AIDS and HIV Travel Insurance

Why use our AIDS and HIV travel insurance?

It isn’t always easy to get travel insurance for people with AIDS and HIV related illness. However, at Staysure we make it our business to consider everyone, no matter what pre-existing medical conditions they may have.

With the right cover in place, you can rest assured that you’ll be covered for HIV care should you need it while travelling.

To find out exactly what cover we can provide for you, simply talk to the specialists on 0800 033 4902 or get an instant travel insurance quote online.

Get Quote

Why do I need travel insurance for AIDS or HIV?

When travelling with AIDS or HIV, it’s good to know that, should you contract an infection or require emergency treatment while you are away, you are in safe hands.

Our travel insurance not only protects you against unforeseen emergencies while away, you’ll also benefit from our 24 hour assistance should you have an emergency. If necessary, we will call an ambulance or the relevant health care providers to ensure treatment is provided quickly and efficiently. Our policies include a provision for cancellation, curtailment and trip interruption, which means that you’ll be covered should you have to cancel or interrupt your trip due to illness.

What will I be asked during the screening process?

Our confidential screening process, which you can do online or by phone with one of our travel insurance team members, involves answering a few questions including:

Have you started taking a new/different antiviral drug in the last three months?
Is there a plan in place to start taking new/different antiviral drugs?
What is your latest CD4 count?
What is your latest viral load?

Tips for travelling with HIV or AIDS

Talk to your doctor or care provider to be sure of the risks you may be taking, especially if you plan to visit a developing country. Some places are not safe for people with HIV/AIDS to travel
Be aware that food and water in some countries may not be clean or safe to consume, leaving you particularly vulnerable to infections. Drink sealed, bottled water only and avoid salads which may not have been washed in clean water
Get a letter from your doctor, detailing the medications you are using and including the generic names of your prescribed drugs, should you need to obtain more while you are away
Leave all your medicines in their original containers so that they are clearly labelled. Airport officials will need to know about needles or syringes in your luggage that you may use for your medication
Carry at least a week’s worth of medication with you in your hand luggage, just in case your hold luggage gets delayed or lost
You should find there are no restrictions for you to enter other EU countries when travelling with HIV or AIDS; however, entry to other countries could be restricted. Before making any travel arrangements, it’s a good idea to check the UNAIDS or HIV Travel websites for full information on the latest requirements. Alternatively, contact the embassy, High Commission or consulate of the country you wish to visit to make sure no recent changes to travel restrictions have been made. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office website is also a reliable source of information
Vaccinations protect you from potential diseases in the country you are visiting but make sure they are HIV safe. For example, yellow fever vaccine is not recommended if your CD4 counts fall below a certain minimum
Travellers’ diarrhoea can cause extra problems for people with HIV as it can mean medications are not absorbed sufficiently by the body. Consult your doctor before you leave as they may prescribe you with an antibiotic to kill the most common microbes you may come across.

Get Quote

Common questions about travel insurance for AIDS or HIV

I have just started taking a new antiviral drug am I still covered to travel?

Yes, provided your doctor has declared you fit to travel and the underwriters agree to cover your condition, we would be happy to arrange travel insurance for you. You will be covered for related treatment if necessary while you are away.
Will you cover me if my CD4 count is under 250?

You will need to undergo our screening process and, provided you have declared your medical conditions and our underwriters agree to the cover, you will be entitled to any emergency treatment you need.
Is it a good idea to increase my antiviral drugs to avoid infections on holiday?

That is a matter for you and your doctor to decide. Unfortunately we are not qualified to recommend modifications to your treatment. Make sure you stock up on medications to cover your trip, plus a little bit more, should you be delayed.
My antiviral drugs have given rise to side effects. Am I still able to obtain travel insurance?

You must declare all side effects and other illnesses when getting your quote. We will then assess your conditions and give you a quotation to cover everything should you fall ill while you are away. As always, our underwriters will need to approve your policy first
Can I replace my medication if I run out or lose it?

Comprehensive policies offer assistance in replacing any drugs you have lost or stolen while you’re away. However, it is advisable to bring with you enough medications to cover your whole trip.
Do any countries restrict access to people with HIV?

Most countries have no restrictions for people with HIV entering a country. However, a letter from your HIV clinic explaining that your medications are important for the treatment of a chronic health problem may speed up the process. Find out more about entry restrictions here.
I am travelling with close family. Should they get a separate travel insurance policy or can we obtain it all on one certificate?

You should declare your close family on your policy, even if they have no pre-existing medical conditions. You will then both be covered for anything on your policy, including medical treatment for any of you while you are away. If you take out a comprehensive policy, you will both be covered if your trip needs to be cancelled or interrupted due to illness.