Compare our best travel insurance with medical conditions

You must declare any medical conditions you have when applying for a travel insurance policy. But, as not all insurers cover certain medical conditions and those that do will charge you more for cover, it might be tempting to ‘forget’ about an ailment. The problem with this approach is if you don’t declare a condition you’ve been tested for it diagnosed with your policy could be invalid. Given travel insurance isn’t a legal requirement, this would mean you’ve wasted any money paid for the policy.

The good news is some travel insurers will still cover you for pre-existing conditions, however, you might not have as much choice as others. This cover might cost a few pounds more, because there’s an increased chance of you needing treatment during your holiday. But it would be money well spent if you did fall ill far from home.

Insurers insist you tell them about conditions like:

• Cancer

• Heart conditions; including angina

• Diabetes

• Stomach and intestinal problems; like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Crohn's disease

• Psychological issues; like depression or anxiety

• Breathing problems; like asthma or emphysema

• Arthritis

However, you should mention any medical conditions you have, even if you do not think they are serious.

Look for insurance that can cover your conditions for the best price, but make sure the whole policy suits your needs.

This guide explains what a travel insurance policy should protect you against, as well as what levels of cover you should look out for.

For the cheapest possible cover, try these 8 ways to cut your travel insurance costs.

You can still get a quote through money.co.uk if you have a pre-existing condition, including cancer or severe heart or respiratory complaints. People who have had strokes or are terminally ill can also get a quote.

Some insurers might not cover you if you already have a severe medical disorder or a number of conditions, and others may only offer insurance at a much higher price. 

If you’re unable to find suitable cover, contact MoneyHelper.  It has a directory of insurers willing to cover customers with pre-existing medical conditions. 

The British Insurance Brokers’ Association should also be able to help.