with Avanti.  My husband had a knee replacement last year - didn't affect the price of the policy.  When I renewed, he was waiting for the second knee replacement -- didn't affect the price of the policy.  When I phoned to tell them he'd had the second op, policy increased by a third.  I was going to shop around when we have to renew next year, but maybe I won't given your comment!

Didn't you tell the your DH's replacement knees are under warranty for 5 years?

[Megabear2]

4 minutes ago, ShelaghL said:

Oh dear - you say Avanti is a cheap policy?  We are now paying around £1000 with Avanti.  My husband had a knee replacement last year - didn't affect the price of the policy.  When I renewed, he was waiting for the second knee replacement -- didn't affect the price of the policy.  When I phoned to tell them he'd had the second op, policy increased by a third.  I was going to shop around when we have to renew next year, but maybe I won't given your comment!

Avanti is "cheap" given the extent of its cover.  The question is really do you need those sums of cover?  Staysure is the sister company, they use identical underwriters and the policies are identical apart from the cover limits and excess.  By cheap I'm referring to the underwriting not the name on the policy.

 

You may well find much better deals, certainly check.  However a word of caution look at the underwriters and emergency response teams, they're often the same.

[ShelaghL]

5 minutes ago, Megabear2 said:

I find that shocking! I'm in your next door county and am tested regularly, as I say full blood tests quarterly. I also have a personal health adviser I meet every four weeks outside of a medical environment, a free one year gym/swimming membership and an NHS diabetes prevention course attended over 18 monthly sessions to support healthy living. My friend has full blown diabetes and although there is no specialist nurse at the surgery he receives 6 monthly feet and eye check ups regularly.  It would appear therefore to be an NHS county decision rather than nationally.

Thanks Megabear2, you're probably right about it being more local.  I've never had the care you talk about though.  Never had a personal health adviser, though did go to the diabetes prevention course when I was first diagnosed.  Only ever had an annual check up which also has to cover my heart condition - I had a stent 12 years ago and a TIA 16 years ago. I've lived in Hampshire as well as Dorset and it was the same in Hampshire.

[Megabear2]

9 minutes ago, jeanlyon said:

Well I see what you mean.  It would never have occurred to me that any medical treatment, like earrache would have to be declared, but when you put in a condition, say "labrynthitis", it says, there are no questions for this condition.  Also, after my husband's visit to A&E they have discharged him back to the doctor for blood pressure which he is already taking meds for, so I don't know how to declare the hospital visit as they found nothing.

If the blood pressure is already declared then it will be covered.  However if he is waiting for more tests he will not at this point be insurable with most companies.  Once all tests are complete you just declare the condition of blood pressure, however if at any point his medication changes you need to redeclare that otherwise you have an error on the declarations.  It's one of the most common get outs.

 

In your case declare both things that were diagnosed on that hospital visit and you can do no more. Any doubts call them, record the name of person, date and time and what was said and keep it with the policy.

[Megabear2]

39 minutes ago, jeanlyon said:

Interesting my quote from Avanti was £630 for both of us.  Both of us have 2 conditions each.  Mind you that is Europe only annual.

Age will also play a part. Over 70 the number of companies quoting force up the price.  My husband is with Avanti. He is 65 with multiple illnesses including myocardial bridging from birth, fibromyalgia, ME and depression. Worldwide annual cover was £667.  We had quotes as high as £3,000 so choice is very limited for him by the myocardial situation. Post Office who I chose was £980 for him alone but if I'd chosen a joint policy the cost was £200 more than two individual one. Makes no sense at all.

Edited July 22, 2022 by Megabear2

[terrierjohn]

49 minutes ago, Megabear2 said:

Avanti is "cheap" given the extent of its cover.  The question is really do you need those sums of cover?  Staysure is the sister company, they use identical underwriters and the policies are identical apart from the cover limits and excess.  By cheap I'm referring to the underwriting not the name on the policy.

 

You may well find much better deals, certainly check.  However a word of caution look at the underwriters and emergency response teams, they're often the same.

Staysure's emergency team seems to be in house, if I am reading the policy correctly.

[Megabear2]

4 hours ago, terrierjohn said:

Staysure's emergency team seems to be in house, if I am reading the policy correctly.

Staysure have a new third party emergency team recently appointed.  Recent reviews of Davies & Co (the new third party) are pretty dire on Trustpilot.

 

Example from a few days ago here:

 

https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.staysure.co.uk?stars=1

 

Remember these are claims not sales which score highly.

Edited July 22, 2022 by Megabear2

[Trevor Fountain]

15 minutes ago, Megabear2 said:

Staysure have a new third party emergency team recently appointed.  Recent reviews of Davies & Co (the new third party) are pretty dire on Trustpilot.

 

Example from a few days ago here:

 

https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.staysure.co.uk?stars=1

 

Remember these are claims not sales which score highly.

2% OF 200,000+ is hardly representative. Could you point us to an insurer on Trustpilot with lots of 5 stars for claims?

[terrierjohn]

1 hour ago, Megabear2 said:

Staysure have a new third party emergency team recently appointed.  Recent reviews of Davies & Co (the new third party) are pretty dire on Trustpilot.

 

Example from a few days ago here:

 

https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.staysure.co.uk?stars=1

 

Remember these are claims not sales which score highly.

My policy still has the phone number for staysure as the emergency contact. Does that mean it's only new policies that Davirs & co applies to?

Incidentally it was useful to check out my policy on the website, it confirmed that I had added a recent declareable hospital incident, which I had begun to worry that I had not declared it.🤔

[Billish]

1 hour ago, Trevor Fountain said:

2% OF 200,000+ is hardly representative. Could you point us to an insurer on Trustpilot with lots of 5 stars for claims?

I think that is a good point. People will always leave reviews about bad outcomes,  but never about when the process goes smoothly.

Trustpilot is useless if you want a balanced viewpoint.  (And, to be fair,  I'm not sure that there are any review sites  that  I would trust )

 

[Megabear2]

8 hours ago, Trevor Fountain said:

2% OF 200,000+ is hardly representative. Could you point us to an insurer on Trustpilot with lots of 5 stars for claims?

I doubt there is one as they are all equally difficult to deal with. I'm not saying that anyone is good or bad and was merely pointing out they now use a third party to handle claims.

 

As I have said many times I'm not saying anyone is good or bad or what people should do.  

 

Incidentally I was not using Trustpilot for anything other than a source on whether Staysure is still handling claims in-house as I had a vague recollection there was a change.  I'd ask you all not to shoot the messenger please, I've no axe to grind with anyone.  If this is going to descend to attacks on me then I'll simply step back.  I try to be helpful that's all.

 

TERRIERJOHN:

Re your policy. If a policy has a major change you are normally advised, probably by email.  Rarely policies keep the same terms so it would be a good idea to have a chat or call with them.  

 

Incidentally I was unaware of the change previously and my husband is with the sister company. When I'm back home I will check the matter with Avanti too.

 

 

Edited July 23, 2022 by Megabear2

[Megabear2]

5 hours ago, terrierjohn said:

Trustpilot gave Avro Energy a 5 star rating, but that was mainly because it only measured how well it signed up new customers, not how badly it treated existing customers.

And that's exactly why I put the caveat on my original post to only look at the claims comments.   The point I was making was that there are thousands of 5* comments on sales but you should consider claims comments if looking at underwriter behaviour.  Very good companies make changes that unfortunately impact on the customer - anyone like Indian call centres for instance?

Edited July 23, 2022 by Megabear2