Yes, you may be able to get travel insurance if you are under investigation, but the answer depends on what is being investigated and the insurer’s terms. If you are waiting for medical tests or a diagnosis, an insurer may offer cover with exclusions. If you are under police investigation, you will need to check your policy terms and any legal restrictions on travelling abroad.
In the UK, being able to buy a policy does not automatically mean every medical condition or situation is covered. Before booking or travelling, check what the insurer will cover, what it excludes and whether you are legally allowed to leave the country.
What Does “Under Investigation” Mean for Travel Insurance?
The phrase “under investigation” can mean two different things. Understanding which situation applies to you will help you find the right information.
1. You are under medical investigation
You may be waiting for blood tests, scans, a specialist appointment or further medical checks. Your doctor may suspect a condition but have not confirmed a diagnosis.
For example, your GP may have referred you to a specialist because of unexplained symptoms. You might still be able to buy travel insurance, although the insurer may restrict cover for the suspected condition.
2. You are under police or criminal investigation
You may be under investigation by the police or another authority, even if you have not been charged with an offence.
In this situation, the important questions are whether the insurer’s terms affect your cover and whether any bail conditions or other legal restrictions prevent you from travelling abroad.
These situations are different. Medical investigation mainly raises questions about health disclosures and insurance exclusions. Criminal investigation may also involve legal restrictions, court dates or other obligations.
Can You Get Travel Insurance While Waiting for a Medical Diagnosis?
Yes, some UK travel insurers may offer cover to people who are waiting for a diagnosis. However, acceptance and the protection available depend on your symptoms, medical history, destination, travel dates and the insurer’s assessment.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises travellers to arrange appropriate travel insurance, including cover for existing medical conditions that are under investigation.
You should not assume that every insurer will offer the same terms.
For example, an insurer might offer a policy that covers certain unrelated medical emergencies but excludes claims connected with the condition being investigated. Another insurer may assess your circumstances differently.
Before purchasing a policy, ask the insurer to explain its decision in writing.
What if I am waiting for test results?
If you are waiting for blood test results, a scan or another medical investigation, explain your situation accurately when applying for cover.
Tell the insurer about relevant symptoms, medical advice, referrals and pending tests when its questions require that information.
Do not assume that a condition only needs to be disclosed after a doctor confirms the diagnosis. The information you must provide depends on the questions asked and the policy’s terms.
You should also consider whether your condition could affect your ability to travel safely. Speak to your healthcare professional if you are unsure whether travelling is appropriate.
What if my GP has referred me to a specialist?
A specialist referral does not automatically mean that you cannot obtain travel insurance.
However, the reason for the referral may affect the insurer’s assessment. You may be asked about your symptoms, the suspected condition, any treatment and whether further investigations are planned.
Answer every relevant question honestly. If you do not understand what the insurer is asking, request clarification before completing the application.
Does Travel Insurance Cover an Undiagnosed Medical Condition?
Not necessarily. An insurer may allow you to buy a policy while excluding claims related to an undiagnosed condition or the symptoms being investigated.
The precise terms matter because different types of cover protect you against different risks.
| Type of cover | What to check |
|---|---|
| Emergency medical expenses | Whether treatment linked to the suspected condition is excluded |
| Medical evacuation and repatriation | Whether the exclusion affects transport home or other emergency assistance |
| Trip cancellation | Whether cancellation related to your symptoms, diagnosis or treatment is covered |
| Curtailment | Whether cutting your trip short because of the condition is covered |
| Baggage and personal belongings | The separate limits, conditions and exclusions that apply |
| Unrelated medical emergencies | Whether these remain covered under your policy |
Do not assume that an exclusion applies only to treatment for a specific illness. The wording may also affect symptoms, complications or related medical problems.
Likewise, do not assume that an excluded medical condition means the entire policy is worthless. Other benefits may still be available, depending on the contract.
Ask the insurer to explain exactly what remains covered and what does not.
Can You Get Travel Insurance While on an NHS Waiting List?
Yes, you may be able to get travel insurance while waiting for NHS treatment, surgery or a specialist appointment. However, being on a waiting list can affect your eligibility and the cover offered.
The insurer will consider the information relevant to your application. This may include your diagnosis, symptoms, planned treatment, current health and travel dates.
For example, imagine you have been offered a hospital appointment after your planned holiday. You should not assume that you will be covered if you later need to cancel the trip because of that appointment or a change in your medical circumstances.
Cancellation cover depends on the policy wording and the circumstances that cause you to cancel.
Before buying insurance, ask:
- Does the policy cover my current medical condition?
- What happens if my diagnosis changes before departure?
- Would a new treatment date affect cancellation cover?
- Are claims related to my symptoms excluded?
- What should I do if my doctor advises me not to travel?
If treatment or your health changes after you purchase the policy, contact the insurer promptly to establish whether your cover needs to be reviewed.
What If “Under Investigation” Means a Police Investigation?
This article mainly covers medical conditions that are under investigation. If you mean a police or criminal investigation, travel insurance does not determine whether you are legally permitted to leave the UK.
Before booking or travelling, check for any bail conditions, passport restrictions, court dates or reporting requirements. Some bail conditions may require a person to surrender their passport. If you are unsure about your legal position, obtain advice from a qualified solicitor.
Also ask the insurer whether an investigation, court appearance or travel restriction could affect your eligibility or cancellation cover. Request clarification in writing before relying on the policy.
What Should You Do If an Insurer Refuses to Cover You?
A refusal from one insurer does not necessarily mean that every provider will reject your application.
If you are waiting for a medical diagnosis or treatment, specialist travel insurance providers may be worth approaching. However, specialist providers also have eligibility criteria, and acceptance is not guaranteed.
Follow these steps to explore your options.
Step 1: Understand the reason for refusal
Ask whether the insurer cannot offer any policy, cannot cover the condition being investigated or can offer a policy with particular exclusions.
These outcomes are different. Understanding the reason may help you identify another suitable option.
Step 2: Contact a specialist provider
Consider contacting a specialist medical travel insurance provider or an insurance broker who handles complex medical circumstances.
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) may help you find an appropriate broker. MoneyHelper also provides consumer guidance about finding travel insurance when you have a medical condition.
Neither organisation can guarantee that a particular insurer will accept you.
Step 3: Compare the exclusions, not just the price
A cheaper policy may provide less protection for your circumstances.
Compare the emergency medical limit, excess, cancellation benefits, medical exclusions and repatriation provisions. Make sure you understand any restrictions relating to the condition being investigated.
Step 4: Ask for written clarification
Before paying, ask the insurer to confirm how the policy treats your circumstances.
Keep copies of your application, medical declarations, policy wording and any written answers from the insurer.
This information can help you understand the cover you purchased if you later need to make a claim.
Step 5: Decide whether travelling is appropriate
Insurance and medical fitness are separate questions.
If your symptoms are changing, your diagnosis may affect your travel plans or you are awaiting urgent tests, speak to your healthcare professional before deciding whether to travel.
If you are under legal investigation, confirm that no restrictions prevent your departure.
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost While Under Investigation?
There is no reliable single price for travel insurance while under investigation. The cost depends on your personal circumstances and the cover available.
For medical investigations, insurers may consider factors such as:
- Your age and medical history.
- Your symptoms and the condition being investigated.
- Your destination and the length of your trip.
- The type and level of cover requested.
- Any exclusions or additional conditions applied to the policy.
For example, a short trip to a destination with lower medical costs may be priced differently from a longer trip to the United States, where private healthcare can be expensive.
However, you should compare the actual quotations rather than assume that a particular destination or condition will always produce a specific price.
If you are under police investigation, do not assume that you need a more expensive policy simply because of the investigation. Ask the insurer whether your circumstances affect its terms.
Questions to Ask Before Buying Travel Insurance
Before you purchase a policy, use this checklist to make sure you understand the protection available.
- Have I answered all relevant medical or personal questions accurately?
- Have I explained any symptoms, referrals or pending investigations when required?
- Do I know whether the condition being investigated is excluded?
- Have I checked emergency medical expenses and repatriation?
- Have I checked cancellation and curtailment cover?
- Do I understand the policy excess and benefit limits?
- Have I asked what happens if my diagnosis or treatment changes?
- Have I received clarification of important exclusions in writing?
- If I am under legal investigation, have I checked any travel restrictions?
- Have I confirmed that I am medically fit and legally permitted to travel?
Take time to review the policy documents before departure. If something is unclear, ask the insurer rather than guessing.
Useful UK Organisations and Guidance
Several organisations can help you understand your options.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO): Its travel insurance guidance explains why appropriate cover matters and highlights the importance of covering existing medical conditions.
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Use the FCA Firm Checker to check whether a financial firm is authorised and has permission to provide the service you need. Match the firm’s legal name and contact details before buying.
British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA): Visit BIBA to explore its broker-finding resources.
MoneyHelper: Its travel insurance guidance for people with medical conditions offers consumer information about finding appropriate insurance.
NHS: If your concern relates to symptoms, a referral or pending treatment, speak to your healthcare professional about your health and fitness to travel.
If you are travelling in Europe, a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) may provide access to certain state-provided healthcare under applicable arrangements. It is not a replacement for travel insurance and does not provide all the benefits of a travel policy.
FAQs
1. Can I get travel insurance if I am waiting for a diagnosis?
Yes, some insurers may offer cover while you are waiting for a diagnosis. However, the condition under investigation may be excluded, and eligibility depends on your circumstances and the policy terms.
2. Can I travel while waiting for medical test results?
Possibly, but it depends on your health, medical advice and travel plans. Speak to your healthcare professional if you are unsure whether travelling is safe, and check that your insurance provides suitable protection.
3. Will travel insurance cover an undiagnosed illness?
Not always. Some policies exclude claims related to undiagnosed symptoms or a condition being investigated. Ask the insurer to explain the exclusions and confirm what medical expenses remain covered.
4. Can I get travel insurance if I am on an NHS waiting list?
Yes, it may be possible. Tell the insurer about relevant medical circumstances and check how the policy treats emergency treatment, cancellation and changes to your planned treatment.
5. What if a travel insurer refuses to give me a quote?
Ask why the insurer cannot offer a quote, then consider contacting a specialist provider or insurance broker. A refusal from one company does not necessarily mean every provider will refuse, but acceptance is not guaranteed.
6. Can I accept a policy that excludes my medical condition?
You may be able to buy such a policy, but you must understand the financial risk. Claims connected with the excluded condition may not be covered. Check whether the remaining benefits meet your needs before purchasing.
7. Should I tell my insurer about symptoms that have not been diagnosed?
You should answer all relevant application questions honestly and accurately. If you are unsure whether a symptom, referral or pending test needs to be declared, ask the insurer before buying the policy.
8. Can I travel abroad while under police investigation?
It depends on your legal circumstances. Check for bail conditions, passport restrictions, court obligations and other legal requirements. If you are unsure, obtain advice from a qualified solicitor before making travel arrangements.
9. Does being under criminal investigation automatically invalidate travel insurance?
Not necessarily. The effect depends on the policy wording and your circumstances. Check the eligibility requirements, relevant exclusions and any disclosure obligations rather than assuming that every policy will be invalid.
10. What should I check in my policy wording before travelling?
Check emergency medical expenses, repatriation, cancellation, curtailment, medical exclusions, the excess and the circumstances in which claims may be refused. If you have a specific concern, request written clarification from your insurer.
Conclusion
You may be able to get travel insurance if you are under investigation, but the type of investigation makes a difference.
If you are waiting for medical tests, a diagnosis or NHS treatment, some insurers may offer cover with restrictions. If you are under police investigation, check your policy terms and make sure you are legally allowed to travel.
The most important step is to understand exactly what your policy covers before paying for it. Compare suitable providers, answer relevant questions honestly and get clarification of important exclusions in writing.
A policy is only useful when you understand its limits and know how those limits apply to your circumstances.
About the Author
Rahib Naqvi researches and writes about travel insurance for UK and international travellers, focusing on pre-existing medical conditions, older travellers and policy comparison.
This article provides general educational information and does not constitute personalised financial, medical or legal advice. Policy terms, exclusions and eligibility vary, so confirm important details directly with the insurer and seek appropriate professional advice where necessary.