Travel Insurance with HIV
Remember
- Tell your insurer about any pre-existing medical conditions to make sure you’re fully covered
- Consider covering everyone travelling in your party in case you have to cancel
- Take a copy of your travel insurance documents with you
If you’re one of over 100,000 people in the UK living with an HIV diagnosis then arranging travel insurance may prove a little more complicated.
What is HIV?
HIV, human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus which undermines the body’s ability to fight infection and disease by attacking the immune system and limiting production of lymphocyte cells (a form of white blood cell). It is a long term condition which is managed by antiretroviral medication, usually for life. HIV is not the same as AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) which occurs when the immune system is so compromised it is no longer able to fight off certain infections.
Do I need to declare if I have HIV as a pre-existing medical condition when buying travel insurance?
Yes. HIV is a chronic condition (long term) and it is important that you disclose your diagnosis when you apply for travel insurance. If you don’t divulge any pre existing health conditions then your insurer may refuse to settle any claims you might make on your policy. If you are not asked about your medical history, when getting a travel insurance quote, check to see if the policy automatically excludes conditions for which you have already been diagnosed.
Will having HIV prevent me from getting travel insurance?
Anyone with a serious long term heath condition is protected by equality and discrimination laws. This means it is illegal for insurers to refuse you cover. However it is perfectly legal for them to request a higher premium or to place particular restrictions upon your insurance. You will find that specialists such as AllClear are experienced in finding appropriate and competitively priced travel insurance for people with HIV and other pre-existing medical conditions.
Information and support for people with HIV
The Terrence Higgins Trust provides a range of HIV and sexual health support services (including HIV testing) across the UK as well as publishing a wealth of information on what the condition is, how it is treated and practical information for those who have had a diagnosis. The National Aids Trust also offers an excellent resource through its HIV Aware website. See also the NHS’s dedicated webpages on HIV and AIDS.
AllClear take care of everything
Here at Fish Insurance, we’re proud to be working with travel experts AllClear Travel to provide you with cover for your next trip. AllClear’s team of experts will help find the cover you need at a price you’re comfy with. So if you’re planning your next break, all you have to do is decide where to visit first.
To get a quote or manage your policy call
Key benefits of AllClear’s cover*
- No age limits
- 1300+ conditions covered
- ‘Superior’ Covid cover** (includes return flight costs if you’re forced to stay due to Covid-19)
- Up to £15m medical emergency expenses cover
- 24/7 English-speaking medical emergency helpline
- Up to £25,000 for cancellation and cutting your trip short
- Up to £3,000 for your baggage
- Up to £500 travel delay cover
- Up to £1,000 optional cover for travel disruption
- Up to £2m personal liability cover
*All figures are per person and per trip
**Covid cover rated ‘Superior’ by a leading independent UK Consumer Champion in 2021
AllClear cover a range of pre-existing conditions
See what our customers are saying about Fish’s service
And we don’t stop there…
We’ve answered some of the questions you may have about Travel Insurance
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QCan I travel by air with HIV?
AYes, many people with HIV are perfectly okay to travel by air. We’d suggest consulting your GP to check it would be okay for you.
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QIs HIV going to make travel insurance expensive?
AThe cost of travel insurance takes into account any pre-existing conditions you may have, along with how severe they are and any treatment you may be receiving. If you have HIV, your travel insurance will probably cost more than someone of the same age with no pre-existing conditions, but it doesn’t mean the cost will be huge. It’s always worth contacting a specialist insurer such as AllClear that can help you to get the right cover at the right price.
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QCan I travel abroad if I have HIV?
AYes, many people with HIV are perfectly okay to travel abroad. We’d suggest consulting your GP to check it would be okay for you. It’s important to ensure you’re covered by suitable travel insurance and that you declare your HIV as a pre-existing medical condition. This ensures that any medication you take will be covered, as well as any emergency medical treatment you may need while you’re away.
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QDo I need to declare if I have HIV as a pre-existing medical condition when buying travel insurance?
AYes. It’s always best to declare any conditions you’ve been diagnosed with when applying for travel insurance, including HIV. This ensures any medication you may be taking will be covered, as well as any emergency medical treatment you may need while you’re away.
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QWill having HIV prevent me from getting travel insurance?
AHaving HIV shouldn’t stop you from getting travel insurance. The quote you will receive depends on the severity of your HIV, any medication you’re taking, and other conditions you may have.
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