Updated April 2026 · Kael Tripton · Travel Insurance

Important: Always declare all pre-existing medical conditions when buying travel insurance. Failure to declare may invalidate your policy. This guide is for information only and does not constitute financial advice.

Travel Insurance With Pre-Existing Conditions — UK Guide 2026

Having a pre-existing medical condition does not prevent you from getting travel insurance in the UK. The FCA requires all travel insurers that cannot cover your condition to signpost you to providers that can. Specialist insurers — including AllClear, Staysure, Saga, and those listed on the MoneyHelper Travel Insurance Directory — cover a wide range of conditions from heart disease and cancer to diabetes and respiratory conditions.

The most important rule is simple: always declare every condition, every medication, and every relevant medical history when getting a quote. Undeclared conditions are the primary reason travel insurance claims are rejected. This guide covers how pre-existing condition cover works, which providers specialise in medical conditions, and how to get the best deal.

What Counts as a Pre-Existing Condition?

A pre-existing medical condition is generally any medical condition you have been diagnosed with, treated for, or received advice or medication for before your policy start date. Most insurers use a defined lookback period — often 12 months to 5 years — but some require disclosure of all conditions ever diagnosed.

Conditions commonly declared include: heart conditions (including past heart attacks, angina, pacemakers, stents); cancer (including remission); stroke or TIA; diabetes (Type 1 and 2); high blood pressure; respiratory conditions (asthma, COPD, emphysema); kidney disease; epilepsy; mental health conditions for which medication has been prescribed; and any condition requiring regular medication. When in doubt, declare it. The cost of non-disclosure — a rejected claim — far outweighs the marginal premium increase from declaring an additional condition.

How Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Your Premium

The premium increase for a declared pre-existing condition depends on the severity and recurrence risk of the condition, your age, your destination, and the individual insurer's underwriting approach. Controlled, stable conditions like managed high blood pressure or well-controlled Type 2 diabetes typically add a moderate premium. Recent or active conditions like current cancer treatment, recent heart attack, or recent stroke can add significantly more.

Because different insurers apply very different premiums to the same condition, comparing multiple quotes is essential for travellers with medical conditions. The difference between the most and least expensive specialist quote for the same condition can be several hundred pounds for the same trip.

Specialist Providers for Medical Conditions

AllClear: No upper age limit. Specialises entirely in travellers with medical conditions. Covers a very wide range of conditions. Which? recommended. Up to £20 million medical cover. Strong Trustpilot ratings.

Staysure: No upper age limit. Three-time Which? Best Buy. Strong on pre-existing conditions and competitive pricing for over-50s and those with medical histories.

Saga: No upper age limit. Over-50s specialist. Covered over 1.2 million people with pre-existing conditions. Up to £20 million medical cover.

Medical Travel Compared: Comparison service specifically for medical conditions, searching over 30 specialist providers simultaneously. Particularly useful for complex or multiple conditions.

Free Spirit (Subject to underwriting): Known for covering difficult conditions including recent cancer treatment, organ transplants, and complex cardiovascular histories.

The FCA Signposting Rule

Since 2020, the FCA has required all travel insurance providers that cannot offer you cover for a medical condition — or that can only offer cover at a disproportionately high price — to direct you to the MoneyHelper Travel Insurance Directory. This directory lists FCA-authorised insurers and brokers that specialise in covering difficult-to-insure conditions.

If you are declined or quoted what seems like an excessive premium, ask the insurer to signpost you to a specialist. You can also access the directory directly at moneyhelper.org.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I do not declare a medical condition?

Any claim related to the undeclared condition will be refused. In serious cases, the insurer may void the entire policy, leaving all claims unprotected. Always declare every relevant condition — the premium increase is always less costly than an unprotected emergency abroad.

Can I get travel insurance with cancer?

Yes. Specialist providers including AllClear, Staysure, and those on the MoneyHelper Travel Insurance Directory cover many cancer diagnoses, including some in active treatment. The premium will be higher and cover terms will vary. Declare your diagnosis, treatment stage, and prognosis fully when getting quotes.

Can I get travel insurance with heart disease?

Yes. Most specialist over-50s and medical condition insurers cover heart disease, including past heart attacks, angina, bypass surgery, stents, and pacemakers. Premiums are higher than for travellers without cardiac history but cover is available. Declare all cardiac conditions and medications fully.

Is there a time limit on declaring past conditions?

This varies by insurer. Some require disclosure of all conditions ever diagnosed. Others use a lookback period of 12 months to 5 years. Check your specific policy's medical warranty carefully and when in doubt, declare — you cannot be penalised for disclosing more than required.

Conclusion

Travel insurance with pre-existing conditions is widely available in the UK. Declare all conditions honestly, compare specialist providers alongside mainstream insurers, and use the MoneyHelper Travel Insurance Directory if you encounter difficulty finding cover. The right policy exists for almost any medical history — finding it is a matter of knowing where to look.

Last updated: April 2026. Always read your policy documents carefully before purchasing. Travel insurance is regulated by the FCA — verify providers at register.fca.org.uk. For help finding cover with medical conditions, see the MoneyHelper Travel Insurance Directory.