Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

Author: Tommy Lloyd, Managing Director

Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover for their medical conditions.

Last updated: 14th Aug 2026

Can I get travel insurance with a pre-existing medical condition?

Yes. Having a pre-existing medical condition doesn't automatically mean you won't be able to get travel insurance. Specialist travel insurance providers regularly consider people with a wide range of medical conditions, although the cover available will depend on your health, medical history and travel plans.

When getting a quote, it's important to declare your pre-existing medical conditions and answer any medical questions accurately. This gives insurers the information they need to assess your health and determine what cover they may be able to offer.

According to Which?, 21% of respondents to a survey believed they only needed to declare conditions they were still being treated for. Failing to declare a condition, or providing incomplete or inaccurate information, could affect your cover or a future claim, so it's important to provide complete and accurate information when completing your medical screening.

You can learn more about declaring pre-existing medical conditions, or explore our travel insurance pages for specific medical conditions to understand what you may be asked when getting a quote.

Medical Travel Compared specialises in travel insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions. You'll only need to complete one medical screening before comparing quotes from over 30 specialist travel insurance providers, helping you find cover that's appropriate for your health and travel plans.

How we can help

Depending on the type of health condition you have, finding specialist providers to cover you can be challenging and expensive. This is where Medical Travel Compared can help.

Our experienced team is on hand to help you compare holiday insurance with medical conditions and take the hard work out of travelling with a medical condition.

Our simple online comparison tool helps you find affordable quotes in minutes, so you know you're getting the best travel insurance for medical conditions. Why not give it a try today?

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Medical screening for pre-existing conditions

With Medical Travel Compared, the process of disclosing your conditions when applying for travel health insurance that covers pre-existing conditions is very straightforward.

You’ll be able to declare your conditions once you’ve entered a number of details regarding your trip, as well as selecting the type of policy you need, whether that’s for a single trip or an annual multi-trip policy.

It’s likely that you might be asked a few questions in relation to your condition before you proceed. This stage is called medical screening, and it enables travel insurance providers to get a better understanding of your medical background so that they can offer you the right type of cover.

For more information on declaring your pre-existing medical conditions and the online medical screening process, you can read our comprehensive guide.

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What are pre-existing medical conditions?

A pre-existing medical condition is any illness, injury or health condition that existed before you purchased your travel insurance policy.

In most cases, you'll need to tell insurers about conditions you've been diagnosed with, treated for or taken medication for. Declaring your medical history helps ensure you have the right level of cover while travelling.

Essentially, you need to notify insurance providers about any conditions you’ve been previously diagnosed with that fall into any of the following criteria:

Any cancerous, respiratory, liver, heart or circulatory conditions (including problems with blood flow, strokes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol) that have been diagnosed or treated in the last five years.
Any psychological conditions (such as stress, anxiety, or depression) or psychiatric conditions (such as eating disorders) that have been diagnosed or treated in the last five years.
Any condition that has required medication or medical treatment in the last two years.
Any condition that has resulted in a visit to a medical facility (such as a GP’s office, hospital, or clinic) as an inpatient or outpatient over the past two years.

You can declare your pre-existing conditions with us, and we’ll help you compare quotes for cheap pre-existing travel insurance. Just bear in mind that insurance providers cannot provide cover for undiagnosed conditions.

We help travellers compare travel insurance for medical conditions across more than 2,000 declared conditions. Below are some of the most common conditions people search for when looking for holiday insurance with medical conditions:

If any of the above apply to you, then you may need to declare them to compare holiday insurance with pre-existing conditions to find the right pre-existing travel insurance coverage for you.

This especially applies if you have recently been diagnosed with the condition and are receiving treatment for it right now. That being said, not all conditions necessarily need to be declared. It often depends on what they are and when they occurred.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that we are unable to provide a quote for an undiagnosed medical condition that’s currently under investigation.

Dr Sarah answers your questions

Dr Sarah Jarvis is the Clinical Director of the Patient Platform, an active medical writer, broadcaster, and the resident doctor for BBC Radio 2.

Question: Is it safe to travel alone when I have a pre-existing medical condition?

That very much depends on what medical condition you have. For instance, if you have epilepsy or insulin-treated diabetes, you may have a seizure or become severely unwell in a very short space of time.

If you have COPD or arthritis, your mobility may be limited. In this case, it could be difficult for you to carry your luggage, board transfers, or get around.

In any of these situations, it may not be advisable for you to travel alone. You should certainly take all the precautions you would take at home and more to ensure you remain safe.

What does a pre-existing condition travel insurance policy typically cover?

Travel insurance for pre-existing conditions can include a range of benefits, depending on the policy you choose. Common areas of cover may include:

Lost, Stolen or Damaged Personal Belongings - this could include any medication you take abroad with you, so it’s an important benefit.
Emergency Medical Expenses and Repatriation - if you need emergency medical treatment abroad, the chances are you’ll end up paying a hefty price for it. The cost of repatriation (emergency return to the UK) is also high.
Cancellation and Curtailment - the insurance provider will cover you in the event of needing to cancel your holiday or cut it short for a certain reason (usually medical).
Travel Delay - this won’t always be included; check with your provider.
Personal Liability - if you cause accidental damage to another person or someone else’s property, cover is provided.

Medical Travel Compared makes it easy to compare quotes from specialist insurers in one place. Whether you're looking for travel insurance for medical conditions, a single trip policy or annual multi-trip cover, we'll help you explore options tailored to your needs.

Compare policies from leading providers today and find suitable cover for your next trip.

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Compare quotes and find the best travel insurance for pre-existing conditions

Why waste time and effort searching the internet for specialist cover when you can come straight to us? We enable you to compare travel insurance for pre-existing conditions, UK-wide, from leading insurance providers, all in one place.

The process couldn’t be any easier, and you’ll be able to start comparing cover against any pre-existing travel insurance you may have in minutes.

Then, it’s time to get back to the exciting stuff… like planning your holiday!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is pre-existing medical condition travel insurance?

Pre-existing medical condition travel insurance is a specialised type of insurance that covers you for any medical conditions you have when you buy your policy. To ensure that your condition is included within your policy, you will need to declare your condition during the quote process.

With this cover, you're protected against unexpected medical emergencies related to your condition while travelling, giving you peace of mind to enjoy your holiday.

What counts as a pre-existing medical condition?

A pre-existing medical condition is any condition that existed before or at the time you took out your insurance policy. We will ask you a few questions to help you identify the conditions you will need to declare.

For more information, read our guide What Do I Need to Declare On My Travel Insurance.

Do I need to declare all of my medical conditions?

Yes, you must tell us about all relevant pre-existing medical conditions for your policy to be valid. This includes conditions you're currently being treated for or have been diagnosed with in the past. Don’t worry – our simple online medical screening makes it quick and easy.

What happens if I don’t declare a condition?

If you fail to declare a condition, your insurance provider may not cover any claims related to that condition, or they may invalidate your policy altogether. It is always best to be upfront and honest about your conditions when applying for travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions.

Can I get holiday insurance with pre existing conditions?

Yes. Many specialist insurers offer holiday insurance with pre-existing conditions, covering a wide range of diagnosed medical conditions. By comparing quotes, you can find cover that suits your individual medical needs and travel plans.

What does pre-existing medical condition travel insurance typically cover?

Policies designed for pre-existing medical conditions can include:

Medical expenses and emergency repatriation if you need urgent treatment abroad or need to return home unexpectedly.
Cancellation cover if you have to cancel or cut short your trip for medical reasons.
Lost or stolen belongings, including medication.
Travel delays, where applicable.

Make sure to review your policy’s limits and specific inclusions before travelling.

Can I exclude a medical condition from my travel insurance policy?

No, we cannot provide an insurance policy that excludes your pre-existing medical conditions. However, once you've declared your conditions, we will show you quotes specifically tailored to your health needs.

Furthermore, should you decide to omit a condition, your policy could become invalid.

How do I declare my medical conditions?

Declaring your conditions is straightforward with our online process. After entering your trip details, you'll be asked a few questions about your medical history for each traveller. Add each condition one by one, and we’ll handle the rest – no phone calls or paperwork needed.

What if I have an undiagnosed condition?

Unfortunately, insurance providers cannot offer cover for any undiagnosed conditions that are currently under investigation. If you're awaiting test results or diagnosis, it’s best to wait until you have more information before applying for travel insurance.

Is pre-existing medical condition travel insurance expensive?

The cost varies based on factors like your age, trip destination, and the complexity of your medical condition. However, with Medical Travel Compared, you can compare quotes from over 30 leading providers to find affordable and competitive options for your needs.

Can I still get insurance if I’m older or have multiple conditions?

Absolutely! We work with providers who specialise in offering insurance for travellers of all ages and medical histories. Whether you’re 25 or 95, our mission is to help you secure the right cover so you can travel with confidence.

* Price is based on 1 traveller aged 61, who has declared High Blood Pressure and is travelling to France for 7 nights. The price is correct as of July 2026. Prices may vary according to your individual requirements.

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If we're unable to help you find cover for a pre-existing medical condition, the Money Helper Directory has listings of companies that may be able to assist you. Further details can be found on their website.

Pre-Existing Medical Condition Travel Insurance

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Can I get travel insurance with a pre-existing medical condition?