Do I need to declare medication on my travel insurance?
Key takeaways
You should always declare any over-the-counter or prescription medication when taking out travel insurance
Being on medication may impact your premiums, but this isn’t always the case
If you are diagnosed with a new medical condition after you’ve taken out travel insurance, it’s important to inform your insurer of the diagnosis as well as any new medications
Do I need to declare medications to my travel insurer?
You must declare any medications you are taking to your insurer when taking out a policy.
When you purchase travel insurance, you’ll be ask to complete a medical screening which will ask about any medications you take. Failure to declare medications at this point could be deemed as ‘non-disclosure’, which means that your travel insurance can be voided, and any medical treatment you need during your trip won’t be covered.
Costs can add-up quickly when paying medical bills out-of-pocket, so it’s important to make sure you have the right cover for you.
How is travel insurance impacted by medications?
In some cases, being on medication might make your travel insurance more expensive. This is because having a pre-existing medical condition that requires medication indicates to insurers that you might be more likely to have a medical emergency or require healthcare during your trip.
However, this isn’t always the case. The cost of your premiums will depend on the individual insurer and the medication you are taking. This is why it’s important to compare prices to find the best quote for you and your needs.
What medications do you need to declare?
Any medication taken, whether over-the-counter or prescription, must be declared to your insurance provider. This includes:
Weight-loss medications such as Ozempic or Mounjaro
ADHD medications
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medication
Medications for high blood pressure or cholesterol
Medication for heart conditions
Diabetes medication
Epilepsy medication
Medications for mental health conditions, like antidepressants and SSRIs
Personal Finance & Insurance Expert
Our expert says
For the 2.6million women in England on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), disclosing this medication to travel insurers might not have made it on the pre-holiday to-do list. But failing to do so could mean you risk not being able to claim if a situation is linked to an undisclosed condition that could leave you out of pocket.
With pharmacies citing that over half a million Brits are now using weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, it’s vital to declare this medication on your travel insurance, and you may need to carry the correct documentation for their medication and for items like needles or syringes.
Be honest and thorough. It might feel like overkill, but insurers can access your medical records if you make a claim — and any omission, no matter how small, could leave you footing the bill.
What are the requirements for taking medications abroad?
Different countries will have different requirements for taking medications abroad. You should check the individual requirements, depending on your trip.
As a starting point, you should:
Inform your insurer
It’s important that you let your insurer know about any medication you are taking, even if you start taking it after you’ve already taken out insurance.
Check the requirements for your specific country
Some countries such as India, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates have medications that are forbidden. Not having the appropriate documentation may cause severe disruption to your holiday, or even result in penalties. You must therefore check the country’s list of controlled and banned medicines before you travel.
Ensure you have the correct documentation
As well as any additional documentation specified by the country you’re travelling to, make sure you always carry your prescription. You may also need a doctor’s note for some prescription medication and any items like syringes.
Pack your medication correctly
Medication should always be packed in your hand luggage, and it’s advised to pack more than what’s needed to cover any delays or damage. Keep medicines clearly labelled in their original packaging.
What do I do if I am diagnosed after taking out travel insurance?
If you are diagnosed with a new medical condition that requires medication after taking out travel insurance you should inform your provider as soon as possible.
Your travel insurance company will either:
Update your travel insurance policy with no change to your premiums
Update your policy with additional premiums
Exclude the condition, meaning that you can keep your current policy, but your new medical condition and any treatment you need as a result won’t be covered
Your insurer may also suggest adjustments to your policy, such as a higher excess.
What if my insurer won’t cover a new condition?
If your insurer refuses to cover the new condition it might be worth seeking a new provider. In some cases, specialist travel insurance designed for people with pre-existing conditions will provide the most comprehensive cover.
Being diagnosed with a new medical issue can be stressful. It’s best to have the peace of mind that, should the worst happen, you’ll be covered for medical assistance, treatment, and repatriation without any exclusions.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to declare medications if I’ve already declared a pre-existing health condition?
Yes, you need to declare medications you are taking as well as any pre-existing health issues you have to your travel insurer. This helps them to assess your risk level and find the right policy and level of medical cover for your individual needs.
Does being on antidepressants affect travel insurance?
Travel insurance may be more expensive if you take antidepressants because depression is considered a pre-existing condition and — like all pre-existing conditions — may mean that insurers consider you higher risk. However this isn’t always the case. The effect on premiums will vary depending on the provider, so it’s worth comparing quotes to see which insurer offers the best cover for you.
Do I need to declare over-the-counter medication?
Yes, you should declare all medication regardless of whether it’s prescription or over-the-counter. Failing to disclose over-the-counter medication might invalidate your policy if you incur medical expenses for a pre-existing condition or if the medication causes any side-effects.
Is travel insurance more expensive if I’m on medication?
Travel insurance may be more expensive if you’re on medication, but this isn’t always the case. The impact on your premiums will depend on the insurance provider and the specific medication.
Will my insurer check my medical history?
Your insurer can request your medical history, and are likely to do so if you make a claim for medical costs or a trip cancellation for health reasons. Your insurer can only check your medical history if you have given them consent to do so, however consent is usually a requirement of taking out an insurance policy in the first place.
This means that it’s important to be honest when you’re purchasing insurance, because if your insurer checks your medical records further down the line and finds out that you have failed to disclose a pre-existing condition, your claim will likely be denied.
Do I need a copy of my prescription to travel with prescribed medication?
You must carry proof that a medicine has been prescribed to you (such as a letter from a certified medical professional or a prescription) when travelling with prescribed medicine. The medication should be carried in your hand luggage in its original, labelled packaging. You should also check the requirements of your destination country for any additional requirements or documents you may need to bring.
Will my travel insurance cover lost or stolen medication?
Many travel insurance policies, particularly those designed for people with pre-existing conditions, will cover the cost of replacing lost, stolen, and damaged medication. However, every insurer is different, so you should check your policy to see what’s included.
What do I do if I forgot to tell my insurer about medications?
If you neglect to tell your insurer about medications when you buy travel insurance it can invalidate your policy. You can usually amend your policy before you travel by calling your travel insurance provider’s helpline. In most cases, they’ll be able to make any necessary updates, although there may be an increase to your premiums.
If you forgot to tell your insurer about any medications you take and your insurer discovers this after you make a claim on your medical travel insurance, your policy may be invalidated. This means that any medical care or hospital treatment you need won’t be covered by your insurer.
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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...
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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...
