Having a pre-existing medical condition doesn't mean you can't get travel insurance — or that it has to cost a fortune. But it does mean you need to be honest, thorough, and strategic when choosing a policy.
In this guide we'll explain what counts as a pre-existing condition, why declaration matters, and how to find affordable cover that actually protects you.
What Counts as a Pre-Existing Medical Condition?
Insurers define pre-existing conditions broadly. Generally, it includes any medical condition for which you have:
- Received treatment, medication, or advice from a medical professional in the last 2–5 years
- Been referred to a specialist or are awaiting a diagnosis or test results
- Had symptoms you're aware of but haven't yet seen a doctor about
- Been prescribed ongoing medication — even if the condition is "under control"
Common examples include diabetes, asthma, heart conditions, high blood pressure, cancer (even in remission), depression, anxiety, epilepsy, arthritis, and Crohn's disease.
Why You Must Declare Every Condition
This is the single most important thing to understand: if you don't declare a pre-existing condition and then need to claim for something related to it, your entire claim can be rejected — and potentially your whole policy voided.
Insurers aren't trying to catch you out. They need accurate information to price the risk correctly. In many cases, declaring a well-managed condition adds very little to the premium.
"I declared my Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. My annual policy cost £62 instead of £45. That extra £17 gave me peace of mind that any related hospitalisation abroad would be fully covered."
How the Medical Screening Process Works
Most insurers use an online medical screening questionnaire. Here's what to expect:
- Enter your conditions — You'll be asked to list all conditions, one by one
- Answer follow-up questions — For each condition, the system asks about medication, hospital visits, severity, and how well-controlled it is
- Get a decision — The system will either cover you at standard rate, add a premium loading, exclude the condition, or decline cover
- Review your options — If one insurer declines, another may accept you — always compare
The process usually takes 5–15 minutes and most conditions can be covered.
Conditions That Are Commonly Covered
Many conditions are covered by mainstream insurers with little or no extra charge:
- Well-controlled asthma
- High blood pressure managed with medication
- High cholesterol
- Type 2 diabetes (well-controlled)
- Hypothyroidism
- Hay fever, eczema, and common allergies
Conditions That May Cost More or Need Specialist Insurers
- Cancer — even if in remission, many standard insurers won't cover it
- Heart conditions — especially if you've had a heart attack, stent, or bypass
- Stroke or TIA
- Kidney disease or dialysis
- Multiple complex conditions
For these, specialist medical travel insurers often provide better cover at fairer prices than high-street providers.
Tips for Getting the Best Price
- Compare multiple providers — Prices vary enormously for the same conditions
- Use a specialist comparison site — General comparison sites often filter out medical condition policies
- Consider annual cover — If you travel regularly, annual policies with medical screening can save money
- Don't over-insure — Match your cancellation cover to your trip cost, not the maximum available
- Check excess levels — A higher excess can significantly reduce your premium
What Happens If Your Condition Changes Before Your Trip?
If anything changes between buying your policy and travelling — a new diagnosis, new medication, a hospital visit — you must contact your insurer. Most policies have a "change in health" clause. If you don't notify them, you may not be covered for the new or changed condition.
The Bottom Line
Having a medical condition doesn't mean you can't travel — and it certainly doesn't mean you have to pay extortionate insurance premiums. Declare everything, compare widely, and use specialist providers when needed. The right policy is out there; it just takes a little extra research to find it.