By Clare Yates
7 min read
Planning a holiday should feel exciting. You imagine the destination, start thinking about what to pack, and the trips you’ll be doing there. But if you’re travelling with a medical condition, there’s often a question in the background: will my travel insurance actually cover me if something goes wrong?
That’s why it’s worth slowing down when you buy a policy. Having a medical condition does not stop you travelling, but it does mean understanding how insurers look at health, what you need to declare, and which type of cover makes sense for you.
What counts as a pre-existing medical condition?
In travel insurance terms, a pre-existing medical condition is usually anything related to your health that existed before you bought the policy. That can include long-term conditions you manage day to day – but also issues you might not think of as current, such as past illnesses, previous surgeries or mental health conditions.
Even if you feel well now, insurers may still want to know about conditions you have had in the past. They’re assessing risk based on your medical history as a whole, not just how you feel today. That’s why policies often ask about conditions going back several years.
If you are unsure whether something counts, it is usually safer to declare it.
What medical conditions do you need to declare when buying travel insurance?
Once you understand why disclosure matters, the next question is what insurers actually expect you to tell them.
In general, any visits to a GP, consultant, or specialist in recent years are usually relevant when applying for travel insurance. Providers usually ask about medical conditions or treatments from the past three to five years, though some may request information from further back.
It’s important to read the health questions carefully, as not declaring a condition you’re asked about could result in your policy being invalid.
Do remember, many insurers are willing to provide cover for common pre-existing conditions under a standard plan, including over-50s travel insurance policies. In fact, one leading insurer claims to consider all pre-existing conditions!
Whether having a condition will increase your premium – and by how much – typically depends on its nature and how it might influence the risk of a claim.
Common conditions you will usually need to declare
Most insurers will ask about conditions such as:
Chronic conditions: Asthma, diabetes, arthritis, gout, Crohn’s disease.
Cardiovascular issues: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart conditions.
Mental health: Depression, anxiety, eating disorders
Neurological conditions: Epilepsy etc.
You will usually also need to declare things like previous surgery, broken limbs that required treatment, ongoing treatment, or situations where you are waiting for tests, investigations or results. Even without a confirmed diagnosis, insurers often still want to know that something is being looked into.
Should I bother mentioning small health issues?
Yes – if the insurer asks, it’s best to be upfront about your medical history. They’ll usually want to know if you’ve:
Seen a GP, consultant, or specialist in the last few years.
Had any tests or investigations.
Taken prescription medication.
Even if it’s something small, like a routine check-up, mild asthma, or a bit of high blood pressure, you should mention it.
The good news? Telling them doesn’t automatically mean you’ll pay more. Lots of minor or well-managed conditions don’t affect your premium at all. But if you leave something out, your policy could be invalid and claims might be refused. When in doubt, just declare it – it’s safer and avoids any headaches later.
Why non-disclosure can invalidate a claim
Travel insurance is based on the information you give when you take out the policy. If a medical condition is not disclosed and you later make a claim linked to it, the insurer may refuse to pay out. That could affect claims for medical treatment abroad, cancelling a trip due to illness, or cutting a holiday short.
In serious cases, it could even affect cover for medical repatriation back to the UK. That is why being open matters. Leaving something out to keep the price down can leave you effectively uninsured when you need help the most.
How specialist travel insurance fits in
If a standard policy will not cover your condition, or excludes it, specialist travel insurance may be worth considering.
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), under the industry’s signposting agreement, if an insurer can’t provide cover, they should direct you to one of two directories of specialist providers who may be able to help.
Specialist providers focus on travellers with medical conditions and usually take a more tailored approach. This may involve a more detailed medical screening process, but the aim is simple: to offer cover that includes your condition rather than excluding it altogether.
Specialist insurance is not only for severe illnesses. It can also be helpful if you have multiple conditions, a complex medical history, or anything that falls outside what mainstream insurers are comfortable covering.
When annual cover vs single-trip cover makes sense
Choosing between annual multi-trip cover and single-trip cover might be especially important if you have a medical condition.
Annual travel insurance can work well if you travel several times a year and your condition is stable. It offers convenience and can be good value, but it usually assumes your health will not change significantly during the year. If it does, you may need to update your insurer.
Single-trip travel insurance is tailored to one specific holiday. This can be a better fit if you only travel once or twice a year, or if your health situation is more complex or likely to change. Because the policy is based on your current circumstances, it may offer clearer terms and peace of mind.
Check if your bank’s got your back – and don’t forget to mention your health
Got a packaged current account with travel insurance tucked in? Nice – you might already be covered. Just make sure you actually check it and, crucially, be upfront about any medical conditions.
If your issues are mild, like controlled asthma or the odd check-up, you could well find you have no extra cost. More serious conditions? You might have to pay a bit extra, or in rare cases, be turned down. Every insurer has its own rules, so it’s always worth double-checking before you jet off.
Top tips for getting the right cover
Shop around: Many insurers offer cover for pre-existing conditions, but comparing providers – including specialist insurers – can help you find the best fit. Price isn’t everything; make sure the policy meets your needs.
Check your bank: If you have a packaged bank account, you might already have travel insurance. Just make sure it’s suitable for your trip and declare any medical conditions.
Adjust your trip: Shorter trips or travelling closer to home can reduce premiums, while longer trips to long-haul destinations like the USA or Mexico may cost more.
Consider different policies: Switching between single-trip and multi-trip cover can sometimes lower costs. Specialist providers or brokers can also help if mainstream insurers can’t cover you.
Take your GHIC/EHIC: These cards don’t replace travel insurance, but they can give access to some state healthcare abroad at little or no cost. Keep them handy during your trip. Read more about these handy cards in our guide: Why the GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance
Don’t let health worries spoil your holiday
Travelling with a medical condition does not mean giving up on holidays. It just means taking a bit more care when choosing travel insurance.
By understanding what counts as a pre-existing condition, declaring your medical history honestly, and choosing the right type of cover, you can travel knowing you are properly protected. And that peace of mind is worth far more than saving a few pounds on the policy.