Travel Insurance and Epilepsy

[Madabouttigger]

I hope one of you can give me some much needed advice. We have been planning our Florida Trip for about 2 years now.

My nice who is in her early 20's is coming with us and is so excited shes fit to burst.

About 6 months ago she was rushed into hospital for emergency brain surgery to drain a Cerebral Cyst, after the operation she had several Epileptic fits. They put her on anti epilepsy medication briefly but then started to wean her off it.

She returned to work and has been fine upto Christmas. On New Years Eve she collapsed and had several fits again. She has now been diagnosed Epileptic and is back on her medication. She is fine and back in full time work.

She has just tried to sort out her Travel Insurance and found none of the companies will touch her until she has been fit free for 12 months, they are also unhappy regarding the cyst.

Can anyone point me in the direction of an insurance company that would help us out?

We understand that she will have to avoide strobe lighting and be careful of the rides she goes on, but she is desperate to take this holiday. It has been her main goal althrough this period of illness.

Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks [msnsad]

Diane.

[ALR]

I can't speak for epilepsy but I have an ongoing serious medical condition and I've also got a history of a life threatening illness. I've found that Norwich Union provided me with the most substantial cover for the best value fee.

I also inform the airline of the our medical conditions prior to flying. I've always found Virgin Atlantic very helpful with this.

ALR

[steph_goodrum]

My sister had her 2 sons (18 and 21) at the time covered in 2003 for their epilepsy, the eldest had at the time been seizure free for 2 years the youngest was having trouble with the seizures being poorly controlled, and having them frequently, however this was to Greece.

The youngest came to Florida with us a couple of years before , I'm not sure who she used then or if she would even remember, bu tknow he was covered.

He had no trouble with the rides as there are two main types of epilepsy and each of them had different kinds.

The National Epilepsy society may well be able to advise you of any other insurers.

[Madabouttigger]

Thanks for your replys, we have emailed the Epilepsy Society and waiting for a reply. Appreciate all your help.

Diane.

[mizzy]

Hi Diane

i have uncontrolled focal epilepsy and have spent the last 18 months trying to get the seizures under control (sounds like your neice has the same type as it is commonly caused by scarring on the brain) stress is also often a trigger for repeat seizures

the other type is called photosensitive epilepsy and is commonly caused by flashing lights

disney offer a guide book detailing attractions that are unsuitable (pop into city hall for one)

we went to florida in march 05 and we used a insurance company called floyd direct and they were ok about the epilepsy and reasonably priced

i could look up the details for you dm me if you want the website

you can also get an epilepsy warning card from the consultant or epilepsy nurse to carry with you at all times which is filled in with your diagnosis, medication and what to do in an emergency

Mizzy

[Madabouttigger]

Mizzy - thanks for the information - have DM'd you. Diane.

[coinneach]

You could try, www.travel-insurance-web.com
My wife has had recent cancer surgery and we had been quoted in excess of £1000 by some companies, tiw quoted £121. I also read on another forum of a couple who had to make a claim with tiw and it was settled within a month.
Best of luck.

[blott]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by coinneach
You could try, www.travel-insurance-web.com
My wife has had recent cancer surgery and we had been quoted in excess of £1000 by some companies, tiw quoted £121. I also read on another forum of a couple who had to make a claim with tiw and it was settled within a month.
Best of luck.[/quote]That's interesting because this page of their website says they don't cover people with pre-existing medical conditions and recommend another company. http://www.travel-insurance-web.com/...-condition.cfm

May be you should double check your wife's insurance cover to be on the safe side?

[mizzy]

Hi Diane

changes have taken place since my last trip i will dm you floyds direct website and a tel number for a medical screening which would need to be completed before they can arrange any insurance

good luck Mizzy

[Madabouttigger]

Thank - you all for the responses give, we are following each one up and will let you know the outcome. It's nice to have you guys around when help is needed.

[msnwink]

Diane.