Millions of Travelers Risk Invalidating Travel Insurance by Not Declaring Weight Loss Jabs

Millions of Britons who use weight loss injections are at risk of invalidating their travel insurance policies, potentially facing substantial medical bills if they fall ill while abroad. Drugs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, approved by the NHS for diabetes and obesity treatment, have seen a surge in popularity, leading to increased demand for private prescriptions.

Data from travel insurance provider Staysure indicates that the use of weight loss drugs has been declared in only 0.06% of travel insurance costs over the past two and a half years. This is a small fraction compared to the estimated 2.4 million people who have access to these medications. Staysure highlights a significant discrepancy between the number of people using these jabs and the proportion who declare them to their insurers, even when accounting for differences between the general population and insurance buyers. In June, the monthly declaration rate was 0.227%, considerably lower than the estimated 1.7% usage rate.

Travelers are legally required to declare pre-existing conditions and ongoing medications when purchasing travel insurance. However, many individuals using weight loss injections may not consider them as medication or may simply forget to declare them during the application process. Failing to disclose such information, along with any associated health conditions, could result in an insurer refusing to pay out a claim.

Staysure reports that claims can escalate dramatically. One case initially estimated at just over £20,600 ballooned to more than £147,500 due to ongoing treatments. For customers who do declare weight loss injections, approximately 98% also have multiple other medical conditions listed on their policy, indicating a higher inherent risk.

Significant medical claims have been recorded from popular travel destinations. Between January and May, Staysure's data shows that medical treatment and repatriation claims from the United States exceeded £371,000, with India at over £263,000, including one claim of £128,336. In Spain, a common short-haul destination, total claims surpassed £314,000, with a single medical emergency costing £88,448.

Simon McCulloch, chief commercial officer at Staysure, advised travelers to answer all medical screening questions accurately when buying a policy. He also recommended informing the insurer of any changes in health or medication before travel. A pre-departure check with the insurer can prevent complications and ensure coverage during a medical emergency. McCulloch emphasized that declaring a condition or prescribed medication does not automatically increase the policy price. Instead, it provides the insurer with the necessary information to properly assess risk and confirm coverage, preventing potential issues if a claim arises.