Pre-Existing Medical Travel Insurance
Specialist cover for travellers with declared medical conditions for safer, confident travel.
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Can I get travel insurance for a pre-existing condition?
Everyone knows that it’s a wise decision to take out travel insurance before you go away, but this can be worrying if you have pre-existing medical conditions that some insurance companies might not cover. Luckily there are a wide range of specialist insurance providers that are able to offer top notch insurance at competitive prices, and you can find details about some of the best ones below.
What is considered a pre-existing medical condition?
It’s a type of travel insurance that’s specifically designed for fIn the broadest sense a pre-existing condition is any medical condition that was diagnosed before you took out your travel insurance policy, but in practice many insurance providers only define it as a pre-existing condition if you are receiving treatment for it or taking medication to treat it. Some examples of pre-existing medical conditions that might affect your insurance premium include:
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Heart conditions
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
Each insurer should list the specific medical conditions and illnesses they do and don’t cover on their travel insurance policies, so always read the terms of each policy before you sign on that dotted line. It’s also worth bearing in mind that pre-existing conditions can include those where there are no physical symptoms, such as anxiety and depression.amilies, and in most cases these policies will cover up to two adults and at least one child travelling together. If you are travelling with several children a family policy can sometimes be the most cost-effective option, since some will cover children under 18 for free. However, it’s fairly standard for insurers to specify that everyone named on the policy must live at the same address – something to bear in mind if you’re travelling with children or stepchildren who live elsewhere.
Do I need travel insurance if I have a pre existing medical condition?
Travel insurance is not a legal requirement, so no matter where you’re going and no matter what your condition you can choose to forego insurance if you wish
It is usually a very wise investment, though, because most insurance policies are relatively cheap, while the cost of dealing with an issue overseas can be surprisingly expensive – particularly if the issue means you require emergency medical treatment.
While people in the UK benefit from free medical treatment, most other countries do charge for medical care and it’s important not to underestimate just how expensive it can be. For example, case studies from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) report that it cost £48,733 for a British tourist to be treated and flown home after a cycling accident in Cambodia.
If you don’t have insurance, or the policy you took out excluded a pre-existing medical condition you’ve been diagnosed with, you’d have to meet the resulting costs yourself.
As with standard travel insurance policies, it can cover you for a wide range of other eventualities that aren’t necessarily health-related, such as:
- Any luggage that is accidently lost, damaged or stolen
- Cancellation and curtailment if you have to abandon or cut short your holiday
- The cost of bringing you back home (repatriation) in an emergency
- Personal liability costs such as legal fees and compensation if you are involved in an accident someone blames you for their injuries or damage to their property.
You’ll also be able to add a range of optional extras to your medical travel insurance policy so that it gives you all the protection you need, for example:
- Winter sports insurance – covers the cost of mountain rescue and can compensate you for accidentally lost, damaged or stolen equipment whether it’s hired or owned.
- Cruise insurance – covers events like cabin confinement and missed port stops.
- Golf holiday insurance – covers equipment and accessories like your clubs, bags and shoes. Some policies also cover cancellation fees if your game is rained off.
How does travel insurance for pre-existing conditions work?
Choose policy
When you apply for travel insurance, you’ll be asked a series of questions about you and your health. You may then be asked further questions, known as a “medical screening”.
Medical screening
You may be asked to provide details of recent medical exams, procedures or test results. You may even be asked to complete a new medical examination as part of your application.
Get quote and cover
The results of all these questions will help the insurer decide if they will cover you and what is included or excluded in your policy.
Try specialist insurers
If a standard insurer can’t offer you a policy because of your medical circumstances, a specialist provider may still be able to help.
Why do I need to tell my insurer about my condition?
Insurers need to know as much as they can about you and your holiday plans so that they can accurately work out your premium.
If you do have a medical condition this potentially increases the risk of you making a claim for health reasons. The care and medication you need might also cost more overseas, which is why premiums for anyone with a pre-existing condition tends to be higher than average.
When your insurer asks about your medical history it’s important to be honest – even if you’re in remission or have been given a clean bill of health, your insurance provider will still need to know about the condition. If you don’t disclose something when asked you could invalidate your policy, which means your insurer can refuse to pay out if you make a claim.
What conditions do not need to be declared?
While you need to be candid about any pre-existing conditions or medications you’re taking, you don’t need to declare:
Pregnancy – it isn’t considered a pre-existing condition. But do get in touch with your insurer to make sure that you’re covered for travel – your cover could change depending on how many weeks pregnant you are
Contraception – You don’t need to declare contraceptive medication
Does the country I’m visiting impact the cost of my insurance?
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How much does medical travel insurance cost?
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How to get cheaper pre-existing medical travel insurance
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Can I choose who stays in my home?
You can list any pets, from dogs and cats to smaller animals or even farm pets. Just be sure to include details about their routines, personality, and any special care needs.