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How to get affordable travel insurance if you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma

Insurance quotes can be expensive if you have any medical problems

Conditions such as asthma can result in higher travel insurance bills

TRAVEL insurance can be a steep addition to any holiday especially if you have any pre-existing medical problems.

Reader Robert Cooksey emailed after trying to find the best deal when booking his medical insurance.

 Conditions such as asthma can result in higher travel insurance bills
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Conditions such as asthma can result in higher travel insurance billsCredit: Getty - Contributor

Q: Two years ago I was diagnosed with asthma, I’ve been asked to go to Las Vegas but all travel insurance quotes are over £1000.

I think this is because at Xmas I needed oxygen as I took ibuprofen and had a bad reaction. Do you know a company I can try?

A: You are not alone Robert. Research from The King’s Fund has found people across the UK are living with at least one long-term health condition.

At least eight million people in the UK were diagnosed with asthma in 2017 alone and one in five Brits will suffer from it.

And travelling to the United States, it is ESSENTIAL to have comprehensive, good-quality cover as access to healthcare should something go wrong is cripplingly expensive.

Before you start to look for insurance have a chat with your GP and make a note of all your medical conditions over the past few years and medication you are taking so you can give comprehensive information and reduce the risk of having your insurance invalidated if something goes wrong.

 Healthcare in the US can be extremely expensive without travel insurance
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Healthcare in the US can be extremely expensive without travel insuranceCredit: Getty - Contributor

You must always declare everything - not doing so to save money will only end in disaster.

specialise in providing travel insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions and provide cover for more than 1,300 medical conditions.

You can either fill in a relatively easy form online or chat to them direct to discuss a range of premium prices.

NHS expert explains symptoms of Asthma and various inhaler techniques

Sarah Townsend from Enable Travel Insurance Services, commented: "Finding travel insurance when you have a pre-existing medical condition can be challenging – there is often a lot of intrusive questions asked, lengthy forms, and premiums can be high."

The company have also produced a guide on travelling with a pre-existing condition that offers advice, guidance and tips. See  or call 0800 612 3743.

is another broker that can compare the prices of 61 different companies to provide you with a range of quotes. You can call them on 0808 281 2155 or visit .

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Need help with tricky travel dilemma? In Travel Challenge, we aim to solve your problems.

Send holiday hang-ups to [email protected].

Other insurance concerns which have left Brits stumped are regarding Brexit delays and cancellations if there is No Deal.

Some insurance firms offer Brexit trip disruption cover to protect you from any travel problems.

You might be able to save on insurance with your bank account as well.

 

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