'Amputation meant I had to cancel my holiday – but our insurer won't cover the cost'

Peter and Janet Roswell took out travel insurance but found they weren’t fully covered - COPYRIGHT JAY WILLIAMS

Last year I took out travel insurance for my wife and I to last 12 months.  

I had several conditions to declare for myself, including a heart bypass six years ago. The cost of the insurance with AllClear was £1,173.  

Unfortunately, after much fighting to save my right leg, I decided to have it amputated below the knee. I am at last free of pain and looking forward to receiving my first prosthetic leg.

Meanwhile, a holiday that had been booked had to be cancelled. I submitted a claim of around £2,800.   

Peter Roswell, Devon

One of your toes on the leg that was later amputated below the knee had been partly amputated a month prior to your purchasing the travel insurance.  

You had not mentioned this specifically during the insurance medical screening process, perceiving it to be linked to the issues that you had declared. You admit that this was wrong. As a result of this omission, the claim was turned down. 

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When all this was reviewed following my inquiry, it transpired from your supporting evidence that COPD, which you had been diagnosed with in February 2015, and for which you had been prescribed medication, had not been disclosed either.

Further to my involvement, Mapfre Assistance, the underwriter of the policy, wrote to you confirming that the claim had been declined correctly. You readily admit that you are indeed at fault. 

However, in what we both agree is a fair and reasonable resolution, the policy has now been taken back to how it would have been underwritten at the point of sale had the toe amputation and COPD been noted.  

Reconstituting the policy in this way shows that the cover would have been provided but at a higher premium of £1,504. 

As it would have accepted the risk presented in this way, AllClear has calculated that you had paid 78pc of the premium that was needed to cover your medical conditions correctly. 

It has therefore paid £2,035 after deducting excesses. You are delighted with this outcome and grateful to all concerned.