What is medical travel insurance?
Medical travel insurance is designed for anyone with pre-existing medical conditions, to provide that extra peace of mind. A pre-existing medical condition is an illness or injury you had before or when you take out your policy and before your trip starts. It is important that you declare these when taking out your cover and then any changes before your trip starts, otherwise it may invalidate any claims. We will then assess the condition and confirm whether we can issue a policy to cover claims for that condition or any associated condition and the cost. Because medical costs can be expensive, premiums tend to be higher. This will depend on the type of pre-existing medical condition you have. For an alternative quote for your medical conditions or if we are unable to offer you a quote, you can access a directory of specialist medical travel insurers who may be able to provide you with cover or by calling 0800 138 7777.
Why do I need medical travel insurance?
Medical travel insurance is particularly important if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Medical treatment can be extremely expensive, depending on where you are in the world, so having the right protection in place could save you thousands of pounds.
UK GHIC or UK EHIC aren't always enough
The UK government still recommends that you have travel insurance in place as well.
UK residents travelling in EU countries and Switzerland may be able to access medically necessary state-provided healthcare for free or at a reduced cost. You'll need the new UK Global Health Insurance card (UK GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (UK EHIC).
Remember, neither card covers any additional cost to return you to the UK or for a relative to stay or fly out to be with you. In a medical emergency you may have no control over the hospital you are taken to or the closest hospital may be private. But medical travel insurance may be able to cover some of the cost for you.
You can find out more information about which card to apply for on the NHS website.
Our medical travel insurance cover levels
We’ve got three levels of medical travel insurance cover available with varying benefits, so you can find the right cover to suit your needs, letting you relax and enjoy your holidays throughout the year.
| Orange Cover | Silver Cover | Black Cover |
| COVID-19 protection | COVID-19 protection | COVID-19 protection |
| £3,000 cancellation cover | £5,000 cancellation cover | £7,500 cancellation cover |
| £10m emergency medical & repatriation expenses | £15m emergency medical & repatriation expenses | Unlimited emergency medical & repatriation expenses |
| £1,250 for personal possessions | £2,000 for personal possessions | £3,000 for personal possessions |
| £500 hospital benefit (max £20 per day) | £1,500 hospital benefit (max £50 per day) | £2,000 hospital benefit (max £50 per day) |
| £500 gadget cover | £750 gadget cover | £1,000 gadget cover |
| £400 personal money | £500 personal money | £750 personal money |
| £25,000 legal costs & expenses | £25,000 legal costs & expenses | £25,000 legal costs & expenses |