Travel insurance directory: specialist cover for medical conditions

You may need a specialist if a mainstream insurer declines cover, quotes a premium far above standard rates, or excludes your condition entirely. This is common after cancer treatment, cardiac events, stroke, serious mental health episodes or multiple chronic conditions.

Specialist firms assess your individual medical history rather than applying blanket exclusions. Premiums are higher, but the policy is more likely to pay out if you need treatment abroad.

Confirm any insurer or broker is legitimate before you pay — check company details, reviews, and that policies are underwritten by a recognised insurer.

The British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) find-a-broker service lists members who handle travel insurance with medical screening — many work nationwide by phone.

Condition-specific charities often publish lists of insurers that routinely cover their members — for example cancer, diabetes and heart charities. These are starting points, not endorsements.

Money and Pensions Service (MoneyHelper) maintains a Medical Cover Firms Directory on moneyhelper.org.uk for consumers who struggle to find cover — we do not duplicate their live list here; check their site for current authorised firms.

Medical expenses and repatriation limits — USA hospital bills can exceed £500,000; ensure limits are high enough for your destination.

Whether your specific conditions are covered or excluded in writing — ask for confirmation in the policy wording, not just a phone assurance.

Cancellation and curtailment limits that match your non-refundable trip cost.

Excess levels per section — a low premium with a £500 medical excess may cost more in a claim.

Age limits and trip duration — annual multi-trip policies cap each trip length (often 31–45 days).

Answer every screening question honestly, including conditions you consider minor or well-controlled. Insurers can refuse claims if material facts were not disclosed.

Keep a list of medications, dates of diagnosis, hospital admissions and ongoing treatment. A GP summary printout helps when a broker calls you back.

If your health changes after buying a policy, contact the insurer — cover may need updating before you travel.

Ask the insurer for the refusal reason in writing. Sometimes a broker can place you with an alternative underwriter.

Complain through the insurer's formal complaints process. You must receive a final response within eight weeks.

Escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service (financial-ombudsman.org.uk) if you disagree with the outcome — the service is free and binding on the firm if it upholds your complaint.