Can I get travel insurance with a mental health condition?
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.
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.
Failing to declare a pre-existing medical condition could invalidate your entire travel insurance policy. This means that if you fail to disclose a mental health condition, for example, your insurer could refuse a claim for an illness or accident that has nothing to do with your mental health.
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.
Can I get travel insurance if I have bipolar disorder?
Yes, you can get travel insurance if you have bipolar disorder, but you may need to go to a specialist insurer.
Specialist providers tend to take a personalised approach to offering cover. Instead of focusing solely on the diagnosis, they look at how your condition is managed, how stable it is, and whether you might need any support while you’re away.
You’ll usually be asked a handful of straightforward medical questions. These aren’t designed to trip you up — they simply help the insurer understand your situation so it can offer cover that genuinely reflects your needs.
It’s important to be open and accurate when answering these questions.
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 cover. 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?
Organise your 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.
Collect 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.
Frequently asked questions
Does travel insurance cover medication for mental health conditions?
Travel insurance can cover medication you need for a mental health condition, although the exact cover will depend on your policy. For example, some policies may cover the cost of replacing medication if it is lost or stolen while you’re away. You should declare any medication you take for a pre-existing condition when you take out your policy and check the terms carefully before you travel.
Can I cancel my holiday if my mental health gets worse?
You may be able to claim for cancellation if your mental health deteriorates and a medical professional advises you not to travel. Your policy will need to include cancellation cover and you’ll usually need evidence from a doctor confirming that you are medically unfit to travel. Simply deciding that you no longer feel able to go may not be enough to make a claim, so check your policy’s terms before cancelling.
Can I travel without declaring my mental health condition if I’m feeling well?
No. Even if your symptoms are currently mild or well‑controlled, you must declare any mental health condition for which you’ve had symptoms, treatment, medication or medical advice. If you don’t, your insurer could refuse claims — even for issues unrelated to your mental health. Declaring your condition ensures your policy is valid and that you’re properly protected.
Will my mental health condition affect my ability to get annual multi trip travel insurance?
It depends on how stable your condition is. Many people with well‑managed anxiety, depression or stress can still get annual multi‑trip cover, provided their symptoms are stable and they haven’t had recent changes in medication or treatment. If your condition is more complex or has required recent hospital care, you may still be able to get annual cover — but you might need a specialist insurer who can assess your situation individually.
Author
Emma Lunn
Personal finance expert
Emma has written about personal finance for almost 20 years, with a career spanning several recessions and their inevitable consequences. Emma’s main focus is helping people learn to manage their...
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...
