Travel Insurance with Medical Conditions – UK Guide for 2025
If you have a health condition, finding the right travel insurance can feel like a challenge. Many UK travellers assume they will be turned down or face sky-high premiums, but the reality is more nuanced. With full disclosure and the right provider, most people with medical conditions can secure cover at a reasonable price.
This guide explains what you need to declare, which insurers offer cover, how the cost works, and how to choose a policy that matches your situation. The facts draw on official UK sources, consumer advice sites, and specialist insurers.
What medical conditions do I need to declare for travel insurance?
Insurers require you to disclose any condition that affects your health, even if it seems minor. The rule is straightforward: if in doubt, declare it. Failing to do so can leave you without cover when you need it most.
Key insights from UK specialists
- Declaring a condition rarely prevents cover, but hiding it almost always does. (MoneySavingExpert, industry practice)
- Premiums can vary dramatically between insurers for the same condition – comparison is critical. (GoCompare data)
- Specialist insurers (e.g., Staysure, All Clear) often offer lower premiums for severe conditions than high‑street brands. (SERP analysis, customer reviews)
- Many people with minor conditions (like well‑controlled asthma) can get standard travel insurance at no extra cost. (Admiral guide)
- Over 60s with conditions form the fastest‑growing segment of this insurance market.
- Most UK insurers cover at least 100 different medical conditions.
Snapshot facts – declaration and definitions
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lookback period varies | Some insurers ask about the last 2 years, others go back 5 years or more. |
| Conditions under investigation | Must be declared – pending tests or referrals count as a condition. |
| Stability requirement | Many insurers require stability for 3–12 months before travel. |
| Average extra cost | £20–£50 per trip for declaring a condition, though it can be higher. |
| Consequence of non‑disclosure | The entire policy can be voided, and claims refused. |
| Common conditions covered | Diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, arthritis, cancer, heart conditions, mental health. |
| Minor conditions | Well‑controlled conditions (e.g., mild eczema) may not affect the premium. |
| Mental health | Must be declared; specialist insurers often cover stable anxiety or depression. |
Can I get travel insurance if I have a pre‑existing medical condition?
Yes, in most cases. UK insurers, including mainstream brands and specialist providers, routinely offer cover to people with pre‑existing conditions. The key factors are honesty at the point of application and the stability of your health.
Serious conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke history are regularly covered by specialist insurers. Some high‑street insurers will also cover them if the condition is well controlled and stable. Terminal or degenerative conditions may require a specialist provider, but cover is still possible.
What if I have a serious condition like cancer or heart disease?
Many specialist insurers, such as All Clear and Good To Go, explicitly list these conditions as coverable. They assess each case individually, considering medication, recent treatment, and overall stability.
Can I get annual multi‑trip cover with a condition?
Yes. Several providers offer annual multi‑trip policies for people with medical conditions. You must declare all conditions each time you apply, and the policy will cover trips taken within the year as long as your health remains stable.
If you have multiple conditions, a recent diagnosis, complex medication, or have been declined by a mainstream insurer, a specialist provider (e.g., Staysure, All Clear, Good To Go) is likely to offer better cover at a competitive price.
Which travel insurance companies cover pre‑existing conditions?
Both mainstream and specialist insurers operate in this space. The right choice depends on the nature and severity of your condition.
Mainstream insurers
Brands such as Post Office and Admiral offer cover for many pre‑existing conditions. They tend to work well for stable, well‑controlled conditions that do not require recent hospital treatment.
Specialist insurers
Companies like Good To Go Insurance and All Clear specialise in medical‑condition travel insurance. They often have more flexible underwriting and can cover complex cases, including cancer, heart disease, and mental health conditions. MoneySavingExpert and Which? both recommend specialist providers when standard cover is inadequate.
Comparison sites
Using a comparison site such as GoCompare allows you to input your conditions and see quotes from multiple insurers side by side. This is crucial because premiums can vary significantly for the same condition.
One insurer may consider a condition pre‑existing only if you were aware of it; another may base it on any medical consultation in the last few years. This variation means a direct comparison is often more reliable than relying on a general rule.
How much does travel insurance with medical conditions cost?
It depends on several factors: age, destination, trip duration, number of conditions, and the stability or severity of each condition. On average, declaring a condition adds £20–£50 per trip, but for complex conditions the premium can be higher.
MoneySavingExpert emphasises that prices can vary hugely between insurers, so shopping around is essential. A condition that one insurer loads by £100 may be covered at standard rates by another.
How to get affordable cover
- Compare quotes from at least three providers.
- Use both comparison sites and specialist insurers.
- Consider annual multi‑trip policies if you travel more than twice a year.
- Buy your policy as soon as you book your trip – some insurers require stability during a waiting period.
Low‑cost policies may exclude complications related to your declared condition. Always read the policy wording to ensure you are covered for emergency treatment and repatriation.
How to Get Travel Insurance with a Medical Condition – Step‑by‑Step Timeline
- Identify all conditions – including past ones. Gather medical records if needed.
- Get quotes from at least 3–5 providers – both specialist and comparison sites.
- Compare cover limits – especially for medical expenses and evacuation.
- Disclose conditions honestly on the quote form – answer every question.
- Review policy documents for condition‑specific clauses before buying.
- Purchase immediately – before any health changes occur.
What is certain and what remains unclear about covering medical conditions?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| You must declare all pre‑existing medical conditions. | Whether a specific rare condition will be covered – depends on the insurer. |
| If you don’t declare, claims will likely be denied. | Whether a condition is considered ‘stable’ – definition varies by insurer. |
| Many policies cover chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure. | Whether you will need a full medical screening or just a declaration – differs by provider. |
Why is travel insurance for medical conditions so important?
With an ageing population and rising rates of chronic disease, standard travel insurance increasingly excludes pre‑existing conditions. This has created a robust specialist market. The Financial Conduct Authority requires insurers to treat customers with medical conditions fairly, but premiums reflect the underlying risk.
For travellers, understanding how to navigate declarations, compare policies, and choose appropriate cover is essential for both financial and health safety abroad.
What do experts and insurers say about medical condition travel insurance?
“Declaring a medical condition does not automatically mean you’ll pay more – but not declaring it could leave you thousands of pounds out of pocket.”
— MoneySavingExpert
“We can cover all types of medical conditions, up to a high level of severity, including most heart conditions, mental health conditions, cancer, diabetes.”
— Good To Go Insurance
“Many insurers will still offer cover if you have a pre‑existing medical condition, as long as you declare it.”
— GoCompare
The Financial Conduct Authority provides official guidance, and the MoneySavingExpert guide remains a trusted consumer resource for practical advice.
What are the next steps for finding the right cover?
Start by reading the declaration requirements carefully. Then use a comparison tool to get quotes from at least three providers, including specialist insurers. Check whether your condition qualifies for a standard policy – for example, well‑controlled hypertension often does. If you travel frequently, consider an annual multi‑trip policy. And always buy your policy as soon as you book your trip to ensure continuous cover.
For more detailed guidance, see our separate guide on travel insurance with pre-existing conditions and medical conditions travel insurance UK guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to declare old medical conditions on travel insurance?
Yes, insurers typically ask about conditions you’ve had in the last 2–5 years, depending on the provider. Always check the specific declaration period.
Is travel insurance with a medical condition more expensive?
It can be, but not always. Some minor conditions do not affect the premium. Comparison shopping is key to finding affordable cover.
Does travel insurance cover heart conditions or diabetes?
Many specialist policies cover these, but often with conditions (e.g., stable for a certain period). Always read the policy wording.
How to compare travel insurance for medical conditions?
Use comparison sites that allow you to input conditions (e.g., GoCompare, MoneySuperMarket) or visit specialist insurers directly.
Can I get annual travel insurance with a medical condition?
Yes, many providers offer annual multi‑trip policies for people with pre‑existing conditions. Declare all conditions at application.
What if my condition changes after I buy insurance?
Contact your insurer immediately. Some policies allow adjustments; others may require a new policy.
Do I need to declare mental health conditions?
Yes, if they require medication or regular therapy. Some insurers cover stable anxiety or depression.
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