What is a pre-existing medical condition?

A pre-existing medical condition is defined as an illness, injury or condition that exists before, or at the time, you take out an insurance policy. Even if some conditions have resolved, or you feel well, we may still need to assess them. This is so that we can provide you with the right level of cover. Pre-existing conditions can include:

Ongoing or long-term conditions – Health issues needing regular treatment or medication.

Past illnesses – Even if a condition has been treated or is no longer active, insurers will still need you to declare it.

Injuries & surgery – Recent treatment, rehabilitation, or past surgeries counts as a pre-existing conditions.

Mental health conditions – These are also pre-existing medical conditions, so make sure to declare them.

Do I need to declare my medical conditions?

You should always declare pre-existing medical conditions on your travel insurance prior to taking it out. If you do not declare these conditions you may end up not being covered when you travel and being forced to pay expensive medical bills. This is especially vital for popular destinations such as the USA, which has expensive medical bills.

For more details, visit our medical conditions travel insurance page.

Common misconceptions about declaring medical conditions

Many travellers assume they don't need to declare certain conditions. Here are some common misconceptions to why that's not always the case:

"My condition hasn't affected me in years, I don't need to declare it"

Even if your condition hasn't caused problems for a long time, some insurers may still need you to declare it. Conditions like asthma, heart disease, or past cancer diagnoses can still impact your policy. Always check the insurer's requirements to avoid invalidating your cover.

"I don't take medication, so it doesn't count"

Some travellers may assume that if they're not on medication, they don't have a pre-existing condition. However, insurers also consider past diagnoses, treatments, and symptoms. Even if you manage a condition without medication, it will still need to be declared.

"It's just a minor issue – I won't need medical care abroad"

A minor health issue can be more serious when you travel - especially in extreme weather or unfamiliar places. For example, mild asthma might be fine in the UK but could get worse in humid or polluted areas.

This guide offers useful tips and general advice, but for personalised guidance based on your health and travel plans, speak to your doctor, notify your airline, and plan ahead for any potential challenges.