Pre-existing condition travel insurance

Why this cover matters when you already have a diagnosis

Travel insurance that covers pre-existing medical conditions is designed to pay for emergency treatment, repatriation, and related costs if your existing health issues flare up or affect your trip. Without it, you could face significant bills abroad. UK insurers paid out hundreds of millions for medical claims last year, with some single cases costing up to £250,000. That scale of risk is why getting the right cover matters.

Since April 2021, UK rules require insurers to signpost you to specialist providers if they cannot offer cover, exclude your condition, or quote more than £100 due to your medical history. This has improved access for the millions of UK residents living with pre-existing conditions. The market is competitive, so you can compare options and find policies tailored to your needs.

Costs are higher when a condition is declared, but the protection is more robust. Average annual premiums for travellers with disclosed conditions are roughly double standard policies. That reflects increased risk, not a penalty. The key is honest disclosure and choosing a policy that lists your condition as covered.

This guide explains what is typically covered, where the limits sit, and how to compare options safely. We will walk through eligibility, pricing factors, and the claims process in plain English. You will find practical steps to follow, what to check before you buy, and alternatives if this cover is not the right fit. No jargon and no pressure - just clear guidance so you can travel with confidence.

What is included - and how it typically works

Most policies covering pre-existing conditions include emergency medical treatment, diagnostic tests, hospital stays, and medically necessary repatriation. They usually include 24-7 assistance to help you locate treatment and manage hospital billing. If your doctor advises you not to travel and you cancel for a covered medical reason, cancellation cover may reimburse non-refundable trip costs within policy limits.

There are limits and exclusions. Undeclared or mis-declared conditions are the most common reason claims are declined. Routine or elective treatment is not covered. If you travel against medical advice or fail to take prescribed medication, cover may not apply. Alcohol or drug-related incidents are commonly excluded. Some policies limit cover for mental health or pregnancy-related complications unless declared and accepted.

A simple example helps. If you have stable asthma that is declared and accepted, and you require emergency treatment for an unexpected flare-up abroad, the policy should respond subject to limits and excess. If the asthma was not declared, the claim may be refused. Similarly, if you have a heart condition and ignore a doctor’s advice not to travel, medical costs related to that condition are likely excluded.

Claims generally follow a clear path. In a medical emergency, contact the insurer’s assistance line as soon as possible. They will direct you to approved care, provide payment guarantees, and coordinate repatriation if needed. Keep receipts, medical notes, and proof of travel. For cancellation claims, you will usually need medical evidence that you could not travel and documents showing your unrecoverable costs.

Who benefits most from this cover

This cover suits anyone with a diagnosed medical condition that could influence treatment needs or trip plans. That includes physical, mental, and neurodevelopmental conditions, whether long-standing or recent. Older travellers often see greater value due to higher medical risk and larger potential claim costs. People travelling for longer periods, cruising, or visiting countries with expensive healthcare also benefit.

If you have no medical history and are travelling domestically or with fully refundable bookings, a simpler policy or no policy might occasionally suffice. However, overseas medical costs can be high even for minor issues, and cancellation protection can be useful. The rule of thumb is to consider how you would pay for unexpected treatment or a cancelled trip without insurance.

Choosing your level of protection

1. Basic medical-only cover

   • Focus: Emergency medical costs and repatriation for declared conditions.
   • Limits: Lower medical limits and higher excess. Cancellation often excluded.
   • Who it suits: Budget-conscious travellers prioritising core medical protection.

2. Standard cover with cancellation

   • Focus: Medical cover for disclosed conditions plus cancellation and baggage.
   • Limits: Mid-range medical limits, moderate excess, standard cancellation caps.
   • Who it suits: Most holidaymakers needing balanced protection at a sensible price.

3. Enhanced or premium cover

   • Focus: Higher medical limits, stronger cancellation, and wider condition acceptance.
   • Limits: Higher sums insured, reduced excess options, broader disruption benefits.
   • Who it suits: Older travellers, complex medical histories, or long-haul and cruises.

4. Useful add-ons to consider

   • Cruise cover - medical care at sea, missed port, cabin confinement benefits.
   • Winter sports - on-piste medical, equipment, and search and rescue where included.
   • Gadget protection - higher limits for phones and tablets if essential for travel.
   • Business cover - work equipment and trip interruption beyond leisure needs.
   • Travel disruption - extended cover for strikes, closures, or missed connections.

Tip: Check that each specific condition, medication, and related complication is accepted by the insurer’s screening. If a condition is excluded, seek a specialist or use signposting directories.

What it costs and why - at a glance

Prices are indicative, not guarantees. Comparing multiple providers and using medical screening accurately usually finds the most competitive fit.

Who can apply and what insurers check

Most UK residents can apply if they are registered with a GP and buying before travel begins. Insurers will ask detailed questions about all pre-existing conditions, including physical, mental, and neurodevelopmental diagnoses, recent investigations, surgeries, or changes in medication. You may need to confirm stability periods, hospitalisations, and any upcoming tests.

Common reasons for decline include undisclosed serious diagnoses, ongoing investigations without a confirmed diagnosis, recent major surgery without a stabilisation period, or travel against medical advice. If a mainstream insurer cannot cover you or quotes a high premium linked to your condition, they must signpost you to specialist directories that list providers experienced with higher-risk profiles. This helps you find suitable cover rather than travelling uninsured.

From quote to claim - your simple path

1. Gather your medical history details and medications before starting a quote.
2. Complete the medical screening truthfully - include physical, mental, and neurodevelopmental conditions.
3. Compare cover limits, excess, and condition acceptance, not price alone.
4. Choose any add-ons needed - cruises, winter sports, gadgets, or disruption.
5. Buy the policy before booking or as soon as you pay deposits.
6. Keep documents accessible and store the 24-7 assistance number in your phone.
7. If ill abroad, contact assistance early so they can approve treatment.
8. Collect medical notes, receipts, and proof of costs to support any claim.

Honesty in medical screening is non-negotiable - it protects both your health and your claim.

Weighing it up - the balanced view

Key checks before you commit

Review the medical screening outcomes line by line to confirm each condition, medication, and related complication is accepted. Check medical, cancellation, and baggage limits alongside any sub-limits, especially for diagnostics, ambulances, and repatriation. Understand the excess payable per claim and per person, and whether it applies to each section. Look for time limits on reporting incidents and any waiting periods for new policies. For renewals, compare changes in price and terms rather than auto-renewing by default. Finally, keep doctor’s letters, test results, and proof of bookings organised so you can evidence any claim quickly.

Alternatives that might fit better

1. Standard travel insurance without pre-existing cover - only if you have no conditions and understand exclusions.
2. Specialist high-risk medical travel policies - for complex or multiple diagnoses not accepted elsewhere.
3. EHIC or GHIC for EU trips - reduces some treatment costs but is not insurance and does not cover repatriation.
4. Self-insuring small risks - appropriate only for low-cost trips you can afford to lose.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What counts as a pre-existing condition? A: Any diagnosed physical, mental, or neurodevelopmental condition, plus recent investigations, surgeries, or medication changes. If in doubt, declare it and ask the insurer for written confirmation.

Q: Will declaring conditions make cover unaffordable? A: Premiums do rise, but the UK market is competitive. Many providers specialise in higher-risk profiles, and signposting rules help you find suitable options if mainstream cover is not available.

Q: Can I skip declaring to save money? A: No. Non-disclosure is a common reason for declined claims. It can leave you paying large medical bills personally. Declare fully to ensure valid protection when you need it.

Q: Are older travellers always declined? A: Not usually. Prices increase with age, but many insurers cover travellers into their 80s subject to medical screening and limits. Specialist providers often accept complex cases.

Q: Does GHIC replace travel insurance? A: No. GHIC may reduce state healthcare costs in parts of Europe, but it does not cover private treatment, cancellation, or repatriation. Insurance is still recommended.

Q: When should I buy the policy? A: Buy as soon as you book or pay deposits. That way, cancellation cover starts immediately for covered medical reasons that arise after purchase.

Q: What documents will I need if I claim? A: Keep medical notes, receipts, proof of travel, booking confirmations, and any doctor’s advice not to travel. Your insurer will confirm exactly what they require for each claim type.

Ready to compare your options

Take a little time to gather your medical details, then compare policies side by side. Focus on accepted conditions, medical limits, and assistance services before price. If cover is declined, use signposting directories to find specialists. You stay in control, and a careful choice today can save stress and cost later.

Important information

This guide is general information, not personal financial advice. Policy terms vary by insurer. Always read the wording, check accepted conditions in writing, and confirm limits, exclusions, and excesses before buying.