travel insurance medical condition under investigation

How to get travel insurance when you have a medical condition

--> BY Jessica Humphries

Last updated . 19 December 2023

Don’t let pre-existing conditions be a roadblock to your wanderlust. Learn the ropes of securing the right travel insurance for a hassle-free adventure.

Travelling with a pre-existing medical condition? There’s no reason you can’t indulge your inner adventurer! While the journey may seem daunting, arming yourself with the right travel insurance  will allow you to enjoy your holiday without breaking the bank  or compromising your health. Here, we’ll unravel the complexities and unveil the secrets to ensure your travel insurance prescription perfectly matches your unique medical needs.

The importance of travel insurance for everybody

We won’t preach about the importance of travel insurance because, let’s be real, even the strongest amongst us need backup plans. A good travel insurance plan will typically include the following…

Overseas medical costs

Your Medicare and private health insurance will be utterly useless in the face of overseas medical bills. A robust travel insurance plan will help you with both finances and logistics in troubled times.

Make sure that your policy covers overseas medical costs. (Image: Stephen Andrews)

Emergency evacuation

The financial implications of an emergency evacuation can be nothing short of astronomical. Finding a well-structured travel insurance plan that includes emergency evacuation ensures that you’re not only safeguarding your well-being but also protecting your finances from the unexpected twists that travel can throw your way.

Find one with transport assistance in case you become seriously ill. (Image: Anete Lusina)

Trip cancellations

A comprehensive travel insurance policy can come to the rescue when it comes to those unavoidable cancellations, ensuring you don’t miss out on your well-earned holiday. When life hits a smoother stride, rescheduling should be a breeze.

Flight cancellations are inevitable. (Image: Akshay Chauhan)

A word of caution

However, take note, not all pre-existing medical conditions will be covered by your standard insurance. If your health story is a bit more complex than the average Joe’s, it’s time to read the fine print. Dive deep, understand your coverage, and make sure your insurance has your back.

Not all pre-existing medical conditions are covered by your insurance. (Image: Olga Guryanova)

How does it work?

When you’re applying for your travel insurance, you’ll be questioned about any pre-existing medical conditions. It’s important to be upfront to ensure proper coverage in case you do need to make a claim. Some technically pre-existing conditions, such as acne, allergies, and asthma, might already be covered under the standard policy.

However, certain conditions demand extra attention, and you will be asked to answer further questions on a medical assessment form. Your insurer will then evaluate the risk level and decide whether they can cover your condition or apply an additional premium.

What counts as ‘pre-existing’? (or what you should disclose)

A pre-existing medical condition typically includes:

• Any conditions requiring hospital visits within the last 12-24 months.
• A condition that you take prescription medication for.
• Regular doctor check-ups for a specific ailment, whether diagnosed or not.
• An upcoming surgery related to back, joint, or abdominal issues.
• A medically documented chronic condition.
• A pending diagnosis or condition under investigation.

Herniated discs can be considered a pre-existing condition. (Image: Joyce Hankins)

It’s fairly straightforward, and common sense will guide you in the right direction. If you’ve experienced an ailment that’s prompted several visits to the doctor without resolution, or if there’s a significant health issue at play, it’s likely considered a pre-existing condition. Many of these pre-existing conditions will require an additional premium, meaning you’ll need to dig a little deeper into your wallet when arranging your coverage.

Find out if your coverage covers your pre-existing condition. (Image: National Cancer Institute)

Common exclusions

Unfortunately, there are conditions for which you likely won’t have the option to pay a premium, and you’ll be met with rejection. These include:

• Conditions related to drug or alcohol dependency.
• Conditions for which you are awaiting medical treatment or procedures.
• Ailments that involved recent treatment or hospitalisation (the time since varies between insurers).
• Certain types of cancer.
• Conditions requiring constant oxygen.
• Heart failure.
• Terminal illnesses.

Not all pre-existing conditions are covered by premium travel insurance. (Image: Pina Messina)

When you can’t find cover

The sad reality is that there will be scenarios in which you won’t be covered for a pre-existing medical condition – but don’t lose hope, as there often are specialised options available. If all else fails, you don’t have to forego travel altogether. Even if your condition isn’t covered, you can still obtain comprehensive insurance to protect yourself from other mishaps like theft, cancellations, or unrelated medical issues.

Dig deeper into your travel insurance policy. (Image: Towfiqu Barbhuiya)

Top tips for a joyful jaunt

When exploring cover for pre-existing conditions, keep the following in mind:

Age is just a number, but…

Be aware that age limits might come into play, and premiums could be a bit steeper due to an increased risk of claims. Take your time to explore different plans and find one that caters to your golden years.

Explore different plans to find one that is ideal for your age. (Image: Scott Graham)

Take a holistic approach

Instead of fixating solely on your medical status, consider the whole policy. Look into aspects like luggage cover and general medical coverage. Seek out a plan that addresses all your needs, not just the medical ones.

Be honest and up-front

When you’re applying for your insurance and are faced with the question about pre-existing medical conditions, honesty is the best policy. You must declare any pre-existing medical conditions to make sure it will be covered by your insurance. There are several ways you can accidentally void your cover , make sure this isn’t one of them.

Some conditions demand extra attention. (Image: Nguyễn Hiệp)

For more tips and advice, read our travel insurance hub  to help you navigate the ins and outs of what to do before you head overseas.

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One Comment

I use credit card travel insurance. I have well managed T2 diabetes. My insurance rep said if you don’t disclose pre existing, the policy will still be good, but you cannot claim anything Diabetes related. Is that right

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Can I Get Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions?

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Table of Contents

What is considered a pre-existing condition?

How to qualify for a pre-existing medical conditions waiver, where to find coverage for pre-existing conditions, travel insurance for pre-existing conditions, recapped.

Although trip delay and baggage loss insurance are good to have, purchasing a medical insurance policy before hitting the road can be the difference between an expensive vacation and a really expensive vacation. Those with pre-existing conditions may be wondering if they can still get travel insurance. Luckily, the answer is yes.

Here’s where to look for and how to get travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

A pre-existing condition is an illness, injury or medical concern that has included exams, treatments or a change in prescribed medication within 60 to 180 days of purchasing a travel insurance policy. The condition doesn’t have to be diagnosed formally to be considered a pre-existing condition.

For example, say you go on a bike tour of Amsterdam and suffer a mild heart attack. If a doctor had diagnosed hypertension (high blood pressure) a few weeks before your trip, this is considered a pre-existing condition.

So, what does a pre-existing medical condition mean for travel insurance? The good news is that having a pre-existing condition doesn’t preclude you from traveling or being eligible for medical coverage. Many comprehensive plans cover pre-existing conditions and can help you recoup your money if you require medical treatment during your trip or have to cancel a trip altogether because of a medical issue.

To avoid being on the hook for medical bills abroad or losing a deposit before you even pack your bags, look for a policy that includes a pre-existing condition waiver. Read the fine print on the insurance provider’s website; there shouldn’t be an age limit on most plans, and the premium shouldn’t cost more than it would for people without pre-existing medical conditions.

As long as you’re medically fit to travel, you can qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver if you meet the following criteria and apply within the eligible timeframe:

A pre-existing condition must be stable.

You must buy coverage at the time of your first trip deposit or shortly thereafter (time frame varies by company).

Amount of coverage must be equal to all pre-paid, non-refundable costs.

For example, if you put down a 50% deposit on a safari in South Africa, you must buy travel insurance within the time specified by the insurance provider to be eligible for a pre-existing medical conditions waiver. If you wait too long to purchase coverage, you'll have missed the coverage purchasing window and the waiver won’t be applicable to your trip.

We recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy as soon as you make the first deposit on a trip.

If you don’t qualify for a waiver, then a travel insurance company has a right to look back at the traveler’s medical records for the last 60 to 180 days (varies by plan), which is called a look-back period. This is done to determine whether you’re filing a claim for an incident related to a pre-existing condition, which then determines whether it’s going to be covered or not.

The pre-existing medical conditions waiver may also provide coverage in the case of a non-traveling family member having a medical problem mid-trip. This varies by plan.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies

With so many providers to choose from, it’s hard to make the right choice. So, which travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions is best?

You can turn to travel insurance companies such as Allianz , Travel Guard by AIG or RoamRight to locate the right plan for your trip.

Instead of getting quotes from every travel insurance company under the sun, we recommend InsureMyTrip, which is a free comparison site that allows you to get quotes from multiple providers at once.

To start a quote, you must:

Select your travel destination.

Provide travel dates.

Disclose your citizenship and the state where you live.

Select the number of travelers and their ages.

The website will ask you additional questions, such as:

Whether you’re taking a flight, going on a cruise or renting a vacation home.

The total cost of nonrefundable expenses, such as flight costs, hotel bookings and tours.

The date you made the first payment toward the trip and viewed your coverage options.

You can sort and filter your results in multiple ways. Compare the plans offered and make a selection based on price, insurance provider reviews or the included coverage.

Keep in mind that it’s not possible to find annual travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions. Comprehensive plans that include coverage for pre-existing conditions can only be purchased for every trip separately.

Yes, it is possible to find travel insurance coverage suitable for trip takers with qualifying pre-existing conditions.

The best travel insurance options for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions include Travel Guard by AIG and Allianz .

Unless you purchase a plan with explicit coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, you can generally expect that costs related to these conditions pre- or mid-trip are excluded from a travel insurance policy. For plans with the option to cover pre-existing medical conditions, qualified travelers can select a Waiver of Pre-Existing Medical Conditions.

Example eligible conditions include illnesses, injuries or medical concerns that have included exams, treatments or a change in prescribed medication within 2-6 months of purchasing a travel insurance policy (depending on the provider).

The best travel insurance options for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions include

Travel Guard by AIG

Optional travel insurance certainly can protect you from the unexpected. To obtain coverage for a pre-existing condition, make sure to follow all the rules of the policy you’re about to purchase. Buy a policy within the specified time frame and declare all nonrefundable expenses accurately.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

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75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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Waiting list travel insurance

On a waiting list? No Problem

Travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, including when you are on a waiting list for treatment or investigation for a diagnosed condition.

• 24-hour emergency medical support
• No upper age limits
• Covid-19 cover included
• Retrieve quote

Awards & Accreditations

Total Travel Protection is brought to you by Ancile Insurance Group Limited who have been specialising in travel insurance cover for medical conditions and older travellers since 2010.

Travel insurance cover when you are on a waiting list? No problem!

Just because you are on waiting for treatment doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to travel and enjoy a holiday abroad, after all you could be on a waiting list for months or even years.

Total Travel Protection can cover you to travel if you are on a waiting list for treatment or investigation, so long as it is for a diagnosed condition.

Please note: If you are awaiting an initial diagnosis for symptoms you are experiencing we cannot provide travel insurance cover until you have a confirmed diagnosis.

Waiting lists: What is covered as standard?

Our standard travel insurance policies will cover you to travel when you are on a waiting list for treatment for a diagnosed condition, but there are a couple of exclusions.

If you are awaiting treatment or investigation our policy will NOT provide cover for cancellation and curtailment under the following circumstances, unless you purchase our optional waiting list cover:

• you receive an appointment for treatment or investigation which conflicts with your planned trip
• as a result of the awaited treatment or investigation you become unable to travel on your planned trip.

Awaiting treatment or investigation does not affect cover whilst you are away for medical conditions which you have declared to us.

Should you become aware of a change in your diagnosis before you travel, please notify us immediately.

Additional waiting list cover

You can choose to extend your policy to include additional cancellation and curtailment cover if you are on a waiting list. Simply add our Additional Waiting List Cover option to your policy.

Adding this additional cover would give you the option to cancel or curtail your holiday and make a claim to recoup the cost (up to the amount stated in your schedule of benefits) if you received a date for your treatment which conflicted with your trip.

More information about additional waiting list cover >>

Travel insurance cover and benefits

• Emergency medical & repatriation up to £10 million (Platinum Cover)
• 24 hour emergency medical assistance
• Cancellation cover up to £6,000 (Platinum Cover)
• Cover for mobility aids and prescription medication
• Personal property up to £3,000 (Platinum Cover)
• Personal liability up to £2 million (Platinum Cover)
• Legal expenses up to £25,000

You can get instant travel insurance cover, including if you are on waiting list, on our website, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our full range of travel insurance products and additional options are available online.

Heart condition cover by phone

If you would like to talk to someone about your medical conditions or the travel insurance cover available for waiting lists our friendly team are just a phone call away.

You can call us on 0330 053 3747

We are open Sales:Monday to Friday 9am - 7pm.Saturday and Sunday 9am - 5.30pm.Customer service:Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm..

Our travel insurance prices are the same whether you buy online or by phone, so you can choose whichever suits you best.

Single trip insurance

Our single trip travel insurance is designed to cover you and your medical conditions for one specific holiday or trip, from the time you leave your home, to the time you arrive back again.

We can cover holidays up to 94 days in duration to any destination in the world (providing the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is not advising against non-essential travel).

Cruise insurance

Ocean and river cruise holidays are covered as standard on all travel insurance policies from Total Travel Protection.

Remember to declare your medical conditions, as medical treatment onboard ship can be expensive if you are not fully covered by your travel insurance.

We can cover individual cruise holidays up to 94 days in duration. You will need to tell us all the different countries you will be visiting when you get a quotation.

Additional cover options

Additional cover including gadget, natural catastrophe and waiting list cover can be selected during the quote process.

Natural catastrophe

Natural catastrophe provides extra travel insurance cover for cancellation and unexpected additional expenses caused by catastrophic natural events such as hurricanes, fire, flood and volcanic eruptons. Read More

Gadget cover

This optional cover extends your travel insurance to include cover for loss, theft and damage to your gadgets, such as phones, tablets and smartwatches whilst you are away on your holiday. Read More .

Hazardous sports and activities

Our travel insurance policies provide cover for a number of sports and activities as standard, including trekking up to 2000 metres, sailing within 12 nautical miles of shore and glass bottomed boat trips. Additional cover for more adventurous activities can be added.  Read More

Missed connection cover

Ideal for cruise, coach or rail holidays that start from an overseas location, our Missed Connection option extends your travel insurance to include cover for additional expenses if you miss a connecting flight, ferry, cruise ship, train, or motor vehicle as a result of a delay to your initial international outbound transport.

Terrorism cover extension

Our terrorism cover extension provides additional travel insurance cover to enable you to cancel or cut short your trip if a terrorist act occurs within a 40-mile radius of your pre-booked accommodation.

Pet cancellation cover

This option extends the cancellation and curtailment section of your travel insurance to include unrecoverable holiday costs, such as transport, accommodation, and foreign car hire, if your pet dog or cat needs emergency life-saving treatment. Read More

Additional cancellation and curtailment cover if you are on a waiting list for treatment or investigation for a diagnosed condition.

Waiting list travel insurance FAQ

I am on a waiting list for an operation, will i be covered to travel.

Yes, provided you are fit to travel, you are awaiting an operation for a diagnosed condition, and you have declared all of your existing medical conditions to us.

Will I be covered to cancel my holiday if I get a date for my operation?

Our standard cover excludes cancellation and curtailment in this situation. However, if you extend your policy to include our Additional Waiting List Cover, it will then include cancellation and curtailment cover in the event that you receive an appointment which conflicts with your trip.

More information about Additional Waiting List Cover >>

I am travelling with my daughter; will she be covered to cancel if my appointment conflicts with our holiday?

Only if she is insured on the same policy as you and has also added our Additional Waiting List Cover .

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• Help and Support

Travel insurance for people with medical conditions

Article contents.

Carys Frampton

16 June 2023 | Updated 2 November 2023 | 5 minute read

Here's our guide on everything you need to know about travelling with a medical condition: what you need to disclose to your insurer, getting the right cover for you and some frequently asked questions. 

What’s a pre-existing medical condition?

We define a pre-existing medical condition as an illness or injury that:

• has been identified by a doctor
• is under investigation by a doctor
• is known to you before your policy starts or when you book a trip (whichever is later)

Some examples of conditions could be:

• heart conditions (irregular heartbeat/angina/heart disease)
• circulatory issues (strokes/high blood pressure/high cholesterol)
• bone or joint conditions
• gastrointestinal or digestive conditions (Crohn’s disease/IBS)
• terminal prognosis 

Is pregnancy a pre-existing condition?

No, pregnancy doesn’t count as a pre-existing medical condition.

You don’t have to declare it to us unless you’ve had any complications in your pregnancy so far or you have any medical conditions caused by the pregnancy, such as:

• gestational diabetes
• high blood pressure

If you’re over 28 weeks pregnant, the airline you’re travelling with might need a letter from your doctor confirming it’s safe for you to fly.

We have more detailed information on pregnancy travel insurance .

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

Yes, you can get travel insurance with a medical condition. 

But you must declare your condition when buying your policy, either online or over the phone.

There are some conditions we can’t cover, but it’s best to speak to us to check if you’re unsure.

If we’re unable to provide cover, you can use the MoneyHelper directory to find specialist travel insurance.

What do I need to tell my insurer about my medical condition?

In general, we need to know about any medical condition you’ve had within the last two years .

With some conditions, we need to know if you’ve ever been diagnosed with them – these include:

• heart or respiratory conditions
• circulatory conditions (like strokes or high blood pressure)
• liver conditions

You need to tell us:

• about advice, treatment or prescriptions from a doctor
• any ongoing investigation into your health or if you’re waiting for a diagnosis
• if you’re on a waiting list for inpatient treatment or know you need inpatient treatment.

Why do I have to tell my insurer about my medical condition?

You need to disclose your condition so we can provide the right cover.

If you don’t tell us and need to claim for any medical expenses caused by your condition while you’re away, we won’t cover all or some of the costs.

Claims are denied for people who:

• travel against the advice of a medical professional, or don’t seek advice knowing they would have been advised against it
• travel for the purpose of receiving treatment abroad
• don’t take the necessary medication for their condition

Everything is entirely confidential, it’s simply to protect you financially if anything goes wrong while you’re on holiday.

Will my insurance be more expensive if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

The cost of your cover will always depend on a few things:

• how many travellers are on your policy
• where you’re going
• how long you’re going for
• what you’re going to get up to
• the nature of your pre-existing condition

You might have to pay an additional premium for a condition to be covered. This varies between conditions and you’ll need to get a quote to find out.

Am I fit for travel?

Being fit for travel means you’re healthy enough to travel without concern.

If you’re unsure, contact your doctor for advice. We won’t cover you if a medical professional advises against travelling.

Airlines also expect you to be ‘fit to fly’ – this means:

• you don’t expect to have any medical complications while on the plane
• your pre-existing conditions aren’t likely to get worse
• there’s no danger to other passengers (for example, infectious diseases)

I’ve been diagnosed with a condition after I bought my insurance – am I still covered for my holiday?

Usually, yes, as long as:

• your doctor says you’re fit for travel
• you’ve told your insurer about the health change

When you disclose your new condition, we may charge an additional premium to cover it.

If we can’t cover you or you don’t agree with any changes to the terms and conditions, you can cancel your policy if you haven’t started your trip. You should get a full or partial refund, as long as you haven’t already made a claim or are intending to make a claim. 

Can I make a claim once I return home?

Ideally, you should make your claim while you’re on holiday when the event happens. Retrospective claims aren’t usually considered, although we will consider medical expenses less than £500 on a pay or claim basis if you’re not going to hospital or cutting your trip short.

As soon as you need medical care abroad, contact your insurer’s emergency service as quickly as possible. Our 24-hour emergency assistance helpline is at +44 (0) 292 010 777.  

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June 1, 2020

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Travel Insurance 101: Covered Illnesses

The best approach to take when selecting a policy that can cover a pre-existing medical condition is to read all the fine print and to   contact us   if you have any questions.

What's Not Covered by Travel Insurance?

Not all illnesses and conditions can be covered by travel insurance. Before you travel, read your plan documents so you understand what kinds of things are excluded. These include, but are not limited to:

• A mental or nervous health disorder, as recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, including but not limited to Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, dementia, depression, neurosis, psychosis, or any related physical symptoms. (This exclusion applies only to trip cancellation coverage and trip interruption coverage)
• An epidemic
• Any illness and injury caused by the use or abuse of alcohol or drugs, or any related physical symptoms.

Is Pregnancy Covered?

Normal pregnancy or childbirth is   not   covered by travel insurance from Allianz Global Assistance, except as a covered reason for trip cancellation (if you find out you are pregnant after purchasing your policy, or you need to attend the birth of a family member’s child.)

“Normal pregnancy” means one free of complications. So, for example, if you receive routine medical care for your normal pregnancy while traveling, or you have a normal childbirth while traveling, these medical expenses would not be covered. Travel insurance from Allianz Global Assistance   can cover   losses resulting from unforeseen pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes. So if you’re traveling, and you require emergency medical care for a pregnancy complication, you may qualify for trip cancellation and interruption benefits, as well as emergency medical benefits.

As with all covered illnesses, in order for such conditions to be considered covered, you’ll need a physician’s sign-off. And if a doctor simply advises an expectant mother to rest and avoid flying without a specific medical diagnosis, this would not be considered a covered illness.

Read more:   Travel During Pregnancy: What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Filing a Claim for a Covered Illness

In order to be reimbursed for losses caused by a covered illness, you’ll need to file a claim within 90 days of your loss. We make it as simple as possible to file a claim: You can do it online or even on your phone, with   the free Allyz ®  TravelSmart app . Submit all the requested documentation, which may include a Physician Statement Form, statements and records from treating doctors, documentation of refunds received from travel suppliers and more. Here’s a full list of Allianz Global Assistance’s  required documentation  by coverage reason.) Don’t get overwhelmed — if you need help filing a claim, we’re happy to assist you! Contact us anytime, online or by phone.

Related Articles

• Do I Need Travel Insurance If I Have Health Insurance?
• Travel Insurance 101: How Travel Insurance Works
• When Does Travel Insurance Cover Existing Medical Conditions?
• TravelInsuranceReview.net
• AllianzTravelInsurance.com

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What is medical screening for travel insurance?

Wondering what is medical screening for travel insurance? Find out information and examples to help you when you're buying Travel Insurance .

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Medical screening is part of the quote process. Medical screening for Travel Insurance with pre existing conditions is a number of simple questions about the medical conditions you declare. Travel Insurance providers carry out medical screening to ensure that they offer you the right level of cover.

Medical screening questions

Examples of questions asked during medical screening include:

• Have you had any surgery, inpatient, or outpatient treatment or any referrals or investigations?
• Have you had any unplanned hospital admissions?
• How many medications do you take?
• Are you or have you ever been a smoker?

Declaring all pre-existing medical conditions during the screening process

You need to declare all medical conditions which fall inside of the medical warranty. You can find the medical warranty at the start of the quote process.

Do you have to include a medical condition that doesn’t affect you?

Yes, you’ll need to declare all medical conditions which fall inside of the medical warranty. Although conditions can be well managed and controlled at home, that can change when travelling. So it’s important to make sure that you are fully covered for all eventualities. Clinical Nurse Specialist, Kay Greveson, explains: “A pre-existing medical condition can be affected by changes in temperature and climate and should always be declared, even if it is being controlled by medication.”

Declare your conditions, not your symptoms

You will only ever need to declare the name of your diagnosed medical condition. The screening questions may then ask you about your symptoms.

Do you need to declare a condition for which you do not have medication or/ no longer take medication for?

Yes – you’ll need to declare any medical condition which falls inside of the medical warranty.

Do you need to declare a condition that was incorrectly diagnosed?

You won’t need to declare a condition if it was misdiagnosed and is not something you’re living with. You will, however, need to declare the correct diagnosis for the condition.

Do you need to declare a voluntary hospital admission if the question asks about compulsory admissions?

As you have not yet had the procedure, you will need to declare the medical condition which you are waiting for a procedure. You will then just answer the medical questions relating to this medical condition.

No, if the question specifies ‘Compulsory’ you’ll not need to include a voluntary hospital admission.

Do you class attending A&E as an admission?

No, we do not class attending A&E as an admission.

Do you need to declare a one-off episode?

Yes, you’ll need to declare a one-off episode if it’s for a diagnosed medical condition . You must declare all medical conditions which fall inside the medical warranty and you must be ‘fit to travel’. If the one-off episode is for an undiagnosed condition that you are under investigation for we cannot offer cover. If you are currently

Do you need to declare private medical treatment during the screening process?

Around 11 per cent of the UK population has some form of private medical insurance. Therefore many people make use of private medical treatment. If you are one of the many seeing a consultant privately you would need to include this when completing your quote.

Do you need to declare a drug or alcohol-related medical condition?

Alcohol is a causal factor in more than 60 medical conditions . You must declare all pre-existing medical conditions. No matter the cause of a condition,

The AllClear medical screening process

At AllClear, we understand that travelling with a medical condition means you have a few more things to consider. So, we keep our medical screening process as quick and simple. Hear what our customers have to say about our Medical screening:

“Easy to use the website. Questions were straightforward and insurance options clear. Documents came in post in 2 days” – Denise

Read AllClear Trustpilot Reviews

Benefits of allclear cover.

Author notes

Written by Lydia Crispin, MA Content Creator at AllClear Edited by Letitia Smith, M.Sc. Content Manager at AllClear

Written by: Lydia Crispin | Travel Insurance Expert Last Updated: 23 February 2024

† Based on Trustpilot reviews of all companies in the Travel Insurance Company category that have over 70,000 reviews as of January 2024. AllClear Gold Plus achieved a Which? Best Buy.

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Travel Insurance for undiagnosed medical conditions. - Orlando Forum

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Travel Insurance for undiagnosed medical conditions.

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I have some undiagnosed medical issues (symptoms not life threatening, feel ok 95% of the time and feel fit to travel) waiting to see a consultant in the next 6 weeks.

I have spoke to a couple of insurance companies that won't insure undiagnosed medical problems so if on the slight chance I needed to cancel I would loose all my money.

Has anyone had experience of this situation or found a company that will insure under these circumstances ?

My dads under investigation for a heart problem at the moment so I've been looking into insurance for him, I've found this list below (click on download) which is meant to be more sympathetic insurance companies, hope that helps....

https://www.bhf.org.uk/publications/heart-conditions/medical-information-sheets/insurance

I was experiencing joint pain last year before we travelled. I was referred to hospital but would not see consultant until I had returned. Asked gp what to do she said as I had no diagnosis did not need to declare. It did concern me a bit but had no issues over there.

if you've not had a confirmed diagnose, then I can see your insurance companies point of view.

They cannot give a probability or prediction of you needing medical attention whilst on holiday - they need hard concrete facts of a diagnosis.

Plus chances are, when you do see the consultant, they may send you for additional tests, bloods, scans and the like, for which will then mean a further appointment. This will take you way past your travelling date.

I don't know your symptoms. Please feel free to PM me and using my experience, I'll try and advise.

I might be naive here but when you booked your holiday you didn't have this condition so if you had bought your insurance when you booked (I always do this) you would have had cancellation cover so would have been covered if you had to cancel as your doctor would have provided evidence as to why you had to cancel

So if you buy your insurance now you still don't have a diagnosed condition so the same applies - or am I just being thick?

My reasoning behind this is that last year my sister booked a holiday to Spain and bought insurance after booking my brother in law was diagnosed with cancer and was advised not to travel, her insurance allowed her to cancel as the condition was not diagnosed before she booked or bought insurance

Hope this makes sense to you - it does to me😊

Thank you for the comments.

I didn't have any health problems when I booked the holiday. I booked a few months ago and don't go until mid April so just trying to sort insurance now (which is what I usually do a few months ahead).

If I get a diagnosis before I go no problem they will just add it to the policy - apparently.

If not I won't be covered if I need to cancel on medical grounds.

Looks like I will have to (reluctantly) reschedule my dates (travel company happy to do this free of charge).

Gutted as I feel perfectly well most of the time and the chances of cancelling would be very slim - however can't take the chance of loosing all the cost of the holiday.

So many people book holidays months in advance & don't even give insurance a thought:-(

Once booked & any reasonable amount of ££ paid it's only logical to have insurance cover in place. Exactly for reasons like this.

We have annual cover in place & (fortunately) have only required it once in all our years of travelling & it worked like a charm:-)

You only need to check out on other forums how many people have lost thousands of ££ for the sake of not getting cover once the holiday is booked:-(:-(

It's all out of the way then and I can just start saving for spends lol

Alison that's a real shame hope you get sorted and good luck with your tests

7 seat van all in for £430, which is now showing £600+:-(:-(

Get emails from MAN for parking, & got that booked as well with a 30% saving:-)

Only thing left to do, next month is re-new our ESTA's.

Oh & shortly our must do ADR's;-)

II appreciate your comments.

If I had got the planned annual insurance when I booked it would have virtually ran out by the time I was due to travel.

I had give insurance a though - The plan was to get it at the beginning of the year - practically 4 months in advance - which I thought was being organised - obviously not.

The health problem was totally unexpected and has only just cropped up recently.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing !

You probably need to get cover via a specialist broker (there are lots). As well as the fact your condition is undiagnosed you are presumably undergoing tests so that will influence what's covered. Also, if you aren't completely honest you run the risk of the cover being cancelled or all claims being refused.

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More From Forbes

Is travel insurance refundable here’s everything you need to know.

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Sometimes, travel insurance is refundable. Here's when you can get your money back.

Peter Hoagland always checks to see if his travel insurance is refundable. That's because anything can happen between the time you book your vacation and when you leave — and because travel insurance isn't always refundable.

During the pandemic, he discovered that the hard way. He had to cancel a trip and asked for his money back from the insurance company. It refused.

"Since then, I always read the fine print on the policy," he says.

The refundability of travel insurance has always been an open question. Some countries and U.S. states regulate refundability. Travel insurance companies put refundability details in the fine print of the policy. And, as Hoagland found out, there are always exceptions.

Like the pandemic, when refund policies were all over the map. Some insurance companies adhered to their published policies. Others offered a credit that could be reused within a year, which was minimally useful because the pandemic was still happening a year later. Others quietly gave their customers a refund.

Hoagland says he fought for his money. Eventually, he contacted a manager at his travel insurance company.

"That produced a quick result," he says. "I got my money back."

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Biden trump debates what to know as trump pushes for 2 more faceoffs, when does bridgerton season 3 part 2 come out on netflix see the release schedule.

But let's face it: Getting a refund for travel insurance can be difficult. There are times when insurance is always refundable because it's required by law. There are times when it's sometimes refundable. And there are times when it's almost never refundable. But even then, there may be a way to recover some — or all — of the value of your policy.

Getting a refund for travel insurance can be a challenge

If you have a travel insurance policy and would like to get a refund, it might be easier said than done, say experts.

"While travel insurance is regulated like auto and home insurance, it’s often less standardized," says Stuart Winchester, CEO of Marble, a digital wallet for your insurance. "So first off, it’s important to check the fine print of your specific policy. Don’t assume it’s like the last one you got."

Even when you have something in writing, a refund can require some serious negotiating skills.

"Getting a refund for travel insurance can be complicated and frustrating," says Peter Hamdy, the managing director of a tour operator in Auckland, New Zealand. He's asked for a refund on policies numerous times and says that despite what travel insurance companies may tell you, there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to getting a refund on your policy.

"Some situations can warrant a refund," he says. "It depends on your policy."

What does a typical refundability clause look like? For example, the World Explorer Guardian from Insured Nomads notes that it's refundable only during the 10-day review period from the date of delivery or 15 days from the date of delivery if mailed, provided you have not already departed on your trip and you have not incurred any claimable losses during that time. If you depart on your trip before the expiration of the review period, the review period ends and the policy can't be refunded.

"We go a bit further with our World Explorer Travel Medical plans," notes Andrew Jernigan, CEO of Insured Nomads. "If no claims have been filed then we can refund the unused portion of the policy if you cut your trip short.”

When can you get a refund for travel insurance?

Here are the most common cases where travel insurance can be refunded:

• If you cancel during the "free look" period required by the government. Most states require what's called a "free look" period of anywhere from 10 to 14 days. "During this period, travelers can review the purchase and make sure it fits their needs," explains James Nuttall, general manager of Insubuy . "If it does not, they can cancel it for any reason and get a full refund, no questions asked, so long as you haven’t departed yet.
• If you cancel during the travel insurance company grace period. Many insurance companies also have a grace period for refunds (usually, they are the same as the "free look" although some grace periods can be longer). "If you’re outside your grace period, which typically lasts one to two weeks after signing, you’re contractually obliged to pay your premiums," says David Ciccarelli, CEO of the vacation rental site Lake . "Still, it doesn’t hurt to ask your company for a refund or alternative options if you’re outside your grace window. You might not get a yes, but it could lead to some cost savings or better solutions."
• When someone else cancels your trip. "For instance, if your cruise is canceled due to low river tide, you are not at fault and would typically receive a full refund or credit for a future sailing, thus eliminating the need for the travel insurance policy," explains Rhonda Abedsalam vice president of travel insurance for AXA Assistance US.
• If you die. Typically, the policy would be refunded to your next of kin. Generally, you can also ask for a refund if your travel companion dies before your trip.

Remember, it depends on where you buy your insurance

The refundability of your insurance can depend on where you purchased it. Commercial policies bought from a cruise or tour company are generally canceled and refunded if you cancel the trip far enough in advance of your departure date.

"The travel insurance cancellation provisions are generally tied to the cancellation provisions for the cruise or tour," explains Dan Skilken, president of TripInsurance.com . "After you have paid the last deposits on the cruise and are close enough to departure that they will not provide a refund on the cruise, they generally will also not provide a refund on the travel insurance. But if you cancel early enough to get all or most of your deposit back, you will also get your travel insurance premium refunded."

If you’ve purchased retail travel insurance from a third-party provider or comparison website, you can often get a refund if you can show receipts proving that you received a full refund of all trip deposits and have not had any cancellation penalties or taken any travel credits when you canceled your trip.

That's because retail travel insurance is sold for a specific traveler and for a specific trip. If you have proof of a complete refund and have not received travel credits, then you no longer have what's called an "insurable interest" in the trip. The insurance company must cancel and refund your premium in full, says Skilken.

Insider tip: If the insurance company refuses, just tell them you have proof that you no longer have an insurable interest in the trip. You have to have an insurable interest in a trip to own a travel insurance policy.

Your agent may be able to help you get a refund

You may also be able to lean on the agent who sold you the policy. For example, all policies on Squaremouth come with a money-back guarantee.

"The purpose of this benefit is to give travelers extra time to review their policy documentation to be sure it’s the best policy for their coverage needs," says spokeswoman Jenna Hummer. At Squaremouth, the money-back period typically lasts between 10 and 14 days, which is in line with the mandated "free look" period.

However, I have also seen agents negotiate with travel insurance companies for a more generous refund period in case of extenuating circumstances. There's no guarantee that you'll get it, but it's worth asking — and one reason to work with a third party.

Agents can also help you avoid this problem. Susan Sherren, who runs Couture Trips , a travel agency, notes that American Airlines Vacation Packages offers a predeparture protection insurance plan, which allows cancellation for any reason before the outbound departing flight time. Other restrictions apply, she adds.

"More flexibility will often cost you more," she says. "But having the flexibility is a great way to sleep well at night."

Can't get a refund? Look for other kinds of flexibility from your travel insurance company

Even if your travel insurance company says no to a refund, it doesn't necessarily mean you've lost the value of your policy.

"If a travel supplier changes or cancels your trip, you should be able to change your travel insurance policy to match the new dates of your trip or even cover a new trip, sometimes up to two years into the future," says Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA .

Pro tip: Be sure to change the dates of your travel insurance policy before the departure date of your current itinerary. You can do that online or by calling your agent. Once the policy's effective date has passed, making any changes or initiating a refund or credit becomes much more difficult.

Don't forget to do your due diligence

Bottom line: Travel insurance is refundable under certain circumstances. But knowing when can require research.

"It's important for consumers to carefully read their policy upon receipt to understand the specific terms offered by their insurance provider," says Robert Gallagher, president of the US Travel Insurance Association.

The more you know, the likelier you are to get the refund you want when your plans change.

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