Car insurance for drivers with medical conditions

Key takeaways

• Insurers will ask about ‘notifiable’ health conditions when you get a car insurance quote (either on a price comparison website or directly with an insurer).

• If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, you must inform both the DVLA and your car insurance provider

• The DVLA will assess your ability to drive, which may involve contacting your doctor, arranging examinations, or taking a driving test

• Some medical conditions may lead to higher insurance premiums if you are deemed a higher risk

If you develop a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, you have to tell your car insurance provider.

You must also inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) whether it’s a new condition (e.g., head injury) or an existing medical condition, such as diabetes, that’s become more severe.

That way, you know you’re staying within the law. This should allow you to make a claim on your car insurance policy if you’re in an accident.

What medical conditions can stop me from driving?

There are a number of medical conditions that can potentially stop you from driving. Usually, this is because you can’t see well enough to react quickly or because you are at risk of suffering a seizure at the wheel.

Medical conditions that can impair your ability to drive include:

• Heart conditions

• Strokes (or mini strokes)

• Diabetes

• Visual impairment (such as glaucoma)

• Epilepsy

• A severe head injury

• A brain condition (such as dementia)

• A physical disability

• Sleep apnoea

• Syncope (fainting)

You have to notify the DVLA about these conditions, so your ability to drive can be assessed. Depending on your condition, you may be required to take certain precautions, such as always wearing glasses while driving. Alternatively, you may be told it’s no longer safe for you to drive.

You must also stop driving if your doctor tells you to. In some circumstances you might be required to surrender your licence if you’re told to stop for three months or more. You can then apply to get it back if and when you’re able to drive.

Do I need to disclose medical conditions to my car insurance provider?

Yes, medical conditions should be disclosed to both your car insurer and the DVLA.

Technically there is no such thing as ‘medical car insurance’. You’ll be eligible for standard car insurance but you might need to pay a higher premium for car insurance if your condition is deemed a risk to your driving.

Failure to give your insurer full medical disclosure could invalidate your policy and lead to any claims being refused.

Not disclosing a medical condition to the DVLA can result in a fine of up to £1,000. It may result in prosecution if you cause an accident.

What medical conditions should I report to the DVLA?

You have to tell the DVLA if you develop what is known as a ‘notifiable’ medical condition.

The government has an online service where both car drivers and motorcycle riders can check if a condition needs to be reported to the DVLA.

It’s also your responsibility to notify the DVLA if your medical condition or disability has become more severe since you got your driving licence.

Medical conditions that can affect your ability to drive include diabetes, epilepsy, and glaucoma.

What happens when I tell the DVLA about a medical condition?

When you tell the DVLA about a medical condition, it will launch a medical enquiry that could involve:

• Contacting your doctor

• Arranging for you to be examined

• Asking you to take a driving or eyesight test

• You can contact the DVLA if you have any questions during this process. This will result in one of four outcomes:

• You can continue to have a full driving licence

• You can have a driving licence but with a shorter expiry date (of between one and five years)

• You have to adapt your car with special controls to keep driving

• You can no longer drive

How long do DVLA medical enquiries take?

A DVLA medical enquiry usually takes about six weeks. If your case is going to take longer than that, you should receive a letter from the DVLA explaining why.

Do I need to tell the DVLA if I’m on medication?

You may need to tell the DVLA if you start taking certain long-term medications. For example, you would need to inform them if you’re prescribed insulin treatment lasting more than three months.

But you don’t need to inform the DVLA about a short course of medication, even if that medication could impair your ability to drive.

However, bear in mind that it’s illegal to drive in the UK on certain prescription drugs, including morphine, diazepam, methadone, and other medicines that make you unfit to drive. Therefore, it’s vital to follow the advice of the doctor who prescribes them. Otherwise, you could face a year’s driving ban, an unlimited fine, or up to six months in prison.

Will I pay more for car insurance if I have medical conditions?

No, in general, you won’t pay more for car insurance due to a medical condition.

Under the Equalities Act 2010, insurers are not allowed to refuse cover, raise premiums or increase an excess based on a driver’s medical condition if it was declared when the DVLA issued their licence.

However, exceptions can apply if there is evidence of an increased risk – for example, if the condition changes over time. Insurers are allowed to request evidence and information regarding your health condition, and they can increase premiums if they think you present a higher risk.

In some cases, driving an adapted vehicle could result in increased insurance premiums as these vehicles might cost more to repair.

Can I drive while waiting for the results of a DVLA medical enquiry?

Yes, you can usually keep driving while you wait for the results of a DVLA medical enquiry. However, make sure your doctor agrees you’re fit to drive. The advice you get from your doctor should follow the guidance issued by the DVLA.

Can I drive if I have a hearing impairment?

Yes, you can if you have a hearing impairment. Currently there are no restrictions for driving with a hearing impairment. If you have a hearing issue you are not required to tell or be assessed by your insurer and the DVLA.

The main exception to this is if you drive for a living – for example, if you are a lorry driver. Commercial drivers who have a hearing loss of more than 40 decibels have to undergo regular check-ups.

Can I drive after having surgery?

No, you shouldn’t drive immediately after surgery.

The general advise is that you shouldn’t drive for 48 hours after having a general anaesthetic. This is because the drugs stay in your body for about two days. Most hospitals will insist a family member or friend accompanies you home after surgery.

Depending on the surgery you’ve had, it may take you a little longer to recover. For example, abdominal surgery may influence your ability to carry out an emergency stop.

You only need to tell the DVLA about any major operation that stops you from driving for three months or longer.

If you have surgery planned, check the policy wording of your insurance policy in case your insurer has any rules relating to driving after surgery.

How can I find car insurance that covers medical conditions?

Car insurance can cost more if you have certain medical conditions that mean you become a higher risk. So it’s important to shop around for the best deal. Find cheap car cover for people with medical conditions by comparing car insurance policies with MoneySuperMarket.

Finding the perfect car insurance that covers medical conditions

Find cheap car cover for people with medical conditions by comparing car insurance policies with MoneySuperMarket. Just tell us a bit about you and your medical history, and we’ll scour our market to find the right policy for you. You can also get in touch for more information on what medical conditions have to be declared for car insurance.