Travel insurance policy inclusions and exclusions vary, but most focus on: Repatriation, baggage cover, cancellation cover, and emergency medical cover. Common exclusions include: Alcohol/drug related incidents, pre-existing conditions that were not declared, high-risk sports, excursions and transport strikes. 

Always read your policy documents thoroughly to understand what is and isn't covered before your trip. 

Specialist travel insurance is tailored for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, providing cover for people who standard policies often exclude. Pre-existing condition travel insurance is a specific type of specialist insurance that focuses on covering conditions that are often excluded by standard policies. 

If you have a pre-existing medical condition you should still be able to find travel insurance, but you might need to take out specialist cover as not all standard policies will offer the right level of protection. 

While many conditions can be covered with specialist travel insurance, there are some limitations. Conditions that are considered life-threatening or terminal may not be fully covered. Some insurers may also have specific exclusions or limitations for certain conditions. 

Not always, and it can depend on the type of policy as well as the provider. Those that do tend to set upper age limits of between 75 and 85 years.

Several specialist providers now cater for older travellers, but expect to pay a significantly higher premium than younger applicants. 

Perhaps. Terminal illnesses are classed as pre-existing conditions, and whether or not they will be covered will depend on your insurer. 

Your destination is a major factor that travel insurance providers consider, and it can be particularly important if you have a pre-existing condition – for two main reasons:

• Medical treatment costs: The cost of medical treatment in some countries, such as the USA, can be very expensive, so you may need to pay more for cover

• Local diseases: Some areas also carry high risks of disease – for example, malaria in tropical countries 

There’s a chance that any claims you make – especially those of a medical nature – are rejected due to this “non-disclosure”. The worse the condition, or the more directly it is involved in claims you make, the more chance there is that your insurer will investigate your medical records and reject your claim. 

Probably not. If you’re waiting for a diagnosis for a medical condition it’s best to wait until afterwards to arrange travel insurance. 

Insurers don’t usually categorise pregnancy as a pre-existing condition, and you should be covered for medical emergencies related to your pregnancy so long as you haven’t had any complications to date.  

You may not be able to travel if you’re more than 37 weeks pregnant – though if you’re having twins or triplets the limit may be different. Check with your insurance provider directly to confirm. 

£5m is considered a decent level of cover for medical expenses under a standard travel insurance policy. For most people, this will be enough to cover treatment for pre-existing conditions, but policies for people suffering from the most complex or severe might have a higher threshold – for a higher price. 

Your travel insurance is likely to be approved in all but the most serious circumstances, especially if your condition is mild or well-managed, though you may have to pay more than the average traveller.  

If you are on any “over-the-counter” medication like painkillers or antibiotics, probably not.

However, if you are on blood thinners or any medication for any mental health issues or chronic health problems, you will need to disclose that on your insurance application. 

Tell your insurer as soon as you can. They may adjust your policy, and it could affect the overall price you pay – but better than voiding your policy completely.  

Yes, UK residents with pre-existing conditions can still use a  Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to get some medical treatment abroad. (You can also use the older version, the European Health Insurance Card, if yours is still in date.)

However, the GHIC is not as comprehensive as good quality travel insurance and holidaymakers are advised by the UK government and NHS to have both.

The GHIC does not cover treatment in private hospitals overseas and it doesn’t cover repatriation costs, for example. 

Contact your insurer as soon as possible, requesting an agreement in writing that they will cover the cost of any treatment - before you receive it if possible. 

You may be required to pay upfront for your treatment – in this case, you’d claim back the cost when you get home, so remember to get a receipt for any medical costs you pay.