Insurance for Trigeminal Neuralgia sufferers

Navigating Travel and Life Insurance for Trigeminal Neuralgia sufferers

Finding insurance for Trigeminal Neuralgia sufferers can be a complicated and often frustrating process. The severe, unpredictable facial pain characteristic of TN, along with potential treatments involving surgery or strong medications, often leads insurers to label individuals with TN as ‘high-risk’. This can result in higher premiums, exclusions on coverage, or even refusals of insurance altogether. In this article, I aim to provide clear guidance on how to navigate the market of insurance for Trigeminal Neuralgia sufferers, outlining your rights under UK law, the challenges you may face, and practical steps to ensure you get the right cover.

The Insurance Landscape for People with TN

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a condition that causes sudden, severe facial pain, often described as an electric shock to the face. The pain can be triggered by the slightest touch, even a gentle breeze, and is often difficult to manage. Due to the intensity and unpredictability of TN, insurers often view those with the condition as presenting a higher risk. In the UK, insurers can assess risk and adjust premiums based on medical conditions. This is permitted under the Equality Act 2010, which allows for differential treatment if it is reasonable and based on reliable evidence.¹

However, insurers must not discriminate without justification. They are legally required to ensure that any decision to increase premiums, restrict cover, or deny insurance is backed by solid actuarial data or credible medical research.² If an insurer cannot provide such justification, their decision may be considered unlawful.

Travel Insurance: Key Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Finding suitable travel insurance can be particularly challenging for people with TN due to the severity and unpredictability of the condition. Here are the main issues faced and some ways to address them:

1. High Premiums and Policy Exclusions: Insurers may charge significantly higher premiums for people with TN due to the potential need for emergency medical treatment abroad.³ Some policies might exclude any claims related to the condition, which could expose a traveller if a TN flare-up occurs while overseas.
2. Limited Choices of Insurers: Many mainstream insurers may refuse to cover individuals with TN or offer policies with unreasonable costs. However, some companies specialise in providing insurance for people with pre-existing conditions. Providers like AllClear Travel, Staysure, and Saga focus on offering tailored cover for those who face difficulties getting standard travel insurance.⁴
3. Importance of Full Disclosure: When applying for travel insurance, it is vital to declare TN and any other health conditions fully. Failing to do so could void the policy, leaving you without cover when you need it most. Even if the condition is well-managed or seems minor, it should still be disclosed.⁵

Finding the Right Travel Insurance:

• Specialist Insurance Providers and Brokers: Consider approaching specialist insurance providers or brokers who understand the complexities of pre-existing conditions. These professionals can help navigate the market and negotiate better terms with insurers who are more likely to offer comprehensive coverage.⁶
• Comparison Websites and Resources: Websites like MoneySuperMarket, Compare the Market, and GoCompare can help identify insurers that cater to higher-risk applicants, including those with TN.⁷ However, it’s worth looking beyond standard policies to find those specifically designed for people with complex medical histories.
• Your Legal Rights: If you believe an insurer has treated you unfairly, you can request a detailed explanation. Should their reasoning not be satisfactory, you have the right to take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), which provides an independent review of the case.⁸

Life Insurance: Overcoming the Barriers for People with TN

Life insurance is essential for providing financial security to your family or dependents in the event of your death. However, for people with TN, obtaining life insurance can be just as challenging as securing travel insurance. Insurers often see TN as a high-risk condition due to its potential complications and the need for surgical interventions or long-term pain management. This perception can lead to higher premiums or outright refusals of cover.

The Equality Act 2010 also applies to life insurance. Insurers must base their decisions on robust evidence. If they cannot justify charging a higher premium or refusing coverage, they could be acting unlawfully.⁹

Key Considerations for Securing Life Insurance with TN:

1. Understand How Insurers Assess Risk: When applying for life insurance, insurers look at several factors, including your age, lifestyle, and medical history. For conditions like TN, which might require intensive treatments or medications, insurers often regard applicants as higher risk.¹⁰
2. Consider Specialist Providers: Some insurers, such as Legal & General, Aviva, and Zurich, are known to offer life insurance for people with pre-existing conditions, though typically at a higher cost.¹¹ Providing a thorough medical history and evidence of successful management of TN can sometimes help negotiate better terms.
3. Challenge Unfair Decisions: If you are refused life insurance or given unfavourable terms, don’t accept it at face value. Ask the insurer to provide a clear explanation for their decision. If the reasons seem unjust, you can escalate the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service, which will review it independently.¹²

How to Secure the Right Life Insurance:

• Work with Specialist Brokers: Brokers who specialise in high-risk insurance cases can be invaluable. They work closely with a variety of underwriters and can help find a policy that matches your needs.¹³
• Look Beyond Major Insurers: While larger companies like Aviva and Zurich offer some options, smaller, specialised insurers might provide better-tailored policies for those with TN. Advocacy groups like The Trigeminal Neuralgia Association UK can also help by referring you to trusted insurers or brokers who understand TN.¹⁴

COVID-19 and Insurance: What You Need to Know

The COVID-19 pandemic has added a new layer of complexity to both travel and life insurance. Many insurers have adjusted their policies to exclude COVID-19-related claims or added specific clauses. It is crucial for those with TN to carefully check the terms and conditions to see what is covered, particularly regarding trip cancellations, quarantine costs, or medical expenses abroad.¹⁵

For life insurance, some policies have introduced exclusions or waiting periods related to deaths from COVID-19. It is essential to stay updated on these changes and ensure you fully understand your policy’s terms.

Tips for Securing the Right Insurance:

1. Do Your Research: Use comparison sites, consult brokers, and explore all available options. Focus on insurers who specialise in pre-existing conditions like TN.
2. Understand the Details: Read your policy documents carefully, noting exclusions, limitations, and any additional cover for specific needs, including COVID-19.
3. Keep Records: Keep detailed records of your medical history, all communication with insurers, and any policy documents. These can be vital if you need to make a claim or challenge a decision.
4. Be Transparent: Always declare TN and any other medical conditions when applying for insurance. Full disclosure prevents claim disputes and ensures the validity of your policy.

Conclusion

For those living with trigeminal neuralgia, navigating the world of travel and life insurance can be challenging, but it is not impossible. By understanding your rights under UK law, seeking advice from specialist providers, and taking a proactive approach, you can find the coverage that suits your needs. Insurers also have a duty to act fairly and transparently, ensuring their policies are inclusive and justifiable.

For personalised advice and support, please contact our helpline at The Trigeminal Neuralgia Association UK. We are here to help you navigate these complexities and secure the right insurance solutions for you.

By Aneeta Prem, CEO of The Trigeminal Neuralgia Association UK

References:

1. Equality Act 2010, Part 3 – Services and Public Functions. Available at: Equality Act 2010
2. Ibid.
3. Association of British Insurers (ABI). “Guide to Access to Insurance.” Available at: ABI Access to Insurance
4. Ibid.
5. AllClear Travel, Staysure, Saga websites.
6. Money Advice Service. “Finding Insurance with Pre-existing Conditions.” Available at: Money Advice Service
7. MoneySuperMarket, Compare the Market websites.
8. Financial Ombudsman Service. “Insurance Complaints.” Available at: Financial Ombudsman Service
9. Equality Act 2010, Part 3.
10. Legal & General, Aviva, Zurich websites.
11. Ibid.
12. Financial Ombudsman Service, op. cit.
13. Money Advice Service, op. cit.
14. AllClear Travel, Staysure, Saga websites, op. cit.
15. Various insurance provider COVID-19 policy updates.