INSURANCE GUIDE Travel Insurance With Medical Conditions UK - declaring conditions and finding cover |
TL;DR
- All pre-existing medical conditions must be declared when buying travel insurance - non-disclosure can invalidate the entire medical section of the policy.
- A pre-existing condition is any condition for which you have received diagnosis, medication, treatment, or medical advice before the policy start date.
- The FCA Medical Conditions Directory at fca.org.uk signposts to insurers willing to cover travellers with specific medical conditions.
- Some conditions result in a premium loading; some are covered at standard rates; some may be excluded - the outcome depends on the condition and the insurer.
- Specialist providers including AllClear, Free Spirit, Medical Travel Compared, and Staysure focus on travellers with medical conditions.
Last reviewed: June 2026
KEY FACTS | |
| Definition of pre-existing condition | Any condition for which you received diagnosis, medication, treatment, or medical advice before the policy start date |
| Consequences of non-disclosure | Deliberate non-disclosure: insurer can void policy and refuse all claims. Careless non-disclosure: proportionate remedy under CIDRA 2012 |
| FCA Medical Conditions Directory | fca.org.uk resource listing insurers who will cover travellers with specific medical conditions |
| Screening vs exclusion | Some conditions are covered with a premium loading; others may be excluded from the medical section only |
| Key conditions affecting cover | Cardiovascular conditions, cancer (active or recent), COPD, diabetes, and stroke history are the most commonly loaded conditions |
| Specialist providers | AllClear, Free Spirit, Medical Travel Compared, Staysure, Battleface, and specialist Lloyd of London markets |
What Is a Pre-Existing Medical Condition?
For travel insurance purposes, a pre-existing medical condition is any physical or mental health condition for which the policyholder has: received a diagnosis; been prescribed medication; received medical treatment; been referred to a specialist; had symptoms for which they have sought medical advice; or been on a waiting list for treatment or investigation. The definition covers both conditions that are actively being treated and conditions that have been treated and are in remission or stable.
Conditions that must typically be declared include (but are not limited to): cardiovascular conditions (heart attack, angina, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure); respiratory conditions (asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis); neurological conditions (stroke, TIA, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis); metabolic conditions (diabetes, thyroid disorders); cancer (active, in remission, or with ongoing surveillance); mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder); and musculoskeletal conditions (arthritis, osteoporosis, back problems).
KEY FACTS
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What Happens If You Do Not Declare a Condition?
Non-disclosure of a pre-existing medical condition is a misrepresentation under the Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representations) Act 2012. The consequences depend on whether the non-disclosure was deliberate, reckless, or careless:
- Deliberate or reckless non-disclosure: The insurer can void the policy entirely and refuse all claims, including claims that have nothing to do with the undisclosed condition. The insurer can keep the premium paid.
- Careless non-disclosure: The insurer can apply a proportionate remedy. If it would not have offered cover at all, it can void the policy. If it would have offered cover with a higher premium, it can reduce claim settlements proportionately.
The practical risk is that an undisclosed pre-existing condition discovered during a medical emergency claim can result in the entire medical cover being voided at the worst possible time. Full disclosure is both legally required and practically essential.
The FCA Medical Conditions Directory
The FCA requires that the insurance industry provides a signposting service for travellers with medical conditions who have been declined by standard providers. The FCA Medical Conditions Directory, available at fca.org.uk/consumers/travel-insurance, provides a searchable list of insurers and brokers who will quote for travel insurance covering specific medical conditions. This is a practical resource for travellers who have been unsuccessful with standard comparison sites.
Related Guides |
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. Kael Tripton Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the FCA. Always verify details with an FCA-authorised insurer or broker before purchasing. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to declare a condition that is well controlled?
Yes. A condition that is well-controlled on medication (for example, managed hypertension or stable diabetes) still counts as a pre-existing condition and must be declared. The insurer uses this information to assess the risk and may cover the condition at standard rates, apply a loading, or add specific conditions to the policy. Stability and good control are positive factors that specialist insurers consider in their assessment.
What if I cannot find cover for my condition at a reasonable price?
If standard comparison sites and specialist providers quote unaffordably, use the FCA Medical Conditions Directory to find additional options. The FOS (Financial Ombudsman Service) can be contacted if you believe a refusal was unreasonable. Some conditions can be covered if excluded from the medical section only (you travel knowing medical claims related to that specific condition are excluded), which reduces the premium while maintaining all other cover sections.
Does mental health count as a pre-existing condition?
Yes. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions are pre-existing conditions that must be declared. Specialist insurers increasingly cover mental health conditions. The FCA has placed increasing emphasis on parity of mental and physical health conditions in insurance, and the market has responded with broader mental health cover from many providers.
Can I get travel insurance after cancer treatment?
Yes, but the outcome depends on the cancer type, stage, treatment received, and time since last treatment. Active cancer treatment is the most restricted scenario - some specialist insurers will provide cover but at high premiums and with conditions. Cancer in remission (typically 12-24 months post-treatment) is covered more broadly. Cancer that has been treated and where the person is declared in remission is covered by many specialist providers. Disclose fully and use specialist channels.
What is the FCA Medical Conditions Directory?
The FCA Medical Conditions Directory is a free online resource at fca.org.uk/consumers/travel-insurance that lists insurers and brokers who will provide travel insurance for travellers with specific medical conditions. It was introduced following an FCA review that found many travellers with medical conditions could not find affordable travel insurance. The directory is searchable by condition type.
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