What is classed as a pre-existing medical condition?

When buying travel insurance, it can be difficult to know what to class as a pre-existing condition, especially when these are so varied and can be stable for some time before you are taking out insurance, such as lifetime conditions. However, pre-existing conditions can be simply defined to ease the complications of applying for travel insurance.

Travel insurers class a "pre-existing medical condition" as an illness that you have had symptoms of or treatment for before your insurance being taken out, regardless of whether this is short-term or long-term.

Even if you have had a condition wherein your treatment has now stopped, you may still have to declare the illness as a pre-existing condition for some time afterwards. These can include lifetime conditions such as asthma, long-term illnesses like cancer or heart problems, injuries and chronic conditions.

Additionally, mental illnesses must also be declared before travelling. However, the definition does differ between insurance providers, with some travel insurance companies offering insurance specifically for pre-existing medical conditions. We would always recommend that you read the insurance policy wording and definition of pre-existing medical conditions, as these will differ from insurer to insurer.

Why you need to declare your medical conditions on your travel insurance

You should always declare pre-existing medical conditions on your travel insurance prior to taking it out. If you do not declare these conditions, even if they are stable at the time of taking it out, 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 extensive medical bills.

Choosing Holiday Extras for your travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions

• - Over 25 years experience selling travel insurance.
• - Voted best insurance provider 12 years running.
• - Tailored policies to suit your personal requirements.
• - Policies with no excess available.
• - UK-based contact centre and 24/7 helpline.
• - All medical conditions considered.

Our travel insurance protection with both our single trip and annual travel policies, as well as medical cover for cruises. Included are benefits of up to £5,000 if you need to cancel your holiday, up to £2,000 if you lose your luggage or medicine and up to £10 million in medical expenses. We offer cover for you and everyone in your party for travel in the UK and abroad. We cover the majority of pre-existing medical conditions, and all conditions will be considered.

Compare medical travel insurance cover levels:

Our travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions is available at bronze, silver, gold and platinum levels.