What is a pre-existing medical condition?
When talking in travel insurance terms, a pre-existing medical condition is defined as an injury, illness, disease or other medical condition that happens before your trip starts. Some insurers will exclude these from your policy and won’t cover the related costs.
But we can tailor your travel insurance to cover many pre-existing medical conditions, including diabetes, heart conditions, epilepsy, high blood pressure and asthma depending on screening.
Why choose Sainsbury’s Bank?
- Nectar members save up to 20% on all travel insurance policies. This discount doesn't apply to premiums for pre-existing medical conditions or enhanced gadget cover.*
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Choose from Silver or our 5 star Defaqto rated Gold or Platinum cover
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Up to £20million Emergency Medical Expenses if you choose Platinum annual or single trip cover
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24/7 helpline available in case of medical emergencies
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Cover for a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions
Which policy is right for you?
While all our travel insurance policies have some sort of medical cover for emergencies, it’s important that you let us know about any pre-existing conditions upfront.
You could get cover for pre-existing medical conditions with any of our travel insurance policies. Simply choose the one that suits you best. And remember to tell us about any conditions before you get a quote.
Limits, exclusions and excesses apply.
Single trip
Single trip cover is a great option if you're planning just one trip away. You can get cover for many pre-existing medical conditions with our single trip policy.
Annual multi-trip
Annual multi-trip travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions cover might be ideal if you’re planning several trips (including UK holidays) in a year.
Extended trip
Perfect for longer trips, it covers travellers for up to 366 days. Just like with our other policies, you can get cover for lots of pre-existing medical conditions with this insurance.
Travel with confidence
We want you to enjoy your trip without worrying about any unexpected medical bills. So, it’s important you declare any pre-existing conditions before you get a quote. Just tell us at the beginning of the online quote process.
You’ll also need to let us know about any new medical conditions that arise before your policy starts. And if the nature of a condition you’ve already told us about changes, you need to let us know about that too.
Once declared, your cover will help with costs for emergency treatment related to the specific conditions and related issues. If you don’t tell us about a pre-existing medical condition you have, future claims may be rejected, or payment could be reduced.
You can declare a pre-existing medical condition during our simple medical screening, as part of the application process. This can be completed online or over the phone. It’s quick to complete and will help make sure you have the correct cover in place.
What pre-existing medical conditions do I need to declare?
You must provide us with further details about your pre-existing medical condition(s), if you answer yes to any of the following medical screening questions:
In the last 12 months have/are you or any person to be insured on this policy:
- Been prescribed medication (including being prescribed regular medication)?
- Received treatment for or consulted a doctor about any medical condition?
- Attended a hospital or clinic as an out-patient or in-patient for any reason?
- Been diagnosed as having a terminal condition?
- Currently awaiting tests, investigations, treatment, surgery, or are awaiting the results of any tests or investigations?
If you’re not sure, or have any questions, get in touch with us on 0345 305 2622^. Our team is ready to help with any questions about travel insurance for pre-existing conditions.
Letting us know about medical treatment abroad
If you have an emergency or need medical treatment abroad, call our Medical Assistance Helpline as soon as you can:
For policies purchased on or before 20 April 2026
For policies purchased on or after 21 April 2026
The Medical Assistance team will:
- confirm that you’re in a safe place
- find the best local treatment available to you
- consider your health and best interests
- make sure the necessary medical fees are guaranteed where cover is provided by your policy
Helpful guides
Our travel guides are packed full of useful information to help you when you’re travelling abroad.
Travel disruption
Add our optional travel disruption cover to your policy to help provide additional protection.
Losing documents abroad
Take steps to prevent the stress of losing your passport or driving license whilst abroad.
Solo travel guide
Planning a solo trip? Read our guide to travelling alone.
Any questions?
You can get in touch with our friendly team to speak about our travel insurance policies by calling 0345 305 2622^.
^Sales and service lines are open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. We're closed weekends and Bank Holidays. Calls may be monitored or recorded and are charged at local rates from landlines and mobiles.
Terms and conditions
*Up to 20% discount applies when you tell us your Nectar card number. Discount does not apply to premiums for pre-existing medical conditions or enhanced gadget cover. You won't be eligible if you buy through a price comparison website. We reserve the right to change or cancel this offer without notice.
Sainsbury's Bank plc, Registered Office, 33 Charterhouse Street, London EC1M 6HA (registered in England and Wales, no. 3279730) is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Register no. 184514). Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd is an appointed representative of Sainsbury's Bank plc.
Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance is sold and administered by Hood Travel Ltd, registered in England and Wales No. 08318836 at 2nd Floor, Dencora Court, Tylers Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2BB. Hood Travel Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under Financial Services Register no. 597211.
The core elements of Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance are underwritten by AWP P&C S.A., while the gadget cover is underwritten by AmTrust Specialty Limited. AWP P&C S.A. is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register 534384). AmTrust Specialty Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register 202189).