I just rang my insurance company to add Taylor's new hearing aids to our policy.

I was told "we can insure specialist medical equipment, within your home - up to $3000, but they (the items) will not be covered outside of the home"

I ask to speak to a supervisor.

To cut a long story short - they will not insure specialist medical equipment outside of the home. Surely this is discriminatory

The supervisor claimed that "he doubts any company would insure items such as hearing aids outside of the home".

Taylor's hearing aid has just cost us $2000 and I want to insure it. Has anybody else managed to insure medical equipment outside of the home?

Thanks,

Peta

Hi Peta,

Congratulations once again for doing a kick a*se job of advocating for Taylor, it only sucks we always have to fight so damn hard

This post caught my eye and hubby and I both share the opinion that this is very discriminatory, so you're not alone on that one.

So, naturally, with my usual indignation, I jump onto Google:

Insuring Hearing Aides

.... didn't get far past the first few articles ... nothing short of disgraceful!

Don't give up (as if it's even an option!) and do keep us posted on this one!

Annie

Wow, that's terrible. How frustrating. Gosh you are really hitting some brick walls lately hey? I really feel for you, it's just so frustrating and the last thing you need.

I agree this seems so unfair

Not a hearing aid, but an insulin pump can be covered under normal contents insurance- you need to list it as a particular item like a laptop.

Which is just as well because our model is worth about $9000

I've posted a link in your other thread in misc

It all depends on your Insurer and their Policy Wording. The reason your particular Insurer can't help would be because their Treaty doesn't allow it.

It's not true that no one will cover them under a Householders Policy. Most Insurers should cover them under the 'Specified Items' section (just like you would an Engagement Ring). It will cost you extra but as you want them covered I'm sure thats not an issue.

As an alternative, you could call an Insurance Broker and see about getting a General Property Policy. This will be more expensive than covering them under Householders.

I would change Insurance Companies if I was you. Try QBE, CGU, Allianz or GIO. Even better would be to go through a Broker who can arrange it all for you and take the stress away.

check out GIO we are just swapping to them and Im sure you can get portable cover that will cover it both in and out of the home!

Gah, that's crazy!

We have always been told we will need to insure DD's cochlear implants when she turns 21 (they are covered by Australian Hearing until then), I always just assumed it was possible. After reading your post I did some research of my own and am so unimpressed that the insurance companies can cover things as frivolous as cameras outside the home and not things as important as hearing devices!

How is Taylor going with them anyway?

Hi,

My DS who is 7 has a hearing aid and I actually have never thought of insuring it. I have just assumed as they were provided by Australian Hearing that they would replace them if he lost them. I am now not sure that this is a correct assumption.

I am going to a seminar at the Royal institue of deaf and blind children tomorrow, I will ask them if they have any advice.

Its not the same thing but I have mine and my dd's glasses insured by RAC, on a personal items policy I think its called. Basically covers any personal belongings while we are out and about.

Hi,

Have a look at this company. http://www.protecsure.com.au/protecsure/pa...t-insurance.php

It specifically states that they insure hearing aids.

I hope this helps and is what you are looking for.

Thanks everyone for your advice and links.

I plan to sit down and make 100 phone calls on Wednesday (I work Mondays and Tuesdays.....so don't always get time to sit on the phone...but I somehow manage to find time to check out EB )

Unfortunately Australian Hearing wouldn't supply Taylor with an aid - simply because of criteria restraints. As her deafness is neurological, not sensori-neural - she doesn't qualify, so we have had to foot the bill. This is why I am hell bent on having it insured. I can not afford another $2000 if it is lost.

I have written a whingy e-mail to our current insurance company and have asked for some fedback.

Thanks again everyone

Peta