Can I get travel insurance if I have diabetes?
Key takeaways
You must disclose you diabetes when taking out travel insurance or your insurer could refuse to pay any claim
Being diabetic is likely to make your travel insurance more expensive
Choose a travel insurance that covers medical expenses, medication replacement, repatriation, and trip cancellation related to your diabetes
Do diabetics need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not a legal requirement for diabetics or anyone else, but it’s a safeguard that can protect you should anything go wrong before or during your trip.
Standard policies may not cover diabetes-related incidents, leaving you vulnerable to unexpected costs. For example, if you were to lose your insulin during your travels, a typical policy wouldn't cover this.
Medical travel insurance can give you the peace of mind that problems related to your health condition are covered. It is designed to cover medication claims and other issues relating to your condition, ensuring that your travels go as smoothly as possible, with minimal disruption. If you face serious complications necessitating hospital admission, having the right cover ensures you receive the proper care without added financial burden.
It can sometimes be difficult to get affordable travel insurance if you have diabetes or, in fact, any pre-existing medical condition. But it is possible to get a decent travel policy for cheaper than you might expect.
Do I have to tell my travel insurer that I have diabetes?
Yes, you should always disclose any pre-existing conditions, including diabetes, when applying for travel insurance. If you are diagnosed with diabetes after taking out a policy, you must update your insurer.
Transparency is important to ensure you are adequately covered. Failure to disclose medical conditions might invalidate your policy, and lead to claims being rejected.
What should travel insurance for diabetics cover?
When choosing a policy, make sure it covers a variety of scenarios, such as:
Emergency air-lifting or repatriation back to the UK if necessary
Missed flights due to diabetes-related issues
Cancellation or curtailment of your trip if your diabetes impacts your ability to travel
You should also check if your policy extends coverage to fellow travellers. This ensures that if your trip is cancelled or cut short due to diabetes, your travel companions are also protected financially.
What will I be asked during my screening process?
Upon contacting insurers, you'll be asked a series of questions to tailor the policy to your specific needs. These will likely focus on:
The type of diabetes you have and the medication required
Any hospital admissions in recent years due to your condition
Secondary conditions caused by diabetes, such as issues with eyes, legs, nerves, heart, or kidneys
Honest and detailed answers will help insurers provide the most suitable cover for your circumstances.
Tips for travelling with diabetes
Before setting off, it's advisable to consult your doctor about your travel plans.
Here are some practical tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip:
Before you travel
Research or discuss with your GP your dietary needs, necessary vaccines, and the potential impact of air travel on your condition
Talk to your GP about adjusting your insulin schedule to accommodate time zone differences
Verify if blood glucose levels are measured in the same way as in the UK, or consult Diabetes UK for information
Research where to get emergency insulin supplies at your destination
Pack twice the amount of medicines and medical supplies needed for your diabetes management
Pack your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or apply for the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for free through the NHS. Although the UK is no longer part of the European Union, you can use your EHIC until it expires, at which point it will have to be replaced by the GHIC. The GHIC is only valid for use in the EU, but both cards allow UK residents to access state-provided emergency healthcare while on holiday in the UK.
During your trip
Carry your insulin in your hand luggage, preferably in a cool bag to maintain its efficacy
Arrive at the airport early to manage any medication-related issues with less stress
Maintain a healthy diet by selecting suitable options from local menus
Be aware of how the climate may affect your insulin or glucose monitoring function
How do I find the best travel insurance for diabetics?
Finding a travel insurance policy that fits your needs as a diabetic doesn't have to be complicated. MoneySuperMarket is here to assist you in the options available from leading providers.
By using MoneySuperMarket’s travel insurance comparison tool, you can provide your personal and medical history details to find a policy that's just the right fit.
Author
Katie Bishop
Insurance writer
Katie Bishop is an author and journalist with a decade of writing and editing experience. She has previously worked as an economics editor at Oxford University Press, and her business and finance...
Reviewer
Beth Leslie
Senior Insurance Content Editor
Beth is an experienced writer and editor who specialises in financial and economic content. She is currently the Senior Insurance Content Editor for MoneySuperMarket. Beth is passionate about making...
