UK tourists with common health conditions are being warned that their travel insurance quotes could skyrocket, with some facing premiums that are three times higher than before. Experts have highlighted that a medical issue can send the cost of cover soaring, leaving many travellers shocked.
Heart problems lead to astronomical costs
One 77-year-old traveller told The Guardian: 'I nearly fell over when I saw the travel insurance quote.' After developing heart problems, the cost of buying cover became 'astronomical'. In 2022, they paid £302 for the same level of cover. However, after a brief episode of atrial fibrillation, they were quoted £1,200. 'I just couldn't believe it,' they said, adding: 'All I was waiting for was for them to tell me something I already knew: that it had gone and probably wasn't going to come back.'
Expert advice on pre-existing conditions
James Daley, founder of Fairer Finance, said: 'Travel insurance can get very expensive if you've got a pre-existing medical condition. But it's incredibly important that you take out insurance that covers you for your condition – particularly if you're travelling to countries like the US where there's no reciprocal health agreement with the UK. If you end up having a medical emergency in the US without insurance, the costs can run into the tens and even hundreds of thousands of pounds.'
Tommy Lloyd, managing director of Medical Travel Compared, added: 'For example, if a traveller's medical condition unexpectedly worsens before departure and the holiday has to be cancelled, a joint policy is more likely to provide protection for all insured travellers who are unable to travel as a result.' He also warned: 'While cost is understandably an important consideration, travellers should be careful not to focus solely on the cheapest premium. The scope of cover and how it responds when travelling companions are affected by a medical condition can be just as important as the price paid.'
Specific conditions and extra costs
Analysis showed that UK tourists declaring anxiety paid an average of £12 more for travel insurance, those with asthma paid £14 more, those with angina paid £18 more, and those with breast cancer who had been given the all-clear paid £14 more. These figures highlight the financial burden that even common health conditions can impose on travellers seeking adequate cover.
