Travel Insurance for Pre-existing Conditions

Planning a holiday is exciting, but if you have a medical condition, finding the right travel insurance becomes just as important as booking your flight. Many standard policies exclude cover for pre-existing health issues, leaving you financially vulnerable if you fall ill abroad. That’s where specialised travel insurance for pre-existing conditions comes in.

This guide explains what counts as a pre-existing condition, why you need to declare it, how to compare policies, and what features to look for in a reliable insurer.

What Is a Pre-existing Medical Condition?

A pre-existing medical condition refers to any illness, injury, or ongoing health issue you’ve had before taking out the travel insurance policy. It typically includes:

• Chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, asthma, arthritis)

• Cardiovascular problems (e.g. high blood pressure, heart disease)

• Mental health conditions (e.g. anxiety, depression)

• Recent surgeries or hospital stays

• Ongoing medication or medical consultations

Each insurer has its own definition and assessment process. Some may include conditions diagnosed years ago, while others focus on the past 12 to 24 months.

Why You Must Declare Your Condition

Failing to declare a pre-existing condition can invalidate your policy. If you need medical treatment abroad related to an undeclared illness, your insurer may refuse to pay for:

• Emergency hospital care

• Repatriation to the UK

• Missed flights or extended stays

• Prescription drugs or specialist treatment

It’s essential to be honest and complete the medical screening process during purchase. Some conditions may be covered at no extra cost, while others may require a small premium.

Who Needs Travel Insurance That Covers Pre-existing Conditions?

You should consider specialised cover if you:

• Take regular prescribed medication

• Have been diagnosed with any long-term condition

• Have been hospitalised in the last two years

• Are waiting for test results or surgery

• Have had cancer, heart problems, or respiratory illness

Even if you feel fit and healthy, an insurer will base its decision on your medical history—not how you feel at the time of booking.

What Does This Type of Insurance Cover?

A comprehensive policy for travellers with pre-existing conditions usually includes:

• Emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation

• Repatriation to the UK

• Cover for declared conditions

• Lost medication or prescriptions

• Trip cancellation due to illness

• Cover for travelling companions in case of emergency

Always read the policy documents carefully. Some insurers only cover conditions if they are stable—meaning no recent changes to medication or treatment.

What’s Not Covered?

Exclusions vary, but common ones include:

• Undeclared medical conditions

• Travelling against medical advice

• Conditions diagnosed after policy purchase

• Experimental treatments

• Non-urgent private care abroad

Policies may also exclude some destinations where healthcare costs are particularly high, unless you purchase premium cover.

Best Travel Insurance Providers for Pre-existing Conditions

Here’s a comparison of well-known UK providers offering travel insurance that covers pre-existing medical conditions. Always complete a medical screening to confirm eligibility and pricing.

This table is accurate as of 2025. Always check each provider’s terms before purchasing.

How to Get a Quote

Most insurers require you to complete a medical screening as part of the quote process. You’ll need to answer questions about:

• Diagnosed conditions

• Date of diagnosis or treatment

• Medications and dosages

• Hospital stays or surgeries

• Future procedures planned

Answer honestly, even if it means paying more. Withholding information may result in rejected claims.

You can get quotes directly from providers or use comparison sites such as:

• MoneySuperMarket

• Compare the Market

• MedicalTravelCompared

Some comparison sites are specifically designed for customers with health conditions and include more relevant questions in their quote process.

Tips to Lower the Cost of Travel Insurance With a Medical Condition

1. Book early
   Buying your policy at the same time you book your trip ensures cancellation cover starts immediately.

2. Choose your destination wisely
   Trips to countries with high medical costs (like the USA) will raise your premium. Short-haul destinations in Europe tend to cost less to insure.

3. Opt for a single-trip policy
   If you only plan to travel once a year, a single-trip policy can be more cost-effective than annual multi-trip cover.

4. Use specialist providers
   Insurers that specialise in pre-existing conditions may offer lower prices and more flexible cover compared to standard insurers.

5. Travel when stable
   Many providers offer better rates if your condition has not changed recently. For example, no hospital stays or medication changes in the past six months.

Do You Need an EHIC or GHIC?

The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the EHIC for UK residents travelling to the EU. It allows access to state-funded healthcare at the same cost as local citizens.

However, GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. It doesn’t cover:

• Repatriation

• Private hospitals

• Non-EU destinations

• Lost medication

• Trip cancellation

Always carry a GHIC alongside full travel insurance for peace of mind.

What to Do if You’re Declined Cover

If you’re refused cover due to a complex medical history, try the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA). Their website has a dedicated section to help travellers find specialist cover: biba.org.uk

You can also ask your GP or consultant for a letter explaining your fitness to travel. Some insurers will reconsider cases with professional medical documentation.

Conclusion

Travelling with a pre-existing condition requires extra planning—but it shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a well-earned break. By choosing the right travel insurance, you can protect yourself financially and medically if something unexpected happens abroad.

Be honest during the medical screening, compare policies carefully, and don’t be put off by slightly higher premiums. A tailored travel insurance policy could end up saving you thousands in emergency costs—and give you the confidence to travel freely.