Axa denies refund after man's death from throat cancer
- The woman's partner was diagnosed with throat cancer after they booked a holiday to celebrate his retirement.
- Axa Partners rejected her claim due to a prior visit to a GP about a throat issue preceding his diagnosis.
- The incident emphasizes the complexities of insurance claims and the importance of complete health disclosure.
In the United Kingdom, a woman faced difficulties reclaiming a £3,800 deposit for a planned holiday that was meant to celebrate her partner's retirement, following his tragic death from throat cancer. The couple had booked this special trip several months before his diagnosis in February, shortly after which his health rapidly deteriorated. The woman had upgraded her annual travel insurance to cover worldwide trips, believing she was properly insured. However, during a review of medical records requested by Axa Partners, the insurer behind her policy, a visit to the GP the previous November for a seemingly minor throat issue was noted. This became a critical factor in the claim rejection process. Axa claimed that the visit indicated a possible pre-existing condition that should have been reported, even though both the woman and her partner thought the throat irritation was non-threatening at the time. The insurer's stipulations about declaring health issues created significant complications in her situation. Although there was no requirement to disclose potential health changes until policy renewal, Axa maintained that the previous GP visit raised suspicions that led to the claim being dismissed. This incident highlights the often complex nature of insurance claims related to health disclosures and the potential consequences of miscommunication with insurance companies, especially surrounding serious medical conditions. The woman has expressed her frustration over the handling of her claim and the emotional toll it has taken following her partner's death.