Tell the insurer about every condition requested during screening, including physical or mental health conditions and ongoing investigations where relevant. Failure to disclose information can affect whether a related claim is paid.
What is a pre-existing medical condition?
Definitions differ between insurers. They can include diagnosed conditions, symptoms, medication, tests, referrals, hospital treatment and conditions under investigation during a stated look-back period. Read the policy’s definition rather than relying on a general assumption.
How medical screening works
You will usually answer questions about diagnoses, treatment, medication, hospital admissions and recent changes. Give accurate answers for every person insured. If a question is unclear, ask the provider before completing the purchase.
After screening, the insurer may include the condition, offer cover for an additional premium, exclude related claims or decline the risk. Keep a copy of the answers and confirmation.
Compare policies on the same basis
- Declared conditions: confirm exactly which conditions the policy accepts.
- Medical limits: compare emergency treatment and repatriation protection.
- Cancellation: check whether an accepted condition can support an eligible cancellation claim.
- Exclusions: read both general and medical-specific exclusions.
- Excess: establish whether it applies per person, section or claim.
- Changes in health: understand the duty to notify the insurer before departure.
Conditions under investigation
The FCDO advises travellers to arrange insurance covering existing physical or mental health conditions, including those under investigation. However, some insurers cannot offer cover until diagnosis is complete. Do not guess an answer or omit a pending test; contact the provider.
Medication and travelling
Carry enough medication for the journey, allowing for delays where medically appropriate. Keep it in labelled packaging with supporting documents when needed. Check destination rules for controlled medicines and carry essential medication in hand luggage where airline rules permit.
Finding specialist insurance
If standard comparison results are limited or expensive, specialist providers may assess the situation differently. MoneyHelper’s travel insurance directory lists firms that focus on serious medical conditions and states that listed firms are FCA-authorised and regulated.
Before buying
- Gather medication and treatment details.
- Declare every condition requested.
- Check the complete itinerary and planned activities.
- Read medical endorsements and exclusions.
- Review cancellation and repatriation terms.
- Contact the insurer if your health changes.
Frequently asked questions
Will declaring a condition always increase the price?
Not necessarily. It depends on the condition, trip and insurer’s assessment.
What if my condition is stable?
Declare it whenever the screening questions require it, even if it is controlled or stable.
Can I exclude a condition to reduce the premium?
Some providers may offer that option, but related claims would not be covered. Make sure you understand the risk and wording.