What Medical Conditions Do You Have to Declare for Travel Insurance?
Embarking on a vacation is invariably thrilling, and having travel insurance, especially with medical coverage, can assure you of financial protection in case of unexpected troubles.
Approximately 70% of insurance companies exclude pre-existing medical conditions from their travel insurance offerings, which might cause concern if you're in search of medical coverage at a reasonable price.
However, the cost of travel insurance that includes coverage for medical conditions may be more affordable than anticipated. There are insurers specializing in policies for individuals who currently have or have had medical issues. It's crucial, though, to disclose any conditions as specified in the medical warranty to guarantee coverage during your travels.
Here’s an overview of securing travel insurance when you have pre-existing conditions.
What medical conditions do you have to declare for travel insurance?
Typically, you must declare any medical condition that has required treatment at a hospital (whether as an inpatient or outpatient), a clinic, or a GP surgery, or for which you've undergone surgery. Any condition for which medication has been prescribed also needs to be disclosed.
The timeframe for declaring these conditions is often outlined in the medical warranty provided at the beginning of the insurance quotation process.
Conditions to declare include:
- Respiratory issues
- Diseases or impairments involving the heart, liver, kidneys, brain, or circulatory system
- Diabetes
- Stroke or disorders of the central nervous system
- Terminal illnesses
Mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, must also be disclosed.
What is a pre-existing condition for travel insurance purposes?
For travel insurance, a pre-existing condition is any health issue that has been diagnosed, treated, or shown symptoms within a specified timeframe before the insurance is purchased.
For instance, if you were treated for cancer two years prior and are now in remission, this needs to be declared. The same goes for conditions like high blood pressure, asthma, or epilepsy, even if these are controlled by medication.
If there's any uncertainty about whether a past condition should be declared, it's safer to disclose it to ensure coverage while traveling.
What if you develop a new medical condition after taking out travel insurance?
Should you be diagnosed with a new medical condition after your travel insurance policy is in place, notify your insurer as this represents a change in your health status.
What happens if you don’t declare medical conditions for travel insurance?
Failing to inform your insurer about a pre-existing medical condition might mean you're not covered for claims related to that condition. This oversight could be particularly expensive if you require medical care abroad, as treatment costs can escalate quickly.
To avoid such risks, it’s advisable to choose a travel insurance plan that offers substantial coverage for medical emergencies—typically between £10 million and £15 million. Travelers to Europe should also carry a GHIC card.
Your policy should also protect you if a medical issue necessitates the cancellation of your trip.
