Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
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Want to know how our travel insurance deals with pre-existing medical conditions?
At Rise & Shield, any claim that’s linked to a pre-existing medical condition you’ve had treatment, advice or medication for in the last five years won’t be paid.
Read on to see exactly what’s protected, what isn’t, and the steps if you need the condition covered.
Alternatively, contact us if you'd like us to review your pre-existing condition on a case-by-case manner.
What’s included when you have a pre-existing condition?
Even after you tell us about a long-term illness or regular medication, the rest of your Rise & Shield policy stays fully switched on:
Trip cancellation or curtailment for reasons not tied to that condition.
Emergency medical treatment abroad for any new injury or illness that isn’t linked to your declared condition.
Medical evacuation if you twist an ankle on the trail or get altitude sickness you’ve never had before.
Baggage and personal belongings cover when kit is lost, damaged or stolen.
Travel delay & missed-connection payouts when transport chaos strikes.
Personal liability, legal expenses and our 24/7 emergency helpline, all still active.
In short: if the claim can’t reasonably be traced back to your pre-existing condition, you’re covered.
What's not included in this policy?
Our travel insurance does not provide cover for:
- Any claim that directly or indirectly stems from a condition you’ve had treatment, medication or medical advice for in the last five years.
- Relapses, flare-ups, medication side-effects or cancellations because the condition worsened.
- Costs arising if you didn’t tell us about a new diagnosis or change in your health before you travelled.
Always read our policy wording.
How we define a “pre-existing medical condition”?
We keep the rule simple: if you’ve seen a doctor, taken medicine, had tests or been given advice for something in the last five years, we treat that as a pre-existing medical condition.
Here’s what that means in practice:
- Still on a daily pill? Your low-dose thyroid medication counts, even if it’s never slowed you down.
- In remission but monitored? Past lymphoma diagnosed four years ago is still on the list, because you had check-ups inside the five-year window.
- No symptoms, no treatment since 2018? If five full years have passed with zero medical contact, we no longer class it as pre-existing.
“Medical contact” covers everything from a quick GP phone call to repeat prescriptions or routine scans. And it’s not just your health. Anyone whose well-being could make you cancel (partners, close relatives) is part of the picture.
If you’re ever unsure, contact us before you buy. It’s quicker than wrangling a claim later.
What to do if you need cover for the condition itself?
Here's what you should do if you need cover for your medical condition:
- Speak to a specialist medical-travel broker. UK outfits such as AllClear, Staysure or Free Spirit tailor policies around specific illnesses and can quote you online or over the phone. Remember to check if they cover your adventure activity.
- Ask your GP for a quick “fit-to-travel” note. Next, you need a travel note from your GP. An up-to-date summary of your meds and history helps the broker price cover accurately and speeds up any future claim.
- Check the MoneyHelper directory. FCA rules say we must signpost this free tool. It lists regulated firms that insure a wide range of medical conditions: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/insurance/travel-insurance-directory.
We don’t earn a penny from these providers and won’t share your details; it’s simply the fastest way to get the protection you need.
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Rise and Shield is a trading style of Optimum Global Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Optimum Global Limited’s Firm Reference Number is 453654, you can check these details at https://register.fca.org.uk or by calling the Financial Conduct Authority on 0800 111 6768. . Registered address: Optimum Global Limited, 4th Floor, 21 Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 3TP, UK. Optimum Global Limited is registered in England and Wales. Company Registration number 05347793.