Travel insurers ‘punish’ those with history of mental health problems

‘Extremely high premiums leave many people struggling to get suitable travel insurance’

HOLIDAYMAKERS who have overcome depression are being charged up to 400 per cent more on their travel insurance, research has found.

The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, which carried out a mystery shopping exercise, claimed the spike affecting those with past mental health conditions is “unfair”. The investigation follows concerns that almost half of people with mental health problems (45 per cent) never disclose their illness to their travel insurer.

This is because those who do face significantly higher premiums and limited cover.

Premiums increased by between 500 per cent and 2,000 per cent for people who disclosed more severe mental health problems, with some insurers only offering cover that excluded mental health. The polling of 2,000 people found that 43 per cent of people with mental health problems felt that these high premiums were unfair, and 13 per cent did not take out travel insurance as a result.

Helen Undy, the charity’s director, said: “Extremely high premiums and limited access to appropriate cover leave many people who have mental health problems struggling to get suitable travel insurance. We are pleased that the regulator has plans to improve signposting to specialist insurers, but this only addresses part of the problem.

“When a historic episode of depression leaves you unable to afford travel insurance, or you’re charged more for cover that states it won’t pay out for anything related to your mental health, it’s no wonder it feels unfair.”

The charity is calling for reform to the travel insurance industry to ensure providers do not discriminate against those with mental health issues. The report did not specify which insurers have charged more for premiums.