I'm writing this review to warn others about Vitality Life's shocking treatment of genuine claims. What happened to us demonstrates how insurance companies can leave you in the lurch when you're already dealing with a serious health crisis.
My partner and I took out joint life and critical illness cover with Vitality in March 2023. Shortly after, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and submitted a claim. This should have been straightforward - MS is clearly covered under critical illness policies.
Instead of supporting us during an incredibly difficult time, Vitality:
-Took 9 months to assess the claim
-Declined it, claiming "careless misrepresentation"
-Argued I should have disclosed eye pain from December 2022 (3 months before the policy)
-This is despite having NO formal diagnosis until after the policy started
Vitality's argument was that "eye pain" equals "blurred or double vision" on their application form. Even though:
-I answered honestly based on my understanding at the time
-I had no formal diagnosis when I applied
-My GP confirmed no optic neuritis diagnosis before the policy commenced
After dragging us through months of stress whilst dealing with MS:
-Offered a "revised" policy excluding MS (the very condition I need coverage for)
-No refund of premiums despite their misleading application process
-2 years worth of premiums kept by Vitality for coverage I apparently "wasn't entitled to"
This isn't about fraud or deliberate deception. This is about:
-Ambiguous application questions designed to create loopholes
-Aggressive claim investigation looking for any excuse to decline
-Leaving customers distressed when they're already dealing with serious illness
-Taking premiums for coverage they never intended to honour
The Financial Ombudsman agreed Vitality could decline the claim on a technicality, whilst acknowledging I genuinely thought I'd answered correctly. This shows how the system is stacked against consumers.
Vitality took our money, declined our claim on a technicality, and offered us "revised" coverage that excludes the very condition we need protection from.
When you're paying for insurance, you expect protection when the worst happens. Instead, Vitality treated us like mud and left us with nothing but both er during an already stressful time.
Avoid. They are not on the consumer's side.
3 weeks ago
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