Hello everyone,
First time at this, so probably succeed in getting lost soon.
I have travel insurance with a specialist provider related to sailing, I have been with them for 3 years now and I keep up to date with anything myeloma related as it happens during the year if its serious or review at the end of the year prior to renewal. This year I have renewed after having a vertebroplasty carried out on three vertebrae with a further two left untreated as yet. They endorse the policy so that I cannot claim for any costs related to further problems which may occur in this condition. But I generally take the view that all my blood results are good and proteins are decreasing at the moment so what can go wrong that will prevent me getting home within a day or two and disappearing into the welcoming arms of my hospital team. Breakages I suppose, but I have a nail in my left femur planted at diagnosis (a large hole but not broken) so not sure what else I could expect. I am covered for ocean and offshore racing on yachts anywhere in the world and also the ordinary travel trains and boats and planes with baggage and cancellations The latter is really the only insurance I expect, as most people seem to think the insurance companies are always keen to deny claims for this that or the other reason. Being airlifted off a yacht in the middle of a race seems like an expensive operation so I might try and avoid that as strongly as possible.
Just a word here to say that I don’t go crazy cavalier at these things. My family and I sit down and consider the dates and my current condition and whether I am heading for better or worse. That decides a holiday with my wife or a race off shore or ocean. I race with people that I know and that know me well, including my strengths and weaknesses. Holidays I am fortunate to travel with an excellent nurse, my wife.
Also as an extra bit of information, I looked at Silver account with RBS. It includes and annual travel insurance element within the subscription cost of the account. I raised the myeloma question with them and was asked questions about the blood results and liver and kidney function, then I was asked if the illness was terminal!! I said it was incurable so terminal would be a fair description to which I was asked again “no has anyone told you that the illness is now terminal” I replied no and was told fine. The same question was asked by Topsail too, same answer.
Premium: Topsail £85.00 per annum worldwide cover; and RBS an additional premium over and above subscription for the account (£12.00 pcm) £80.00 per annum.
A bit more background: diagnosed 2003 Auto and allograft 2003 received just about any and all treatments going. Developed Graft v Host disease 2009 treated for that too. Lousy year 2013 with no treatment and then fractured vertebrae. Currently new chemo, working a dream, dare I say and the spinal op has practically removed all of the pain and restored my mobility. So roll on 2014, looking forward to family holidays and some sailing. All after due consideration of course.
