Can I get travel insurance with diabetes?
Whether you inject insulin several times a day for type 1, manage type 2 with tablets and lifestyle tweaks, or have gestational diabetes to think about, Avanti Travel Insurance is here to help.
Nearly 4.6 million people in the UK live with a diabetes diagnosis, and we arrange cover for many of them every week – including travellers with neuropathy, retinopathy, high blood pressure or a past heart procedure linked to their diabetes.
Simply declare the condition (and any related ones) during a short medical screening online or over the phone. It only takes a few minutes, and according to our data, 97% of people who disclose medical conditions are offered a policy. With us, you can get cover for up to unlimited emergency medical expenses,* £7,500 for cancellation,* 24/7 support abroad and more.
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Top tip: will my GHIC card cover my diabetes?
Your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) lets you tap into state healthcare in most of Europe at local-patient rates. But it won’t replace lost insulin or other prescription medicines, and it can’t pay for a specialist flight home if diabetic ketoacidosis puts you in intensive care.
Our diabetic travel insurance policies, on the other hand, give you up to unlimited emergency medical cover,* up to £250 towards replacing medication** and funds medical repatriation when a doctor orders it. Keep your GHIC in your wallet, but think about pairing it with an Avanti policy so every gap is covered.
What does travel insurance for diabetics cover?
Here’s a quick look at when your policy will and won’t apply. If you’re not sure how any of these points might affect you, our friendly team can talk them through over the phone and help you understand what your cover includes.
We can usually help if you…
- have to cancel your trip or come home early
If illness, injury or bereavement means you can’t travel or need to cut your holiday short, we’ll help with the costs you can’t get back.
- need emergency medical treatment abroad
If you fall ill or get injured overseas, we’ll cover hospital treatment, ambulance transport and – if needed – medical repatriation, with help from our 24-hour assistance team.
- lose your bags or passport
If your baggage, valuables or travel documents are lost or stolen, we’ll help you replace essentials so you can carry on with your trip.
- are disrupted by bad weather or strikes
If your flight or connection is delayed because of unexpected bad weather, strike action or a vehicle breakdown, we’ll help cover reasonable travel or accommodation costs to get you where you need to be. (This doesn’t apply if the strike or disruption was already public knowledge when you booked your trip).
- are delayed on your journey (Classic and Deluxe)
If your flight or ferry is delayed for 12 hours or more, you’ll get a fixed payment to help with the inconvenience.
- can’t stay in your accommodation (Classic and Deluxe)
If a fire, flood or major power cut means you can’t stay in your hotel or apartment, we’ll help arrange and pay for somewhere else.
- are admitted to hospital while abroad (Classic and Deluxe)
If you’re kept in hospital overnight, we’ll pay a daily benefit to help with small personal costs while you recover. (If you’re injured in a mugging, an extra payment may also apply).
- are delayed by volcanic ash (Deluxe only)
If a volcanic ash cloud grounds your flight for more than 12 hours, you’ll receive a fixed payment to help with the delay.
- accidentally cause injury or damage
If you unintentionally injure someone or damage their belongings, your policy includes personal liability protection.
- are injured in an accident abroad
If you need legal help after being injured overseas, we’ll cover your legal costs, so you’re not left to manage it alone.
Cover won’t apply if you…
- haven’t told us about a medical condition
If you don’t declare a pre-existing condition, or if your health changes before you travel and you don’t update your policy, we won’t be able to cover related claims.
- travel against UK Government or medical advice
There’s no cover if you travel somewhere the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised against, or if your doctor says you shouldn’t travel for medical reasons.
- have an accident because of alcohol or drugs
We can’t cover claims if alcohol or drugs directly or indirectly contribute to an accident, injury or loss.
- miss a flight because of personal delays
If you don’t leave enough time to reach the airport or check-in, we can’t pay for missed flights or connections.
- leave belongings unattended
There’s no cover if something is lost or stolen after being left unattended – for example, on a sunbed, in an unlocked car or in a public place.
- are travelling for arranged medical treatment abroad
Travel insurance is designed for unexpected illness or injury, not for medical procedures, tests or check-ups arranged before you go.
- booked during a known strike or disruption
If strike action or travel problems were already public knowledge when you booked, your policy won’t apply to those delays or cancellations.
- take part in an activity that isn’t covered
Some higher-risk activities – such as certain winter sports – aren’t automatically included unless you’ve added the right optional cover.
- are waiting for a medical procedure
If you’re awaiting an operation or follow-up test, cancellation and curtailment claims won’t be covered unless it’s an accepted procedure shown on your validation certificate.
Types of diabetes we regularly cover
97% of customers who declare a condition are offered cover with us. In fact, since 2014, we’ve helped more than 1.3 million travellers arrange cover for over 1,300 medical conditions (subject to screening) – from high blood pressure and diabetes to cancer and heart disease.
In the rare event we can’t offer you travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, we’ll always try to point you in the right direction. We’re proud to be listed by MoneyHelper – a government-backed money guidance service that keeps a free, independently run directory of those who might be able to help with pre-existing medical conditions.
Prediabetes
Borderline readings still count as a pre-existing medical condition. Declare prediabetes to make sure your policy is set up to protect you. If you’re diagnosed with diabetes before you go, simply edit your policy online using My Avanti, or get in touch over the phone.
Type 1 diabetes
Declare type 1 diabetes, and we’ll step in if a severe hypo, hyperglycaemia or diabetic ketoacidosis lands you in hospital abroad. Deluxe gives you unlimited medical cover and will fund a specialist flight home if that’s what the doctors order.
Type 2 diabetes
Controlled with tablets, lifestyle changes or occasional insulin, type 2 varies widely. Tell us how you manage it, and we’ll match the cover — from emergency foot-care costs overseas to hospital treatment for unexpected spikes.
Diabetes Insipidus (DI)
A rare condition affecting fluid balance rather than blood sugar. We can cover replacement desmopressin up to a cost of £250** and treatment if severe dehydration strikes mid-trip.
Gestational diabetes
Declare gestational diabetes, and your policy can step in if your healthcare team says you shouldn’t fly or if you need extra monitoring while you’re away.
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Conditions related to diabetes
Heart conditions
People with diabetes are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. Add any heart conditions or treatments like stents, angioplasty or arrhythmia during screening, and we can extend your medical cover to these issues too.
Neuropathy
Nerve pain or numbness can make sightseeing tough. Declare diabetic neuropathy and emergency treatment for foot ulcers or lost pain medication** abroad can fall under your policy.
Retinopathy
Managing changes to your vision? Emergency eye care overseas can be covered when retinopathy is listed on your policy.
Kidney conditions
Many kidney conditions are included in our cover. One thing to keep in mind: we won’t be able to insure you if you’re currently on dialysis or have been advised to start it before you travel. And although we do everything possible to extend our cover to all travellers, we unfortunately cannot cover terminal cases at this time.
Hypertension
High blood pressure often goes hand-in-hand with diabetes. Disclose it, and we’ll include replacement costs for lost or stolen medication** and emergency care if readings rocket while you’re away.
Top tip: is my insulin covered if it’s lost or stolen?
Classic and Deluxe policies include up to £250 towards replacing lost or stolen prescription medication.** This covers insulin, glucagon kits or other diabetes medicines you rely on daily. We can also help you track down replacements or find a local clinic stocking what you need. Keep a spare prescription and your GP’s contact details in your hand luggage; it speeds things up if the unexpected happens.
How long can I travel for with diabetes?
Travellers with diabetes can choose from a single-trip or an annual multi-trip policy:
Single-trip
| Age |
Region 1&2 |
Region 3 |
Region 4 |
| 0-65 |
Maximum 550 days per trip |
| 66-70 |
366 days |
276 days |
184 days |
| 71-75+ |
366 days |
184 days |
123 days |
Annual multi-trip
| Age |
Annual multi-trip |
| 0-70 |
Maximum 50 days per trip |
183 days in total |
| 70+ |
Maximum 35 days per trip |
183 days in total |
How to buy holiday insurance for diabetics
Step 1
You can get a quote online or over the phone. We’ll start by asking a few quick questions – like whether it’s single trip or annual cover, your travel dates, destination and if you’re going on a cruise.
It’s easy to cover an individual, couple, family or group of up to nine travellers online (or up to 30 by phone).
Step 2
Next, we’ll go through a few details about your health over the past two years – including any diagnoses, symptoms, tests or treatment.
Step 3
Once you’ve shared your details, we’ll talk you through your quote, whether online or over the phone. You can choose your level of cover, add any extras and confirm your policy there and then.
You’ll get instant access to your policy documents in My Avanti, where you can view, download or update your details any time.
Get your quote
When to buy travel insurance for diabetes
MoneySavingExpert’s Martin Lewis often recommends buying travel insurance as soon you book your holiday accommodation or transport. He calls this rule ASAB – As Soon As you Book – and travellers with diabetes have more reasons than most to secure their cover quickly.
A peak summer flight to Spain can sell out months ahead, locking hundreds of pounds of bookings into place. If a routine HbA1c review throws up complications the week before you travel and your GP advises you to stay put, only an existing policy treats that as a valid cancellation claim.
Wait until your pre-holiday prescription check to arrange cover, and you risk missing out because the issue was already “known” when you tried to buy. In short, the sooner the policy is in place, the more of your trip sits under its umbrella.
Is travel insurance for diabetes more expensive?
Not always. A diabetes diagnosis alone doesn’t automatically mean a higher price. Your quote is built around you, your trip and what you might need while you’re away. It might be influenced by:
- Your condition(s) and recent history – we’ll ask about your general experience with diabetes (and any other health conditions), including whether you use an insulin pump, take daily injections or manage with tablets, and how your condition has been over the last 2 years. This helps us make sure your policy is set up to protect you should the worst happen abroad.
- Where you’re going – treatment for diabetes complications at a Spanish state hospital will come in at a much lower cost than a clinic in the USA, where healthcare is the most expensive globally. Because of this, holiday insurance for European destinations is usually cheaper.
- Your age and cover level – as we get older, our likelihood of needing medical support while away increases. Your policy will reflect that. Your chosen cover level will make a difference too. Deluxe comes with brilliant benefits like up to unlimited medical cover and no excess, but usually has a higher price tag. Essentials, on the other hand, offers a simple but effective policy for less.
The easiest way to find out what you’ll pay is to get a quote with us online or over the phone. It’s fast, simple and you’ll have 3 levels of cover to choose from.
Get your quote
How to get cheaper holiday insurance with diabetes
Having diabetes doesn’t always mean a sky-high insurance bill — a few smart choices can keep costs in check without stripping away the cover that matters:
- Trip duration – shorter trips usually cost less to insure because there’s less time for something to go wrong.
- Destination – some places are more expensive to insure than others. The USA, Canada and the Caribbean have some of the world’s highest medical costs, while Europe and the UK are often cheaper to cover.
- Policy level – Avanti offers three levels of cover – Essentials, Classic and Deluxe. Essentials is the most cost-effective option for travellers looking to keep things simple.
- Luggage cover – think about what you really need to take with you. Packing lighter and setting a lower luggage limit on your policy can bring the cost down.
- Excess – a higher voluntary excess means a lower premium. Just make sure it’s an amount you’d be comfortable paying if you claim.
- Discounts – it’s also worth checking our current offers before you buy. You can find the latest Avanti discount codes on our discounts page.
If your quote for worldwide annual multi-trip holiday insurance tops £80, you don’t have to fund the full amount upfront. With Avanti, you can spread the cost over 12 monthly instalments.*
Avanti pays when it matters most
We know how important it is to feel confident that your claim will be handled quickly and fairly.
Between February 2024 and July 2025, our customers received more than £31 million, with over 18,000 claims settled.
You can expect to hear from our claims team within five working days of submitting your claim, and in most cases, Avanti strives to make a decision within five days of receiving your documents.
That’s one of the reasons Avanti has been awarded Best Insurance Customer Service by the Personal Finance Awards (2025).
Winner 7 years running: Best Travel Insurance
Our Best Travel Insurance award (Personal Finance Awards, 2018-2025) is based on the experiences of real people who travel with us. They’ve trusted us to help when plans change, flights are cancelled or medical emergencies happen abroad.
From updating policies to arranging hospital care or getting someone home safely, we do what good travel insurance should do – put things right.
What happens if I have a medical emergency abroad?
Your first move is the same as at home: dial the local emergency number for an ambulance. This is 112 across much of Europe, and 911 in the USA and Canada. Once the immediate danger is under control, call the 24-hour medical assistance team. The number you use depends on where you are:
- From the USA or Canada: +1 833 251 8487
- From Mexico: +1 819 780 0639
- From anywhere else in the world: +44 1403 288 123
- From a cruise ship: +44 1403 288 121
The emergency assistance team is here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Please get in touch as soon as it’s safe, ideally before costs go over £350, if you’re admitted to hospital, or if doctors advise cutting the trip short. That way, we can arrange payment to the hospital, talk directly to local clinicians and, if needed, arrange a medical flight home.
Do I need to declare my diabetes if it’s well controlled?
Yes. Even if your HbA1c is textbook and you’ve not had an incident in years, diabetes is a pre-existing medical condition and must be declared when you buy. Our screening is simple, whether done online or over the phone, and lets us build protection for your specific circumstances into your policy.
In return, you get specialist medical cover ready to jump in should even the most well-controlled diabetes get in the way of your holiday, plus protection for lost or stolen prescriptions on Classic and Deluxe policy levels.**
Can I get travel insurance if I’m awaiting test results or a diabetes diagnosis?
If doctors suspect diabetes but haven’t confirmed it yet, you can often still arrange cover for the trip. Anything linked to those pending results won’t be covered, because the condition is still classed as undiagnosed. The rest of the policy stays in place – cover for lost, stolen passports and medical emergencies unrelated to your undiagnosed symptoms are all protected as normal up to your chosen cover level.
Waiting on further tests for diabetes you already know you have, say, a new HbA1c or kidney-function check? We can usually still insure the holiday as normal. Once those test results are back, let us know; we’ll update your record so future trips include full diabetes cover.
Hear it from our happy travellers…
“The whole process was quick, with just a few questions about my medical history. I have angina, diabetes which is linked to high blood pressure and cholesterol. These were all accepted in minutes at a very competitive price, with the option for monthly payments.”
Cyril, 14 January 2025
“Having shopped around seriously as I’m 69 years young with diabetes, Avanti was the best I could find. I opted for yearly worldwide cover. I paid in full, but it’s good that I had the option of paying monthly. Would recommend.”
Mrs Rickett, 5 June 2024
“After looking around for a while for affordable couples travel insurance, we feel Avanti provide a great price. As I am diabetic with high blood pressure, which you have to include feel excellent value for future trips for one year.”
Nicola, 10 May 2022
