Six unexpected medical conditions that could push up the cost of YOUR travel insurance this summer

The Sun

12-07-2025

IF you're heading abroad this summer, you'll likely want to invest in travel insurance to protect yourself in case anything goes wrong.
Certain factors can impact how much you pay for travel cover - particularly any medical conditions you may have.
'Pre-existing conditions may increase the likelihood of needing medical treatment abroad or cancelling a trip, which can affect the cost of your policy,' MoneySuperMarket travel insurance expert Alicia Hempsted says.
While those with serious conditions, such as cancer or heart disease, may find it more difficult to get insured, common health diagnoses can also affect your cover.
We've outlined six medical conditions which you may not have realised could drive up the cost of your travel insurance this summer.
Asthma
Asthma is considered a pre-existing medical condition when it comes to buying travel insurance.
You should tell your insurance provider if you have been diagnosed with the condition. If you don't, you risk any claims being refused or not being paid in full.
According to insurance company Admiral, the cost of travel insurance is 'likely to be higher' for people with asthma.
However, this will depend on where you're travelling to, how long you're going for, what you'll be doing on your trip, and the severity of your condition.
ADHD and autism
Disorders such as ADHD and autism can also impact the cost of your travel insurance.
An estimated 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, while 700,000 people are thought to have autism.
"Neurodevelopmental such as ADHD and autism may also influence pricing depending on the circumstances and how well the condition is managed," Hempsted says.
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Insurers will consider any medication you're taking for autism and ADHD, as well as the severity of your diagnosis.
Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the conditions that is more likely to "significantly impact" the cost of travel insurance, Hempsted says.
Insurers will look at the severity of your diabetes and any medication you're taking, as well as other factors like your age, where you're going and for how long.
However, although having diabetes may push up the cost of your insurance, it's always safer to disclose your diagnosis to your insurer.
"The golden rule is that honesty is the best policy when it comes to pre-existing conditions," says Hempsted.
"It's better to pay a bit more for travel insurance so you can relax on your holiday, safe in the knowledge you're fully covered."
If you have diabetes and you're concerned about getting cover, there are directories of specialist firms that provide travel insurance to people with medical conditions that are considered more serious.
One of these is the MoneyHelper directory, provided by the Money and Pensions service.
High cholesterol
High cholesterol is considered a pre-existing medical condition by most insurers, meaning it could push up the cost of your cover.
"If you've been diagnosed with high cholesterol (including if this is only controlled by diet)... you should tell your current travel insurer immediately (regardless of whether you have any trips booked)," Admiral says.
The insurance company also advises anyone with the condition to inform their doctor before travelling to make sure they don't have any concerns.
High blood pressure
If you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your travel insurance is likely going to cost you more.
Like diabetes, it's considered a more serious pre-existing condition that can significantly drive up the cost of your cover.
Around 30 per cent of adults in the UK suffer from hypertension (consistently high blood pressure), with 13 per cent untreated, according to the NHS.
As well as informing your insurer about the details of your condition and any medication you're on, Hempsted warns travellers they must also disclose any recent GP appointments they've had.
"You should also disclose any recent doctor visits, diagnoses, or treatments from at least the past two years, as well as any assessments you're awaiting results for," she says.
This applies to people with all medical conditions, not just those with high blood pressure.
Depression and anxiety
Many people may not be aware that common conditions such as depression and anxiety can drive up the cost of your travel insurance.
"Mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder may influence pricing," Hempsted adds.
Like ADHD and autism, this will depend on the circumstances and how well the condition is managed.
While these are considered pre-existing conditions, it's still possible to get cover from a standard travel insurance provider if you have depression and anxiety.
What should you look for in a good travel insurance policy?
TRAVEL insurance policies can vary a great deal, but here are some "must have
Medical expenses - A good policy will give cover of £1million or more for travel in Europe and £2million or more for the USA
Repatriation service - The costs of getting you back to the UK for medical reasons should be covered automatically by your policy
Cancellation and curtailment - A good policy will cover you for £2,000 or more if you have to cancel or shorten your holiday
Missed departure - Covers additional accommodation costs and travel expenses up to £500 or more if you miss your flight due to circumstances out of your control
Delay - You'll usually be covered for £250 or more if your travel plans are delayed due to circumstances out of your control
Baggage cover - Covers you if your baggage is lost, damaged or stolen. Look for policies that have cover of £1,500 or more.
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