The problem you have, is that for a known pre-existing medical condition, Insurers take into account both the risk of the problem re-occurring (in your case apparently quite low) plus the potential cost of required treatment,which in your case, would be very high eg emergency specialist surgery,repatriation by air ambulance etc. - hence a higher premium. My mother in her 80s with a specialist defibrillator fitted, is totally uninsureable!

No idea.

I suppose it depends on whether you can afford to take the risk yourself financially. If you don't pay the relevant premium for Travel Insurance, then you travel at your own risk. Even in Europe with the EHIC, if you feel ill in a hotel, many are on commission with private hospitals. The EHIC won't cover the cost, as that is only for public health services.

Have you tried specialist brokers such as world-first.co.uk

I have to say that I have ignored this having been quoted an extortionate top up price 2/3 years ago. I have a pacemaker fitted. According to my consultant I am now fitter and safer than ever before. According to the DVLA I am fully fit to drive with nothing being recorded on my licence.

However accoring the the insurers I am a much bigger risk. I think not.

Another example of rip off Britain.