Travel insurance for medical conditions: Is it becoming easier to find cover?
August 5, 2026Preparing for this holiday season, did you shelve any travel plans because you were afraid you wouldn’t qualify for travel insurance? Were you worried about a pre-existing medical condition making it more difficult to obtain travel insurance? Historically, travel insurance for medical conditions has probably been one of the biggest barriers to travelling with confidence.
In recent years, some insurers have broadened the range of medical conditions they are prepared to consider, and specialist travel insurance products have become more widely available. However, cover is not guaranteed and will depend on your individual circumstances and the insurer’s underwriting criteria.
Can you get travel insurance if you have a medical condition?
Yes, many people with pre-existing medical conditions are able to obtain travel insurance, although acceptance, premiums and policy terms will depend on factors such as your medical history, destination and planned activities.
What is a pre-existing medical condition?
A pre-existing medical condition is generally any illness, injury or medical condition for which you’ve received diagnosis, treatment, medication or medical advice before arranging your travel insurance. Different insurers may define this differently, so always check the policy wording carefully.
Why do insurers ask about medical conditions?
Insurers use information about your health to assess the likelihood of a claim and calculate an appropriate premium. Providing complete and accurate information helps ensure you’re offered suitable cover and reduces the risk of problems if you need to claim.
Declaring medical conditions is still important
The market may have evolved, but it is still vitally important to declare pre-existing medical conditions. Pre-existing medical conditions are important information that insurers use to assess your application and the level of risk. If you fail to declare them or misrepresent your medical history in any way, it may affect your cover or your ability to make a successful claim.
Once an insurer has a clear picture of your health, your pre-existing medical conditions and your travel plans, they can assess the level of risk. Some insurers are now willing to consider a wider range of medical conditions than in the past, although this will vary between providers. If your destination, planned activities or medical condition increase the level of risk, this is likely to be reflected in the insurer’s assessment and the premium you pay.
Bear in mind that different insurers are likely to adopt different policies with respect to pre-existing medical conditions. Some may impose restrictions on the extent of cover provided. The premiums you pay may also vary quite widely from one specialist travel insurance provider to another.
When should you buy travel insurance if you have a medical condition?
It’s generally advisable to arrange travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your trip. Depending on the policy, cancellation cover may begin from the policy start date, subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and any applicable waiting periods. Buying early may also give you more time to complete any medical screening required by the insurer.
Why arranging cover early matters
Arranging your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip can provide valuable peace of mind. If you need to cancel the plans, for instance, cancellation cover typically begins when your policy starts, subject to the policy terms, conditions, exclusions and any applicable waiting periods.
That peace of mind may be especially important if you are arranging specialist travel insurance for medical conditions. If you arrange the travel insurance cover you need in good time, you may avoid any disruption or delay to your travel plans caused by the need to complete the (typically online) medical screening requirements of your specialist medical travel insurance.
Understanding your medical travel insurance options
In your search for those insurers offering specialist cover for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions, remember that policies may vary widely – just as your needs are likely to vary.
You may want to pay special attention, therefore, to the health screening requirements of any potential travel insurer, the cover limits, any restrictions and exclusions to the cover offered, and the extent of any emergency medical assistance while you are travelling.
For added peace of mind when planning your trip, you may wish to draw on the expertise and experience of Alan Blunden Insurance Brokers. We may be able to help you find suitable travel insurance from our panel of insurers, subject to your individual circumstances and the options available.