Frequently Asked Questions

Who underwrites your travel insurance policies?

We are proud to have AXA Insurance UK plc, a long standing and reputable insurer, underwriting our travel insurance policies. In cases where we are unable to offer cover on our own scheme, we may look to alternative insurers and their underwriters in order to obtain a quote on your behalf.

Who is eligible to buy Freedom's Travel Insurance?

Our policies are available to you if you are permanently resident in the United Kingdom and registered with a medical practitioner in the United Kingdom.

Do you cover people for travel insurance over 75 years old?

Yes! We cover up to the age of 85 years for single trip insurance and 75 years for Annual Multi-Trip Insurance.

What is classed as a pre-existing medical condition?

This varies from insurer to insurer, but Freedom's definition is:

1. Any respiratory condition (relating to the lungs or breathing), heart condition, stroke, or cancer for which you have ever received treatment (including surgery, tests or investigations by your doctor or a consultant/specialist and prescribed drugs or medication).
2. Any medical condition for which you have received surgery, in-patient treatment or investigations in a hospital or clinic within the last twelve months.
3. Any medical condition for which you are taking prescribed drugs or medication.

Why Cover Pre-Existing Medical Conditions?

Should your existing medical conditions, directly or indirectly disrupt your holiday plans, maybe causing you to cancel or possibly resulting in emergency medical treatment abroad, provided you have told us about your medical conditions and cover has been agreed, you will be able to recover your out of pocket expenses.

Can I be covered for someone else's medical condition?

Yes, if you are travelling together and insured on the same specialist policy. We do not offer cover for cancellation or curtailment of a holiday if it's in relation to a known illness of a non-travelling relative or friend.

I am waiting for my condition to be diagnosed; can I still get travel insurance?

Freedom is unable to offer cover for undiagnosed medical conditions. However, we may be able to look at travel insurance options that exclude cover for anything related to the condition for which you are being investigated. Call and speak to a member of Freedom's team on 01223 446 914

Do I need a fit to travel letter from my doctor?

We do not ask for doctors' letters in order to issue cover. Medical claims will be referred back to your doctor so it is important that you answer our medical declaration honestly. Also, to travel against doctors advice (or would have done so had you sought his/ her advice) will invalidate your policy.

My medical condition is controlled by medication; do I still need to declare it?

Yes, even if your condition is controlled it's still important to tell us, failing to do so could invalidate your policy. Also, should your medication be lost or stolen, you will be entitled to claim.

Do you need to know the names of the medication I take?

We do not need the names of the medication or the dosage. What we do need to know is the names of the diagnosed medical conditions for which you are prescribed medication. If you are unsure of this please consult your doctor.

Do I need to tell you if I have a change in medication?

You must inform us if you are expecting any changes in medication prior to taking out holiday insurance. However, any change in medication once you have purchased Freedom's travel insurance will not affect your policy and you are not required to inform us.

My treatment is due to finish soon, should I wait before applying for travel insurance?

It all depends when you need the cover to start? Applying for travel insurance once you have finished treatment, in some circumstance, could reduce the premium and make the cover easier to obtain. However, if you need the cover to start whilst you are still receiving treatment because you have a holiday booked and need cover for cancellation, you will need to declare the treatment and we will quote accordingly.

I am going to have an operation when I get back from holiday, can I still get cover?

Generally, Freedom is unable to offer cover for people on a waiting list for surgery but there are exceptions to the rule. Talk to one of Freedom's Travel Insurance Advisers, it may be that we can find you a policy that excludes cover for the medical condition relating to the pending surgery.

What if I loose my medication on holiday?

Freedom's policies cover up to £200 for the replacement of your lost, stolen or damaged medication.

I've Got an EHIC (European National Insurance Card) do I still need travel insurance?

Although the EHIC entitles UK residents to free or reduced cost treatment whilst on holiday in countries within the EU, it does not cover all medical treatments, costs to get you home, or to cancel and for this reason, you should not rely on the EHIC alone and protect yourself with adequate travel insurance.

I need to cancel my holiday, how do I claim my money back?

You will require a claims form which you can obtain by calling our Claims Line on 0845 271 4478. If you are cancelling on medical grounds, you will be asked to get a statement and signature from your doctor. Providing the cancellation of your trip is unavoidable (terms and conditions apply) We will pay you up to £3,000 for any irrecoverable unused travel and accommodation costs (including excursions up to £250) and other paid charges which you have paid or are contracted to pay.

How do I claim for emergency hospital treatment abroad?

If you are admitted to hospital/ clinic while abroad, the Emergency Assistance Service needs to be contacted as soon as possible by telephoning +44 0845 271 477. Arrangements will then be made for medical expenses covered by the policy to be paid direct to the hospital/ clinic.

How do I claim for out-patient treatment received on holiday?

You should pay the hospital or clinic yourself and claim back the medical expenses from us on your return. Please make sure to keep your receipts. Beware of requests for you to sign for excessive treatment charges. If you are in doubt, please call the Emergency Assistance Service for guidance on +44 0845 271 477