Another kick in the teeth!

1 minute read time.

This morning our son in law rang, offering Peter a fantastic FREE trip to Germany, visiting a racing car workshop.  Staying the night then the following morning driving on a race track with one of their cars.  This to him, is the best thing that has happened since his diagnosis last year.  He has been walking around like a Cheshire cat. 

We had let our passports lapse but that was not a problem.  Phoned the Passport people and they told us how to get one within the next 2 weeks.  Problem solved.  Arranged to have our passport photos done with no effort at all.  I did all the right things, in the right order by phoning the Onc to ask his advice re insurance.  His secretary gave me a few places to contact and wished him Bon Voyage!   I then settled back to arrange said insurance.

I phoned, I begged, I cried, I threatened, in the end  I even lied!  

All Clear only do 2 nights. 

Free Spirit 4 nights.

Medi Travel Cover will not insure him while he is on chemo treatments and insist he has 2 clear weeks and 1 clear blood test. 

Saga, no,

Age Concern, no.  So I lied to the

Post Office (well I forgot to mention the big C) = £7 for one night. 

Beginning to think, he could cope with 1 night if he feels poorly?  What does anyone else think?  He is so disappointed.  This trip is just what the Doctor ordered so to speak.  I am not really cross with these Companies as I understand he will be on his 2nd week of chemo and his immune system is next to nothing.  But on the other hand.......the pleasure would have been a real high, which is what he needs right now.......he might never get the opportunity again!

Help!

Cherryl 

 

Anonymous
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Have you tried MIAonline.  We have used them twice and been very pleased with their service.

    My husband is currently having treatment for mesthelioma in Germany.  No insurance is available for "health tourism", so we have been traveling uninsured for up to three nights at a time, although we would have the clinic where he is being treated as a fall back.  In any case the cost of the insurance would probably be more that the price of low cost flights and a budget hotel.

    Do you have the health form which gives you the right to basic treatment in the EU?  That might help with peace of mind. I used to be more cautious, but  If the medics clear your husband to travel, I would go, but have contingency plans (some one to drive him home overland, or train and eurostar) if he isn't able to fly back.

    I do hope you make it.  My husband did an Aston Martin experience back in the summer.  It was fantastic to see him tansformed into a boy racer for the day!

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Maybe I am having a blond moment Cherryl  but when is the trip and has Peter had his second chemo, if not can chemo be postsponed for a few days so he can go while he is well...love carol x

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Thanks Daffie for your input.  Yes we do have the E111 and no I haven't tried MIAonline, will do so tomorrow though.  Peter would be travelling with our Son in law so I wouldn't be too worried.  Our daughter has just said that she would meet him from the train if the worse came to the worse and he couldn't fly.  I don't know why I'm so concerned cos he hasn't been too bad so far with the side effects.  How is your hubby at the moment?  We visited the Aston Martin factory in Newport Pagnall years ago.  They had an open day, which happens once every two years.  The proceeds were going to Cancer.  We had a really fab day there.  I remember most of all the people were so proud of their jobs!  They even keep a record of the name of the cow that was used to upholster the seats!!

    No, Carol, you are not having a blond moment.  Trouble is we don't want to mess up the dates, this is the last shot he has at any more chemo regimes cos the last type didn't work. It's his last attempt now since the bowel cancer has returned which is why they cannot operate on the liver mets.  Not sure yet of the date of the trip, was to be 19th November but because of the passport thing have put in for another date TBA.  

    Think he will give it a go and get just ordinary insurance for that short time.

    Am just about to read your new holiday adventure story Carol I am enjoying them.

    Cherryl

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Cherryl, I am so made up for Peter being offered the chance of this trip.

    Travel insurance is a nightmare.  When I finished treatment I planned on going on a 7 day cruise costing 399 pounds.  When I phoned round for quotes I was astounded to find that I was being quoted silly figures like 2.00 pounds plus.

    Eventually a lady I met having radiotherapy gave me the telephone number for a company called Able2Travel who insured me for 21.50 plus a small extra premium.  I don't remember how much the premium was, but I have used them again this year and the extra premium was 10 pounds.

    My big fear about not declaring the cancer is that if anything happened while away eg breaking a leg, the insurance company would not cover me as I had not told them the whole story and you know how insurance companies can use any get-out not to pay.

    I hope you manage to find something suitable for Peter and he has a great trip.

    Christine xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Cheryl.

    I dont really know very much about insurance (except they are robbing scumbags) but i personally dont think it a good idea to travel without declaring Peters position. Like Christine said if something unrelated happenede they probably wouldnt pay out. We have appealed against our insurance companies decision not to cover our mortgage payments as Ian has had cancer before, but we have got nowhere, they really do have you over a barrel.

    Keep trying the other insurance companies and i hope you have some luck but i am sure Peter would enjoy the trip much more with the peace of mind that he is insured.

    Let us know what happens, take care, Julie x