Latest news with #Gammell


Economic Times
09-08-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Warning! 20 Million Americans on weight loss pills need to… Details here
iStock Travelers using weight loss jabs must declare medication to insurers and TSA to avoid policy issues and security delays. Millions of Americans using weight loss jabs are being urged to review travel insurance rules and follow TSA guidelines before traveling. Experts warn that failing to declare medication to insurers can void policies, while improper packing and storage could cause travel to a recent KFF health tracking poll, at least six percent of the US population, or over 20 million people, are currently taking weight loss jabs. Whether prescribed for medical or aesthetic purposes, these individuals are advised to check their travel insurance before flying. Experts say travelers could risk invalidating their cover if they do not declare both the medication and the underlying health condition when purchasing insurance. Insurance providers may refuse claims, even if unrelated to the Gammell, from price comparison site Money Supermarket, said people prescribed such drugs for obesity, diabetes, or other conditions must disclose both the medication and the condition. Even privately acquired medication may require disclosure. Also Read: NASA Curiosity Rover Shocking Discovery: This multi-billion-year-old rock on Mars reveals… Travelers should contact their insurance company before departure to confirm if weight loss jabs affect their policy. Not declaring medication could result in denied claims, leaving travelers responsible for potentially large rules apply to all new or recently started medication. Anyone traveling with undisclosed or recently prescribed medication should research how it may impact traveling with weight loss injections must also follow Transportation Security Administration (TSA) procedures. These drugs, such as Ozempic, must be stored correctly during first use, weight loss medication must be kept refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F. Once in use, it can be stored at room temperature up to 86°F for a maximum of 56 days, before requiring refrigeration should pack the medication in their carry-on luggage to maintain temperature control and avoid issues if checked baggage is delayed or lost. Also Read: Perseid Meteor Shower 2025: Peak date, how to watch, full sturgeon moon date, time and viewing tips Weight loss injections in liquid form are exempt from TSA's 100ml (3.4oz) liquid limit when medically required. TSA allows reasonable quantities in carry-on bags, provided travelers inform officers at security advises keeping medication in its original labeled packaging. Passengers do not need to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag but must declare them before screening. Additional checks may be carried out, including requests to open containers. Why must travelers on weight loss jabs inform their insurance company? Failing to declare weight loss medication and the related health condition can void travel insurance, even if the claim is unrelated, leaving travelers responsible for medical and other expenses. Are weight loss injections exempt from TSA's liquid restrictions? Yes. Medically necessary liquid medication in reasonable quantities is exempt from the 100ml limit, but travelers must inform TSA officers and may face additional security screening.


Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Two common weight loss jabs could invalidate travel insurance for 500,000 people
The NHS has approved medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy to tackle obesity and diabetes, with private prescriptions also on the rise Experts have issued a warning that approximately half a million individuals using weight loss injections could potentially jeopardise their travel insurance this summer. Medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, utilised to combat diabetes and obesity, have experienced a surge in demand following their NHS approval. Private prescriptions for these drugs are also on the rise, with an estimated 3.4 million people predicted to be eligible for treatment on the NHS alone over the next 12 years. However, those using these weight-loss injections are now being cautioned that they could risk their crucial travel cover if they plan to holiday this summer. According to the Daily Mail, it's mandatory for travellers to disclose any pre-existing conditions and medication when obtaining insurance. Yet, many people using weight-loss injections might not view it as medication or may neglect to declare it when purchasing cover. Experts have clarified that these drugs are categorised as treatment, even if procured online without a GP's prescription. They warn that failure to disclose usage of weight-loss injections and any associated health conditions could result in insurers refusing to pay out in the event of a claim, reports Bristol Live. Kara Gammell, from comparison website Money Supermarket, has advised: "If you're prescribed these drugs for obesity, diabetes or any other condition, it's essential to declare both the medication and the underlying health issue when buying your policy. "Failing to do so could invalidate your cover - even if your claim has nothing to do with the treatment. Ms Gammell also warned that those receiving private prescriptions must still disclose their medication, stating: "Insurers don't distinguish between NHS and private prescriptions - if you're taking it, they need to know. The fact that it wasn't prescribed through your GP doesn't exempt you from disclosure." She emphasised the necessity of transparency, particularly for those who have procured medication privately. Even individuals consuming these drugs without a prescription are not excused. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) warns: "If any prescription medicine is taken without approval from a doctor, especially if it may have side effects that could lead to complications, this could void your cover and cause issues should you need to make a claim." The Association of British Travel Agents has also advised ITV News that it is always wise to check with the FCDO travel advice to see if there are any restrictions in place when taking medications into the country you are visiting. Not all countries have given the green light to the same weight-loss medications as the UK, and airport authorities might raise questions about any drugs they discover, particularly if they're not sanctioned in their nation. The ABI found that the average insurance claim for individuals aged between 36 and 40 is £518, which jumps to £1,830 for those aged 71 to 75. In more extreme scenarios, insurance claims can soar into the tens of thousands. Yet, securing single-trip coverage for Europe can be quite economical, starting at just £16, according to Go Compare. ITV's experts advised: "First of all, you need to declare a pre-existing condition to your travel insurance provider anyway. This will likely result in a higher premium, but if you do not and the provider finds out, they may cancel your cover." They further caution: "They will also likely refuse to pay out if you fall ill due to the condition while on holiday. If one of the jabs has been prescribed for the preexisting condition they it is unlikely you will need to also reveal the medication you are taking for it." Insurance companies, including industry leader Aviva, have varied stances on this matter. Aviva insists that customers must disclose any diagnosed illnesses, diseases, or injuries for which they've been prescribed medication, clarifying: "This includes anyone who has been prescribed weight loss medication for obesity. "If a customer fails to disclose a medical condition for which they've been prescribed medication, we will not cover any claims relating to this under the terms of the policy." Staysure also recommends that customers disclose their use of weight loss injections, treating them like any other prescribed medication. Not doing so could void your insurance for any medical claims 'directly or indirectly linked to the medication'. The insurer added: "We can provide cover if the jab is prescribed by your GP or through a registered pharmacy, it's part of a proper weight-loss plan, is on your medical records and your doctor confirms you are fit to fly. "You'll also need to make sure the jab doesn't clash with any other medicines you're taking, which will be assessed by the medical professional." Admiral Group requires customers to reveal medical conditions like obesity and diabetes, though not necessarily the medication itself. A spokesperson clarifies: "Failing to disclose the underlying condition it's prescribed for - typically obesity or diabetes - could invalidate the policy." Co-op notes that failing to declare medication wouldn't 'automatically' void coverage, though if the injections are connected to a medical condition, this should be mentioned during medical screening. The Post Office consistently advises customers to declare any medical condition requiring prescription medication. It's advisable to discuss this with your insurer. It's wise to secure written confirmation that your policy covers the treatment. Ms Gammell recommends travellers to carry a copy of their prescription or a doctor's letter and keep their medication in its original packaging: "This helps avoid issues at customs and makes it easier to replace lost or stolen medication abroad."


Daily Mirror
12-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Bank statement alert for anyone going to festivals this summer
MoneySuperMarket issued an alert for music lovers heading to summer festivals Festival-goers are being urged to keep their receipts and bank statements in case they need to claim on their insurance this summer. Kara Gammell, insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, shared advice for music lovers attending gigs this summer, with major festivals like Glastonbury right around the corner. Gammell explained that there are several common mistakes that could invalidate your insurance claim, should you need to make one. The expert said: "Leaving items unattended, delaying the reporting of a theft and lacking proof of ownership through receipts or bank statements could all invalidate an insurance claim." She added: "As well as purchasing insurance to make sure you're protected, only taking what you need and making use of festival lockers can reduce the risk of your valuables being damaged, lost or stolen." Personal possessions insurance often covers mobile phones, tablets, and cameras, but some items, including camping gear, could be excluded. Gammell said: "Personal possessions insurance is typically offered as an optional add-on to your home contents insurance, providing cover for loss, damage or theft of personal belongings when you're away from your home. To ensure you're fully protected, it's important to keep an up-to-date inventory of the items you regularly carry with you and their total value." She said it often covers: Mobile phones Laptops Tablets Cameras Wallets, purses, and handbags A limited amount of cash Jewellery Clothing However, the specific items covered will vary by policy. Festival-goers taking electronics with them may wish to consider gadget insurance. "If you're planning on taking high value electronic items worth over £1,000, such as mobiles phones, cameras and equipment, smart watches or speakers - you may need to consider additional cover, depending on your policy's single item limit," Gammell explained. "Gadget insurance is a type of policy designed to protect these sorts of high-value items, covering the cost of replacing or repairing your devices if they get lost, stolen or damaged at a festival." She also said festival-goers should be aware that their insurance might not cover their camping gear. "Standard personal belongings insurance policies generally exclude camping gear, although some policies or add-ons may offer specific coverage for camping equipment. Standard travel insurance policies often include cover for personal possessions, including a tent, but there are limitations," the expert explained. "If you want more comprehensive coverage for your tent and camping gear, including potential damage from weather or other incidents, you might consider a specialist camping insurance policy." Gammell's alert comes as over 200,000 people are expected to attend Glastonbury this June, with more major events including Reading and Leeds Festival, BST Hyde Park, and Wireless Festival planned for this summer. Glastonbury 2025, which is the UK's biggest music festival, runs from June 25 to June 29. This year's line-up includes Neil Young, The 1975, Olivia Rodrigo, and Rod Stewart.