Travel insurance for people with mental health conditions
Key takeaways
Travel insurance can cover mental health issues, but you must declare them as pre-existing conditions
You shouldn’t have to pay much extra for anxiety, depression or stress if it is low-severity and well-managed
Travel insurance can cover trip cancellation due to mental health issues, but usually only if a doctor says you shouldn’t go
Can I get travel insurance when I have a mental health condition?
Yes. However, as with all pre-existing conditions, you will need to declare it when you take out your travel insurance policy.
Many common mental health conditions, such as low-severity anxiety, depression and stress, can be covered under a standard travel insurance policy. If your condition is considered more severe - for example, if you have schizophrenia or bipolar disorder - you may need specialised travel insurance for pre-existing conditions.
Is travel insurance more expensive with a mental health condition?
Many common mental health conditions, such as low-severity anxiety, depression and stress, will have no impact or very little impact on what you pay for travel insurance.
If your condition is considered more severe - for example, if you have schizophrenia or bipolar disorder - you may be charged more.
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Do I need to declare mental health issues on my travel insurance?
Yes. Failing to disclose a pre-existing condition can invalidate your insurance. Your claim for any mental health related issues could be denied and you could end up having to pay the bill for any medical care or trip cancellations yourself.
A pre-existing condition is any medical issue for which you had symptoms, medication, medical advice, treatment, or tests before you took out your insurance policy.
Insurers are bound by law to keep all the information you provide them with secure and confidential.
Is stress considered a pre-existing condition for travel insurance?
Yes, stress can be considered a pre-existing condition. If you have received any medical advice, medication, treatment or diagnoses related to stress you should declare when you take out travel insurance.
Which mental health issues are covered by travel insurance?
Different travel insurance policies cover different things. You should always check the specifics of an individual policy to make sure it includes what you need.
Usually covered
Medications, including replacing them if yours are lost or stolen
Emergency medical care including hospitalisation
Transfers to specialist medical facilities or your home country for treatment
Cancellation costs if a medical professional says you are unfit to travel
Return transport costs if you are delayed coming home because you are deemed unfit to travel
Travel and accommodation costs for the person staying with you while you are ill
Usually not covered
Cancelling a trip without sign-off from a medical professional
Return transport costs if you overstay your original departure date after a doctor says you are fit to travel home
Costs relating to any pre-existing conditions which you did not declare
Costs relating to incidents that could be linked to you drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or acting recklessly
If you have a mental health condition, the cheapest travel insurance policy may not be the best option for you. Sometimes it is worth paying a little more to get more comprehensive coverage. That way you’re fully protected if something goes wrong.
Will travel insurance cover me if I cancel a trip due to poor mental health?
It depends on if you have medical sign-off or are making the decision yourself.
Travel insurance will generally only cover your costs if the policy includes cancellation cover and you can provide your insurer with documentation from a doctor advising that you do not take the trip.
What questions will travel insurers ask me about my mental health?
These can differ by insurer. But the most common questions are:
What diagnoses have you received?
What is the duration of your condition?
What medication and treatment have you received?
What is the impact on your daily activities?
Have you ever been hospitalised for it?
What should I do if I'm on holiday and have a mental health issue?
Unless it is an emergency, you should contact your travel insurance provider before you do anything else. They can help you get the support you need and advise you about which costs they will cover. Insurers often have rules you must follow to have your claims accepted. For example, they may stipulate that you go to a public hospital instead of a private one.
If you are a British national (including dual nationals) you can also get help from the British consulate if you get into trouble while you’re abroad.
How should I prepare for my trip if I have a mental health condition?
Medication
Always pack enough medication for your trip. You should also consider asking your doctor for extra doses. Store these separately, so you have a backup if your main supply is lost or stolen. Pack medication in your hand luggage and carry a copy of your prescription in case border staff ask to see it.
You should always check your medication is legal in the country you are travelling to. Some mental-health medications prescribed in the UK are banned or restricted in other countries.
Emergency numbers
Find out and write down the contact information for:
Your travel insurance
Local emergency services
Local hospitals
The British consulate in the country you are travelling to
Make sure the people you’re travelling with know how to find your insurance information.
Check in with your medical team
Your doctor, therapist and other medical professionals are best placed to advise you on travelling abroad with your specific mental health condition.
Be aware that therapists and other mental health professionals may not be able to work with you while you are travelling, as their job is bound by local laws, regulatory bodies and their professional insurance rules.