Sunscreen

Suntan lotion, condoms and a knotted handkerchief are not the only cover you will need next time you go on holiday. Cover for medical bills, emergency air repatriation and bringing your partner or travelling companions home when illness strikes are just some of the less exciting, yet most important things to cover before rushing off to the sun.

Holiday insurance can be confusing and with everyone from Boots the Chemist to the Post Office now selling insurance it's worth taking plenty of time to ensure you get the right cover at the right price. If you are HIV positive or have any other special requirements you must disclose them before paying the premium and you will probably find the number of available policies is limited. Many travel insurers still discriminate against positive people by including a general HIV exclusion. This means you may not be covered when you want to claim, even if it is totally unrelated to your HIV status. And, if your family or travelling companions insure through a travel agent, whose policy excludes HIV, you may find they will not be covered if you fall ill. For your own peace of mind, it is generally recommended that all members of your party are covered under one single policy or at least through the same company who do not include any HIV/AIDS exclusions.

It is not so much a matter of being well enough to go on holiday, but more a matter of where you choose to go:

1. Outside of what is termed the developed world namely Western Europe, North America, Australasia and Japan with some outposts such as Cape Town, Singapore, Honk Kong and Bangkok there is very little access to good effective medical treatment. There is even less access to specialist HIV services.

2. Small out of the way places have small out of the way medical facilities. A lonely Greek island set in an idyllic green ocean sea soon becomes a nightmare if you become unwell. Also be aware of Mediterranean cruises; if you become ill, they may put you off the boat at the next available port, be that Barcelona or Benghazi!

3. Take a current E111 on any European trip. Available from your Post Office, this will enable you to access the many reciprocal health agreements. In other words it entitles you to free or much reduced hospital treatment abroad. While this is fine in Northern Europe you may not want to be admitted to a state hospital in Portugal or Greece. Don't rely on just the E111, it will not cover any repatriation costs or air fares etc. The E111 is also no use in private hospitals, so full travel insurance must also be purchased.

4. Most resorts, towns and cities have a gay switchboard or HIV support group. These numbers are readily available in the Spartacus Guide and if you become unwell with an HIV related problem, try and make contact with them. They will be able to point you in the direction of a hospital or doctor who has experience of treating HIV related problems. If you are insured, you should contact your emergency assistance company whose number will be detailed on your insurance certificate.

5. Attitudes to HIV vary from country to country, you might be surprised to know that Italy is almost Neanderthal in its treatment and attitude to HIV and we are all aware of the schizophrenic approach taken by the American Immigration Service. The UK has a compassionate and sophisticated attitude to HIV as compared to the vast majority of the world so don't expect treatment of the same standard you receive in London when you travel overseas.

6. Thousands of British tourists end up in Spanish hospitals with gastro-enteritis. This is the general term for a stomach infection from something eaten or drunk. You can become very ill and lose a great deal of body weight. Remember these people are immune healthy, but are still susceptible. A hot climate dramatically increases the risk of many different kinds of infection.

7. Double up on the medication you will need to cover your period of travel. Also add a few days extra just in case. Then put half in your hand baggage and the other half in your suitcase. This will just about guarantee you will arrive at your destination with your medication no matter how hard the airline tries to lose your baggage.

8. And finally, a regular, direct scheduled air service home, from your holiday destination can give enormous peace of mind. In just a few hours you can be back in the UK from any European capital.

Rothwell & Towler, a Devon based company, have gained a National reputation for specialising in holiday insurance since 1973. Uniquely they are also members of the Gay Business Association and donate 10% of all insurance premiums to positive charities.

Their 'World First' policy has no policy excess (the amount deducted when you make a claim) and the premiums start from just £23.00 for two weeks anywhere in Europe whether you are positive or not. Annual policies are also available in certain instances.

Travel Insurance for people living with HIV

World First Travel Insurance from Rothwell & Towler. Your questions answered.

Q. What makes World First different to other travel insurance policies?

Traditionally, most travel insurance policies have carried a general clause excluding any claim that is directly or indirectly related to HIV/AIDS. World First does not have this exclusion.

Q. Can anyone who is HIV be covered by World First?

All travellers must first meet a basic health requirement through our screening process. This is carried out in strictest confidence over the telephone. 90% of cases are accepted.

Q. What is medical screening?

Previously when people with an on-going medical condition wanted travel insurance a medical questionnaire would have to be completed by their doctor. The risk would be assessed and the insurance underwritten individually. Medical screening over the telephone is much easier. Our trained advisers are looking for stability and simply to discuss the applicant’s health, medication and any relevant test results. Consideration is also given to the destination and trip duration.

Q. How and when does the screening take place?

Medical screening takes place over the telephone before insuring. If someone is accepted for cover a call reference will be provided and should be quoted by the client when applying for cover.

Q. Will any additional premium be payable?

If the client is accepted for cover then the nationally advertised premiums apply.

Q. Will a higher excess be imposed?

World First has no policy excesses.

Q. The client's doctor has confirmed fitness to travel. Is it still necessary to contact the medical screening centre?

Yes. Doctors are often unaware of the medical facilities available in other countries and do not consider the length of journey. A patient may be fit for a short flight to Europe but not a trip to Australia.

Q. Can people with any other on-going medical condition be considered for cover?

The same process of screening applies to everyone whether they are HIV or not.

For more information call Rothwell & Towler on 01404 41234 or email suzanne@rothwellandtowler.co.uk 

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