Nobody wants to think about needing medical care while away, but it's always good to be prepared. Being ready for anything will give you peace of mind so you can fully unwind.
For those with pre-existing medical conditions, getting the right policy can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. We can help you find the best policy so you can travel home with souvenirs rather than a hefty medical bill.
Can I get travel insurance with a medical condition?
Yes, you can get a travel insurance policy with a medical condition. But you'll need to declare all medical conditions to your insurer before you buy, otherwise you won't be covered. You can get a specialist pre-existing medical conditions travel insurance policy too.
How does medical cover work when travelling?
Medical cover is just one part of a travel insurance policy. Usually your insurer will quote a certain level of medical cover as part of your policy, but you may still need extra cover.
The level of cover offered can be in the millions, so don't be shocked when you see this number. It's designed to protect you against expensive medical bills, covering you for a range of travel mishaps.
How much medical cover do I need?
This all depends on where you're travelling to, as medical care is more expensive in certain places.
For example, if you're travelling in the USA, you'll probably need more cover as medical care in the states is very costly. Travel insurance for the USA will include medical cover, potentially saving you a lot of money if you needed to make a claim.
According to the World Economic Forum, these countries are known to have high medical care costs:
It's always worth researching your chosen destination to check the average medical care costs.
If you're travelling in Europe, your EHIC or GHIC card won't be enough to cover treatment for certain pre-existing conditions. Getting travel insurance is a good idea so you have the right level of cover for your condition.
What’s classed as a pre-existing condition?
A pre-existing condition is any medical condition you've received treatment for prior to booking your holiday.
Here are some examples of pre-existing conditions and the types of cover you can get:
Travel insurance for diabetics
Over 4.4 million people in the UK live with diabetes, a condition which causes high blood sugar. There are 2 main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes can appear suddenly, while symptoms of Type 2 diabetes tend to develop slowly over time.
Travel insurance for heart conditions
People living with a heart condition may get short of breath more easily, and can sometimes make flying difficult. Travelling to places with high altitude or humid climates can put strain on people with heart conditions.
Travel insurance after a stroke
A stroke is a serious medical event which often comes with many ongoing symptoms. Stroke can cause decreased mobility, changes to your physical function, as well as increased anxiety. You should always talk to your GP when planning a holiday after a stroke, and make sure you're aware of the risks involved.
Travel insurance for cancer patients
You'll need to let your insurer know about your cancer, even if it's in remission. You'll also need to let them know what type and grade of cancer you have so they can understand your situation better.
How do I get cover for pre-existing medical conditions?
The good news is you can usually get the right cover for pre-existing medical conditions through us!
For more serious medical conditions, you can visit the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS). They have a directory of insurers that could help you find a quote that will suit your needs.
What’s excluded from medical cover
There are some instances where you won't be covered by your insurer:
- Undeclared pre-existing medical conditions. If you fail to tell your insurer about your condition, you won't be covered for any medical care you need abroad
- Travelling against medical advice. If your doctor advises that you don't travel, and you decide to go anyway, your insurer won't cover you
- Conditions which you're undergoing or need ongoing treatment for. Sometimes insurers might not cover your pre-existing condition, but they could insure you for any new health issues that might arise on holiday.
Tips for cheaper travel insurance with medical cover
Finding cheap insurance doesn't have to be a headache. There are a number of ways you can get a cheaper deal:
Only pay for the cover you need
It's easy to get carried away when finding the right travel insurance. Carefully read what your chosen policy covers to make sure you're not paying for any unwanted extras. Greater cover often means higher premiums, which can set you back financially. Standard cover might be enough for you if you're not going on a lengthy trip and plan to do activities that may need additional adventure travel insurance.
Choose the right type of policy for you
Choosing the right type of policy will depend on your personal circumstances, and a broad range of other things. You'll want to work out whether annual travel insurance or single-trip travel insurance is best for you. For one-off adventures, single-trip insurance might be your best bet, but an annual policy can be better for multiple trips in a year.
Consider how much of an excess to pay
Your insurance provider will usually offer you a cheaper deal if you pay a higher excess. You should always make sure you're able to afford the excess should you need to make a claim.
Compare quotes from different providers
The best way to get the cheap travel insurance is to compare prices. We can make finding the right policy a piece of cake, and get you a quote in minutes.
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