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Travel Insurance That Covers Your Health Needs

  • Secure cover for existing medical conditions before your trip
  • Plus, unlock exclusive perks—just for signing up*
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Is Travel Insurance Available if I Have a Medical Condition?

Absolutely. Having a pre-existing condition like diabetes or cancer doesn’t mean you can’t get travel insurance. While some standard policies might not include medical cover, there are specialist insurers that offer protection tailored to your needs.

How to Save on Travel Insurance if You Have a Medical Condition

Having a pre-existing medical condition can push up the cost of your travel insurance—but there are a few smart ways to cut the price without cutting corners on cover:

Increase your excess

Choosing a higher voluntary excess can lower your premium. Just be sure it’s an amount you can realistically afford if you need to make a claim.

Go for annual cover

If you travel more than once a year, an annual multi-trip policy might work out cheaper than buying separate cover each time.

Compare deals

One of the easiest ways to save is by comparing multiple insurers in one place. At Clarity Compare, we help you find policies that include your medical conditions—with no surprises—and show you the best value options side by side.

What Counts as a Pre-Existing Medical Condition?

A pre-existing medical condition is any health issue—whether an illness or injury—that you had before purchasing your travel insurance.
Understanding what needs to be disclosed is essential to make sure you’re properly covered.

1. Heart-related issues

Conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol are frequently encountered.

2. Diabetes

Both Type 1 and Type 2 can affect various aspects of your wellbeing while abroad.

3. Breathing conditions

From mild asthma to more complex respiratory problems like cystic fibrosis.

4. Chronic or ongoing illnesses

Conditions such as cancer, Crohn’s disease, and IBS fall under long-term illnesses.

5. Joint and bone problems

Including arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory conditions.

6. Mental health concerns

Psychological conditions like anxiety, depression, or eating disorders are important to mention too.

This isn’t a complete list, and each insurer may have different requirements. If you’ve had any medical issues—past or present—it’s always wise to double-check whether they need to be declared.

Getting Travel Insurance When You Have a Medical Condition

Worried about getting cover for an existing health issue? Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

1. Start with a Quote

Let us know if you — or anyone in your travel group — has:

  • A condition awaiting diagnosis, tests, or results
  • Any recent medical consultations, even for minor symptoms
  • A history of serious conditions like cancer, heart problems, or lung disease
  • Been diagnosed with a terminal illness

Full transparency is important right from the start.

2. Review and Compare Policies

Not all insurance is the same. Look closely at what each policy includes:

  • Does it cover your specific condition?
  • Are there any limits, exclusions, or extra charges?
  • Make sure the cover matches your needs—not just the price tag.

3. Apply Honestly

Be upfront about:

  • Any diagnoses, symptoms, or ongoing treatment
  • Medications you're taking
  • Any appointments (past or upcoming) related to your condition

If you're unsure whether something needs to be declared, it’s better to include it. Insurers may ask you to complete a medical questionnaire or screening to assess your risk.

When’s the Best Time to Buy Medical Travel Insurance?

  • The smart move is to arrange your medical travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your holiday. That way, you’re protected straight away if you need to cancel due to illness or a change in your health.

    Buying early also gives you time to find the right policy—especially important if you have a pre-existing condition and need specialist cover. Leaving it to the last minute can limit your options and increase costs.

Travel Insurance for People with Medical Conditions

If you’re living with a serious health issue, travel insurance may cost more—but being upfront is essential. Hiding or omitting medical details could lead to your claim being denied when you need help most.
At Clarity Compare, when you declare a medical condition, we only show quotes from insurers who offer cover that includes it—no hidden exclusions.
For more complex medical histories, you can also explore specialist support. MoneyHelper offers a helpful directory of providers who may be able to assist over the phone. Reach them directly at +44 (793) 486-4416.

Will I Be Approved for Travel Insurance?

Approval depends on your medical condition and how insurers assess your overall risk. Once you’ve shared all the necessary health details,
an insurance provider may respond in one of several ways:

1. Approve standard cover

even with your condition included

2. Exclude your condition

but still offer cover for anything unrelated that happens during your trip

3. Provide cover with conditions

such as a higher excess or limited benefits

4. Include your condition

but at a higher premium to reflect the added risk

5. Decline your application

if they feel the risk is too high

Testimonials

What Our Customers Say?

"Clarity Compare made the entire process so easy! I found great car insurance in minutes and saved over £200 compared to my renewal quote."

Lucy H.

"I wasn’t sure where to start with life insurance, but their platform and expert advice gave me clarity and confidence. Highly recommended!"

Mark J.

"I loved how simple and quick it was to compare travel insurance. I found a perfect deal and felt fully covered for my trip."

Ayesha K.

"Their customer support is top-notch. I had questions about home insurance, and the team guided me without any pressure. Fantastic service!"

Tom R.

"The best part was how transparent everything felt. No hidden fees or confusion—just honest comparisons and great value."

Natalie W.

How Does Medical Travel Insurance Work When You Have a Health Condition?

If you’re travelling with a pre-existing medical condition, your travel insurance will work a little differently than a standard policy. Providers will usually ask detailed questions about your health background and current condition.

In some cases, a medical assessment might also be required. This helps insurers customise your cover so it fits your specific needs.

Honesty is essential here—leaving out details or downplaying a condition could result in your claim being denied. If your policy becomes invalid, you could be left facing medical bills abroad that run into thousands.

Based on your answers, you’ll either be offered a policy that includes your condition (often at a higher premium), or one that excludes it altogether. Every insurer is different.

Remember, the right policy isn’t always the most expensive—it’s the one that gives you the cover you actually need.

How to Find the Right Travel Insurance with a Medical Condition

The key to getting the right cover is to shop around and compare. Looking at a range of policies lets you weigh up not just the prices, but the protection and exclusions each insurer offers.

It’s not just about finding the cheapest option—it’s about making sure the policy fully covers your needs, including your medical condition and everything else that matters while you’re away.

Even the lowest-cost policy won’t help if it doesn’t cover the risks specific to you. That’s why it’s important to review the full terms, not just the health-related parts.

At Clarity Compare, we make the process simple. Once you’ve told us about your medical condition, we’ll only show you quotes from insurers who are willing to cover it—with no hidden exclusions. You can easily compare what each one offers and choose the policy that works best for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. Does my travel destination affect my medical travel insurance?

Yes, where you’re travelling can impact your cover and the cost. Some destinations—like the USA or certain parts of Asia—have higher medical costs, which may lead to higher premiums. Always make sure your policy covers the country or region you’re visiting.

Absolutely. Insurance providers often ask for details about any medications you’re currently taking. This helps them understand your condition and provide accurate cover. Having a complete list ready when applying can speed things up.

Failing to declare a medical condition—even if it seems minor—can result in your policy being cancelled. If you need treatment while abroad and the condition wasn’t disclosed, your insurer may refuse to pay, leaving you to cover the full cost.

Pregnancy isn’t usually classified as a medical condition, but complications related to it might be. Some policies include standard cover for travel during pregnancy, but it’s important to check limits on gestation periods and any exclusions for complications.

Claims may be denied if:

  • You didn’t disclose a relevant condition

  • You were travelling against medical advice

  • You needed treatment for something excluded from your policy
    Always read the policy terms carefully to avoid surprises.

Yes, even with an EHIC (or the GHIC, which replaced it for UK residents), you still need travel insurance. EHICs cover some state-provided medical care in Europe, but not private treatment, repatriation, or cover for lost belongings or cancellations.

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