The British woman is facing a 34,000 euro (£28,000) medical bill after requiring emergency hospital treatment while on vacation with her Spanish family. El Dennis had a seizure during his vacation in Mallorca last year, and had to be placed in the induced coma, resulting in a lengthy hospital stay.
However, her insurance company refused to pay because she was unable to declare a menopause medication. Her claim was rejected because she did not mention that she was prescribed hormone replacement therapy when she updated her policy – although the medication had nothing to do with her fit.
Dennis, a native of Rugery, Staffordshire, told ITV News:
She said she began taking medication a few weeks before her family left. She added: I really didn't take them. ”
After suffering a seizure, Ms Dennis was rushed to the hospital on the first day of her holiday and placed in a coma guided in a private clinic for seven days.
Tests conducted at a hospital in Parma revealed she had a third-grade brain tumor.
Dennis said:
Her husband, Neil, added:
“We got medical insurance and got our European health card. She was in a state of crisis, so our concern was to try and find out exactly what was going on.”
Dennis contacted Interpartner Assistance (IPA), part of the AXA Group – while his wife was in the hospital – but Ms Dennis was told it was not covered.
“We didn't believe that HRT was in an existing state. If we declared HRT, they insured us, as they only had a different kind of insurance policy and there was no extra cost, so it's a loophole that we're trying to use to get out of this massive bill payment.”
Dennis added that he declared that menopause “is not a real medical condition, it is a part of life” and that “every woman can pass through,” so he “doesn't even cross the mind.”
The couple is currently being chased by debt collectors, where Ms Dennis is undergoing cancer treatment in the UK and is unable to work.
They also complained to the ombudsman who determined it was in favor of the insurance company, but added that it would be reasonable to expect the IPA to refund the premiums on the insurance contract – £36.45.
Ms Dennis shared a warning with other women who are undergoing menopause to ensure they are covered during their trip.
A spokesman for Axa Partners told The Express: “We sympathize with Mrs. Dennis’ situation, but she did not declare her previous medical condition when renewing her annual multi-trip travel insurance.
“It is important that your previous medical condition be declared when purchasing travel insurance. If she had declared, she may have been offered a different policy or we may not have been able to provide her with cover.
“The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) advised that although it has tentatively agreed to the actions taken by Axa Partners, it had asked Mrs Dennis to provide further information (by March 7th).
“We are reviewing Mrs. Dennis' case and we can confirm that the petitioner does not reject the claim just because he has experienced menopause.”
