Why Being Honest About Your Health Matters When You Travel
At OK To Travel, we understand that health is personal – and that many of our customers live with long-term conditions or take regular medication.
That’s why it’s so important to declare your medical conditions when buying travel insurance. Doing so means you can travel with peace of mind, knowing you’ll be properly protected if you need medical help abroad.
Why Is It So Important to Declare Your Medical Conditions?
Your health history helps your insurer understand how best to support you. Declaring your conditions allows us to offer the most suitable policy, so you’ll be covered if you fall ill or need treatment while away.
If you leave something out – even by mistake, it could affect your cover. For example, if you needed medical care related to an undeclared condition, your insurer might not be able to pay your claim. Being open and honest from the start ensures your insurance works exactly as it should.
Which Conditions Should You Mention?
As a general rule, you should declare any condition that you:
-
Take medication for
-
Have seen a doctor or specialist about
-
Have had tests, treatment, or check-ups for in the last two years
This includes common conditions such as:
-
High blood pressure or high cholesterol
-
Diabetes or asthma
-
Heart problems
-
Cancer (past or current)
-
Any other ongoing or recently diagnosed illness
Even if a condition feels minor or well controlled, it’s always worth mentioning it. Our friendly team will guide you through the medical screening process, step by step, to make it quick and easy.
What Happens If You Don’t Declare a Condition?
It can be tempting to leave something off your form – perhaps because it seems unimportant or has been under control for years. However, if you don’t declare a medical condition, your insurer could:
-
Refuse to pay a claim
-
Cancel part of your policy
-
Leave you responsible for expensive hospital bills abroad
Even if your claim isn’t related to the undeclared condition, it can still cause problems. Declaring everything upfront is the safest and simplest way to protect yourself.
How Can You Prepare Before Getting a Quote?
A little preparation makes applying for travel insurance much easier. Before you get a quote, it helps to:
-
Write down any medical conditions you’ve had in the past two years
-
Note the names and dosages of your medications
-
Keep a record of recent doctor’s visits, hospital stays, or test results
-
Speak to your GP if you’re unsure about any details
Having this information ready will make your call or online application much smoother – and ensures your cover is accurate.
Should You Update Your Insurer If Your Health Changes?
Yes – if anything about your health changes after you buy your policy, it’s very important to let your insurer know before you travel. For example, if you start new medication or receive a new diagnosis, your cover may need updating.
At OK To Travel, we’ll review your details and adjust your policy where needed. That way, you can rest assured you’re still fully covered for your holiday.
Why Is Full Disclosure So Worthwhile?
Being upfront about your health isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about travelling with confidence. When you declare your medical conditions, you can relax knowing that if something does happen, help and cover are there when you need them most.
At OK To Travel, we specialise in travel insurance for people with medical conditions. Our friendly team takes the time to listen, explain your options, and find cover that’s right for you. Wherever your next getaway takes you, we’re here to help you go with confidence – and peace of mind.
Safe travels,
Rosie at OK To Travel
