HDFC ERGO Travel Insurance: PED confusion — should I proceed or choose TATA AIG?
I’m planning a solo Japan trip and was considering HDFC ERGO Explorer Platinum.
I was hospitalized in India in Aug 2024 for acute gastroenteritis with severe dehydration and clinical enteric fever. I recovered fully and currently have no medication/treatment/follow-up.
I contacted HDFC ERGO before buying the policy. Their salesperson says this is NOT a PED and that I can select “No”.
But their online form says PED means receiving treatment/advice/consultation for any medical condition in the last 4 years, and it has an “Any Other” option. When I select Yes → Any Other, the website refuses to issue the policy due to a pre-existing condition.
The current Explorer policy wording also defines PED using a 36-month treatment/advice period, which includes my Aug 2024 hospitalization.
I've sent 4 emails over ~2 weeks asking HDFC ERGO for written clarification. No proper response. I also raised a grievance (Service ID 115442798) and have been struggling to get through by phone.
Would you:
- Trust the salesperson and buy HDFC with “No PED”?
- Wait for written confirmation?
- Or choose something like TATA AIG International Plus Titanium instead?
I mainly want a policy with a clear disclosure/underwriting record so there’s no claim dispute later.
Would appreciate advice, especially from anyone who has dealt with Indian travel insurance/PED claims.
This is much more likely to get responses because the actual dilemma is visible within the first few lines.