Lighthouse Travel Insurance

Lighthouse Travel Insurance: travel insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions

Lighthouse Travel Insurance is a British company specialising in the sale of travel insurance, with a particular focus on travellers living with cancer or other complex or life-limiting medical conditions. The company compares different products from insurers to offer options tailored to each profile, including policies for travellers with no declared medical conditions.

Its activity is aimed at UK residents aged over 18, with cover for trips within the UK, Europe and the rest of the world, excluding destinations advised against by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Purchase is subject to underwriting criteria and the general terms and conditions of each policy.

Available insurance products

The Lighthouse Travel Insurance catalogue is organised around several main products:

• Single Trip: a policy for a single trip, designed for one-off holidays or specific journeys.
• Annual Multi Trip: annual cover that allows multiple trips over twelve months without arranging insurance for each one. Each trip is covered for up to 31 or 45 days depending on the policy chosen.
• Cruise Travel Extension: an optional extension for cruise travel, with additional protection for this type of holiday.
• Golf Extension: an optional extension for golfing trips.

The company states that it compares travel insurance products available through Lighthouse to help users find suitable cover.

Cover for medical conditions and cancer

Lighthouse Travel Insurance provides travellers with pre-existing medical conditions with a medical declaration and assessment process. The company recommends declaring all medical conditions and prescribed medication when requesting a quote, in order to assess eligibility and issue an appropriate proposal. Omitting relevant medical information may affect cover or the ability to make a claim.

The website includes a specific area called Cancer Hub, with information and products aimed at different types of cancer: cervical, brain, brain tumour, breast, bladder, blood, leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, bowel, liver, lung, ovarian, prostate, skin, melanoma and testicular. It also addresses situations such as a recent diagnosis, active treatment, remission, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy and stem cell or bone marrow transplant, as well as participation in clinical trials.

It also offers guidance on travelling during and after cancer treatment, taking medication abroad, cancer-related fatigue and immunity while travelling. Specific pages are included for travelling with cancer to France, Spain, Italy and the USA, as well as for cruises and long-haul travel.

Traveller profiles and policy types

The offer is segmented by type of traveller: individuals, couples, families, groups and seniors. Policies are also available for those without medical conditions. The company states that its products cover more than 100 activities, although certain high-risk activities are excluded.

Depending on the product, policies include up to £10,000 cancellation cover and up to £10 million emergency medical cover. A 24/7 emergency medical assistance line is available every day of the year.

Trip duration and policy conditions

The maximum trip duration varies according to the policyholder's age and the type of policy. For those under 55, Longstay Alpha or World First policies allow travel for up to 18 months, subject to conditions. Those under 65 can travel for up to 94 days per trip to Europe or worldwide destinations, with a maximum of 31 days for trips within the UK. Between 66 and 84, the limit is 45 days per trip to Europe and 31 days for other destinations. From 85 onwards, the maximum is 31 days per trip, regardless of destination.

With Annual Multi Trip policies, the policyholder can choose the start date up to 31 days before the first trip. The company warns that starting the policy on the day of departure means not being covered for cancellation due to unforeseen events beforehand. If the policyholder's health changes after taking out the policy, they must inform customer service to review the conditions.

Tools and support services

Lighthouse Travel Insurance offers an online medical screening system called Protectif, which allows declared health conditions to be assessed. It also has a help centre, policy documentation, information on claims and assistance, and a blog with travel and health-related content.

The company has a partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, an organisation supporting people with cancer. It also mentions its insurers and the albert & eddie concept, although its function is not detailed in the material analysed.

Policy management services include updating, cancelling and amending dates, as well as retrieving quotes. Customer service is complemented by a 24/7 emergency medical assistance line and the Air Doctor Connect service.