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Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Compare prices from as little as £8.23*

Last updated: 19th March 2024

What is a Pre-Existing Medical Condition?

A pre-existing medical condition sounds a bit more complicated than it actually is. At its heart, it's any health condition that you've been diagnosed with or treated for before your travel insurance policy starts. This could range from something common like asthma or high blood pressure, to more serious conditions like diabetes or heart disease. The key thing to remember is that it's all about conditions you already knew about before you decided to purchase your insurance. Our aim here is to keep things simple and ensure you're fully covered for any adventures you're planning, without any surprises.

Why you need travel insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Going on holiday is all about relaxing and having a good time, but it's hard to do that if you're worried about how a pre-existing medical condition might affect your trip. That's where travel insurance comes in. It's not just a safety net; it's peace of mind. If something does go wrong, you won't be left facing huge medical bills or expenses for cutting your trip short. Essentially, it's about making sure nothing spoils your adventure, whether it's a flare-up of an existing condition or an unrelated accident. We're here to ensure you can focus on the fun parts, knowing we've got your back.

A view of the fountain in the main square of Valencia

Finding the right travel insurance for your Pre-Existing Medical Condition

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal when it comes to covering pre-existing medical conditions. That's why it's important to find a policy that specifically includes cover for your condition, rather than just assuming you'll be covered under a general policy. When looking for insurance, make sure you disclose all of your pre-existing conditions to the insurer, so they can provide you with the most accurate quote and cover. Some insurers may require you to complete a medical screening process before offering coverage for your condition, but this is a small price to pay for peace of mind while travelling.

Understanding the Medical Screening Process for travel insurance

The medical screening process may sound daunting, but it's really just a straightforward step to ensure you get the cover you need. Think of it as a friendly chat about your health history, specifically related to any pre-existing medical conditions you have. This is done through a simple questionnaire that you can complete online. The questions will cover things like the type of condition you have, how it's being managed, and any medication you're taking. There's no need to worry – the process doesn't take long, and the aim is to make sure your insurance accurately reflects your health needs so you can travel with confidence. It's all about transparency and making sure you're fully covered, so there are no surprises down the line.

The risks of not declaring your condition

Failing to declare any pre-existing medical conditions when purchasing your travel insurance might seem like a minor oversight, but it can have major consequences. If you need to make a claim and your insurer discovers you did not disclose your medical history fully, they may deem your policy invalid. This means you could be left to cover the costs of medical treatment or any other related expenses out of your own pocket. It's not worth the risk, especially when peace of mind is just a simple disclosure away. Our advice? Always be upfront about your health – we’re here to help you, not catch you out. Remember, we want you to enjoy your travels with the confidence that you are fully covered.

Trevi fountain in Rome

What does travel insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions cover?

When you opt for travel insurance that specifically caters to pre-existing medical conditions, you're essentially securing a safety net designed to protect you against unforeseen health-related issues that may occur during your trip. This coverage can vary depending on the policy but typically includes treatment for emergencies that arise from your known conditions, including hospital stays, medication, and sometimes even evacuation if necessary. It can also cover the cost of an early return home in case your health situation demands it. It's crucial, however, to read the fine print and understand the specifics of what your chosen policy covers. Some policies might offer broader cover, including cancellations due to health flare-ups before your trip begins, ensuring that you're not out of pocket if you have to cancel for medical reasons.

How we can help you compare quotes

Finding the right travel insurance that includes cover for your pre-existing medical conditions doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. We're here to simplify the process for you. With our easy-to-use comparison tool, you can quickly compare quotes from our panel of trusted providers. We ensure that each quote presented to you includes cover for your specific medical conditions, allowing you to see clearly what's on offer without trawling through endless fine print.

Our friendly team is always on hand to guide you through the comparison process, answer any questions you might have, and help you understand the details of each policy. We believe in keeping things straightforward and jargon-free, so you can make an informed decision with confidence. Remember, it's all about finding the policy that fits your needs perfectly, so you can head off on your adventures knowing you're well covered.

Get a quote

*Price is based on 1 traveller aged 25, who has declared Asthma and is travelling to Spain for 5 nights. The price is correct as of March 2024. Prices may vary according to your individual requirements.

A pre-existing medical condition is any diagnosed medical condition for which medical advice, care or treatment was recommended or received, before applying for your travel insurance policy.

We will need to know if certain conditions have ever been present, and for others, if they occurred within a certain period.

Medical expenses abroad and repatriation can be very expensive. Having travel insurance that includes cover for existing medical conditions is the best way to ensure you're protected from financial loss in the event of having to cancel the holiday or receive emergency medical treatment abroad.

The medical screening process is a series of questions we will ask you to declare your pre-existing medical conditions. These questions help the insurance providers gain a better understanding of your medical history, and provide you with accurate and relevant quotes.

Single trip travel insurance policies provide cover for a date-specific, individual trip, and will provide cover from the moment you leave your home, to the moment you return. Cover benefits, to name a few, include medical, repatriation and cancellation. Some insurance providers can also provide cover for up to 94 days.

If you’re not a frequent traveller, a single trip policy is a great option, that will likely be cheaper than an annual multi-trip policy.

Annual multi-trip insurance policies provide travel insurance for the holidays you take within a calendar year. Annual multi-trip policies are usually cheaper than a single trip policy, provided you plan to take 2 or more trips.

Annual policies are sold based on your intended area of travel and are priced accordingly. These are:

- Europe,
- Worldwide (Excluding USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean), or,
- Worldwide.

Additionally, adult travellers (who are named on the policy) are covered when they travel together, but also when they travel independently.

As cancellation cover will only start from your policy start date, you may want to start your Annual cover when you book your first trip.

Tommy Lloyd
Author: Tommy Lloyd, Managing Director

Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover at the right price!

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