Cystic Fibrosis travel insurance

According to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, there's over 11,000 people in the UK living with cystic fibrosis.

It's possible to get travel insurance with this condition. But, it's unlikely insurers will cover you under a standard policy.

That can make finding the right insurance tricky, but we're here to help. Read on for everything you need to know about getting covered with cystic fibrosis.

Can I get travel insurance with cystic fibrosis?

Yes, you can get holiday insurance covering cystic fibrosis. In fact, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust says it’s vital to get travel insurance.

But, there’s a chance your insurance will cost more. You might also need to agree to pay a higher excess. This is just because insurers could see you as being at a greater risk of needing to make a claim.

The number of quotes and options available to you may depend on a few factors, including:

• Your age
• Where you're going
• How long you'll be away
• How severe your cystic fibrosis is
• If you have any other medical conditions

Occasionally, insurers might not be able to cover more serious medical conditions. But, don't fret—this doesn't mean you won't be able to get covered for your trip. It just means that you might need specialist insurance elsewhere. MoneyHelper has a great directory of providers that can help.

Is cystic fibrosis classed as a pre-existing medical condition for travel insurance?

Yes.

Cystic fibrosis is considered a pre-existing condition by insurers. So, you'll need to let insurers know about it when getting a quote. It's no different from declaring other pre-existing conditions, like;

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart conditions

Being upfront about any pre-existing conditions is super important. If they aren't declared, any related claims might not be covered. As long as your insurer is aware of your condition, they'll be able to support you.

But, if you don't make them aware when buying the policy, you might be left with hefty medical bills to pay if you need care. The last thing we want is for you to be in this situation. So, just make sure you're honest with your insurer from the get-go. 

What will I be asked about my condition when getting a quote?

Information you'll need to give about your condition varies from insurer to insurer.

Usually, you'll be asked things like:

• What medication do you take for your condition?
• Have you been admitted to the hospital for emergency care in the last year?
• How short of breath do you get walking a short distance across a flat surface?
• Have you been prescribed oxygen to use at home?
• Are you waiting for a kidney or lung transplant?

This might seem like a lot of information to provide. But, doing so means your insurer can give you the cover needed to travel safely.

Just a head's up, though— you might have to declare you're registered with a GP. This is just to make sure you live in the UK. Some insurers could also ask why you're going abroad, too. This is so they can confirm you're not travelling out of the country for medical treatment.

What will travel insurance for cystic fibrosis cover?

As long as you've let your provider know about your condition, your policy should cover you for:

• Cancellation cover or cutting short your holiday if your condition flares up. Like we've mentioned, cystic fibrosis flare-ups can happen unexpectedly and cause disruption. But, with insurance in place, you'll be covered if you need to cancel your trip or come home early.
• Medication costs. If you need medication while you're away, travel insurance can cover the expenses.
• Hospital stays if you suffer any complications relating to your condition. If you're unwell and need to spend time in the hospital while abroad, your insurance can pay for it.
• Repatriation cover. This means getting you home for medical treatment in the UK. Without travel insurance in place, this could cost thousands of pounds!

Along with medical cover, travel insurance can also cover you for: 

• Theft, accidental damage or loss. If your luggage is stolen, or accidentally damaged or lost. In these situations, your insurer can provide compensation.
• Travel disruption cover. If you experience any delays or disruption for reasons out of your control, like missed flights because of bad weather. Some policies can offer cover in these situations, so read yours to know what you're getting.
• Cancellation or curtailment. If you need to cancel or return home early due to factors not relating to your health. For example, unexpected national incidents.

What’s not covered?

There's some things travel insurance won't offer cover for. These include:

• Travelling against government advice. If the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to your destination, but you go anyway. In this situation, you'll invalidate your policy.
• Undeclared pre-existing medical conditions. Insurers can cover medical conditions, but only if they're declared. If you don't make insurers aware of conditions you have, including cystic fibrosis, your insurer might not cover you if you need to claim.
• Extreme sports and activities. Riskier activities and sports might not be covered by standard insurance. For example, if you want to go hiking, you'll need enhanced cover with activity travel insurance.
• Incidents involving alcohol and drugs. If anything happens because you're under the influence of these substances, your insurer won't cover you.
• Changing your mind. If you have a change of heart and decide you no longer want to go. If this happens, you won't be covered for any expenses lost.

Remember, what's covered and not covered can vary from provider to provider. So, it's important to read your policy details.

How much is travel insurance with cystic fibrosis?

The cost can vary depending on various factors, including:

• Your age
• The severity of your condition
• Where you're going
• How long you'll be away

To give you an idea of prices, here’s what you might pay declaring cystic fibrosis for a 1 week trip to Spain

¹Cheapest prices per age based on 1 adult male travelling to Spain for 1 week with cystic fibrosis. From Confused.com data. August 2024.

Do I need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)?

It's worth bringing.

If you're going on a holiday to a country in the European Union (EU), you can use it alongside your travel insurance.

Your GHIC card can be used to access state-subsidised healthcare in the EU. So, if you're going on holiday somewhere in Europe, it's important to bring it with you. If you still have an EHIC card, you'll be able to use it as long as it's valid. If it's out of date, you'll need to apply for a GHIC.

But, there's not always a guarantee you'll be taken to a state hospital. If you're taken to a private hospital, you'll be responsible for the cost of any treatment you're given. You might also need to cover the cost of being returned to the UK if you need treatment—and that can be expensive.

This is why it's important to make sure you have the right travel insurance for your circumstances, even if you have GHIC or EHIC. With the right policy, you'll have comprehensive cover for the medical aid you need. Just make sure you read the policy details to know the exact level of cover you're getting!

Will it limit where I can travel too?

Nope.

When you get a quote, you should be able to see a range of quotes for any country you'd like to visit worldwide. Hurrah!

But, there's a chance that your policy might cost more. This is because insurers consider the level of healthcare in each country when offering a quote. Destinations with expensive or lower-quality healthcare might lead to higher premiums.

If you have an idea of where you'd like to go, the best thing to do is to get a quote. That way, you'll be able to see tailored policy prices fitted to your needs and your budget. How's that for convenience?

What else should I know before travelling with cystic fibrosis?

Having cystic fibrosis doesn't mean you have to miss out on the joys of travel. With a bit of extra planning, you can still explore the world with confidence! To help you prepare, we've put together some simple tips to make your trip smoother and stress-free.

Chat with your GP before you set off

Before you head off on your travels, it's worth getting a check-up with your GP or doctor. They'll help ensure you're fit to travel and provide advice on whether your destination is safe for you.

Some countries can be strict on medications

Some countries, like Turkey, Dubai and India, have strict rules on what medications can be brought into the country. So, it's important to contact your destination's embassy ahead of time to know what you'll be able to bring. You can also find more guidance on travelling with medication on Fit For Travel.

Update your insurance provider if there’s changes to your condition

If there's any changes to your condition after you've received a quote or purchased a policy, be sure to inform your insurance provider. Keeping your insurer in the loop means you'll have the right level of coverage. It'll also mean you won't invalidate your policy if you need to make a claim related to your condition.

Separate policies might be cheaper if you're travelling with others

When travelling with family or friends, it's often cheaper to combine insurance policies. But, if you have a pre-existing condition like cystic fibrosis, separate policies might be more cost effective.

To get the best deal, compare quotes individually and then check the cost of a combined family or couple policy. This way, you can choose the option that offers the best value for your trip.