Travel Insurance for Medical Conditions – UK Guide & Costs

Finding travel insurance when you have a medical condition is more straightforward than many people assume, but it requires careful attention to detail. The UK market offers cover for a wide range of pre-existing conditions, from asthma and diabetes to heart disease and cancer, provided you declare everything honestly and shop around.

Costs vary considerably depending on the condition, your age, and your destination. While premiums are typically higher than standard policies, many travellers find that minor, well-controlled conditions have little to no impact on price. The key is knowing where to look and what to ask.

This guide covers the essential questions: how to compare policies, what experts like Martin Lewis advise, which conditions are commonly covered, and how to handle situations where your diagnosis is still pending.

What is the cheapest travel insurance for medical conditions?

Coverage

Travel insurance for medical conditions covers emergency medical expenses, repatriation, and cancellation linked to your declared condition. Check exclusions carefully.

Costs

Costs vary – from £20 for minor conditions to over £100 for complex or multiple conditions. Using a comparison tool can save money.

Exclusions

Common exclusions include pre‑existing conditions not declared, undiagnosed symptoms, and treatments received abroad without prior approval.

Application

You must disclose all relevant medical conditions. Insurers will ask for details, sometimes a GP report. Non‑disclosure can void your policy.

Declaring all medical conditions is a legal requirement – non‑disclosure can leave you uninsured and liable for huge medical bills.
Specialist insurers often provide more comprehensive cover for chronic conditions than mainstream providers.
Comparing at least three quotes helps find the best balance of cover and price.
The cheapest policy is not always the best; check that treatment for your specific condition is included.
Purchase insurance within 14 days of booking your trip to ensure cancellation cover and to demonstrate you were fit to travel.
Bank packaged accounts may include travel insurance, but you must still declare medical conditions to the bank insurer.

Fact	Value
Average premium for a 60-year-old with controlled high blood pressure	£25–£50 per year
Number of UK travel insurers covering pre-existing conditions	Over 30 (including specialist firms)
Common conditions covered without extra premium (if stable)	Mild asthma, well-controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis
Maximum medical expenses covered typically	£5 million – £15 million
Conditions typically requiring specialist insurer	Cancer, advanced heart disease, respiratory illness
Time limit to purchase after booking for cancellation cover	Within 14 days

What does Martin Lewis recommend for travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions?

Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, has been a prominent voice on this topic for years. His core message is simple: never assume you cannot get cover. The UK market includes both mainstream and specialist providers, and the right policy is often available if you know how to search.

Compare multiple quotes before buying

Lewis recommends using comparison sites to obtain at least three quotes before making a decision. The same condition can be priced very differently by different insurers, so it pays to look around. His guide on MoneySavingExpert walks through the process step by step.

Declare everything, even if it seems minor

One of the most common mistakes travellers make is assuming that a well-controlled condition does not need to be mentioned. Lewis stresses that any condition you have been diagnosed with, received treatment for, or are awaiting test results for must be declared. Failure to do so can invalidate your entire policy.

Advice from MoneySavingExpert

Never assume you can’t get cover. Use a specialist comparator and always declare everything. The cheapest quote may not offer sufficient coverage for your particular condition – always read the policy wording.

Consider specialist providers

For those with serious or multiple conditions, Lewis points to specialist insurers such as AllClear. These providers focus specifically on pre-existing conditions and often offer more comprehensive cover than general insurers. The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) directory is another useful resource for finding specialist companies.

What is the travel insurance pre‑existing medical conditions list (including Tesco)?

Most UK insurers publish lists of conditions they routinely cover. While each provider has its own criteria, the following conditions are widely accepted across both mainstream and specialist policies.

Chronic conditions commonly covered

Diabetes (all severity levels)
Asthma
Arthritis
Gout
Crohn’s disease

Cardiovascular conditions

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Heart conditions (including angina, heart attack history, and bypass surgery)

Mental health conditions

Depression
Anxiety
Eating disorders

Other conditions

Epilepsy
Cancer
Respiratory illnesses (including COPD and bronchitis)

Tesco travel insurance and pre-existing conditions

Tesco Bank Travel Insurance covers a range of pre-existing medical conditions. As with all providers, you must declare each condition during the quote process. Tesco will then assess whether cover is available and at what premium. Their list includes common conditions such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis, but the final decision depends on the stability and severity of each condition.

Can I get travel insurance for medical conditions under investigation?

This is one of the trickiest areas of travel insurance. Conditions that are under investigation or awaiting a formal diagnosis are treated differently by different insurers, and the outcome is not always straightforward.

What to expect

Some insurers will not provide cover until a formal diagnosis has been made and the condition is stable. Others may offer cover but with specific exclusions related to the symptoms under investigation. You must disclose that tests are pending, as failing to do so can invalidate your policy.

If you are awaiting test results or have recently developed symptoms that have not yet been diagnosed, your options may be limited. Specialist insurers are often more willing to consider these cases than mainstream providers. The Financial Conduct Authority requires insurers to give clear reasons if they decline cover or exclude a condition, and you have the right to ask for a review.

If a condition is recently diagnosed or unstable – meaning symptoms are worsening or treatment is changing – insurers typically view this as higher risk. In such cases, it may be worth discussing your situation with a specialist broker who can identify the most appropriate providers.

Important

Travel against medical advice or without GP approval is unlikely to be covered. If your doctor has advised you not to travel, no insurer will provide cover for your condition.

When should I buy travel insurance for medical conditions?

Timing is critical when purchasing travel insurance with a pre-existing condition. Buying early protects you if you need to cancel before departure and demonstrates that you were fit to travel at the time of purchase. The NHS advises travellers to arrange insurance as soon as a trip is booked. For those receiving disability benefits, it is also worth reviewing PIP claimants DWP holiday rules – how long can you go abroad? to understand how travel affects your entitlements.

Gather your medical history – diagnosis, medication, dates of last appointment.
Use a comparison site or specialist broker to get multiple quotes.
Answer all medical questions honestly – include all conditions, even if well controlled.
If asked, supply a GP report (the insurer pays the fee in some cases).
Receive policy documents and check that your condition is explicitly covered.
Print emergency contact numbers and policy details to take on holiday.

What is certain and what remains unclear about travel insurance for pre-existing conditions?

Established information	Information that remains unclear
You must declare all pre‑existing medical conditions or your policy may be void.	Coverage for conditions ‘under investigation’ varies widely – some insurers will not cover you until a diagnosis is made.
Many insurers offer cover for stable, well‑managed conditions.	Whether a condition is classified as ‘stable’ depends on the insurer’s definitions – ask specific questions.
Comparison sites allow you to compare policies for medical conditions.	The cheapest quote may not offer sufficient coverage for your particular condition – always read the policy wording.

Why does the UK travel insurance market for medical conditions work this way?

The UK travel insurance market for pre-existing conditions has expanded significantly in recent years. An ageing population and greater awareness of the need for cover have driven demand, while the ABTA and the Financial Conduct Authority have pushed for greater transparency from insurers.

Under FCA rules, insurers must treat customers fairly and clearly explain why a condition is excluded or why a quote is higher. This regulatory framework has made it easier for consumers to challenge decisions and find appropriate cover. The Citizens Advice service provides further guidance for anyone who feels they have been treated unfairly.

The result is a competitive market where both mainstream providers like Post Office and Tesco, and specialist insurers like AllClear, offer varying levels of cover. This variety benefits consumers but also means that comparing policies is essential.

What do the experts and regulators say about travel insurance for medical conditions?

“Never assume you can’t get cover. Use a specialist comparator and always declare everything.”

– MoneySavingExpert (Martin Lewis)

“Insurers must give clear reasons if they decline cover or exclude a condition. You have the right to ask for a review.”

– Financial Conduct Authority

“Always read your policy wording carefully – ‘pre‑existing medical condition’ definitions vary between providers.”

– ABTA (travel association)

How do I get the best travel insurance for my medical condition?

After reading this guide, the next steps are straightforward. If you have a condition, gather your medical details and get quotes from at least three providers using a comparison tool. Check the policy wording specifically for your condition – if unclear, call the insurer before buying. Review your policy annually as health conditions can change and insurers update their terms. If you have a chronic autoimmune condition, our guide on What is lupus disease? Symptoms, causes, and life expectancy explains how such conditions are typically handled by insurers.

Frequently asked questions about travel insurance for medical conditions

Do I have to declare all pre-existing medical conditions?

Yes, you must declare any medical condition that you have been diagnosed with, received treatment for, or for which you are awaiting test results. Failure to do so can invalidate your policy and leave you without cover.

What happens if I don’t declare a medical condition?

If you later make a claim related to that condition, the insurer can refuse to pay out and may cancel your policy. In some cases, the policy can be voided entirely, meaning you lose all premiums paid.

Can I get travel insurance for conditions like diabetes or asthma?

Yes, most insurers offer cover for well‑controlled diabetes and asthma. You will need to provide details of medication, recent HbA1c levels for diabetes, or frequency of inhaler use for asthma.

Will my premium be much higher with a pre-existing condition?

Not necessarily. Minor, well-controlled conditions such as mild asthma or high blood pressure may not affect your premium at all. More serious or multiple conditions typically increase costs.

Can I use a GHIC instead of travel insurance?

The GHIC covers some medical treatment in EU countries but does not replace comprehensive travel insurance. It does not cover repatriation, cancellation, or private treatment.

What is a GP report and when is it needed?

Some insurers ask for a report from your GP to verify your medical history and current health status. The insurer sometimes pays the fee for this report.

Are mental health conditions covered by travel insurance?

Many insurers cover depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Some exclude cover for mental health treatment abroad, so check the policy wording carefully.

What does ‘stable condition’ mean for insurers?

Definitions vary, but generally a condition is considered stable if your medication has not changed in the past 3–6 months and you have not been hospitalised for it recently.

Can I get cover if I have been advised not to travel?

No. Travel against medical advice or without GP approval is unlikely to be covered by any insurer.

Is it cheaper to buy insurance through a packaged bank account?

Packaged accounts can offer good value, but you must still declare your medical conditions. Compare the cover against standalone policies to ensure it meets your needs.