Can I get travel insurance while on a waiting list?
Being in medical limbo shouldn’t press pause on every plan. If your cardiologist might call tomorrow or you’re waiting for an MRI slot, you can still look forward to that break – provided a few simple rules line up first. Ask yourself:
- Am I well enough to make the trip? Your GP (or specialist) should be happy for you to travel.
- Am I following medical advice? If your doctor would advise you to stay home, it’s best to wait.
- Am I travelling for a holiday – not for treatment, tests or a second opinion? Insurance is there to step in if the unexpected happens, not to fund planned care abroad.
Answer “yes” to all three and, in most cases, we’ll be able to look at cover – even while you’re on a waiting list or still chasing a diagnosis. A quick call to our medical team will confirm the details and make sure everything’s crystal clear before you book.
I’m undiagnosed
If you have symptoms that haven’t yet been pinned down, you can still arrange cover. We simply ring-fence anything connected to those undiagnosed symptoms, meaning you can still claim for unrelated issues – from lost baggage to cancellation costs, plus any other pre-existing, diagnosed medical conditions.
I’m awaiting test results for a pre-existing condition
Waiting for scans or blood results on a condition you already live with? We can usually insure the trip, but the condition in question won’t be included. You stay protected for the everyday travel headaches – luggage delays, new and unrelated illnesses, missed departure – but not for anything tied to the condition you’re being investigated for.
I’m waiting for treatment, a procedure or surgery
If the operation you’re booked in for appears on our coverable procedures list below, we can include every section of the policy except cancellation and curtailment. In other words, if your op date shifts and you have to cancel, those costs fall outside the cover – but you’re still insured for unrelated medical emergencies, baggage issues and delays.
You can still be covered for medical claims that are not related to your pre-existing conditions.
I’ve had a procedure or surgery and am awaiting sign-off
Still waiting for your consultant’s green light? Have a look at our covered procedures list below. If your condition is there, we’ll be able to cover you for all sections of the policy, apart from cancellation and curtailment (cutting your trip short).
You can still be covered for medical claims unrelated to your pre-existing conditions.
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Procedures we can cover
If you’ve recently had or you’re waiting on any surgery or a medical procedure that’s included in this list, we can cover you for your trip:
| Adenoidectomy |
Finger joint replacement |
| Appendectomy |
Haemorrhoidectomy |
| Arthroscopic ligament repair |
Hip replacement |
| Arthroscopy of ankle |
Ingrown toenail repair |
| Arthroscopy of hip |
Injection to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome |
| Arthroscopy of knee |
Injection to treat Haemorrhoids |
| Aspiration of joints |
Injection to treat tennis and golfer’s elbow |
| Audiogram |
Injection to treat varicose veins |
| Blephoplasty (Ptosis repair) |
Knee replacement |
| Broken toe(s) (but can walk with a shoe on) |
Laparoscopic repair of hiatus hernia |
| Carpal Tunnel Syndrome |
Laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia |
| Cataracts |
Laparoscopic repair of umbilical hernia |
| Cauterization of the nose |
Laser vision correction |
| Circumcision |
Minor wounds not requiring stitches – no infection |
| Colposuspension |
Myomectomy |
| Correction of hydrocele |
Myringoplasty |
| Cryotherapy for basal cell carcinoma of the skin |
Osteotomy for hallux valgus (bunion) |
| Cryotherapy for skin tag |
Reduction turbinates of nose |
| Cryotherapy for skin wart |
Release of trapped nerve in shoulder |
| Debridement of burn injury (covering an area smaller than a tennis ball) |
Removal of a thyroid nodule |
| Diagnostic laparoscopy |
Removal and incision of contraceptive implants |
| Digital excision arthroplasty |
Repair of vaginal prolapse |
| Dupuytren’s repair |
Retinal detachment (no blurriness and not flying within 60 days) |
| Ectropioan repair |
Septoplasty |
| Endometrial sampling |
Septo-rhinoplasty |
| Endovenous laser treatment of varicose vein(s) |
Simple mole removal (no larger than 2cm) |
| Entropian repair |
Steroid injections into joints (not of the spine or neck) |
| Evacuation of perianal haematomas |
Strabismus correction |
| Excision of basal cell carcinoma of the skin |
Thyroidectomy for non-cancerous disease |
| Excision of benign skin cyst |
Toenail removal |
| Excision of benign skin lesion |
Tonsillectomy |
| Excision of epididymal cyst |
Tooth Extraction (excluding wisdom teeth) |
| Excision of ganglion |
Trabeculectomy (no blurriness and not flying within 60 days) |
| Excision of skin tag |
Ultrasonic or laser treatment for Kidney stones under 4 mm |
| Excision of skin wart |
Varicose vein ligation |
| FESS (Functional endoscopic sinus surgery) |
Varicose vein stripping |
What if my procedure isn’t on the list above?
If you’re waiting for (or to be signed off from) a procedure that isn’t on our “coverable” list above, your policy can’t step in for cancellation, curtailment or repatriation costs linked to that condition. Any medical claims that stem from the condition itself will also be outside the cover. Day-to-day holiday mishaps that have nothing to do with it remain protected.
It’s a condition of cover that if you’re awaiting sign off or follow ups relating to a procedure that you make sure:
- Your surgical wounds are fully healed and no dressings are needed.
- External stitches, sutures or staples have been removed.
- There are no post-op infections or complications.
- Your mobility is back to at least where it was before the procedure.
- You have a letter from your GP confirming you’re fit to travel.
- You understand follow-up appointments or checks during the trip aren’t covered.
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Top tip: procedures, treatments and surgeries we can’t cover
Some situations sit outside what we’re able to cover. We can’t insure travel that goes against medical advice, trips taken to seek treatment abroad, journeys after a terminal prognosis, or travel while you’re on dialysis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or being treated for sepsis or pneumonia.
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 and complex health needs.
On the rare occasion we can’t help, we’ll be happy to point you in their direction. You can search their directory online or call MoneyHelper free on 0800 138 7777.
Travel insurance for other medical conditions
Being on a waiting list or living with unexplained symptoms doesn’t automatically close the door on cover for conditions you already have a diagnosis for. In most cases, we can still build those named conditions into your policy, while simply ring-fencing anything connected to the symptoms your doctors are still investigating.
If you can’t see your condition listed below, don’t worry! This isn’t an exhaustive list. Get a quote online or give our friendly team a call – there’s a good chance we can help you.
Medical conditions we regularly cover
Heart and circulatory conditions
Travelling with a circulatory or heart condition like heart disease, high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation? You’re not alone.
Cancer
Our travel insurance policies can include cover for a wide range of cancers – including some of the most common, such as breast, prostate, bowel, lung and skin cancer.
Breathing and lung conditions
We regularly help travellers with a wide range of breathing conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, COPD and lung fibrosis.
Digestive conditions
Many Avanti travellers live with stomach and bowel conditions such as IBS, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and acid reflux.
Neurodegenerative diseases
Our policies can include protection for neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease, as well as rarer conditions such as Huntington’s disease, Batten’s disease, spinocerebellar ataxia and spinal muscular atrophy.
Mental health conditions
Travel can do wonders for mental wellbeing. If you’re managing a condition like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), we’d love to help you see the world.
Autoimmune conditions
The Avanti team regularly arrange cover for travellers with autoimmune conditions such as arthritis, lupus, Addison’s disease and multiple sclerosis. This can include conditions managed with long-term medication or those that cause occasional flare-ups.
Kidney conditions
We often help kidney patients with conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney stones, renal failure, nephritis and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Back and chronic pain
Chronic pain can have many causes – including autoimmune, neurological and digestive disorders – and we understand how differently it can affect each person day to day. We often cover those with conditions such as chronic back pain, slipped discs, sciatica, fibromyalgia and other long-term pain conditions.
Allergies
Allergies shouldn’t stop travel in its tracks. Whether it’s a common sensitivity or something more specific like allergic rhinitis or aspergillosis, we’ll do our best to find the right protection for your trip.
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Will being on a waiting list/undiagnosed limit where I can travel?
Once you’ve answered our medical questions and your GP is happy for you to fly, the world is still open – provided the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office hasn’t advised against your chosen destination. Think about how far from home you’d feel comfortable, the standard of local healthcare and the length of the flight.
Europe
Perfect if you’d like to stay within a two-to-three-hour flight of home and have a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) as a safety net. Our Europe travel insurance policies cover holiday classics like Spain, France, Portugal, Italy and more.
Worldwide
If wanderlust is taking you further, our worldwide policies can include destinations like the USA.
How long can I travel for while on a waiting list?
Being on a waiting list doesn’t shorten your holiday allowance. Like every Avanti customer, you can choose from a single-trip or 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 with an undiagnosed condition or while on a waiting list
Step 1
Because every waiting-list story is different, start with a quick call so we can get the full picture – online quotes aren’t available for this cover. We’ll note your trip dates, destination and whether there’s a cruise involved.
It’s easy to cover an individual, couple, family or group of up to 30 by phone.
Step 2
We’ll chat through your health over the past two years: diagnoses, symptoms, tests, treatment and anything you’re waiting for. This is the moment to mention pending surgery or undiagnosed symptoms.
Step 3
Once we know the details, we’ll talk you through a quote, explaining clearly what is – and isn’t – covered while you’re waiting or undiagnosed. Pick your cover level, add any extras and confirm the 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.
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When to buy travel insurance while on a waiting list
Whatever your situation, whether undiagnosed, on a waiting list or in perfect health, MoneySavingExpert’s Martin Lewis has a golden rule: buy As Soon As you Book (ASAB).
The sooner you buy your policy, the sooner your cover kicks in, protecting you against everyday disruptions that can derail even the best-laid holiday plans. Think delayed flights, missed departures and unexpected travel disruptions, like strikes.
That last one is worth noting. Strikes and travel disruptions are only covered if they weren’t already announced when you took out your policy. The longer you wait before buying cover, the higher the chances are of missing out on complete protection.
Top tip: keep your consultant in the loop
Once your travel dates are firm, share them with your specialist team. Many NHS departments can shuffle routine check-ups to save a clash, and a quick note on your file confirming you’re well enough to fly can speed up the insurance screening call, too. A quick conversation now can save a cancellation headache later.
How much is travel insurance for someone on a waiting list or with an undiagnosed condition?
There isn’t a one-price-fits-all answer, because every waiting-list story, and every holiday plan, is different. A weekend hop to Spain usually costs less to insure than a month touring Australia simply because medical care and the flight home are cheaper and closer – plus the shorter trip duration means there’s less time for things to go wrong. Your age, the length of the trip, pre-existing medical conditions and the cover level you choose all play a part, too.
If your premium for an annual multi-trip policy with us comes to £80 or more, you can spread the cost monthly to make budgeting easier.*
The quickest way to see a figure tailored to your situation when you have undiagnosed conditions or are on a waiting list, is to call our team.
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How to get cheaper holiday insurance while on a waiting list
Being on a waiting list doesn’t have to mean stretching the budget. There are a few practical ways to keep the cost down:
- 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.
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 counts as undiagnosed symptoms or an undiagnosed condition for travel insurance?
If you’re experiencing symptoms but no doctor has yet put a name to them, you fall into our “undiagnosed” category. That could be anything from persistent back pain or bouts of unusual fatigue to unexplained rashes, shortness of breath or intermittent chest discomfort. Because no formal diagnosis exists, no one can predict how those symptoms might develop while you’re away.
Undiagnosed is not the same as “awaiting results for a condition you already know you have.” For example, if you live with Crohn’s disease and your consultant orders new scans, that’s a diagnosed condition you’re awaiting results for, not an undiagnosed symptom. By contrast, if your GP has booked blood tests because of unexplained dizziness and hasn’t yet pinned down a cause, those symptoms remain undiagnosed until the results are back and a diagnosis is confirmed.
Will holiday insurance cover me to cancel if my surgery date clashes with my holiday?
Unfortunately not. When you’re already on a waiting list, the possibility of a surgery clash is known before you buy, so cancellation and curtailment cover can’t apply to that scenario.
You can still take out a policy for the trip, but any costs lost because the NHS confirms or brings your operation forward won’t be refundable under your awaiting surgery travel insurance.
What if the surgery I’m waiting for is for an undiagnosed condition?
If you’re waiting for a diagnostic procedure or surgery to find out what’s causing your symptoms, you might still be able to get travel insurance with us.
Exactly what we can cover depends on your individual circumstances, but you’ll likely be able to get protection for parts of your trip that aren’t linked to the condition being investigated – like lost or stolen baggage and emergency medical treatment for new/unrelated illnesses or injuries while you’re away.
However, we won’t be able to cover claims relating to the symptoms, condition or procedure you’re waiting for. This includes cancelling your holiday, cutting your trip short (including because of a surgery date), or needing medical treatment abroad because of the condition that’s being investigated.
As every situation is different, it’s best to give our team a call. They’ll talk you through exactly what is and isn’t covered before you go.
Hear it from our happy travellers…
“My wife required surgery on her foot and was offered an appointment at short notice, and this meant that she had to cancel her holiday. Avanti asked for verification, which was provided by our GP. Avanti provided compensation without further ado. Would highly recommend.”
Rodger, 14 October 2024
“Just got cover for my USA holiday and WOW so happy!! I was being denied insurance elsewhere due to a complex medical history and undiagnosed symptoms. I spoke to a lovely lady called Mandy, and they were able to offer me cover at a super reasonable price without covering my pre-existing health problems, which no other insurer even gave me the option for.
I just wanted to know I was safe if I had an accident/emergency whilst over there, unrelated to my conditions and Avanti ticked all the boxes. When upgrading to a year policy, the price dropped even further and was able to spread across monthly payments. Soooooo pleased!! Highly recommend and appreciate how compassionate Mandy was over the phone. I’ll raise a glass in Orlando for you!”
Jayde, 8 March 2023
“We had been refused travel insurance by so many companies. This one allowed us to exclude undiagnosed conditions – vital in these days of very long waiting lists. After so many refusals, it was a great relief to obtain the cover we required. We were dealt with very efficiently.”
Christopher, 23 September 2022
