Travel Insurance with Pre-Existing Medical Conditions: A UK Guide

Having a medical condition doesn’t mean you can’t travel, but it does change how you buy travel insurance. This guide explains how to declare your condition, what can happen to your quote and where to find specialist cover.

What counts as a pre-existing medical condition?

Insurers generally treat a pre-existing medical condition as any illness, injury or symptom you’ve had before the policy starts. This can include conditions you’re currently treated for, ones you’ve been investigated for and ones that are under control. The exact definition is in each policy’s wording, so read it.

Always declare your conditions

You must answer the insurer’s medical questions honestly and in full. If you leave out a relevant condition, a claim could be refused or reduced, and you could be left to pay medical bills yourself.

• Answer every question in the medical screening, even if you think a condition is minor.
• Include conditions you’re waiting on test results for, if asked.
• Tell the insurer if your health or medication changes after you buy the policy and before you travel.
• Keep a record of what you declared and the confirmation from the insurer.

How conditions can affect your quote

After screening, an insurer may:

1. Cover the condition at no extra cost.
2. Add an extra premium to cover it.
3. Exclude the condition, so claims related to it aren’t covered.
4. Decline to offer cover.

An excluded condition can leave a serious gap in your protection. If your condition is the most likely reason you’d need treatment abroad, a policy that excludes it may not give you much real cover.

The MoneyHelper travel insurance directory

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) introduced rules so that, in some circumstances, firms selling travel insurance have to signpost people with more serious pre-existing conditions to a directory of specialist providers. The MoneyHelper directory, provided by the Money and Pensions Service, lists FCA-regulated firms able and willing to cover more serious conditions. It’s worth using if you’ve been declined, had your condition excluded or been quoted a very high extra premium.

Another directory run by the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) also meets the FCA’s criteria.

Tips for getting the right cover

• Compare specialist and mainstream quotes. Mainstream insurers can be cheaper for mild, well-controlled conditions, while specialists often do better for complex ones.
• Have your details to hand. You’ll usually need your diagnoses, medications and details of recent treatment.
• Check the medical cover limit. It matters most for the USA and other expensive destinations. See travel insurance for the USA.
• Check cancellation cover. Make sure it covers cancellation due to a change in your health or a relative’s, if that matters to you.
• Think about single vs annual. Annual premiums can rise sharply with conditions, so get quotes for both. See annual vs single trip travel insurance.
• Check any existing cover. Some packaged bank accounts include travel insurance with medical screening. See bank account travel insurance.
• Confirm the insurer is FCA-authorised on the FCA Register.

Why a GHIC isn’t enough

A GHIC can give you access to some state-provided healthcare in certain countries on the same terms as local residents. It doesn’t pay for repatriation, private treatment, trip cancellation or lost baggage, and it isn’t accepted everywhere. It complements travel insurance rather than replacing it.

Pre-existing conditions travel insurance FAQs

Do I have to declare a pre-existing medical condition for travel insurance?

Yes. You must answer the insurer’s medical questions honestly and in full. If you don’t declare a relevant condition, a claim linked to it could be refused.

What is the MoneyHelper travel insurance directory?

It is a directory provided by the Money and Pensions Service that lists FCA-regulated specialist firms able to cover people with more serious pre-existing medical conditions.

What happens if I can’t get cover for my condition?

Firms selling travel insurance must, in certain circumstances, point you to a directory of specialist providers. You can also approach a specialist insurer or broker directly.

Can an insurer exclude my condition instead of covering it?

Yes. Some policies exclude a condition, meaning claims related to it are not covered. Check the policy documents carefully, and consider a specialist policy if the condition matters to your trip.

Does a GHIC replace travel insurance if I have a medical condition?

No. A GHIC can give access to some state-provided healthcare in certain countries, but it doesn’t cover repatriation, private treatment or cancellation costs.

The bottom line

Declare everything, compare more than one type of insurer and use the MoneyHelper directory if mainstream quotes exclude your condition or cost too much. For a policy that’s no use when you need it, it’s better to pay a fair price for proper cover.

This article is general information, not financial, medical or insurance advice. Always check the policy documents before you buy.