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Medical travel insurance

Compare travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions

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  • Compare quotes from up to 441 insurers that cover pre-existing medical conditions

  • Get travel insurance with a medical condition from £3.552

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

1Correct as of October 2024
2The cheapest single-trip policy based on 1 adult aged 30, with anxiety listed as a medical condition, travelling in Spain for 3 nights. Based on Confused.com data, October 2024.

Can I get travel insurance if I have a medical condition?

Absolutely! If you're well enough to travel and haven't been advised against it by a doctor, you should be able to get travel insurance. Just be sure to let your insurer know about any medical conditions when purchasing your policy. It's really important for 2 main reasons:

  • You'll get the right coverage for your needs.
  • You won't invalidate your policy if you need to make a related claim.

Having a pre-existing medical condition might mean you pay a slightly higher premium, as there's a greater chance you'll need medical assistance while abroad. But, in most cases, getting a quote is straightforward—especially with our panel of insurers who cover a wide range of medical conditions!

It's a good idea to consider medical travel insurance as soon as you've booked your trip. By doing this, you'll be covered if you need to cancel because of unexpected illness. It'll also save you from the stress of sorting travel insurance close to your trip.

Struggling to get covered? Don't worry, you're not out of options.

If you're having trouble finding a policy, the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) has a directory of travel insurers specifically for those with pre-existing conditions.

You can find the directory of insurers on the MoneyHelper website. You can also phone the MaPS for free, impartial advice on 0800 138 7777.

How does medical travel insurance work?

Medical travel insurance is there to give you peace of mind, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition. So, even if you've been diagnosed with something or are receiving treatment, you can still get covered. Huge relief, right?

Generally, a standard travel insurance policy should cover your condition as long as you declare it when you buy the policy. Most policies offer a generous, set amount of medical coverage abroad.

But, the level of coverage you might need depends on your condition and how likely you are to need treatment for it abroad. So, if your health needs require a bit more attention, there's specialist policies available. They can offer an enhanced level of medical coverage, especially for more serious conditions.

Top Tip: If you're unsure, just reach out to your insurer. They'll be more than happy to help you find the right policy fit.

What's considered a pre-existing medical condition?

A pre-existing condition includes any health issue you've been diagnosed with or are being monitored for at the time of taking out your policy.

Here's some examples of pre-existing medical conditions:

  • Asthma and other respiratory problems
  • Diabetes, including type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes
  • Mental health conditions like depression or anxiety
  • Cancer, even if you're in remission
  • Heart conditions like coronary heart disease
  • Joint and bone conditions like arthritis and rheumatism
  • High blood pressure
  • Stroke
  • Epilepsy

If you're unsure about whether or not to mention a condition, just check with your insurer. They're there to help you! Declaring all your medical conditions is the easiest way to make sure you get the protection you need.

Just something to keep in mind—failing to declare a medical condition could mean you're not covered for any related medical treatment you might need. This could leave you with expensive medical bills to pay, especially if you need to be transported home for further treatment.

Enjoy your trip knowing you're covered

"A pre-existing medical condition shouldn't stop you travelling! The most important thing is that you’re honest about your condition and any medication when you’re getting a quote. This will make sure that the quotes you see are appropriate for you, so you can relax and enjoy your holiday."

Alvaro Iturmendi - Confused.com travel insurance expert
Travel insurance expert Confused.com logo

How to compare medical travel insurance quotes

Comparing travel insurance is easy with us! Here's how you can do it in 3 simple steps:

Number 1 icon

Fill out our quote form

We'll need to know a few details about you and anyone named on the policy. This includes details about any medical conditions you have.

Number 2 icon

We'll do the hard work

We'll compare your information against the panel of travel insurers we work with to show you a list of quotes.

Number 3 icon

Compare quotes

Read the policy details carefully to find the policy that's best suited to you. Sorted!

Is medical travel insurance more expensive?

Yes, it can be.

Travel insurance that covers those with a medical condition tends to be more expensive. This is because there's a higher risk of falling ill or needing treatment while abroad than those travelling without a medical condition.

So, in general—the more serious your condition is, the more expensive your insurance is likely to be.

It's also worth noting that other factors can impact the price, such as:

  • Destination. Where you're travelling to can affect your policy price. For example, travel insurance for China and other international destinations tends to be more expensive than places like France. This is because medical costs can be higher and it's further from home.
  • Age. Insurers can see older travellers as more risky. For example, travel insurance for over 70s is usually more expensive than insurance for young travellers. So, travel insurance for an elderly person with medical conditions will likely cost more than a younger person with medical conditions.
  • Length. The longer you'll be away, the higher the likelihood of needing to make a claim.

How to get cheap travel insurance with a medical condition

If you're looking for travel insurance and have a medical condition, you might wonder how to keep costs down.

Like we've mentioned, the price of your travel insurance can depend on things like your age and how long you'll be travelling for. While you might not be able to change these factors, here's a few tips that could help you save on your insurance:

  • Increase your excess: The 'excess' is the portion you'd pay out of pocket if you make a claim. In general, the higher your excess, the lower your premium. Just make sure you're comfortable with the amount you choose so it's manageable if you do end up making a claim.
  • Consider the additional cover you need: Adding policy extras usually comes at an added cost. So, think realistically about what you'll need for this trip. If you're planning a beach holiday, you might not need the same level of cover as an adventure-packed getaway.
  • Compare travel insurance quotes: The simplest way to find a better price is to compare travel insurance quotes! This gives you a clearer picture of what different policies offer, so you can pick one that suits both your needs and budget.
  • Consider different policy types: Planning on travelling multiple times in a year? Consider multi-trip travel insurance. It might be cheaper and easier than buying separate policies each time.

By taking these steps, you'll give yourself a better chance of finding affordable cover that suits your travel plans and medical needs. Hooray!

We compare 44 trusted travel insurance companies1 to find you our best deals

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What type of travel insurance can I get with a pre-existing condition?

Travel insurance icon

Single-trip travel insurance

This covers you for one trip. There's generally a limit on how long the trip can be, but this varies between providers. If you're only planning a one-off trip, this policy could offer enough cover.

Multi-travel icon

Annual travel insurance

These policies cover you for 12 months, allowing you to go on as many holidays as you like within the policy term. This type of policy can be more cost-effective if you're planning multiple trips.

Travel backpackers icon

Backpackers travel insurance

This type of policy covers you to travel to multiple countries on a longer trip. These policies tend to be more expensive due to the increased risk level associated with backpacking trips.

How do I make a claim while I'm abroad?

It depends on the provider. But, generally, you'll need your policy number and proof of the claim you're making.

If you're taken to hospital because of a medical emergency, you should contact your insurer as quickly as possible. Most insurers have a dedicated medical helpline you'll be able to call in the event of a medical emergency. Check your policy wording and make a note of it in case you need to call it! If this isn't possible, you might need to pay upfront and then claim once you're back home.

For an insurer to approve your claim, you'll need to show proof. So, you should also make sure you keep documentation to support your claims handy. These can include:

  • Hospital invoices
  • Receipts
  • Booking confirmations

Helpful hint: You might be required to use your EHIC or GHIC alongside travel insurance. So, it's important to check this before travelling so you're not left unable to claim if you need treatment abroad.

What does medical travel insurance cover?

Exactly what's covered will vary between providers and policies. But, here's what's normally included on travel insurance:

  • Medical cover: You'll normally be covered for emergency medical treatment up to a set amount.
  • Repatriation cover: If a medical team decides it's necessary to fly you home for treatment, insurance can cover the costs.
  • Cancellation and curtailment cover: If you need to cancel or cut your trip short for unexpected reasons, your insurance can cover this.
  • Third party liability cover: You're normally covered if you injure someone or damage their property.
  • Travel disruption cover: Your travel insurance will cover the costs if bad weather, strikes or mechanical issues prevents you from travelling.

What isn't covered?

  • Undeclared pre-existing medical conditions. Emergency treatment for any undeclared medical conditions won't be covered.
  • Travelling against FCDO advice. If you travel to a country that the FCDO advises against, you won't be covered.
  • Incidents involving drugs or alcohol. If you become ill, injured or lose your belongings while under the influence, you won't be covered.
  • Known events. This includes things like natural disasters or extreme weather that occur before you buy your insurance.
  • Extreme sports or activities. Certain activities usually require a specialist adventure travel insurance policy. If you want to play a lot of golf on your trip, you could consider adding golf insurance. And, if your insurer doesn't cover scuba diving, you may want to consider adding scuba diving travel insurance to your policy.
  • Changing your mind. If you decide you just don't want to go on holiday, you won't be covered for anything you've already paid for.

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

A little planning can help when travelling with a pre-existing condition. Here's some tips to help you prepare:

  • Pack any medical equipment you use regularly. This might include inhalers, nebulisers and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines. And, if you need to travel with an oxygen cylinder, you should contact your airline before travelling to check for any restrictions.
  • Get a doctor’s advice before you travel. A quick chat with your doctor can be helpful. They can give you guidance on what kind of travel and activities might be suitable for you and your condition.
  • Pack your doctor’s letter, if you’ve been advised to take one. These are sometimes called fit notes and confirm that you're well enough to travel. It might come in handy if you're questioned about your health.
  • Research your destination in advance, so you know exactly where to find the nearest doctor, clinic, pharmacy and hospital.
  • Pack enough medication for your trip. Make sure you have enough medication for your entire trip! Keep them in your hand luggage so they don't get lost. It's also a good idea to bring a copy of your prescription and to keep medications in their original packaging. This should help to prevent issues at security or customs.
  • Check the rules around bringing medication into the country. Some countries have strict rules about certain medications, so check with your GP or pharmacist if your meds contain any controlled substances. You might need a prescription or a letter from your doctor for travel.
  • Pack your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). If you're travelling to an EU country, bring your GHIC or a still-valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). These cards give you access to healthcare at the same cost as locals. But, remember, they're not a substitute for travel insurance. Some insurers even require you to have one as a condition of coverage!

Do I need a medical screening to get travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions?

When you apply for a travel insurance quote, you'll typically go through a process called medical screening. It's quick and easy, and is your chance to provide details about any pre-existing conditions you have.

You might be asked things like:

  • Specifics of any conditions you have
  • Treatment you've received
  • Surgery or treatment you're waiting to receive
  • Any medicines you take or have taken for the condition

If the insurer requires more details, they might ask additional questions or request that you consult your GP. It might feel strange having to tell your insurer about any health conditions you have. But, don't worry—this is just so insurers can make sure they can offer you the cover you need.

Why compare medical travel insurance with Confused.com?

There's plenty of great reasons why you should consider us! Here's just a few:

  • We work closely with a panel of 441 trusted UK travel insurers. We compare your details against all of them to show you our best quotes.
  • We're 100% independent. This means we're not owned by any insurance company, so the prices you see are our best available based on your information, not who they're from.

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Frequently asked questions

Does it matter where I'm travelling to?

Yes, your destination can affect the cost of travel insurance, especially in places with pricier medical care. For example, travel insurance for the USA is often more expensive than travel insurance for Spain.

The IAS - one of the providers of medical repatriation for UK nationals - estimates that returning home from the USA to the UK could cost £50,000. And, from Brazil, it could be more expensive at £85,000!

Without travel insurance, you might have to pay these costs yourself. So, it's a good idea to think about getting a policy before your trip.

Do I need to declare any medications I'm taking?

You might!

Let's take a closer look at the main situations you might need to:

  • While taking out travel insurance. Whether you need to declare a medication depends on what it is and your insurer's requirements. If in doubt, just check with your insurer, they'll help clarify which medications they need to know about.
  • When going through customs or security. Depending on what medication you have, you might need to show proof that it's been prescribed to you at customs or at security. So, make sure you bring your prescription and any other relevant documentation with you.

Are there any conditions that don't need to be declared?

Yes! There's some things that don't usually need to be declared. Here's some common ones:

  • Pregnancy: Being pregnant isn't usually considered a pre-existing medical condition unless you have complications. Yay! And, just a reminder, most insurers don't cover pregnancy after 37 weeks. If you're having twins, the cut-off is around 32 weeks. Read more about pregnancy travel insurance.
  • Contraceptives: When you get a quote, there's no need to tell us about any contraceptives your doctor has prescribed.
  • Painkillers or antibiotics: In most cases, your insurer doesn't need to know if you've recently been prescribed painkillers or antibiotics. The exception to this is if your prescription is for an ongoing or chronic condition. Like we've mentioned, just talk to your insurer if you're unsure about anything.

Is pregnancy a pre-existing medical condition?

Pregnancy isn't considered a medical condition. So, there's usually no need to declare it when taking out a quote. Boom!

But, if you've experienced any complications related to pregnancy, you'll need to let your insurer know. It's also worth declaring that you're expecting if you're in your 3rd trimester. This is because most insurers only cover up to 37 weeks due to the increased chance of going into labour. You can read more about travelling while pregnant.

When in doubt, just reach out to your travel insurer!

What if I don't declare a condition?

Not declaring a medical condition can invalidate your travel insurance, meaning any claims you make could be declined. Being upfront when getting quotes ensures you'll have the coverage you need. So, you can focus on other things—like enjoying your holiday!

When should I buy travel insurance?

Ideally, as soon as you've booked your trip! Buying travel insurance early means you're covered for unexpected issues before your departure. For instance, if you become unwell and can no longer travel, your insurance can help cover any prepaid costs.

Waiting to buy travel insurance last minute means you could be at risk of losing out if something goes wrong!

Do I need travel insurance if I have an EHIC or GHIC?

Travel insurance isn't a legal requirement in the majority of places. But, taking out a policy is still worth thinking about.

An EHIC or GHIC card can provide access to essential, state-level healthcare. So, this means paying the same price for medical care as citizens of the country you're in. In certain destinations, you could even get it for free. But, it's important to note that these cards won't cover things like medical repatriation. This means being returned to the UK for treatment, and can cost thousands without insurance.

Despite this, it's still worth travelling with one. You can use it alongside your insurance to make sure you're able to access the medical care you need. Oh, and just a heads up— some travel insurers can even ask you to get one as a condition of your policy!

What if I'm diagnosed with a medical condition after I've bought my insurance?

If you're diagnosed with a new condition after purchasing your policy, let your insurer know as soon as possible. They might need to adjust your policy to ensure you're getting the right level of cover. Being upfront with your insurer will help avoid invalidating your policy if you need related treatment while abroad. Phew!

Can I get travel insurance if I'm waiting for a diagnosis?

We understand waiting for a diagnosis can be stressful, and you might want nothing more than to get away on a well-deserved holiday.

But, it's best to wait until you receive your test results before buying travel insurance. The same applies if you're awaiting surgery. This way, you can provide accurate information to your insurer and ensure you get the right cover for your needs. 

What are the different types of travel insurance?

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Page last reviewed: 31 October 2024

Reviewed by: Alvaro Iturmendi

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