When you buy travel insurance, you will be asked whether you have any pre-existing conditions. If you do, you will be asked to share details about your current health and medical history. This is called a medical declaration.
Some travel providers ask about a 2- or 5- year declaration period. Understanding what counts and over what period you need to declare, can feel confusing. Our aim is to make this simple, clear, and stress‑free. We want you to feel confident that your cover is right for you. We also want you to feel informed so you can make the right choice.
What is a pre‑existing medical condition?
A pre‑existing medical condition is any health issue you had before you bought your policy. This can be an illness, injury, symptom, or medical advice you were given. If you take or have taken medicine, or if you have had tests or treatment, this may also count. Insurers ask for this information so they can understand your needs and offer the right level of cover.
Many people are unsure what “treatment” or “medical attention” includes.
Insurers may consider the following examples as part of your medical history:
- Seeing a doctor
- Talking to a pharmacist about symptoms or a diagnosed medical condition
- A phone call with a doctor
- Using an online or web‑chat service with a medical professional
- Attending physiotherapy, chiropractic care, or acupuncture
Further examples of things insurers may ask about as part of your medical history include:
- Regular checks for asthma or diabetes even when stable
- High blood pressure, even if you no longer take medicine
- Symptoms you have spoken about with a medical professional
- Monitoring of recent infections or treatments
- Any condition linked to a recent medical insurance claim
- Weight‑management injections
- HRT or menopause care
- Hearing concerns
Examples of conditions that insurers may ask you to declare:
- Heart conditions
- Strokes
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
- Migraines
- Urinary symptoms including infections or flow issues
- Anxiety or depression
- ADHD
- Bone or joint issues, such as arthritis or long‑term knee or back pain
- Any cancer
- All bowel conditions
This list is not complete, but it gives a sense of the types of conditions that may need to be declared.
Why accurate declarations matter
Sharing clear and accurate information helps protect you if you need to make a claim. If something important is missing, it may affect how a claim is assessed. Declaring your conditions helps ensure your policy reflects your needs. Declaring a condition does not automatically change the premium. It ensures cover is accurate. Our goal is to support you in choosing the right cover and to give you peace of mind for your trip.
How to check your medical history
Before you complete your declaration, it can help to look at what is recorded about your health. You can:
- Ask your GP surgery what is noted on your record
- Log in to your NHS account to view your history online
- Talk to family members who may recall things you have forgotten
Having the right information means your declaration is complete and your cover is accurate.
If you are unsure about anything, we are here to help. You can call us on 01403 788 513.