Travel insurance for pre-existing conditions

Travel insurance for pre-existing conditions
How to find affordable travel insurance for medical conditions

If you have a vacation planned, it’s wise to secure travel insurance as early as you can to protect yourself against any unforeseen issues before your trip. However, if you have a significant medical condition or are undergoing treatment, you might encounter exorbitant rates for travel coverage. Here are some strategies to help you reduce those expenses.

Aged under 66 with NO conditions? See Travel insurance.
66+ with NO conditions? See Over-65s’ travel insurance.
Staycation planned? See UK travel insurance.

Can I still get travel insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?

Having a medical condition, whether current or past, shouldn’t deter you from seeking affordable travel insurance. The primary purpose of travel insurance is to cover unexpected events, such as illnesses, injuries, or theft of your belongings during your trip.

It also provides protection if you need to cancel your trip before departure or return home early due to an emergency.

For those with pre-existing medical conditions, the insurance functions similarly to that for standard travelers. The key difference is that it includes coverage for medical conditions you’ve had previously or are currently dealing with, which may result in a higher premium.

Nonetheless, travel insurance does not cover every possible scenario or every type of loss or inconvenience you might face on vacation. Make sure to review the guide thoroughly to understand what is covered and what isn’t.

What does travel insurance cover?

Unfortunately, travel insurance plans can differ significantly in their coverage, but you should generally anticipate that an insurer will compensate for the majority of the following.

Nevertheless, the specific extent of coverage can differ from one policy to another, so it’s crucial to review the terms thoroughly before purchasing.

Good travel insurance should cover you for…

What medical conditions do I need to declare?

You might not necessarily require a specialized policy, as many insurance providers are flexible in arranging coverage, depending on your medical condition.

If you’ve visited a doctor, medical consultant, or specialist, it’s highly probable that you’ll need to disclose this information.

Be sure to thoroughly review the insurer’s questions—they may inquire about medical conditions or healthcare visits from the past three, four, or five years. Some insurers may even request information extending further back, as you are generally seen as more likely to file a claim.

Below is a list of some of the most frequently required medical conditions to disclose when purchasing travel insurance, although this is not an exhaustive list:

• Epilepsy
• Heart conditions (including high blood pressure or cholesterol)
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Mental health conditions (including depression, eating disorders, anxiety)
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Crohn’s disease

It is also worth knowing that you’ll also need to share details of:

• Treated broken limbs
• Any surgery
• Any ongoing treatment (including if you’re waiting for an operation or investigation)
• Any condition where you’re awaiting test results

It might seem challenging, but this step is crucial for identifying the best policy for you. Failing to provide this information to the insurer could potentially void your policy and any associated coverage.

Travel insurance need-to-knows if you’ve a pre-existing condition

As mentioned earlier, travel insurance provides protection against a broad array of unexpected occurrences. It’s CRUCIAL to secure it prior to your trip—here are several key considerations to keep in mind when selecting a policy…

1 – Buy as soon as you’ve booked

Purchase travel insurance immediately upon booking your trip to ensure coverage for cancellations and any pre-trip illnesses. Delaying the purchase of travel insurance until the last minute is a poor decision. Even if your holiday is months away, it’s crucial not to postpone this step.

This becomes even more critical if you have pre-existing health conditions, as arranging insurance might take additional time. There’s also the possibility of your condition worsening, and if you already have insurance, you’ll be protected in such cases.

Moreover, travel insurance is not just for coverage during your trip; it also protects you against cancellations, issues such as job loss, or emergencies like a family member’s illness or death that might occur before your departure. If you contract coronavirus just before your trip and cannot travel, you’re covered as well.

In summary, always secure your travel insurance ASAB (As Soon As you Book) your holiday.

This advice is equally applicable to domestic trips within the UK, for which we provide a guide to assist with arranging UK travel insurance.

… and see if it’s cheaper getting a combined or individual policy

When traveling with a partner or family, you can choose between a single policy for everyone or individual policies for each person. Typically, a combined policy is more economical, but there are situations where separate policies might be more advantageous:

• If one traveler is over 65, the cost of a group policy is usually determined by the oldest member or the one considered the highest risk. This could lead to higher premiums for everyone (check out our guide on travel insurance for over-65s to find ways to save).
• If any traveler has a medical condition, it could increase the cost for all members.
• If only one traveler is venturing outside Europe, especially to the US or on a skiing trip (or both), separate policies might be preferable. This way, you avoid paying for extended coverage that isn’t necessary for the entire family.

2 – Always declare your medical conditions

Always disclose your medical conditions to ensure you receive coverage. A pre-existing condition refers to any physical or mental health issue you’ve consulted a doctor about or received ongoing treatment for. The timeframe for disclosure varies by insurer, so it’s crucial to provide a comprehensive and honest account of all your past health issues to avoid claim rejections later. This is especially critical in the era of COVID-19, as some conditions may increase your risk of complications.

If you have, or have had, what insurers consider a less serious condition—such as mild asthma or high blood pressure without ongoing treatment—you might still qualify for standard coverage at the usual rate. However, it’s important to inform the insurer of these conditions, even if they seem minor.

Different insurers have their own lists of what they consider serious conditions, which could lead to higher premiums or the need for specialized coverage.

If your insurer is unaware of your medical history, any pre-existing conditions—regardless of how minor—might not be covered, potentially leaving you with significant medical expenses. Insurers also need to be informed about any medication or related conditions tied to your pre-existing issue.

For instance, if an asthmatic person develops a chest infection while traveling, they’ll only be covered if they’ve disclosed their asthma to the insurer beforehand.

3 – Not all insurers have an upper age limit

Determining the age of travelers is crucial for insurers as it helps them ensure that individuals do not exceed their maximum age limit.

Fortunately, many insurers do not impose an upper age limit, though this can vary depending on whether you opt for an annual multi-trip policy or a one-time single trip policy.

For instance, Direct Line and Churchill set a maximum age of 74 for their annual policies but do not have an age restriction for single trip policies. This approach is also seen with Leisure Guard, Sainsbury’s, Virgin, and the Post Office.

Additionally, insurers like Avanti, CoverForYou, Saga, and Staysure do not enforce an upper age limit for either annual multi-trip or single-trip policies.

Therefore, if you’re older, it may be beneficial to request quotes for both annual and single trip policies, as you may receive more quotes with the single-trip option.

4 – Check you’re covered for the countries you’re travelling to

Insurance providers will categorize your trip as either ‘European’ or ‘worldwide.’ The ‘worldwide’ option is frequently subdivided to either include or exclude regions such as the US, Canada, the Caribbean, or Mexico. Choosing to include these areas will raise the premium, reflecting the higher expenses associated with medical care—especially in the US—and the potential need for repatriation.

Annual European travel cover isn’t just for Europe

When traveling just outside Europe, opting for worldwide coverage isn’t always necessary. Many insurance providers offer European coverage that extends to certain non-European countries.

If you’re heading to Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, or Tunisia, consider first obtaining a quote for European coverage. Then, check the policy’s geographical scope to see if your destination is included. For instance, insurers such as Allianz*, Insure and Go, and Coverwise* categorize Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, and Tunisia as part of Europe.

Additionally, keep in mind that not all insurance plans automatically cover Spain and the Balearic/Canary Islands under European coverage. You might need to pay an extra fee to add Spain to your policy if you plan to visit.

Check if the Foreign Office is advising against travel to your destination

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) maintains a list of destinations deemed unsafe for travel. This typically includes regions affected by conflict, terrorism, or other significant issues such as natural disasters or pandemics.

Before finalizing your travel plans and in the weeks leading up to your departure, it’s important to check the FCDO website for the most current travel advisories, as conditions can change rapidly. Additionally, verify if the country you’re visiting has imposed entry restrictions, which can usually be found on the relevant UK embassy website.

If travel restrictions impact your trip, explore options to reschedule or request a refund from your travel provider.

For those still considering travel (though this is not a recommendation), a specialized insurance policy is necessary, as standard insurers generally do not cover travel under these circumstances, even if the trip was permissible when booked.

Consider looking into Battleface* or Staysure* (which offers a ‘travel disruption extension’ as an optional add-on).

5 – Single-trip vs multi-trip policies

Single-trip insurance policies can often be less expensive compared to multi-trip policies.

If you have pre-existing conditions, an annual policy might be too costly. It’s a good idea to obtain quotes for both single-trip and annual coverage to determine which is the most economical option.

Annual coverage provides protection for an unlimited number of trips within a 12-month period. However, there may be limits on the length of each trip, typically ranging from 17 to 90 days, with 31 days being a common maximum.

6 – Family or group policies are based on the traveller deemed the highest risk, so consider separate cover

Group insurance premiums are determined by the oldest traveler or the individual considered the highest risk, such as someone with pre-existing medical conditions. In these cases, insurers tend to be more selective and increase premiums.

To prevent everyone from paying excessive amounts, opting for individual policies might be the best approach. However, it’s essential to compare both options.

Separate policies may prove more advantageous in certain situations (so it’s wise to review them), including:

• If any traveler has a medical condition.
• If any traveler is over the age of 65 (consult our guide on travel insurance for those over 65 for ways to reduce costs).
• If only one traveler is going outside Europe, particularly to the US, or is planning a skiing trip (or both), separate policies might be more cost-effective than extending coverage for the entire group.

7 – Going to Europe? Don’t forget your free EHIC/GHIC as it can help with medical costs

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and its successor, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which has been issued to new applicants starting January 1, 2021, provide coverage for medical treatment in public hospitals across the EU at the same rate as local residents. This means if local patients are not charged, you won’t be either.

Additionally, even though Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein are not EU member states, you are still eligible for treatment in state-run hospitals in these countries using your EHIC or GHIC.

* An EHIC/GHIC should be seen as an extra to travel insurance, not a replacement. Travel insurance covers a far greater range of scenarios, as well as gives cover for cancellation, possessions, delays, repatriation, personal liability, and more. Plus, even using an EHIC/GHIC you may need to pay, and travel insurance will cover that (and often using the EHIC/GHIC means you don’t pay the excess).

How do I get a GHIC?

The card is available at no cost, so if you encounter a fraudulent site claiming to be the official one and asking for a fee (usually around £35), be wary. For complete details and instructions on obtaining it for free from the genuine NHS site, check out our Free EHIC/GHIC guide.

8 – Check if you’re already covered

Verify whether your bank account provides travel insurance coverage—just remember to inform them about your medical conditions.

It’s possible you already have travel insurance without realizing it. If you hold a packaged bank account that includes benefits like travel insurance for a monthly fee, review whether this insurance applies to your trip and if it meets your needs.

For less serious conditions, such as mild asthma, coverage is likely included at no extra cost. However, for more severe conditions, you might need to pay an additional fee or risk being denied coverage. Always check with the insurer, as policies can vary.

Be careful not to confuse this with the travel accident insurance feature provided by credit cards, which only protects against accidents occurring on trains, planes, or rental cars paid for with the card. This does not imply full coverage.

Additionally, this insurance should not be mistaken for Section 75 legal protection, which applies if you purchase items costing between £100 and £30,000 with a credit card (not a debit card). For more details, refer to our Section 75 guide.

For information on bank accounts that might include travel insurance and other benefits, check out our guide to Top Packaged Bank Accounts.

9 – Planning a cruise? You’ll likely need an add-on to the policy

Standard travel insurance plans generally cover loss or theft of belongings and medical expenses during a cruise. However, other potential situations may not be included unless you enhance your coverage. These additional scenarios might include:

• Missed departure
• Unused cruise excursions, for instance, a day trip to a city port
• Cruise itinerary change
• Cabin confinement, for example, onboard virus

To secure coverage for these needs, you can often choose an affordable add-on for the appropriate protection. To obtain a quote, a convenient method is to visit a comparison website like MoneySupermarket*, Confused.com*, Gocompare, or Compare The Market.

Alternatively, consider using Compare Your Cruise Insurance* where you input the cruise operator, ship, cruise details, and sailing month to receive a quote.

It’s also a good idea to check if any of the recommended policies below offer the option to add cruise coverage.

10 – Going skiing? Make sure you have winter sports cover

Winter sports come with their own risks, so it’s crucial to secure insurance before you hit the slopes after booking your trip. Beyond the standard coverage included in a regular travel policy, winter sports insurance will also protect you for injuries sustained during these activities and provide coverage for your winter sports gear.

Typically, your coverage includes:

– Medical costs if you have an accident. Medical expenses resulting from injuries on the slopes can be extremely high, making adequate coverage crucial. According to the Association of British Insurers, one British individual faced a staggering £90,000 in treatment costs for a fractured rib and punctured lung. Even less severe injuries, like a damaged knee ligament, can lead to bills up to £3,800.

Additionally, costs will rise substantially if you need to be airlifted from the mountain to a hospital or repatriated from locations such as the US or Canada while injured.

– Piste closure. If your ski run is closed, typically because of insufficient snow or an avalanche, and you can’t ski, your insurance might reimburse you a daily amount. This reimbursement can vary between £10 and £50 per day, with a maximum limit of £200 to £500.

– Loss of or damage to your ski equipment. Winter sports insurance policies generally protect you against accidental damage, theft, or loss of your equipment. Coverage limits vary between providers, so assess the value of your gear and choose a policy that suits your needs.

If you rent ski equipment, your insurer might cover it in case of loss, theft, or damage. Some insurers include rented equipment in their baggage coverage up to a specified amount, while others might cover only up to 50% of the insured value for rented gear. Additionally, some ski equipment rental companies offer coverage for their gear, so it’s a good idea to inquire at your resort before purchasing insurance.

Typically, your ski pack—which includes items like ski school fees, lift passes, and rented equipment—is covered. Coverage amounts can vary from £150 to £500, and in some cases, it can reach up to £5,000. Be sure to review your policy carefully to understand any exclusions.

– Public liability (if you crash into someone and injure them or damage their property). Travel insurance policies typically include around £2 million in public liability coverage. If you add winter sports coverage to your policy, this protection will extend to any injuries or property damage caused while skiing. However, if you fail to inform your insurer about your plans to ski or snowboard, any damage resulting from these activities is generally not covered.

Typically, your insurance will include coverage for skiing or snowboarding on marked trails. Some policies may extend this coverage to off-piste activities, provided you are accompanied by a certified instructor during a lesson.

For more unconventional activities like ski jumping or snowmobiling, it’s important to review your policy’s terms and conditions beforehand. If you’re considering even more extreme pursuits, such as luging or stunt skiing, specialized insurance providers like BMC and Snowcard could offer the coverage you need.

Will I struggle to get winter sports cover?

Travelers with a background of medical issues won’t be barred from purchasing winter sports insurance and should be able to secure it without difficulty. Nevertheless, older travelers are likely to face higher premiums. Additionally, some insurance providers might impose limits on coverage levels.

I am skiing twice this year. Should I get a 12-month policy?

You’re in luck! It could be more cost-effective to opt for an annual policy that includes winter sports coverage. However, be sure to compare this with the cost of individual trip coverage to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

What happens if I have an accident while I’m a little tipsy?

Many individuals may not realize that consuming alcohol while on vacation can impact your insurance coverage. If you lose an item or suffer an accident while under the influence, even slightly, your insurance might not provide coverage.

Certain insurers may go as far as testing blood alcohol levels, though the practicality of this process is uncertain. However, this practice varies between different policies.

A denied claim could have significant repercussions, potentially excluding you from receiving medical or possessions coverage. This also applies to activities like skiing in adverse weather conditions or without a helmet, depending on the insurer. Therefore, it’s essential to thoroughly review your policy before purchasing.

11 – If you need to claim for cancellation, you’ll usually need to prove the tour operator/airline won’t refund you first

Even if you believe you’ve secured a comprehensive policy that seems to cover every possible scenario, it’s important to be cautious. Often, these policies include a clause stating they won’t cover ‘recoverable costs,’ which means you must demonstrate that you can’t reclaim those expenses from another source.

Typically, this requires effort on your part to request a refund from providers such as airlines, holiday operators, or car rental agencies (and occasionally your credit card company) before your insurer will consider your travel insurance claim. Additionally, keep in mind that many insurers may regard a credit note as sufficient and might not provide a payout if one has been issued.

Looking for a new travel insurance policy?

How to Secure Travel Insurance for Your Medical Condition. Follow our detailed guide to find the ideal policy that includes coverage for your health condition.

Keep in mind that while most travel insurance plans WILL cover you if either you or a family member contracts Covid-19 before your trip and you’re unable to travel, they WON’T cover cancellations if travel restrictions imposed by the government, either at home or abroad, prevent you from going.

Additionally, if you choose to travel to a destination that the Foreign Office advises against, your insurance will not cover you for any issues. For essential trips where you need to travel despite the Foreign Office’s advice, you will require a specialized policy.

Step 1: Get quotes from comparison sites

Get quotes from our standard top-pick policies. If you have a condition considered minor by insurance companies—like mild asthma—you might qualify for a standard policy or only face a slight increase in cost. In such cases, further action might not be necessary.

To find the best travel insurance coverage for your needs, use our Cheap Travel Insurance Finder tool featured in our main travel insurance guide. You can select from various options, including single-trip or annual policies, to find what works best for you.

However, different insurers have their own criteria for what they consider serious conditions. This means you might need to pay a higher premium or seek specialized coverage. If you fall into this category or have a severe condition, it’s advisable to move on to step 2.

If our recommended options don’t meet your needs, consider using comparison sites to explore other standard policy options. Try…

MoneySupermarket* | Compare The Market | Confused.com* | Gocompare | Quotezone*

All of these platforms enable you to tailor your quote according to your requirements, whether you need a single trip policy, an annual one, or additional coverage like travel disruption, scheduled airline failure, or cruise cover.

Important: ExEconomics does not oversee the providers listed on these comparison sites, and they might feature insurers we would not recommend. Specifically, if you are seeking an annual policy and use a comparison website for a trip scheduled more than a year ahead, ensure that the insurer will cover your trip, as not all do.

Want a bit more cover?

If you’re in search of a top-tier travel insurance plan that offers enhanced coverage—such as protection for more costly trips or airline failure—consider exploring LV (Premier)* or ABTA Travel Insurance (Gold)*. These policies surpass our standard minimum coverage and provide:

• £5,000 cancellation cover per person
• £10 million medical and repatriation expenses per person
• £2,000 baggage cover per person
• Travel disruption, for example, because of volcanic ash, tsunami or another natural disaster

However, these premier policies may charge a lot more than the specialist medical policies below to cover your condition – get quotes and compare.

Step 2: Then try specialist medical sites

If you have a serious condition, try specialist medical sites. For more severe health issues like heart diseases, specific joint disorders, or cancer, you may need to look into specialized medical insurers, which are not typically listed on standard comparison websites.

To get an initial price estimate, try obtaining a quote from Medical Travel Compared*, a site that partners with various insurers. Additionally, consider checking Payingtoomuch* for further options.

If you’re seeking an annual policy and are using a comparison site for a trip scheduled more than a year in advance, verify whether the insurer will cover your holiday, as coverage is not guaranteed with all providers.

Step 3: If these don’t work, find a broker

If you’re unable to secure coverage or find it prohibitively expensive, reach out to a broker.

Specialist brokers are adept at locating insurers who cater to unusual medical conditions or unconventional trips. You can locate one by visiting the British Insurance Brokers’ Association website.

Before purchasing a policy, make sure to carefully review the coverage details and consult providers’ websites for information related to coronavirus.

How to claim on your travel insurance

Filing a claim on your travel insurance shouldn’t be overwhelming. By familiarizing yourself with the terms and excesses of your policy, you can avoid any unexpected surprises.

Here are five steps to guide you through the claims process if you need to make one…

• Submit your claim as soon as possible. Reach out to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Certain aspects of your policy might have limited time frames for filing a claim, and processing it could take some time.
• Get your insurer to accept a medical claim before you get treatment. If you need to file a medical claim and it isn’t urgent, first obtain approval from your insurer over the phone. For instance, if you’ve twisted your ankle, call your insurer; if they approve the claim during the call, you reduce the risk of it being denied later. However, if it’s an emergency, seek immediate treatment without delay.
• Notify the police if it’s a theft or loss. If you lose something or have it stolen while traveling abroad, obtaining a crime reference number or its international counterpart is often necessary for a successful insurance claim. It’s crucial to report the incident to the local police as soon as possible—typically within 24 hours—to ensure your claim remains valid and doesn’t face complications.
• Keep receipts. When filing a claim for lost luggage or delays, be sure to keep the receipts for any necessary purchases made while you wait, such as food and beverages. Many insurance companies permit you to include these costs in your claim and may require receipts as evidence.
• Complain if you feel your claim was unfairly rejected. If your insurance claim is denied and you believe the rejection was incorrect, don’t just accept it. File a complaint with the free Financial Ombudsman. This impartial mediator will make the final call on your claim if you’re in a disagreement with your insurer. For detailed instructions on how to lodge a complaint, consult our Financial Rights guide or check the section below.

How to complain about your insurance provider

The insurance sector often struggles with a poor customer service image. What might work well for one person could be a nightmare for another.

Typical issues include delays or non-payment of claims, unjust fees, and hidden exclusions buried in fine print. Initially, it’s a good idea to contact your insurance provider directly. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, consider using Resolver, a free tool designed to assist you in managing complaints. Should the provider remain uncooperative, Resolver can help escalate the issue to the free Financial Ombudsman Service.