Insurance

This information answers your questions about life and travel insurance.

When applying for both life and travel insurance you should declare you have coeliac disease.

Life insurance

Will I be able to get life insurance with coeliac disease?

If you are otherwise healthy there should be no difficulty. Coeliac disease is not a problem in itself and companies will give cover at standard rates.

How will they look at me? I was only diagnosed 3 months ago but feel fine now.

It depends on the insurance company. You may find that you have to pay a slightly increased rate for the first few years because there is more risk of other problems in the early stages and they need to know that the disease is firmly under dietary control.

Will I have to pay for the doctor's report?

No. Although most GPs will make a charge for producing a report this cost should be covered by the insurance company.

Do all companies have the same approach to coeliac disease?

No. They vary quite considerably, especially if there are other problems. You should always shop around or get an IFA (independent financial adviser) to do it for you

I've had life cover for years but coeliac disease has just been diagnosed - should I tell the company?

No. Absolutely no need. Once the policy is in force the company cannot change the terms whatever health problems you might have. The important thing is to answer all their questions as fully as possible at the start. If you don't, there is always a risk they may not meet any claim.

Travel Insurance

Why wouldn't my company cover me at all when I mentioned I have coeliac disease?

I suspect that part of the problem is that often you deal just with a telephone sales person who may not understand the condition.
The key points to get across are:

It is caused by intolerance to gluten in products containing wheat, barley or rye
It is treated by a gluten-free diet - not medication. My health is fine if I stick rigidly to the diet.
If I do eat gluten I am temporarily ill but don't need medical attention
I do not go into anaphylactic shock from eating gluten.

My travel insurance came free with my credit card account. Will I be covered?

You need to read the small print very carefully. The same applies if you've bought it from a travel agent. These policies can be quite basic.

I explained how it was not really a problem but they still wanted a huge premium. What do I do now?

You need to speak to an insurance broker who can sell you comprehensive travel cover.

Is there anything else you think I ought to know?

Don't forget the EU Health Insurance Card which has replaced the E111 form. This will cover a lot of the cost of medical treatment in EU countries - but you will still need proper insurance as well.

You can find an independent financial adviser from IFA Promotions on 0800 085 3250 or contact IFA Promotions.