Quick Answer: If you're living with diabetes, travel insurance is essential to cover medical emergencies, lost medication, or unforeseen complications abroad. Regular holiday insurance often doesn't cover preexisting conditions like diabetes. Always declare your condition and compare policies to get the best coverage.
Planning a holiday is exciting, but if you're living with diabetes, ensuring you have the right travel insurance is essential for peace of mind. Finding travel insurance can be more complex for diabetics because it requires coverage for preexisting conditions and specific needs, such as emergency medical care or lost medication during your trip.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about holiday and travel insurance for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, from understanding preexisting conditions to choosing the best policies from UK insurance providers.
Related article: Travelling with Diabetes: Your Checklist and All You Need to Know Before Departure!
What's a Holiday Insurance for Diabetics?
Travel or holiday insurance for diabetes is a specialised travel insurance policy designed to cover medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other travel-related risks for individuals who have diabetes.
These policies address the unique needs of travellers with preexisting medical conditions, ensuring you're protected if unexpected health issues arise during your trip.
It's important to understand that most regular travel insurance policies do not cover risks or incidents related to a pre-existing medical condition like diabetes. Therefore, enquiring and making sure your holiday insurance does include your diabetes is absolutely essential before departure!
Coverage for Diabetes as a Preexisting Condition
A preexisting condition is any health issue you had before purchasing your travel insurance. For diabetics, this includes Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, as well as complications like neuropathy or retinopathy.
Travel insurance for diabetics typically includes:
- Medical emergencies: Hospitalisation, doctor visits, and prescribed medications during your trip.
- Repatriation: Emergency transportation back to the UK if medically necessary.
- Cancellation or curtailment: Reimbursement if your trip is cancelled due to a diabetes-related emergency.
- Lost medication: Coverage for insulin, blood sugar testing supplies, or other essential diabetes equipment lost or stolen during travel.
Not all travel insurance policies automatically cover preexisting conditions, so it's crucial to disclose your diabetes when applying and making sure your policy is adapted to your health condition.
Is the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) Enough for Travelling in Europe?
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) allows UK residents to access necessary healthcare in EU countries and a few other locations.
The GHIC is helpful for covering medical treatments that "cannot reasonably wait until you come back to the UK" , including emergency treatments and treatments for long-term or pre-existing medical coonditions.
However, it's important to note that the GHIC doesn't replace travel insurance. It won't cover expenses like medical evacuation back to the UK, private healthcare, or lost or stolen property, for instance.
Related article: International Travels with Insulin: Carrying Insulin on International Flights and Managing Time Zone Changes.
Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes: Does it Matter for Travel Insurance
When applying for travel insurance, the type of diabetes you have can affect your policy and premiums. Both types require clear communication with insurers to ensure proper coverage.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition requiring daily insulin injections or an insulin pump. Travel insurance for Type 1 diabetes often requires detailed medical disclosures, as it's considered higher riskdue to the need for continuous glucose monitoring and insulin management.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, often managed with oral medication, diet, and exercise, may be considered lower risk than Type 1. However, complications like cardiovascular issues can still impact your premiums when contracting your holiday insurance.
Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, your insurer may ask you about:
- The type of diabetes you have
- The medications you're taking
- Your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels
- The medical devices you're wearing
- Any other health condition you may have
- Any other information they deem necessary for the evaluation of your insurance premiums.
Be aware that you may need to show proof of medical document, testings, etc.
What to Read and Be Careful About Before Signing
Before choosing a travel insurance policy, it's essential to read the fine print carefully and ensure you're covered for any diabetes-related incident while travelling. Here are key points to watch out for:
1. Medical Disclosures
Always disclose your diabetes and any related conditions. Failing to do so can void your policy, leaving you unprotected if you need to make a claim later.
2. Coverage Limits
Check the maximum coverage for medical expenses. Some policies have caps that may not cover the full cost of treatment abroad, especially in countries with expensive healthcare systems like the USA.
3. Exclusions
Look for exclusions related to preexisting conditions. Some policies may exclude coverage for diabetes-related emergencies if not disclosed during the application process.
4. Lost Medication or Equipment
Ensure the policy includes protection for lost, broken, or stolen insulin, glucose monitors, or other essential diabetes supplies, protecting you if you need to buy new supplies while abroad.
5. Emergency Contact Procedures
Familiarise yourself with how to access emergency assistance. Keep the insurer's contact details handy during your trip.
Best Travel and Holiday Insurances for Diabetics in the UK
As noted above, not all travel insurance companies in the UK cover diabetes as a preexisting medical condition. Several UK companies specialise in travel insurance for diabetics. Here are some of the top holiday insurance providers for diabetics living in the UK:
AllClear Insure My Diabetes
AllClear Insure My Diabetes is the partner travel insurance from Diabetes UK and offers comprehensive coverage for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Their policies cover medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost medication. They're well-regarded for their clear terms and 24/7 medical assistance and officially recommended by the main Diabetes Organisation in the UK.
Other Holiday Insurances for Diabetes
Most travel insurance companies do offer specialised policies for people living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, including:
Before searching for a new insurer, we recommend contacting your current insurance provider to see what they can offer. Many insurers are willing to adapt existing policies to include diabetes coverage, and negotiating with them directly may be more cost-effective than starting fresh with a new company.
Related article: UK Airport Regulations for Diabetics: Everything You Need to Know Before Flying with Diabetic Supplies!
FAQs About Travel Insurance for Diabetics
1. Do I need to declare my diabetes when applying for holiday insurance?
Yes, always declare your diabetes and any related complications when applying for travel insurance. This ensures your policy is valid and provides coverage in case of a diabetes-related emergency. Omitting this information can lead to denied claims or a voided policy, leaving you vulnerable to high medical expenses abroad.
2. Will my premiums be higher because I have diabetes?
Possibly. Insurance premiums often reflect the perceived risk associated with your health. Factors like the type of diabetes, your treatment plan, and any existing complications can influence the cost. However, some insurers specialise in providing affordable coverage for diabetics, so it's worth shopping around and comparing quotes.
3. What happens if I lose my insulin while travelling?
Most travel insurance policies for diabetics include coverage for lost medication. This typically allows you to replace your insulin, testing supplies, or other essential diabetes equipment quickly while abroad. Be sure to check the claim procedure and keep all receipts for reimbursement.
4. What if my insulin gets warm or ruined during travel?
If your insulin gets warm and is no longer effective, you may need to replace it as soon as possible. Many travel insurance policies for diabetics cover lost or ruined medication, so contact your insurer for assistance. Make sure to carry your insulin in a medical-grade travel cooler to avoid this situation. The same goes for diabetes injections like Ozempic, Victoza, Trulicity, and others.
Related article: How to Travel With Insulin That Needs to Be Refrigerated or Kept Cool!
5. What if my insulin pump breaks during travel?
If your insulin pump breaks, contact your travel insurance provider and your device manufacturer for guidance. Some insurance policies may cover the cost of repairs or replacements, especially in cases of accidental damage. Always bring backup supplies, such as a spair insulin pump or insulin pens, to manage your blood sugar levels until the issue is resolved.
6. Can I get travel insurance if I have diabetes-related complications?
Yes, you can still obtain travel insurance if you have diabetes-related complications, but it's crucial to disclose them during the application process. Specialist insurers often provide tailored coverage for individuals with more complex medical histories. The key is to be transparent about your condition to avoid any issues with future claims.
7. Does travel insurance cover routine diabetes management abroad?
No, travel insurance generally does not cover routine diabetes management, such as regular glucose monitoring or planned prescription refills. These are considered predictable costs and are not covered under emergency medical provisions. Always bring enough supplies for your trip, including spares for unforeseen delays.
8. What should I do in a medical emergency abroad?
In a medical emergency abroad, contact your travel insurance provider immediately to inform them of the situation. They will guide you on how to access appropriate medical care and may arrange payment directly with healthcare providers. Always keep the insurer's emergency contact details accessible.
Travelling with diabetes doesn't have to be stressful. With the right travel insurance, you can focus on enjoying your holiday, knowing you're covered in case of unexpected issues. Take your time to compare policies, read the fine print, and choose a provider that meets your needs. Safe travels!
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
Have you found a travel insurance for diabetes that works particularly well? Or have you faced challenges with an insurer? Share your experiences, recommendations, and tips in the comments below. Your insights could help others plan their trips with confidence!
