A pre existing medical condition is an illness or condition you have before you travel. Declaring it correctly is the difference between valid cover and a rejected claim, so it is worth getting right.
What you must declare
Insurers ask about conditions you have been diagnosed with, treated for, or prescribed medicine for. This includes managed conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Answer the medical questions fully and honestly; non disclosure can void a claim later.
How it affects cover
Many insurers cover well managed conditions for an additional premium, or through a specialist policy. Some exclude the condition but still cover everything else. Our guide to reading your policy explains where these terms sit, and our explainer on exclusions covers what is not covered.
If you are declined
If a standard policy will not cover you, specialist and charitable schemes exist, and the Money and Pensions Service lists options. Our guide to complaining explains what to do if a valid claim is later rejected.