{"id":2529,"title":"Travel Insurance with Medical Conditions in 2026: What UK Travellers Are Really Paying","slug":"travel-insurance-with-medical-conditions-in-2026-what-uk-travellers-are-really-paying","lang":"en","description":"For many travellers in the UK, the real concern is not just finding travel insurance — it’s whether the price still feels reasonable once medical conditions are taken into account. Costs can vary significantly, and a cheaper policy does not always mean better value if key coverage is missing or restricted.\n\nThat’s why more people are now comparing travel insurance options with medical conditions before booking a trip in 2026.","content":"

Why Travel Insurance Costs More with Medical Conditions

Travel insurance is often associated with trip delays, cancellations, or lost luggage, but for many travellers, the largest portion of the cost is tied to potential medical treatment abroad. Emergency care, hospital stays, and medical repatriation can be significantly more expensive outside the UK, particularly in destinations such as the United States or long-haul locations. Because of this, insurers place strong emphasis on assessing medical risk when calculating premiums.

When a traveller declares a pre-existing medical condition, insurers evaluate several factors, including how recently the condition was diagnosed, whether it is stable, and whether it has required recent treatment or hospitalisation. Conditions that are well-managed, such as controlled high blood pressure or mild asthma, may have a more limited impact on pricing. However, more complex or unstable conditions can increase the likelihood of a claim, which in turn raises the cost of cover or requires specialist underwriting.

In some cases, travellers may find that standard policies do not fully accommodate their medical profile, leading them to specialist insurers who are better equipped to provide tailored coverage. According to MoneyHelper, declaring all medical conditions is essential, as failure to do so can invalidate a claim later on. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) also highlights that consumers with more complex medical circumstances may be directed towards specialist providers through signposting services.

Typical UK Travel Insurance Price Expectations in 2026

Travel insurance pricing in the UK in 2026 continues to vary depending on a combination of factors, including destination, duration of travel, age range, and whether medical conditions are declared. While general market averages can provide a useful reference point, individual quotes may differ significantly based on personal circumstances.

For travellers without significant health concerns, single-trip cover can remain relatively affordable, particularly for short European holidays. However, once medical conditions are included, premiums typically increase to reflect the additional risk associated with potential treatment abroad.

As travellers move into higher age brackets, pricing tends to rise further. This is partly due to increased medical risk and partly due to the higher potential cost of claims. For example, industry data from Go.Compare suggests that median single-trip premiums increase noticeably across older age bands, even before medical conditions are factored in.

For those with stable and well-controlled conditions, quotes for short trips within Europe may still fall within a reasonable range. However, travellers with multiple or more serious conditions, or those planning longer or long-haul trips, may see significantly higher premiums. In these cases, the overall value of a policy should be assessed based on the level of medical cover provided, rather than the headline price alone.

It is also important to remember that these figures are general benchmarks and not guaranteed quotes. Pricing can vary depending on underwriting criteria, policy limits, and the specific details of a traveller’s health profile.

Single-Trip vs Annual Cover: Which Is Better?

There is a common assumption that annual multi-trip policies always provide better value, but this is not necessarily true for all travellers.

For individuals who plan to take only one or two trips in a year, single-trip cover may often be the more cost-effective option. This is particularly relevant for travellers with medical conditions, as annual policies may include restrictions on trip duration or require stricter medical screening.

On the other hand, travellers who take multiple trips throughout the year may benefit from the convenience and potential savings of an annual policy, provided that the terms align with their travel habits. According to industry insights from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and comparison platforms such as MoneySuperMarket, the choice between single-trip and annual cover should be based on frequency of travel rather than price alone.

Ultimately, selecting the right policy structure is just as important as comparing premiums, as it ensures that the cover matches how the traveller actually plans to use it.

How to Tell If a Quote Is Too Cheap

When searching for travel insurance, it can be tempting to focus on finding the lowest possible price. However, a cheaper quote is not always the best option, particularly when medical conditions are involved.

A policy that appears significantly cheaper than others may exclude certain conditions, limit medical coverage, or include restrictive terms that reduce the likelihood of a successful claim. For example, a condition may be declared during the application process but not clearly listed as covered in the final policy wording.

MoneyHelper advises travellers to check carefully what is included in their cover, especially when it comes to emergency medical treatment, cancellation related to medical conditions, and repatriation. A policy with slightly higher premiums may offer far better protection if it includes comprehensive medical cover without significant exclusions.

In practical terms, the key question is not simply whether a policy is cheap, but whether it provides suitable protection for the traveller’s specific needs.

Ways to Keep Travel Insurance Costs Reasonable

Although travel insurance with medical conditions can be more expensive, there are several ways travellers can manage costs without compromising on essential cover.

Declaring all medical conditions accurately from the outset is crucial, as incomplete information can lead to issues with claims later. Comparing both mainstream insurers and specialist providers can also help identify more suitable options, as not all insurers appear on comparison websites.

Choosing European cover instead of worldwide policies can reduce premiums, particularly for shorter trips. Keeping travel durations shorter and avoiding unnecessary add-ons, such as optional extras that are not required, can also make a noticeable difference.

In addition, purchasing insurance soon after booking a trip can ensure that cancellation protection begins earlier, which may add value even if the premium is slightly higher.

According to MoneyHelper and FCA guidance, taking a more informed and thorough approach to comparison can often lead to better overall value, even if the initial quote is not the lowest available.

Conclusion

Travel insurance in 2026 continues to vary widely depending on individual circumstances, particularly when medical conditions are involved. While general pricing benchmarks can help travellers understand what to expect, the most important factor is choosing a policy that offers reliable and appropriate medical protection.

For many UK travellers, the best option is not the cheapest policy, but the one that provides the right balance between affordability and meaningful coverage. By comparing options carefully and understanding what is included, travellers can make more informed decisions and travel with greater confidence.

References

MoneyHelper – Travel insurance with medical conditions
MoneyHelper – Travel insurance for older travellers
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – Travel insurance and signposting guidance
Association of British Insurers (ABI) – Travel insurance claims data
Go.Compare – UK travel insurance pricing data
MoneySuperMarket – Travel insurance comparison insights

","type":"normal","status":"published","published_at":"2026-04-21T07:00:00.000000Z","rac":"Travel Insurance with Medical Conditions in 2026: What UK Travellers Are Really Paying","keyword_set":null,"feature_media":"https://snwdata.info/media/posts/01KPQCD2QP0HRYKRGQT1XAQE3W.webp","style":null,"channel":null,"campaign_id":null,"account_id":null,"ggid":null,"fbid":null,"traffic_type":null,"created_at":"2026-04-30T07:31:12.000000Z","updated_at":"2026-04-30T07:46:15.000000Z"}