Gary, you seem to be assuming that no other travel insurance broker offers their clients the chance to apply to TIC for direct medical underwriting? I do. I use the same TIC procedure that you do. My clients do actually speak to me when they have questions about coverage. It's called a phone.
I believe, based on how much you insist upon it, that you probably get a much higher percentage of your clients to apply for TIC by answering their detailed medical questionnaire than I do. Most clients with less complex pre-existing medical conditions don't need to volunteer to pay higher costs - which is what happens when you get the coverage from TIC after answering their medical questionnaire.
Most clients with more complex medical issues will simply get refused the coverage - as you mentioned. But of the 3-4 that get approved with TIC, how many of your clients had the english skills to answer everything to a standard that allows them to claim full disclosure? Because, TIC is not bound by anything after that questionnaire is answered. If an error (misunderstanding) or ommission has been made by the client then coverage will be void. TIC still investigates at the time of claim. So, I sure hope you're not promising your clients that their coverage is now as good as gold based on what could be limited disclosure. Misunderstanding does happen whether a questionnaire is used or not. Just look at the various claims related stories from CBC on Canadians travelling abroad after answering a medical questionniare.
You seem to be trying to carve out an academic position on the merits of direct underwriting - and I admit it has merit. It's great for clients that have complex medical situations and need some clarity. Most of my clients aren't like that. But (I love a good argument), direct underwriting has its perils too - and to really provide full disclosure you should make your own clients aware of them. Children answering on behalf of a parent is probably the biggest risk, next to the english skills of the parent and/or doctor of the parent.
Here's a portion of the TIC detailed medical questionnaire just to provide but one example:
Check yes if you've ever had symptoms, investigations or treatment for any of the conditions in the group, then check the box beside the specific condition that applies to you. If more than one condition applies, check the box for every condition.
Heart and cardiovascular (please check all that apply):
arrhythmia, fibrillation, palpitations or any irregular heart rate, heart murmur, chest pain or angina, arteriosclerosis, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, by-pass surgery, use pacemaker or defibrillator, valve replacement, or abnormality heart attack, myocardial infarction, congenital heart defect, prescribed and /or used any form of nitroglycerin, angioplasty or stent....
Stroke, cerebrovascular and neurological (please check all that apply):
cerebrovascular accident (CVA), stroke transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke, ongoing therapy, paralysis, use of cane, walker, wheelchair or other mobility device, hydrocephalus, parkinson's disease, seizures, migraine, epilepsy, aneurysm, Alzheimer's disease or dementia, mental or nervous disorder, or anxiety neurological disorder....
Lung and respiratory (please check all that apply):
chronic obstructive pulmonary, disease (COPD), asthma, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pulmonary embolism, sarcoidosis of lung, SLEEP APNEA, emphysema, asbestosis, tuberculosis, pulmonary fibrosis, use of home oxygen use of prednisone use of cortisone...
Now, I highlighted one condition. SLEEP APNEA. Any parent that has exhibited symptoms even if it hasn't been diagnosed had better check YES according to the instructions - what happens when they don't? Or if there's a misunderstanding about another term? Or if the person answers the questionnaire without the help of their doctor, and the doctor has glossed over a condition and told the client not to worry about it? There are medical records in foriegn countries. At claim time, if it seems obvious to TIC that someone didn't fully disclose their medical history based on what TIC has seen on the medical charts, there will be an issue with the claim. Do 100% of your clients answer the questionnaire themselves and with the help of their doctor? Out of those 3-4 that get accepted, is all their coverage as good as gold? Please don't promise them that it is. They may think they've told the truth on the questionnaire, and overlooked something. Then, at claim time, they find out the coverage you said was as good as gold, isn't. Do they sue you then Gary?
Here's the declaration at the end of the questionnaire:
You acknowledge that:
• If you misrepresent your medical status in this questionnaire, or if you don't disclose material information about your medical status, or if any of your answers are found to be incorrect or untrue, your coverage will be null and void, your claims won't be paid and your premium will be refunded, even if the material non-disclosure or inaccuracy is not related to the claim reported, and you will be solely responsible for all expenses related to your claim.
"ANY of your answers found to be incorrect or untrue...NULL and VOID"
So, that means that TIC investigates the validity of the policy at claim time. That means they aren't saying the coverage is as good as gold. You shouldn't imply that it is on this website Gary, or to any of your clients.
I do try to engage my clients as much as I can. Having access to information ahead of the time of purchase is a good thing. I do try to advocate full understanding with my clients. That's why I started the BestQuote website project. And if you think I'm only concerned with presenting prices, take a look at this page on Visitors pre-existing medical conditions: http://www.bestquotetravelinsurance.ca/visitors-to-canada-insurance-compare-pre-existing-medical-conditions-stable-period I'm not trying to hide anything. Quite the opposite.
To anyone who actually reads all this stuff...thanks for listening. I do hope some of my points above are informative!
