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Travel insurance with medical conditions

Compare travel insurance for pre-existing conditions to find the right cover for you

  • Compare quotes from up to 43 insurers that cover pre-existing medical conditions

  • Get travel insurance with a medical condition from £13*

  • Covers emergency medical treatment, getting you back to the UK and more

*The cheapest annual policy based on 1 adult aged 30, with anxiety listed as a previous medical condition, travelling in Europe. Confused.com data - February 2024.

We compare 43 trusted travel insurance companies to find you our best deals

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Can I get travel insurance with a pre-existing medical condition?

As long as you're fit enough to make your trip, it's usually still possible to buy travel insurance. But make sure you declare your medical condition to the insurer when you buy your policy.

Often, the insurance company can insure you, but may charge more as you're at a higher risk of making a claim.

Unless it’s a particularly serious condition, it’s unlikely you’ll be refused a quote. We work with a specialist panel of insurance companies who give quotes for many declared serious medical conditions.

If for any reason you struggle to get a quote, MoneyHelper has set up a directory of insurers who cover customers with pre-existing medical conditions.

You can find the directory of insurers on the MoneyHelper website or you can phone the Money and Pensions Service for free impartial advice on 0800 138 7777.

How medical travel insurance works

Medical travel insurance is designed for people with pre-existing conditions. It covers you for health problems that you've visited the doctor about or are having tests or treatment for.

A regular travel insurance policy without pre-existing condition cover doesn't pay out for claims relating to health problems you already have.

Medical travel insurance, and travel insurance in general, includes cover for things like cancellations and lost or stolen belongings, as well as medical expenses.

The amount of medical cover you need depends on your pre-existing condition and the likelihood that you'll need treatment while you're away.

Most medical travel insurance quotes provide around £5m worth of cover, which is normally more than enough. If you have any doubts about your level of cover, contact your insurer.

Health conditions you need to declare to your insurer

Typically, the conditions you need to tell your insurer about are any illnesses or injuries that you've been diagnosed with or referred for investigation for before buying your travel insurance.

This includes:

  • Asthma and respiratory problems
  • Diabetes, both type 1 and type 2
  • Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression
  • Cancer
  • Heart conditions
  • High blood pressure
  • Joint and bone conditions like arthritis or rheumatism
  • Other chronic (long-term) conditions like Crohn’s disease
  • Terminal illnesses

This isn’t a complete list of all the conditions you need to tell your insurer about, so if you’re wondering if you should declare something, it’s best to check.

If you develop a medical condition after you've bought your travel insurance but before you travel, you should contact your insurer and declare it to them. This is usually referred to as your 'ongoing duty of disclosure' or a 'change in health'.

Your insurance company can clarify whether you're covered.

What you don't need to declare to your insurer

It’s important that you're honest when you answer the questions we ask about your pre-existing medical conditions. But there are some things you don’t need to declare on your travel insurance:

  • Pregnancy: Being pregnant isn’t considered a pre-existing medical condition unless you have complications. Standard travel insurance should cover any medical needs that might arise because of pregnancy, but check the details of your chosen policy before buying. Read more about travelling while pregnant.
  • Contraceptives: When you get a quote, there’s no need to tell us about any contraceptives your doctor has prescribed.

How much does medical travel insurance cost?

Here are the average prices for an annual travel insurance policy for someone with anxiety:

Destination Cheapest annual premium*
Europe
£13.20
Worldwide exc. US, Canada and Caribbean
£30.52
Worldwide inc. US, Canada and Caribbean
£42.96

Travel insurance usually costs more if you have a pre-existing medical condition. This is because you’re at higher risk of needing emergency medical treatment while abroad when compared to someone without medical conditions.

This also means that typically, the more serious your condition, the more you pay for your medical travel insurance.

*The cheapest annual policy based on 1 adult aged 30, with anxiety listed as a previous medical condition, across worldwide destinations. Confused.com data - February 2024

How to get travel insurance with a pre-existing condition

Getting a quote for medical travel insurance only takes a few minutes. Having this information ready makes it easier:

  • Your name, age and address
  • Where you're travelling
  • The length of your trip
  • Details of your medical conditions, including any medication you’re taking

When you fill out our travel insurance quote form, we'll ask you questions about your health so we can show policies with the right level of cover. This is why it's important to answer the questions accurately and honestly. If you have a serious medical condition, we may require more information.

We compare prices from travel insurance companies to help find the right policy at the right price. We’ll show you a list of quotes from the insurers who can offer the cover you need based on the information you’ve given us.

Then all you need to do is read the policy details and make sure you have the right level of cover before making your decision.

Compare medical travel insurance quotes

How to get cheaper travel insurance if you have a medical condition

Since travel insurance can be more expensive if you have a medical condition, it’s good to know what steps you can take to reduce your costs:

  • Increase your excess: Often the price of your policy is cheaper if you choose to pay a higher excess. But make sure the excess you choose is affordable in case you do need to make a claim.
  • Consider annual multi-trip travel insurance: If you’re planning to take several trips over the next 12 months, you might find an annual policy better value overall. Bear in mind some insurers only offer single trip policies to those with medical conditions, so you might find there are fewer annual policies to choose from.
  • Choose additional cover carefully: Add any additional cover that you need for your trip, but think carefully about what you actually need. Don’t add extra cover 'just in case' if there’s no chance you’ll use it, as it will increase the price of your policy.
  • Compare quotes: To get the best price for the cover you need, the easiest thing to do is compare quotes and prices.

What to consider before travelling with a pre-existing medical condition

A little planning can help when travelling with a pre-existing condition. Have a great holiday with our tips:

  • Research your destination in advance, so you know exactly where to find the nearest doctor, clinic, pharmacy and hospital. You should also check the rules around bringing medication into the country, as some countries have strict rules around medications that are readily available in the UK.
  • Get a doctor’s advice before you travel as they should be able to advise you on what sort of travel and activities are okay to do with your medical condition.
  • Pack your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC): This gives you access to state healthcare in EU countries at the same cost as a citizen of that country. The GHIC covers things like emergency treatment, visits to A&E and routine maternity care (as long as you haven’t travelled to give birth). Alternatively, you can take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if it’s still valid. Remember, the EHIC and GHIC are not a replacement for travel insurance.
  • Pack enough medication for your trip. This might mean you need to request extra before you leave. Pack your medication in your hand luggage, in case your luggage is misplaced. It’s also a good idea to take a copy of your prescription and make sure any medication is in its original packaging, with the patient information leaflet too.
  • Pack your doctor’s letter, if you’ve been advised to take one.
  • Pack any medical equipment you use regularly.

What our travel insurance expert says

"A pre-existing medical condition shouldn't stop you travelling, as there are insurers who cover pre-existing medical conditions.

The most important thing is that you’re honest about your condition and any medication when you’re getting a quote, so you can enjoy your holiday knowing you have the cover you need."

Matthew Harwood, Home & lifestyle insurance expert at Confused.com
Home & lifestyle insurance expert Confused.com logo

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What are the different types of travel insurance?

Page last reviewed: 16 February 2024

Reviewed by: Matthew Harwood

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