Most of our policies don’t cover pre-existing conditions, so don’t assume you’re covered.

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Don't assume you're covered

Having a pre-existing medical condition isn't a reason to stop travelling, but it can affect your travel insurance and what you’re covered for. Whether you're travelling off the grid or blogging in it, it's best to know if we can cover your pre-existing medical condition(s) before your travel, so you're not caught unawares.

What is a pre-existing medical condition?

The following can help determine if you, your travel companion,an immediate relative or someone upon whom your trip depends has a pre-existing medical condition, as defined in our Policy Wording. If any of the following exist at the time you buy or extend your policy then we’ll consider that you have a pre-existing medical condition:

  • Any medical or dental condition, or related complication that has required or is awaiting medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, prescribed medication, consultations, check-ups, surgery, tests or investigations in the 180 days before you buy or extend your policy or book your trip (whichever you do last).

In addition, if you took out cover after you left home, there is a waiting period of 72 hours before the insurance takes effect and only for events first occurring after those 72 hours. Any illness or injury that occurs during this waiting period will be considered a pre-existing medical condition.

How are pre-existing medical conditions covered by travel insurance?

Our policies still cover many events for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions, as long as they don’t occur as a result of the pre-existing medical condition(s). These include cover for:

  • Baggage and personal belongings
  • Medical expenses – for unexpected serious illness and accidental injury, including evacuation and repatriation home
  • Lost or damaged passport, licence or other travel documents.

When may a pre-existing medical condition be covered?

We do not cover any claims arising from pre-existing medical conditions.

Our policy covers cancellation if, after you’ve purchased the policy and before you start your trip, you, your immediate relative or your travelling companion suffers a serious illness, accidental injury or unexpectedly dies. 

The policy isn’t designed to cover everything so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the Policy Wording for full details, so there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.  

Find a travel insurance provider if you have a serious medical condition

If you’re concerned our plans do not provide cover for a pre-existing medical condition that you have, you can visit the Money and Pensions Service’s travel directory (MaPS) which lists providers specialising in offering travel insurance to people with serious or life-threatening medical conditions.

MaPS Directory

If you're not worried that your pre-existing condition(s) isn't covered you can still purchase a policy online through World Nomads. Just be aware there's no cover for any claim made as a result of this condition(s).

If you're not worried that your pre-existing condition(s) isn't covered you can still purchase a policy online through World Nomads. Just be aware there's no cover for any claim made as a result of this condition(s).

New Diagnosis in Mexico.

I realized I had forgotten a medication (clonazepam) which I take for insomnia. I visited a doctor in Mexico City the next day and got a prescription for the medication. However, he also diagnosed me with a condition that I was not aware of (hyperthyroid) and suggested that the medication would help with the condition on a short-term basis. He suggested that I get a blood test for hyperthyroid, which I just did in Boston.
Claim paid: USD $39.41
J Davis. US Nomad in Mexico.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: £5,000
  • Standard Plan: £3,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Abroad Medical Expenses

Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling abroad.

  • Explorer Plan: £10 million
  • Standard Plan: £5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transport

Expenses included in Emergency Medical limits.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your lost, stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: £3,000
  • Standard Plan: £1,500
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Medical Expenses
  • Baggage & Personal Belongings
  • Cancellation
  • Trip Curtailment
  • Personal Accident
  • Loss of Passport or travel documents
  • Personal Liability
  • Legal Expenses (Personal Liability)
This is a general summary for United Kingdom residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details.
Pre-existing medical conditions

You are not eligible to buy a policy if you travel against medical advice, travel with the intention of receiving medical treatment, or have a terminal illness. World Nomads policies cannot cover claims due to Pre-Existing Medical Conditions (PEMC), regardless of whether the condition is serious or not. You can still purchase a World Nomads policy, but the PEMC exclusion cannot be removed, and you will be responsible for any related costs.

For information on travel insurance providers that offer cover on PEMC, visit Money Helper or call 0800 138 7777.

24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance

If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.

Are you in need of Emergency Medical Assistance right now?

For policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024
+44 (0) 144 444 2021 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)

For policies purchased before 27 June 2024:
Phone: +44 (0) 203 093 1750 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)

Contact the team