Most travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing medical conditions (medical conditions you had before the policy was taken out) such as diabetes. It is essential when arranging the policy that you fully disclose your medical conditions to the insurance company including diabetes, even if they do not ask. Failure to do so could lead to them rejecting a claim, and then it is too late.
When you are travelling with your family or friends, it is a good idea to share an insurance policy. If you have an individual policy it will cover your medical needs and cost of repatriation (transportation back to your home country), but not the cost of your companions accompanying you. Likewise, your companions' separate policy will probably not cover their costs of coming with you if you need to be repatriated. Being ill while abroad is stressful and it's important to have your friends or family with you. By being insured under the same policy you can make sure that you all stay together.
What is the best way to buy travel insurance?
The following tips came out of a survey by Which?
- Save money by shopping for travel insurance online.
- Buy directly from the insurer, rather than a travel agent, to get the best deal.
- Tell your insurer if you or anyone you are travelling with has any pre-existing medical conditions.
- Buy an annual policy if you take more than two or three trips a year.
Diabetes UK has arranged specially designed travel insurance for people with diabetes, through Diabetes UK Insurance Services (see the Financial services section of the website for details).
Things to remember
- Do your research and don't leave arranging travel insurance to the last minute.
- Get your travel insurance quote before booking your travel: the high insurance cost of some destinations may mean reconsidering which country you visit.
- Read the small print.
- Keep your policy details and emergency contact numbers with you.
- Keep all receipts for items you may need to make a claim for.
- Make full disclosures of your medical conditions when taking out your policy – if in doubt tell the insurer at the time of purchasing the policy.
- Don't just buy on price – buy the cover you need.
Make sure you take a European Health Insurance (EHIC) card with you if you’re travelling to a European Economic Area country or Switzerland, but remember it is not a substitute for travel insurance. An EHIC card only entitles you to the basic level of emergency medical care available in the country, which is often a lot less than you may be used to at home. See the Further information page for information on how to obtain a card.