| Travel Insurance Pre-Existing Conditions — Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| Declaration obligation | You must declare all conditions asked about — non-disclosure voids the policy |
| FCA requirement | Since 2021 insurers must signpost declined applicants to specialist schemes (FCA PS21/14) |
| MoneyHelper directory | Government-backed directory of specialist medical travel insurers |
| BIBA scheme | British Insurance Brokers Association medical travel insurance directory |
| GHIC | Global Health Insurance Card covers emergency treatment in EU/EEA — not a substitute for travel insurance |
| Age | Over-70s face sharp premium increases; specialist providers essential |
Pre-existing medical conditions are the most common cause of travel insurance claim rejections and the most frequent source of Financial Ombudsman Service complaints about travel insurance. The key issue is not that cover is unavailable — it is that most people buy standard policies without declaring, or assume a condition is excluded when a specialist insurer would cover it.
What Counts as a Pre-Existing Condition?
Each insurer defines this differently, but typically any condition for which you have: received a diagnosis; received treatment, medication, advice or investigation; or been referred to a consultant in the period specified in the policy (commonly 12 months, sometimes 2-5 years, sometimes ever). Common conditions requiring declaration: heart disease, diabetes, cancer (including remission), asthma (if hospitalised in past 2 years), stroke, kidney disease, epilepsy, mental health conditions, and joint replacements. (Source: ABI travel insurance medical conditions guidance)
| ⚠ Warning: Never assume a condition is not covered without declaring it. Non-disclosure — even unintentional — can void your entire policy, not just the medical claim. |
The FCA Signposting Requirement (PS21/14)
Since October 2021, under FCA Policy Statement PS21/14, travel insurers who decline to cover a customer due to a medical condition, or who quote significantly higher premiums, must proactively signpost the customer to the MoneyHelper travel insurance directory or the BIBA medical travel insurance directory. If a mainstream insurer cannot help you, they are legally required to point you to one that can. (Source: FCA PS21/14)
Specialist Providers
| Provider | Speciality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Avanti | Wide range including cancer | FCA-authorised; MoneyHelper directory listed |
| Free Spirit | Serious conditions; terminal prognosis | One of the few for terminal illness |
| Good To Go | Budget option for lower-risk conditions | Online screening |
| InsureandGo | Wide range; competitive for diabetes, heart | Annual multi-trip available |
| Staysure | Over-50s; broad condition acceptance | Strong for older travellers |
| AllClear | High-risk conditions; active cancer treatment | Phone-based for complex cases |
This is not a recommendation — always check the FCA register at register.fca.org.uk before purchasing. The MoneyHelper directory at moneyhelper.org.uk/travel-insurance-directory is the authoritative government-backed source.
How Medical Screening Works
Specialist insurers use telephone or online medical screening questionnaires. Answer accurately. You will typically be asked: diagnosis date, current medication, any hospitalisation in the past 12-24 months, planned procedures or investigations, and your consultant details. Some conditions require a GP letter before cover is confirmed. Budget time for this process — it cannot always be completed in one session.
GHIC — What It Does and Does Not Cover
The Global Health Insurance Card entitles you to emergency medical treatment in EU/EEA countries and Switzerland at the same cost as a local resident. It does not cover: repatriation to the UK; private treatment; medical equipment; trip cancellation; or lost luggage. Apply free at nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/ghic/. (Source: NHS GHIC guidance)
Conditions Most Commonly Declined
| Condition | Why declined by standard insurers | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Active cancer treatment | High medical evacuation cost risk | AllClear, Free Spirit, Avanti specialise |
| Terminal prognosis | Cancellation risk near-certain | Free Spirit covers terminal prognosis |
| Recent heart attack or stroke (within 3 months) | Very high recurrence risk | Defer travel if possible; specialist required |
| Awaiting surgery | Unknown outcome; potential cancellation | Declare and let specialist assess |
| Severe mental health conditions | Self-harm exclusions common | Mental health travel specialists in BIBA directory |
Tips to Reduce Premiums
Single-trip policies are cheaper than annual multi-trip if you travel once a year. Increasing voluntary excess reduces the premium. Europe-only cover costs less than worldwide. Buy early — cancellation cover starts from purchase date, not departure. Removing activities you will not do (winter sports, extreme sports) reduces cost.
| Disclaimer: This article is for information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Figures correct at date of publication but subject to change. Always verify with primary sources (gov.uk, HMRC, FCA register) and consult a qualified adviser before making financial decisions. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an insurer refuse to cover me at all?
Legally yes. But since FCA PS21/14 they must signpost you to the BIBA or MoneyHelper directory if they decline or charge significantly more. If a decline feels discriminatory on disability or age grounds, the Equality Act 2010 provides protections — complain to the FOS if you believe you have been treated unfairly.
What if my condition changes after I buy the policy?
Most policies require notification of any material change in your medical condition between purchase and travel. Failure to notify can void the medical cover for the changed condition. Notify in writing and obtain written confirmation.
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