On 13th May I visited Joanne Smith in Newcastle. Joanne is the founder and CEO of FACT (Fighting All Cancers Together), one of the charities supported by Insurancewith. The visit was for a talk and advice session for FACT service users. I shared advice on travel insurance for people diagnosed with cancer.
We’ve been supporting FACT since Insurancewith was first launched, actually FACT were the first charity we supported. We believe in the organisation’s aims to support not only those suffering from cancer, but everyone affected by it. Helping people to socialise, discuss common issues and make friends is a key focus at FACT. This is why I regularly give these talks for them. I talked to the audience about my own experience with cancer and how it brought about the creation of Insurancewith. Through my experience, I can relate to many of their fears and questions about travel insurance after a cancer diagnosis.
I described our online medical screening process and our unique 1-2-1 medical screening service. I explained how we differ from other providers. We can offer cover specific to each person’s medical situation, even if they do not think it will affect them while they are away.
Customers who exclude their medical conditions in fear of an expensive premium was another talking point. I explained that declaring a medical condition does not automatically mean someone will be charged more. We simply need to be aware of all medical conditions so we can assess the risk correctly. Many people who apply for specialist medical travel insurance are not aware of the risks of leaving a condition undeclared. Their claim could be declined if it relates to the medical condition or its treatment.
I also spoke about how the EHIC card is not a substitute for travel insurance. It does not cover the many costs that travel insurance policies do. There are also different rules throughout Europe about what is covered under each state health service. These rules determine what you may or may not have to pay under the EHIC scheme.
More exciting discussions on my visit was FACT Carer Awards on the 15th November, something which Insurancewith are proud to be a sponsor of. The purpose of the Carer Awards is to raise recognition for both adult and young carers. These carers have selflessly supported someone throughout their cancer journey or have done something to support others throughout their individual cancer experience.
We’re proud to sponsor this event. It promotes some of FACT’s key values: support, friendship, loyalty and, most importantly, positive attitudes.
