Your CoverForYou travel insurance provides protection for eligible emergency medical expenses if you become unexpectedly ill or injured abroad.
However, not all medical treatments, expenses or circumstances are covered.
The following guidance explains some of the main exclusions under your policy's emergency medical cover.
Important: This article summarises the main medical exclusions. It is not an exhaustive list. Please refer to your policy wording for the full terms, conditions, exclusions and benefit limits.
Your policy does not cover elective or non-urgent treatment that our medical team determines can safely be delayed until you return to the UK.
This includes treatment or surgery that is not medically necessary during your trip.
If our Emergency Medical Assistance Service determines that you can safely return home for treatment, your policy will not pay for unnecessary private treatment abroad.
Your policy does not cover the cost of treatment or surgery that is unrelated to the specific illness or injury responsible for your hospital admission.
For example, if you're admitted to hospital for an injury, unrelated elective treatment would not be covered simply because you're already receiving medical care.
Additional charges for single or private hospital rooms are not covered, unless our medical team confirms that the arrangement is medically necessary.
If you choose to upgrade your hospital accommodation for personal comfort, you'll be responsible for the additional cost.
Treatment or services provided by the following facilities are excluded unless approved in advance by our Emergency Medical Assistance Service:
Health spas.
Convalescent homes.
Nursing homes.
Physiotherapists.
Rehabilitation centres.
You should obtain approval before arranging or paying for these services.
Your policy does not cover travel or accommodation costs incurred by friends or family members who choose to visit you while you're hospitalised abroad.
Medical expenses incurred after you've returned to the United Kingdom are not covered under the emergency medical section of your travel insurance.
This includes:
Further medical treatment after returning home.
Private medical consultations or procedures in the UK.
Other private healthcare expenses incurred within the UK.
You will not be covered for injuries arising from sports or activities that are not included within your policy's permitted activities.
Before travelling, check that your planned activities are covered under your policy wording.
If you're planning to ski, snowboard or participate in other winter sports, you must have the appropriate Winter Sports upgrade.
If the activity requires Winter Sports cover and you haven't purchased the upgrade, claims arising from that activity will not be covered.
Important: Your Winter Sports upgrade must be shown on your policy schedule, and the activity must meet the relevant policy conditions.
Your policy does not cover the cost of obtaining, replenishing or replacing personal prescription medication that you should have brought with you.
You are responsible for travelling with an appropriate supply of your regular medication, including enough to account for potential travel delays.
This exclusion is separate from eligible emergency medication prescribed following a covered illness or injury during your trip.
Travel tip: We recommend carrying essential prescription medication in your hand luggage, together with any necessary supporting medical documentation.
Your policy excludes expenses arising from tropical diseases where you have failed to take the NHS-recommended vaccinations, inoculations or preventative medication required for your destination.
Before travelling:
Check the recommended vaccinations and preventative medication for your destination.
Arrange any necessary vaccinations or medical advice before departure.
Follow the relevant healthcare guidance throughout your trip.
You can check destination-specific recommendations through TravelHealthPro.
Important: Failing to follow the relevant preventative medical advice may affect your ability to claim for a tropical disease.
You must provide appropriate documentation to support your medical insurance claim.
Claims may be declined if you cannot provide the required evidence, such as:
Official medical reports.
Hospital or treatment invoices.
Receipts for eligible medical expenses.
Written evidence supporting the circumstances of your claim.
The specific documents required will depend on your medical circumstances and the type of claim.
For more information, see our guide to medical claim documents and supporting evidence.
If you experience a serious illness or injury while travelling:
Seek appropriate medical assistance if urgent treatment is required.
Contact our Emergency Medical Assistance Service as soon as possible if you're admitted to hospital.
Obtain approval where required before arranging private treatment, rehabilitation or other services.
Keep all medical reports, invoices and receipts to support your claim.
Our Emergency Medical Assistance Service is available 24 hours a day.
Emergency Medical Assistance and Claims Information
Please note: This article provides a summary of selected medical exclusions and does not replace your policy wording. All cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, exclusions, benefit limits and any applicable excess.
