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Can I get travel insurance if I have HIV?
We know there are extra things to consider when taking a trip with HIV – planning destinations, managing medicines and side effects, and the worry of infections or becoming unwell abroad. But having HIV doesn’t always stop you from getting great travel insurance.
Because we’re specialists in medical travel insurance, we may be able to cover you. Just let us know about all your pre-existing conditions when you get a quote, including HIV.
Having proper protection means you can focus on enjoying the trip you’ve planned. And if something doesn’t go to plan? Our experienced medical advisors are available 24/7 to help you get the right care and cover the costs of emergency treatment while abroad.
Why get travel insurance for HIV with Staysure?
We’re specialists in covering medical conditions, including HIV.
We’re by your side day or night, with specialist medical advisors available 24/7 abroad during your trip.
Cover for your condition plus luggage loss, cancellation and more.
How Staysure HIV cover works in three easy steps
To get cover, you’ll need to declare your HIV and any other pre-existing conditions to us when getting a quote for travel insurance. We make it easy to tailor a quote to your trip and health.
1. Tell us about your trip
To get started, we’ll need to know:
if you need cover for one trip or multiple trips
who the insurance is for
where you’re going and how long for
2. Let us know about your HIV
Our simple medical screening helps us understand you better.
Some things we’ll ask about include:
if you’ve started a new antiviral drug in the last three months, or have plans to
your most recent CD4 count
your latest viral load after three or more months of antiviral treatment
Don’t forget to let us know about any other pre-existing medical conditions.
3. Get your quote
If you complete the screening and we can cover you, your tailored quote will be available to view online, and emailed to you. It includes travel insurance tailored to cover your condition(s).
Explore and choose from three levels of cover to suit your needs (as below).
Choose optional add-ons to tailor your quote to your trip, including winter sports or cruise plus benefits.
We understand the worry of getting unwell abroad when you’re travelling with HIV.
We’re here 24/7 if you need to access a doctor or emergency care.
Unlimited medical expenses with our Comprehensive and Signature policies.
No matter where you are or the time of day, if something goes wrong while you’re abroad, we’ll help get you in safe hands, locating your nearest appropriate services and covering the expense of getting there.
When you’re travelling with HIV you want to know you’ve got everything you need. But it can be tricky to track down medicines abroad.
If you ever find yourself short while you're away, we’re here to help. We can assist you in locating a nearby pharmacy that stocks your medication, so you’re not left searching in an unfamiliar place.
Just so you know, the cost of replacing medication isn’t something we cover – but we’ll still do what we can to make the process easier.
If your health means you need to unexpectedly cancel or cut your trip short, we’ll get you home safely without the extra expense. That includes travel to the airport, any medical assistance or accommodation you need en route, and cancellation costs up to the agreed amount of your cover level.
We’ll help with:
coordinating care with your medical team back home
accommodation if you need to extend your stay
taking care of your transport arrangements, including travel to your local hospital if needed
rebooking flights and transfers
How much does travel insurance cost with HIV?
We understand the difference current treatments have made to HIV, and we don’t think having the condition should always mean paying the highest premiums for travel insurance. Our offer is tailored to your individual circumstances and travel plans.
You can find out how much your tailored policy costs in minutes with our simple medical screening when you get a quote.
For people who have trouble finding travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) has a directory of specialist insurers, like us!
To find out more, or if on the odd occasion we are unable to provide the cover you need, contact BIBA on 0370 950 1790. You can also search BIBA's medical directory online.
Flexible cover add-ons to suit you
Tailor your insurance to your trip with optional add-ons. Everything you need, covered under one policy.
Having HIV doesn’t mean your life has to be put on pause.
“Whether you’re going for study, or leisure – travelling with HIV is entirely possible. Putting in a little extra work to research your destination, getting travel insurance, and keeping on top of your medication will mean you can focus on having a great time away from home.
”
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Easy last minute insurance.
Last minute circumstances dictated we needed insurance for the next day. Staysure offered an easy seamless experience at a sensible price despite our pre existing medical conditions.
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Other conditions we cover at Staysure
We’re experts in travel insurance for pre-existing health conditions. Just let us know your conditions when you fill out your quote, or contact us to amend an existing policy.
When you live with HIV, you might be concerned about the practical side of going on a trip. We’ve put together a handy checklist to help take the stress out of planning.
Pre-travel checklist for travelling with HIV
Before you book, make sure you speak to your GP about:
whether you’re fit to travel, particularly if you’ve started a new antiviral treatment
suitable travel vaccinations if needed
advice on suitable destinations and avoiding infections
Check the most up-to-date information on entry restrictions with the country’s embassy, particularly if you’re planning a long-term trip as these may have different rules. Note that if you call to ask, you don’t have to disclose your HIV status.
Prepare enough antiretroviral medicine for the entire trip with plenty of extras in case of losses and delays.
Double check storage conditions for your medication on the labels or with your pharmacist.
Consider whether to bring over-the-counter medicine for stomach upsets that can be taken with your antiretrovirals.
Learn where the local healthcare and emergency providers are and how to use them, including HIV clinics or charities.
If you’re travelling in Europe, get a GHIC – remember, this doesn’t replace travel insurance.
Beth Craig
Travel insurance expert
There are plenty of travel possibilities with HIV, and there can be great travel insurance options to match.
“We can often cover HIV as a pre-existing condition, as long as you declare it to us. Along with securing the right travel insurance, it’s important to check travel entry requirements for your specific destination, as policies can vary. By doing both, you can travel with confidence, knowing you’re fully prepared.
”
Tips for travelling with HIV
Regularly taking medication is likely an important part of how you manage your HIV, so here are some things you should keep in mind for your trip:
Keep your antiretroviral pills in their original packaging with copies of their prescriptions for security, making sure the details all match your passport. It’s also a good idea store them in different bags, in case any baggage is lost or delayed.
It’s important you take your medication on time. But it’s easy to forget when you’re travelling and out of your normal routine. Set reminders on your phone so you don’t forget a dose.
If you’re crossing time zones, it’s a good idea to speak to your nurse or care team before you go. They’ll be able to help you adjust your routine before and after your trip as necessary.
For whatever reason, if you find yourself out of medication, go to a local HIV clinic or charity for help. They can work with you and your clinic in the UK to get you the correct medication you need.
If you select our Comprehensive or Signature Policy, we also offer a Personal Assistance Service that can help you to track down and replace medicines abroad. Please note the cost of replacement prescriptions is not a covered expense.
Some people with HIV find travel accessories help them manage side-effects of their medicines and reduce the risk of infections abroad. You might want to pack:
sun protection – hats, SPF 50 sunscreen, and sunglasses
long sleeve clothes and insect repellent
hand sanitiser and travel soap sheets
a mini first-aid kit with bandages and antiseptic solution
medicine for upset stomachs like anti-diarrheals and rehydration salts that are okay to take with your antiretroviral treatment – check with a pharmacist
snacks like granola bars to have on the go, or in the morning with your medication
If you’re taking foods or medications with you, it’s a good idea to check out the restrictions in the country you’re travelling to in advance.
Even if your HIV is well-maintained and you continue taking your treatment as prescribed, it’s still a good idea to be cautious on your trip. Here are some things to keep in mind so you can avoid falling ill:
Wash your hands regularly, but particularly before you eat and when you get in from being outside.
Avoid raw foods, including unpeeled fruit and uncooked vegetables.
Stick to bottled water and avoid ice if you’re unsure the water is safe to drink.
Avoid contact with local animals, even domestic cats and dogs.
Wear long-sleeves and use bug repellent.
Follow your doctor’s advice on whether to avoid high-risk countries, such as places with a high risk of malaria or tuberculosis.
Make sure to check entry requirements before you go. Here are some files you might need while you travel.
Copies of your prescription, including drug names and dosages.
A copy of your medical record showing your latest CD4 count. If you’re undergoing a new treatment, then make sure it also shows your latest viral load.
A copy of the country’s rules and regulations on travelling with HIV.
Copies of your healthcare and travel insurance with contact details.
A list of the local healthcare and emergency providers in the area you’re travelling to, including HIV clinics and charities.
Your GHIC – remember, this doesn’t replace travel insurance.
Common questions for travelling with HIV
If any pre-existing condition has led to symptoms, tests, treatment, medication, appointments or hospitalisation within the last two years, you must declare it. This includes HIV.
If we don’t know about all your pre-existing conditions, we might not be able to cover you if you make a claim.
You can still enjoy incredible travel experiences with HIV. To take a trip abroad, you’ll need to make sure:
your doctor declares you fit to travel
you’re not going to an area that restricts travel with HIV
Always be well-prepared for your trip, including bringing enough medicine for the entire trip and some extra. For a smooth journey, you should research the rules on travel with HIV in other countries, the local attitudes to the condition, and how to stay well while away.
See the FAQ below for more information on travel restrictions for people with HIV.
The number of countries restricting travel with HIV has decreased in recent years. But the rules can be complex and vary between countries.
Short-term stays usually have less restrictions. But, long-term stays tend to have much stricter rules so it’s always best to research in advance.
You can find the most up-to-date information about entry requirements, travel restrictions, or bans with the relevant embassies or consulates. You do not have to reveal your HIV status and can call anonymously if you’d prefer.
Please be aware that you may be legally required to disclose HIV status for entry to some countries, for example, during a health screening or visa application.
You may also find helpful information on the Terrence Higgins Trust website.
As long as you’re travelling to a country with no entry restrictions or bans on travel with HIV, then you should be able to travel with HIV medication.
Avoid putting your pills into a pill organiser before you go. It’s best to keep them in their original packages with a copy of your prescription. Make sure the name on your prescription matches your passport.
Your medication and prescription do not need to be labelled as being for HIV.
Hopefully, you won’t have to deal with an emergency while on your trip. But it’s a good idea to be prepared in the unlikely event that it does happen. Make sure you know the signs of acute glaucoma and know what to do.
Contact the local emergency services first, and then call our 24-hour emergency helpline. Our team will help arrange your care, find the most appropriate place for treatment and follow-up care.
If you or someone on your policy is admitted to hospital or your outpatient treatment is likely to cost more than £350, contact us as soon as possible. Where you have a valid claim, and your medical expenses exceed £350 we will look to settle the bill directly with the medical provider where possible.
If you have a non-urgent medical concern, such as sickness, headaches, or mild pain, contact our helpline first for advice on where to go for assistance
As good as travel insurance is, some things can’t be covered.
You’re not covered for:
travelling against your doctor’s advice
claims for pre-existing medical conditions you haven’t told us about
routine check-ups, planned treatment or non-emergency care
travel for medical procedures abroad
reimbursement for lost, damaged or stolen medicines or equipment
incidents related to alcohol or controlled substances
strike action that was common knowledge at the time of booking
choosing private treatment when suitable public facilities are available
choosing not to travel
Discover more about what travel insurance covers. Always check your policy documents carefully to understand exactly what you’re covered for.
When comparing travel insurance policies for HIV, you’ll want to look out for what’s covered and what’s not.
The right travel insurance for HIV should:
agree to cover HIV and any other pre-existing condition you have
cover medical expenses, including necessary emergency travel home
have a high medical cover limit
help you replace lost, stolen or damaged medications
cover you for cancellations or interruptions during your trip
include 24/7 emergency assistance services while abroad
Learn more about what’s covered under our medical insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, or get a quote.
Up to unlimited emergency medical expenses
