Travelling with Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Planning a trip when you have a pre-existing medical condition can bring up unique challenges and concerns. If you have a health issue you’re managing—whether it’s diabetes, a heart condition, a cancer diagnosis, or asthma—this doesn’t mean you have to stop seeing new places. It just requires specialist cover to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
From making sure you’re covered in case of an emergency to managing medication needs, being well-prepared is essential for peace of mind whilst you are abroad. Here’s a guide to help you travel with confidence while managing your health.
What quantifies as a pre-existing medical condition?
A pre-existing medical condition is a health issue, illness, or injury that you have been diagnosed with, received treatment for, or taken medication for before purchasing a travel insurance policy. This can include both physical and mental health conditions, and it usually encompasses a wide range of ailments, from chronic conditions to recent injuries or illnesses.
Here are some of the most common pre-existing medical conditions that would need to be disclosed:
Chronic Conditions
Conditions like cancer, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy, arthritis, and high blood pressure are common examples. Insurers consider these as pre-existing because they are long-term and require ongoing management.
Mental Health Conditions
Travel insurers consider mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder to be pre-existing if there is a history of treatment or medication.
Previous Surgeries or Injuries
If you've had surgery, fractures, or injuries that required medical attention, these would be considered pre-existing conditions, especially if you’re still undergoing physical therapy or rehabilitation.
Medications
Anything that you take medication for would be considered a pre-existing medical condition and would need to be declared.
Conditions in Remission
Even if a condition like cancer is in remission, it may still be treated as a pre-existing condition by travel insurers due to the possibility of recurrence.
Please note that this list isn’t definitive. Any health issues or illnesses must be disclosed, as this can vary from provider to provider.
How does specialist medical travel insurance work?
Specialist medical travel insurance is specifically designed for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions who may not be covered or who may have limited coverage under standard travel insurance policies.
This type of insurance offers tailored coverage that considers the specific health needs of the traveller, ensuring comprehensive protection during their trip.
It’s essential to be completely honest and accurate when disclosing your medical conditions. If a condition isn’t reported, or its severity is understated, your claim could be denied, and your policy may be voided. This would mean meeting the full cost of any medical treatment abroad, which can incur tens of thousands of pounds, especially where repatriation becomes necessary.
Speaking to one of our brokers can ensure that you are correctly protected for your holiday. Contact us today to get started on your quote.
Don’t have your claim denied due to your pre-existing medical condition
The following case study is a real-life example from the Financial Ombudsman Service:
A couple cancelled their holiday because the wife became ill shortly before the start of their trip. The couple had bought a travel policy from their travel agent at the time they booked the holiday. They put in a claim for the cost of cancelling it.
The insurer asked why they’d cancelled their holiday, and they described the symptoms of the illness. The symptoms suggested to the insurer had a digestive disorder called diverticulitis.
The insurer asked for details of the wife’s medical history. Her GP confirmed that she’d been diagnosed with diverticulitis five years ago. She’d also seen her GP about the condition six months before the couple had booked the holiday.
The insurer turned down the claim on the grounds that the policy excluded claims relating to pre-existing conditions or medical symptoms a policyholder should reasonably have known about before buying their policy.
They complained to the Financial Ombudsman Service stating that the insurer was being unreasonable, siting that she had been in good health at the time they took out the policy and they weren’t aware that she’d been diagnosed with diverticulitis. Their complaint was not upheld.
Need expert advice? Our brokers will help you assess your risks and will recommend the best policy for your business and personal needs.