Mental health travel insurance

When you have a mental health condition, you may be travelling with important medicines.   

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. 

Our emergency medical advisors understand the challenges you might face abroad with mental health. If you need us while abroad, we’re here day or night.  

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   

• your transport arrangements, including travel to your local hospital if needed   

• rebooking flights and transfers  

A trip is a great way to unwind and relax, which is especially important when you’ve got a mental health condition. Here are some things you can do to keep your trip as relaxing as possible. 

• Research before you go – get to know the area you’re travelling to. 

• Try to establish a routine so you can feel more in control and confident. 

• Plan ahead but be flexible – don’t force yourself to stick to a plan. 

• Have some down time. 

• Stay connected – regularly check in with someone back home. 

• Eat well – continue eating a well-balanced, healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids to keep your energy levels up. 

Sleep is essential. Make sure you’re staying somewhere that is clean, quiet, and comfortable. You might prefer choosing somewhere away from noisy main streets or entertainment districts for a good night’s rest. 

If you’re receiving counselling or therapy, talk to your therapist about rearranging your sessions to be done over the phone or on a video call. This way you’ll still be getting the care and support you need on your trip. 

Read our guide on travelling with anxiety for more helpful tips. 

You may find it helpful to prepare these documents and bring them with you on your trip: 

• A list of your medication with copies of prescriptions. 

• A copy of your medical and travel insurance, including contact details. 

• Your GHIC – remember this does not replace travel insurance.

Planning a trip can be a big step – especially if you’re managing something like depression. That’s why it’s so important to have the right cover in place before you go. 

If you’ve had depression, or any other mental health condition, in the last two years – including symptoms, tests, treatment, medication or appointments – you’ll need to let us know when getting a quote. 

This helps us make sure you’re properly protected while you’re away. If your condition isn’t declared, we may not be able to cover any related claims.

You can also update your medical details after buying, by logging into your Staysure account. 

Here’s a list of some of the mental health conditions we can often cover here at Staysure. 

• Anxiety 

• Bipolar disorder 

• Body dysmorphic disorder 

• Body dysmorphia 

• Borderline personality disorder 

• Depression 

• Eating disorder 

• Mania and hypomania 

• Manic depression 

• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) 

• Panic attacks 

• Personality disorder 

• Post-traumatic stress disorder 

• Psychosis 

• Schizophrenia 

• Stress 

If you don’t see your mental health condition here, give a friendly member of our team a call.

Before you book, talk to your GP or pharmacist about your medication. They’ll be able to tell you whether your medication contains a controlled drug or substance. 

This is important to know as there are restrictions in travelling with controlled substances.  

Every country has their own rule and laws. Some may allow travelling with them in limited amounts, while others may ban them completely. Check before you go. 

If your destination country allows travel with a controlled substance, you may need a signed doctor’s letter to prove you need it. Some doctors may charge for this service, which isn't covered by travel insurance.

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. 
  

Our helpline is open 24/7, 365 days a year:  
 

• Calling from outside the UK: +44 1403 288 414 

• Calling from USA or Canada: +1 844 780 0639 

• Calling from Mexico: +1 819 780 0639 

• Calling from the UK: 01403 288 414 

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 

• any claim arising or resulting directly or indirectly from your suicide, attempted suicide, or intentional self-injury 
   

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 mental health, you’ll want to look out for what’s covered and what’s not.  

The right travel insurance for mental health should: 
 

• agree to cover mental health and any other pre-existing conditions you may 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.