Travelling with a medical condition doesn’t necessarily stop you from exploring the world — but it can affect how travel insurance works.
If you’re planning a trip, you might be wondering:
Can you get travel insurance with a pre-existing medical condition — and what does it cover?
The answer is:
Travel insurance is often available for people with pre-existing medical conditions, but cover, pricing and terms may vary depending on individual circumstances and the information provided.
This guide explains how travel insurance works with medical conditions, what to expect during the application process, and what to consider when choosing cover.
What Is a Pre-Existing Medical Condition?
A pre-existing medical condition is typically:
Any illness, condition or injury that exists before you take out a travel insurance policy
This may include:
- Ongoing conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes)
- Past conditions (e.g. previous heart issues)
- Conditions under investigation
- Mental health conditions
- Any condition requiring medication or monitoring
Definitions can vary slightly between insurers, so it’s important to check policy wording.
Can You Get Travel Insurance with a Medical Condition?
- You may need to declare the condition
- Cover may be subject to acceptance
- Pricing may vary
Why Medical Disclosure Matters
Declaring medical conditions is a key part of the application process.
Why You May Need to Declare
- Your health
- Likelihood of needing treatment abroad
- Potential claim costs
What Happens If You Don’t Declare?
Failure to declare relevant medical information may affect whether a claim is accepted
For example, claims relating to:
- Undeclared conditions
- Related complications
may not be covered.
How Medical Screening Works
When applying for travel insurance, you’ll usually go through a medical screening process.
Struggling to find cover for your pre-existing medical conditions?
For people who have trouble finding travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) has a directory of specialist insurers. To find out more, or if on the odd occasion we are unable to provide the cover you need, contact BIBA on 0370 950 1790 (Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm). You can also search BIBA’s medical directory online.
You May Be Asked About:
- Diagnosed conditions
- Symptoms
- Medication
- Recent treatment or hospital visits
- Test results or ongoing investigations
Possible Outcomes
Based on your answers, the insurer may:
- Include the condition in your cover
- Apply an additional premium
- Exclude the condition
- Offer alternative options
Each case is assessed individually.
What Travel Insurance May Cover with Medical Conditions
If your condition is accepted and declared, your policy may include:
1. Emergency Medical Treatment
Policies may include cover for:
- Treatment related to your condition
- Unexpected flare-ups
- Hospital stays and medication
Leisure Guard policies include access to a 24/7 emergency assistance service to help arrange care if required.
2. Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
- Specialist treatment
- Return to the UK
- Transport
- Medical support
3. Cancellation Cover
If your condition prevents you from travelling (subject to terms), you may be able to claim for:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Prepaid costs
This can be particularly relevant if your health changes before departure.
4. Travel Disruption
Policies may include cover for:
- Delays
- Missed departures
This is not usually specific to medical conditions, but still relevant.
What Travel Insurance May NOT Cover
Even when you declare a condition, some limitations may apply.
Undeclared Conditions
Claims related to undeclared conditions are typically not covered.
Known Circumstances
If:
- You are awaiting test results
- You have been advised not to travel
cover may be affected.
Routine Treatment
Travel insurance is designed for emergencies, not:
- Planned treatment abroad
- Routine care
Types of Medical Conditions Commonly Declared
Conditions vary widely, but may include:
Physical Health Conditions
- Heart conditions
- Diabetes
- Respiratory conditions (e.g. asthma)
- Cancer (current or past)
Mental Health Conditions
- Anxiety
- Depression
Temporary or Recent Conditions
- Recent injuries
- Ongoing investigations
Each condition is assessed individually.
How Medical Conditions Affect Travel Insurance Cost
Premiums may increase depending on:
- Type of condition
- Severity
- Stability
- Destination
- Trip length
Example Factors
- A well-managed condition may have less impact
- A recent diagnosis or ongoing treatment may increase cost
Choosing the Right Cover
If you have a medical condition, you may want to consider:
1. Medical Cover Limits
- Are they appropriate for your destination?
Higher limits may be relevant for:
- Long-haul travel
- Countries with higher healthcare costs
2. Declared Condition Cover
- Is your condition included?
- Are there any exclusions?
3. Cancellation Cover
- Does it reflect the value of your trip?
4. Destination
- Are all countries covered?
5. Policy Wording
- What conditions or situations are excluded?
UK Rules and Support for Travellers with Medical Conditions
The Financial Conduct Authority has introduced rules to help improve access to travel insurance.
FCA Signposting Rules
If you are:
- Declined cover
- Offered cover at a high price
insurers may be required to:
- Direct you to specialist providers
These rules are designed to:
- Improve access to appropriate cover
- Help consumers find suitable options
For people who have trouble finding travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) has a directory of specialist insurers. To find out more, or if on the odd occasion we are unable to provide the cover you need, contact BIBA on 0370 950 1790 (Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm). You can also search BIBA’s medical directory online. ‘
When Should You Buy Travel Insurance?
Many travellers choose to arrange travel insurance:
Shortly after booking their trip
This can help ensure:
- Cancellation cover is in place
- Protection applies before departure
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When arranging travel insurance with a medical condition, avoid:
1. Not Declaring Conditions
Even minor conditions may need to be declared.
2. Rushing the Medical Screening
Providing incomplete information can affect cover.
3. Choosing Based on Price Alone
Lower-cost policies may have exclusions.
4. Travelling Against Medical Advice
This may affect your cover.
5. Not Reviewing Policy Wording
Understanding your cover is essential.
Travelling Abroad with a Medical Condition
In addition to insurance, you may want to consider:
Carrying Medical Information
- Details of your condition
- Medication list
Checking Medication Rules
- Some countries have restrictions
Planning Ahead
- Access to healthcare at your destination
- Availability of medication
Is Travel Insurance Worth It with a Medical Condition?
Travel insurance is not usually a legal requirement.
However:
Many travellers with medical conditions choose to take out cover to help manage potential financial risks associated with medical treatment, cancellation and travel disruption.
The decision depends on:
- Your health
- Destination
- Personal circumstances
Key Takeaways
- Travel insurance is often available for pre-existing conditions
- Medical conditions may need to be declared
- Cover, pricing and terms vary depending on individual circumstances
- Failure to declare conditions may affect claims
- Choosing appropriate cover depends on your health and travel plans
Get a Quote for Your Travel Plans
Leisure Guard Travel Insurance offers a range of cover options for UK travellers, including policies that can support those with pre-existing medical conditions.
You can get a quote to explore cover options based on your health profile, destination and travel plans.
Not all destinations you might visit or activities you might do are included in a Leisure Guard travel insurance policy. Be sure to read the policy details carefully to see if your destination and planned activities are covered.
The thoughts and opinions expressed in the page are those of the authors, intended to be informative, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Leisure Guard Travel Insurance. This content is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide advice or amend the terms of any policy.
