Latest news with #medicalclaims
The Sun
5 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
One in six Brits are ‘dishonest' when filling out their travel insurance forms, research reveals
ONE in six Brits confess to being less than truthful about their health when taking out travel insurance, a new study reveals. The research, based on a survey of 2,000 adults across the UK, found many are cutting corners to save cash – with 25 per cent believing it's fine to leave out minor health conditions to get a cheaper deal. Travel insurer Staysure, which commissioned the study, says this kind of dishonesty can have serious consequences, including claims being rejected or travellers being left with sky-high medical bills abroad. A spokesperson from the company said: 'This survey paints a worrying picture. 'When buying a travel insurance policy, you want to know you'll be in safe hands if the worst should happen so be as honest and detailed as possible about your current health. 'Many people don't realise that their NHS medical records are checked when they make a medical claim to verify their policy against their current health. 'Meaning any undeclared medical conditions, or recent GP and hospital visits that are not covered on their policy could invalidate their cover – leaving them high and dry to foot a medical bill alone.' Despite this, nearly one in four (23 per cent) felt it was fine to omit medical info if they only wanted basic cover for cancellations or lost luggage, while 18 per cent didn't think they needed to mention conditions managed with medication. Worryingly, 14 per cent knew someone who had a claim rejected for not disclosing a health problem, and 70 per cent believed insurers were likely to find out if someone had been dishonest. The survey also uncovered confusion over what should be declared – with 67 per cent unaware weight loss medication must be mentioned, and 75 per cent not realising HRT for menopause needs to be listed. Almost a quarter (23 per cent) didn't think it was necessary to disclose high blood pressure or recent surgery, and 17 per cent believed they could skip declaring a past heart attack or serious organ issue. One in six Brits are 'dishonest' when filling out their travel insurance forms, research reveals Although most people (71 per cent) feared having a claim declined and 69 per cent were worried about facing medical bills abroad, a surprising 27 per cent admitted they don't always buy travel insurance. Even among those who do, 22 per cent have travelled knowing they weren't fully covered. Still, 81 per cent agreed the cover is worth the cost, with 26 per cent having claimed in the past. The Staysure spokesperson added: 'Declaring all your medical conditions ensures you are financially protected if you need medical treatment abroad or repatriating home – last year the average cost of an air ambulance from Spain alone was £45,136. 'We urge people to tell their insurer if they've recently seen a medical professional as not all health changes will increase the price of their policy but may just save them thousands of pounds in unexpected medical costs.' 2
Fox News
28-05-2025
- Business
- Fox News
A new law in this state bans automated insurance claim denials
As some health insurance companies have come under fire for allegedly using computer systems to shoot down claims, an Arizona law will soon make the practice illegal in the Grand Canyon State. Republican Arizona House Majority Whip Rep. Julie Willoughby sponsored the legislation, and it was recently signed into law by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs. House Bill 2175 requires a physician licensed in the state to conduct an "individual review" and use "independent medical judgment" to determine whether the claim should actually be denied. It also required a similar review of "a direct denial of a prior authorization of a service" that a provider asked for and "involves medical necessity." "This law ensures that a doctor, not a computer, is making medical decisions," Willoughby said in a statement. "If care is denied, it should be by someone with the training and ethical duty to put patients first. That decision must come from a licensed physician, not an anonymous program." The law will go into effect in July 2026, so insurers will have time to be ready for the changes, if any. "Arizona families deserve real oversight when it comes to life-changing medical decisions," Willoughby said. "This law puts patients ahead of profits and restores a layer of accountability that's long overdue." The bill passed both chambers with nearly unanimous support. Several healthcare companies, like Cigna and United Healthcare, have faced accusations of using computer systems to deny claims in past years, according to ProPublica and FOX Business. Fox News Digital reached out to Hobbs' office for comment. Similar legislation was signed into law in California last year, which was dubbed the "Physicians Make Decisions Act." The lawmaker in the Golden State was specifically concerned about the rise of artificial intelligence. "Artificial intelligence has immense potential to enhance health care delivery, but it should never replace the expertise and judgment of physicians," Democratic state Sen. Josh Becker said in a December statement. "An algorithm cannot fully understand a patient's unique medical history or needs, and its misuse can lead to devastating consequences."
