Travel Insurance Cover for HIV

If you have been diagnosed with HIV, you will need to disclose it when applying for travel insurance to ensure that you are protected for your trip. Travel insurers class HIV as a pre-existing medical condition, as it requires ongoing prescribed medication, and routine checkups. Even if an illness or accident whilst on holiday is unrelated to your HIV, not declaring it to insurers would invalidate your policy. For travel in Europe, you should also ensure that you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Does having HIV affect the premium?

Having a high viral load, or a low CD4 count can increase the premium. You may also find that the premium is increased if you have recently been diagnosed. Provided that it’s well-managed, you have been taking medication for more than three months, and your condition is stable, being HIV positive is generally not viewed as a high risk, and our specialist insurers may be able to offer you a policy without any additional premium. Please be aware that if you have been advised to start antiviral treatment, and have chosen not to, insurers will decline cover for you.

What does travel insurance for HIV cover?

A travel insurance policy which covers HIV offers you protection in the event of any complications whilst on holiday. In the event of loss or theft of any medication you would be able to make a claim for replacement costs. If you become unwell during your trip, having a travel insurance policy including cover for HIV would protect you should you need to receive unplanned medical treatment, or repatriation back to the UK. Cancellation cover would mean that if you were deemed unfit to travel before your holiday, for reasons relating to complications of HIV, you would be entitled to make a claim. Please be aware that different insurers offer different levels of cover, and you should check the cover limits of the policy prior to purchase.

Recently diagnosed with HIV

If you have recently been diagnosed with HIV, and have not yet started antiviral treatment, you will be given the opportunity to state whether treatment is planned when you apply. If you do not know your CD4 count, you will need to have this confirmed by a doctor prior to applying for your travel insurance.

How to obtain travel insurance for HIV

Our online medical screening makes it easy to compare travel insurance that covers pre-existing medical conditions at MedicalTravelInsurance.co.uk. When entering your details you will be asked some questions relevant to your condition, such as your latest CD4 count, details of any medication you are taking, and if you have been on antiviral treatment for more than three months. The answers you provide will allow us to quickly assess your current health situation and tailor travel insurance quotes that will provide suitable cover for you.

For further information and advice on travelling with HIV, you may find the links at the below helpful.

This page uses information from the following sources:

• Travelling with HIV