Medical travel insurance
RAC Medical Travel Insurance provides cover for most pre-existing medical conditions2. You won’t have to worry about the costs involved with loss of documents, baggage, or passports either. So, you can relax on your holiday, safe in the knowledge that we’re here.
Our helpline for medical emergencies is open 24/7, so you’ll always be able to get help when you need it while you’re away.
We've partnered with Hood to offer medical travel insurance that helps protect you wherever you go.
Comprehensive travel insurance from a name you can trust
Unlimited emergency medical cover on our Black cover level
Up to £2,000 in hospital benefit with our Black cover level
Cancellation cover
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 isn'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 UK Global Health Insurance card (UK GHIC).
Remember, the UK GHIC covers the cost of returning you to the UK or for a relative to stay with you or travel out to be with you. In a medical emergency, you may have no control over which hospital you are taken to, and the nearest facility could be private. But, medical travel insurance may help cover some of these costs.
You can find out more information about which card to apply for on the government 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
Up to £3,000 cancellation cover
£10m emergency medical & repatriation expenses
£1,250 for personal possessions
£500 hospital benefit (max £20 per day)
£500 gadget cover
£400 personal money
£25,000 legal costs & expenses
£100 excess
Silver cover
Up to £5,000 cancellation cover
£15m emergency medical & repatriation expenses
£2,000 for personal possessions
£1,500 hospital benefit (max £50 per day)
£500 gadget cover
£400 personal money
£25,000 legal costs & expenses
£50 excess
Black cover
Up to £7,500 cancellation cover
£20m emergency medical & repatriation expenses
£3,000 for personal possessions
£2,000 hospital benefit (max £80 per day)
£500 gadget cover
£750 personal money
£25,000 legal costs & expenses
£0 excess
Limits and exclusions apply to each cover level. For example:
- Excesses apply to Orange and Silver cover levels, unless you purchase excess waiver cover when you take out your policy.
- Personal money is excluded from baggage cover.
- Gadgets are covered under gadget cover for up to £500 as standard, depending on the level of cover chosen.
- If you decide to cancel your trip for a reason other than those listed in the policy wording, your cancellation claim will not be covered.
You should refer to your policy wording for all the limits on cover, conditions and exclusions.
Customers with serious pre-existing medical conditions
Our travel insurance can offer cover for many pre-existing medical conditions. However, we would like to provide you with details of a “Medical Cover Firm Directory”, which is a publicly available directory, that only lists firms that provide, or arrange, travel insurance policies that cover more serious medical conditions. The directory will also show you enough information about each firm listed so you can make an informed, initial choice, about which firm might meet your needs.
What are the benefits?
Some of the advantages of using the directory make it easier for you to navigate the available market and make it more likely in finding a firm who:
- Is willing to offer cover for your condition
- Is willing to offer cover for your condition without specific exclusions
- Is willing to offer cover for your condition at a more affordable price.
How can I access a Medical Cover Firm Directory?
MoneyHelper has a Travel Insurance Directory on its website which can be accessed at the link below:
www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/insurance/travel-insurance-directory
Consumer enquiries about the directory can be made to MoneyHelper directly using the contact details below:
Telephone – 0800 138 7777 (available Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm except Bank Holidays).
Online Enquiry Form - www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/contact-us/money-guidance/money-guidance-enquiry-form (aim to respond within 2 working days).