Hi,
As some of you know, I had a PM inserted for Sick Sinus Syndrome 3 months ago. Since then I have had many problems. I get strong chest pains that bring on anxiety. I have been back to accident and emergency dept on 3 occassions because of the chest pains.

When I get the chest pains, I get very anxious and have suffered two panic attacks. My doctor prescribed diazepam to help with the anxiety/panic attacks.

My partner is travelling abroad so we got joint annual travel insurance (even though I am not well yet to travel and have no immediate plans). The travel Insurance company covered me for Sick Sinus Syndrome without too much of a problem.

When I received my insurance policy, it stated that they must be informed of any medication being taken at the time of taking out the policy. I phoned them and told them I was taking diazepam for anxiety following my PM operation.

They said, they would cover me for SSS but not for "anxiety"

The problem I have, is that if I do travel and get chest pains and they bring on anxiety. If I go to a hospital to get the chest pains checked out, which is likely with a PM and the worry that goes with it, will I be covered by my insurance??

I explained that the two are linked but they will not cover the anxiety. If I go and get chest pains checked out and they come to nothing, then they may put it down to anxiety and I will have to pay.

Any advice/suggestions, much appreciated.

 

 

your doctor to right you a note that the medication you are on is a must for your condition? Maybe then the insurance company will allow the anti anxiety medication. And while you're talking to your doctor, have you discussed what is causing the chest pains? Not the ER doctor but your cardiologist....

PS Anxiety is a normal side effect of getting a pacemaker for a lot of people...you will eventually adjust and the anxiety attacks will be less and less......Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.......

Hugs to you - Sue (Magster

 

Yes, I have been to see cardio twice. He said they see lots of people who suffer chest pains after PM implants. He has assured me that they will go away eventually. I asked how long before they do and he said sometimes 3,6, months or even a year sometimes before people return to normal. I have had an echocardiogram and a treadmill test. I have had my PM checked and a chest x ray. I used to have the pains all the time 24/7. Now I have good days with little or no pain in amongst the bad days.

I explained to the insurance company that if I am on holiday and get chest pains, I am likely to go and get them checked out. If they are not related to my SSS or PM, then the insurance company can link them to anxiety and not pay out for perhaps an ambulance, ER care etc.

I explained to them that anyone could be suffering from anxiety and its symptons following a number of events, operations, family death, depression following an "event" etc and be prescribed diazepam to get them through it.

The ins company again said they would not include anxiety in their policies.

Imagine this scenario: I go on holiday with my healthy partner, (who was described diazepam, following the death of her parents, 4 years ago).

If she got chest pains and got anxious because of them, she would be covered.

If the same happened to me, I would not be covered if they checked me out and it was not linked to my SSS or PM. They could just link it to anxiety. I gave them this as an example. They ssaid I would not be covered.

This is from a Major UK insurance company. They described anxiety/depression, even if short term as psychological and will not cover.

This is a massive area. Take an example where someone close to you dies and you suffer anxiety, palpatations etc. If two years later you get a bout of anxiety on holiday and attend a hospital for palpatations etc, you will not be covered because it is a pre existing medical condition.

Like you said Magster and from some of the reads on here, a lot of us suffer anxiety after PM, which may lead to us getting ourselves checked out. If the results come back as ok then we may not be covered

 

with a diagnosis to cover anxiety.

I don't know what else to say other than it's really not fair.....since it is really like post traumatic stress syndrome that some of us go through after a pacemaker and they treat that in soldiers don't they? Then why not recognize we have it too and treat us and have it covered under our insurance.


Sue

 

Way it goes I suppose! Just keep discussing it.