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Do I need to declare arthritis on my travel insurance?
All pre-existing health conditions must be declared on your travel insurance, even if you’re not sure it’s worth mentioning.
If your joints start troubling you during your trip and you need urgent medical care, the last thing you want to worry about is the cost. That’s why we may cover arthritis as a condition for travel insurance. Just let us know about your condition when signing up for a policy.
Why get travel insurance for arthritis with Staysure?
Travel insurance can be a cost-effective way to protect yourself from things outside your control – like if you have to cancel your holiday or need emergency medical treatment.
We’re specialists in covering arthritis and other pre-existing medical conditions.
Our medical screening makes it simple to tell us about your condition, or you can call us if you prefer.
We provide 24/7 emergency medical assistance worldwide during your trip.
How Staysure travel insurance for arthritis works in three easy steps
To get cover, you’ll need to declare your arthritis and any other pre-existing conditions to us when getting a quote for travel insurance. We make it easy to tailor a quote to your trip and health.
1. Tell us about your trip
We’ll need a few quick details to get started:
If you need cover for one trip or multiple trips.
Who the insurance is for.
Where you’re going and how long for.
2. Let us know about your arthritis
Our simple medical screening helps us understand you better and the care you could need abroad.
Some of the things we’ll need to know about:
Your arthritis.
Any unplanned hospital admissions.
Any joint replacements or resurfacing surgeries.
Don’t forget to let us know about any other pre-existing medical conditions.
3. Get your quote
If you complete the screening and we can cover you, your tailored quote will be available to view online, and emailed to you. It includes travel insurance tailored to cover your condition(s).
Explore and choose from three levels of cover to suit your needs (as below).
Choose optional add-ons to tailor your quote to your trip, including winter sports or cruise plus benefits.
If your arthritis symptoms worsen while travelling, you could need quick access to the right care. We’re here day and night to provide you with medical advice specific to your arthritis. If unexpected joint pain happens while you are away, contact our 24/7 specialist helpline.
If you need emergency treatment, we can cover you for unlimited medical expenses on our Comprehensive and Signature policies.
When you have arthritis, we know staying pain-free is a priority, and you might be travelling with pain medicines or anti-inflammatories. If you lose your medicines abroad, it can be tricky to track down replacements. With our Comprehensive and Signature policies, we offer Personal Assistance Services for situations just like this. We’ll treat it as a matter of urgency and help find locally available replacements. Please note replacement costs are not an included expense.
If your health means you have to cancel or cut your trip short, we'll take care of the details. When you need to get home due to urgent medical need, we can cover everything from travel arrangements and medical support along the way, so you won't face any extra costs.
How much does travel insurance cost with arthritis?
The cost of your travel insurance is tailored to your individual circumstances and travel plans.
You can find out how much your tailored policy costs in minutes with our simple medical screening when you get a quote.
Flexible cover add-ons to suit you
Tailor your insurance to your trip with optional add-ons. Everything you need, covered under one policy.
For people who have trouble finding travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) has a directory of specialist insurers, like us!
To find out more, or if on the odd occasion we are unable to provide the cover you need, contact BIBA on 0370 950 1790. You can also search BIBA's medical directory online.
Dr Chris Turner
BSc, MBBS
Living with arthritis can feel like an obstacle to travel, but it shouldn’t hold you back.
“The right travel insurance and some extra planning can give you the support you need to travel with comfort and confidence. Whether it be a city break or a cruise, you deserve the chance to relax and enjoy yourself wherever you go.”
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Other conditions we cover at Staysure
We’re experts in travel insurance for pre-existing health conditions. Just let us know your conditions when you fill out your quote, or contact us to amend an existing policy.
Knowing you’ve prepared in advance can give you some peace of mind as you travel.
Pre-travel checklist for travelling with arthritis
Speak to your doctor to make sure you’re fit to travel and if you need any vaccinations.
Many people find the weather can trigger a flare-up so consider the local climate before booking a trip.
Book accommodation that’s accessible for you and your needs.
Refresh yourself on your up-to-date arthritis action plan in case things flare up during your trip.
Before you book, call the airline to let them know about your condition and any assistance you may need, like a wheelchair.
If you use walking aids like canes or mobility scooters, let your airline know in advance so they can accommodate you.
If you’re taking any liquid or gel medication over 100ml, keep it in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription for security – this includes creams.
If you’re travelling in Europe, get a GHIC – remember, this does not replace travel insurance.
Check with the embassy of your destination if you need a signed letter from your doctor to travel with medications, especially if you take controlled medicines like opioids or biologic medicine. Some doctors may charge for this, which isn’t covered by travel insurance.
Whether arthritis affects your health in large or small ways, it’s always worth covering.
“Arthritis is a very common condition and can be mild or severe, so sometimes people aren’t sure if they need to mention it. But for your travel insurance to be valid, you have to tell us about all your conditions in the last two years - and this doesn’t mean your insurance will cost the earth. That way, you know you’re covered if you need to make a claim.”
Tips for travelling with arthritis
Sitting for long periods of time can cause joint pain for people with arthritis. But here are some things that you can do to help make your journey a bit more comfortable:
Use a neck pillow and a back roll for your lower back
Put your bag by your feet to use as a footrest
Book an aisle seat with plenty of legroom so you can stretch your legs and move around
Plan plenty of rest stops during your road trip so you can take walk breaks
Do simple stretching exercises at your seat like circling your ankles and pointing your toes – this can also reduce your risk of blood clots
Stay hydrated – aircraft cabins can be very dry which can worsen inflammation, especially if you have rheumatoid arthritis
Ask for help – avoid lifting your luggage into the overhead bins or the car boot on your own
Pain and stiffness shouldn’t have to affect your travel plans. Here are some things that might help soothe swelling and joint discomfort as you go.
Before you go, refresh yourself on your up-to-date flare up plan
Leave plenty of time to get to and from places to avoid feeling rushed and stressed
Plan things in advance like pre-booking transport or reserving a table at a restaurant
Treat yourself on your trip but try to continue eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables
Get a good night’s rest – you may want to bring a supportive pillow with you to help you sleep
Many people with arthritis use extra travel accessories to lessen the stress on their joints while travelling.
Check with your doctor if you could benefit from:
Splints for extra joint support
Luggage with wheels that you can push instead of pull
Lightweight, breathable shoes with a well-cushioned sole and good joint support
A neck pillow and back roll
Reusable heated pads and ice packs
Regular exercise can be an important tool in managing your arthritis. But it’s just as important to listen to your body and take a rest when you need to. Always follow your doctor’s advice.
If you begin to feel pain or any aches whilst you’re out and about, take a break
Don’t try to squeeze too much into one day – space out your activities throughout your trip and plan for plenty of breaks
If you’re unsure an activity you want to do is suitable for you, like a hike or guided tour, talk to your GP or nurse in advance
Common questions for travelling with arthritis
If you’ve had symptoms, tests, treatment, medication or medical appointments due to arthritis in the last two years, you need to declare it on travel insurance.
We cover a range of types of arthritis, including:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Psoriatic arthritis
Septic arthritis
Juvenile arthritis
Gout
It’s important you tell us about your arthritis and any other pre-existing medical conditions you may have, such as diabetes or osteoporosis.
If we don’t know about it, we won’t be able to cover you if you need to make a claim.
Arthritis shouldn’t stop you from travelling. You may just need extra support while you’re away to help you enjoy your trip.
Preparing before you go and getting travel insurance can provide some reassurance so you can make the most out of your travels.
Always talk to your GP before you book so you can get advice suited to you and your needs.
Doing gentle exercise can be a great way to manage your pain and stiffness.
Some great travel-friendly exercises to consider are seated exercises such as shoulder rolls, diagonal toe taps, and knee lift pushes.
You can do these anywhere – on your hotel bed, on your flight, or even when you’re out and about.
Remember, any walking you do on your trip counts as physical activity so you may not need to add more exercises to your schedule.
Always consider your own condition and needs. Speak to your GP or nurse before making any changes.
Before you book, you should think about things that you need. For example, if you struggle with stairs you might want to book a room on the ground floor or next to a lift.
Some things to consider as you decide:
Wheelchair accessible amenities such as wide corridors and adapted bathrooms
Step-free access to public areas
A microwave in your room to heat up your hot packs
A fridge in your room to store any medication that needs to be cool
Handles on doors and wardrobes instead of knobs
Access to air conditioning and heating
It’s always a good idea to call the hotel in advance. They can help you find the most suitable room for you and your needs.
In an emergency, contact the local emergency services first, and then call our 24-hour emergency helpline. Our team will help arrange your care, find the most appropriate place for treatment and follow up care.
If you or someone on your policy is admitted to hospital or your outpatient treatment is likely to cost more than £350, contact us as soon as possible. Where you have a valid claim, and your medical expenses exceed £350 we will look to settle the bill directly with the medical provider where possible.
If you have a non-urgent medical concern, such as sickness, headaches, or mild pain, contact our helpline first for advice on where to go for assistance.
As good as travel insurance is, some things can’t be covered.
You’re not covered for:
Travelling against your doctor’s advice
Claims for pre-existing medical conditions you haven’t told us about
Routine check-ups, planned treatment or non-emergency care
Travel for medical procedures abroad
Reimbursement for lost, damaged or stolen medicines or equipment
Incidents related to alcohol or controlled substances
Strike action that was common knowledge at the time of booking
Choosing private treatment when suitable public facilities are available
Choosing not to travel
Discover more about what travel insurance covers. Always check your policy documents carefully to understand exactly what you’re covered for.
When comparing travel insurance policies for arthritis, you’ll want to look out for what’s covered and what’s not.
The right travel insurance for arthritis should:
Agree to cover your arthritis and any other pre-existing condition(s) you have
Cover medical expenses, including necessary emergency travel home
Have a high medical cover limit
Help you replace lost, stolen or damaged medications
Cover you for cancellations or interruptions during your trip
Include 24/7 emergency assistance services while abroad
Learn more about what’s covered under our medical insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, or get a quote.
Stay in control of your account with My Staysure
You can make changes to your policy, online and in your own time with My Staysure.
It’s quick and easy to make changes to your policy online. If you need to make simple changes such as updating traveller details or renewing a policy that’s details are staying the same, just visit your My Staysure account.
Up to unlimited emergency medical expenses
